Vivien Sharon Featured on Neighbours of Yorkville & The Annex Magazine
Experience Yorkville Living with Vivien Sharon, Your Local Real Estate Expert.
Introduction
Born and bred in the City of Toronto, Vivien moved to Yorkville over 20 years ago and hasn’t looked back since.
When you think of Toronto's high-end, vibrant, and ever-exciting neighbourhoods, Yorkville and the Annex often come to mind. Known for their stunning architecture, rich culture, trendy restaurants, and convenient location, these areas have become iconic hubs for urban professionals, families, students, and even retirees looking to enjoy the best of city living. Which brings us to Vivien Sharon, someone who knows it, lives it and continues to help people find their next home.
Vivien specializes in not one, but two distinct niches: the urban lifestyle of Yorkville and the Annex, as well as helping boomers and seniors navigate the challenges of downsizing. With over 15 years of experience in real estate, Vivien is passionate about making these neighbourhoods more accessible to people of all walks of life. Whether you’re a young professional hunting for your first condo, a family seeking an upscale home, or a boomer looking for a more manageable space, Vivien has the expertise and personal touch to make it happen.
A Yorkville Enthusiast
Yorkville is more than just a neighbourhood for Vivien; it’s a lifestyle. She’s lived in the area for years and knows it like the back of her hand. From the stylish boutiques along the Mink Mile to the delicious food spots like Coco Espresso Bar, Sassafraz and the ever-popular Eataly, Vivien embraces everything the area offers.
“I am a Yorkville lifestyle realtor and help young urban professionals, growing families, and boomers plan their lifestyle changes. I’m passionate about helping people find their perfect home,” Vivien shares.
But what makes Vivien’s expertise stand out is her multi-generational approach. Yorkville and the Annex are neighbourhoods that cater to everyone—from students at the University of Toronto to young professionals, families, and even seniors. As she points out, “Yorkville suits every demographic.” Countless clients have found their ideal spaces, from trendy condos to charming Victorian townhouses.
Supporting Boomers and Seniors
Vivien’s second niche, working with Boomers and seniors, is deeply personal to her. As a Lifestyle 55+ Master Realtor®, she understands the unique challenges older adults face when transitioning to a new lifestyle, especially when downsizing. “I have an elderly mother who’s turning 100 in June 2025, and I can relate to what families go through when deciding to downsize,” Vivien explains.
Her book, The Boomer's 7-Step Guide to Downsizing: Overcoming Fear & Discovering Freedom, offers valuable advice for those looking to make the leap from larger homes to more manageable living spaces. “Downsizing isn’t just about moving into a smaller home; it’s about finding freedom and rediscovering joy in your new chapter,” Vivien says.
She works tirelessly to help her senior clients downsize from their large family home and find chic, appealing condos in prime locations like Yorkville and the Annex. With her extensive network, Vivien makes sure that every step of the process is smooth and enjoyable, from the first consultation to the final closing.
A Life Built Around Real Estate and Family
Vivien’s deep connection to Yorkville isn’t just professional—it’s personal since she’s lived there for decades. She and her partner, Barry Lebow, enjoy the neighbourhood’s amenities and community vibe. “I still live in the same condo near Eataly, Indigo, and all the fun places to roam, shop, dine, and walk,” Vivien says.
When she’s not helping clients find their dream homes, Vivien enjoys spending time with family, which includes her partner Barry Lebow, two sons, three granddaughters, and her mother, who’s a true inspiration to her. Vivien is motivated by her desire to help other families, particularly those in the Boomer and senior demographics, make the most of their next chapter. She’s been there. She knows the ropes.
Giving Back to the Community
A well-established member of the Toronto community, she has served on several boards, including the Women’s Auxiliary Board of Baycrest Foundation and Mount Sinai Women’s Auxiliary, and is a supporter of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. She is also a founding member of Margaret’s Circle, a program designed to support women in leadership who wish to make a philanthropic impact.
Her commitment to the community extends beyond her real estate work, and she is passionate about contributing to causes close to her heart. Vivien is an active member of The Canadian Association of Women Executives & Entrepreneurs (CAWEE), a national networking organization fostering connections among professional Canadian women. She loves the arts and improving her language skills, to give her that worldly edge in her business and in her travels.
A Passion for Learning and Exploring
Whether it’s traveling to Italy to immerse herself in the culture or listening to podcasts on topics ranging from real estate to wellness, Vivien is always current and expanding her knowledge. “I love learning—whether it’s improving my Italian, Spanish or French, or exploring the latest trends in real estate,” she shares. This passion for continuous growth is reflected in her professional journey, as she holds several prestigious certifications, including Master Certified Negotiation Expert® and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist™.
Her love for the arts, culture, and fashion is evident in her leisure activities as well. She enjoys attending concerts at Koerner Hall, exploring fashion boutiques, and discovering new places to eat in Yorkville and the Annex. For Vivien, Yorkville isn’t just about upscale living. It’s about walkability, convenience, and excitement. “I love to stroll in fashionable Yorkville, pop into Holt Renfrew, or grab a hearty cabernet at one of the posh hotels,” she adds. She’s a regular at places like Whole Foods, Indigo, and the ROM, making the most of her proximity to cultural landmarks like the Gardiner Museum. “I love to meet friends and family for a bite at the fabulous outdoor patios of One at the 5-star Hazelton Hotel or the Oxley Public House and watch the beautiful people walk by. For Chinese food, one of my faves is Dynasty on Yorkville Ave. and the new Pearl Yorkville. There’s Sassafraz, Kasa Moto or Yamato Japanese Restaurant, Cibo Wine Bar or Trattoria Nervosa. She enjoys Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar in the Annex for vegetarian and vegan fare, or, for a splurge, the Annex's St. Louis Bar & Grill for chicken wings and fries.
"For affordable fashion and home bargains, I would head to Winners and HomeSense on Bloor and then get my Verbena soaps and hand lotion at L'Occitane Bloor," she adds.
Final Thoughts
Vivien Sharon seems to be more than just a real estate broker; she’s a true ambassador of the Yorkville and Annex lifestyle. Her expertise, personal connection to the area, and passion for helping people make significant life changes, set her apart in the real estate industry.
Vivien’s motto if she had one: Every day is an opportunity to make a positive impact, driven by focus and purpose.
Sotheby’s International Realty Canada
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