Within Toronto, Annex functions as a more concentrated urban area where housing, services, retail and employment uses are closely integrated. The area has a more urban, mixed-use character, with housing located closer to retail, services, employment and higher-density development. Residents generally have more destinations concentrated within a smaller area, while apartments and condominiums tend to play a larger role in the housing mix. Across Toronto, neighbourhood character can change quickly between transit corridors, mature residential streets, parks and ravines, commercial main streets and major employment areas.