Moving to an entirely new country can be scary, and despite Canada’s reputation for friendliness, it’s no exception to the rule. With its beautiful scenery, eclectic people and culture, and scores of things to see and do, certain things should not be waved away in the flood of excitement.
Here are several essentials to consider while planning on moving to Toronto in search of your dream home.
1. Know It’s a Big and Diverse City
Home to 3 million people, Toronto is the most populated city in Canada. If you wish to move to The 416, prepare to face giant crowds and bustling streets. Then again, with big cities comes plenty of opportunities to see and experience something new and exciting. The city boasts many different cultures, which is what gives it such a vibrant and unique feel. With Toronto’s sizeable eclectic mix of residents, you’re more likely to find like-minded people with whom to enjoy activities and socialize. If this sounds good to you, then moving to Toronto is a good choice.
2. Understand Cheap Places are Hard to Find
As a general rule, renting or buying in Toronto is expensive, so make it a point to weigh all your options before moving. Of course, apartments closer to the city’s edge are usually more affordable. To put prices into perspective, prospective homebuyers can expect to pay, on average, $1 million for a detached home in the Greater Toronto Area.
The areas of Greater Toronto where housing prices have increased the most are both Palmerston-Little Italy and Trinity-Bellwoods. Between the first and second quarters of 2018, these properties saw prices grow by 17 percent. But if you work closer to the city center, you’ll have to balance the perk of cheaper housing with the pain of a longer commute. It’s up to you which factor you deem more important when moving to Toronto.
For your convenience, we’ve listed the average prices for detached homes in several Toronto neighborhoods, including:
- The 416 area: $1.34 million
- The 905 area: $905,722
- Downsview-Rodin: $859,215
- Glenfield-Jane Heights: $859,215
- Black Creek: $859,215
- Rockcliffe-Smythe: $783,141
- Keelesdale-Eglinton West: $783,141
- Weston: $783,141
- Malvern: $752,292
- Rouge: $752,292
- Bendale: $742,670
- Woburn: $742,670
- Morningside: $742,670
- Thistletown-Beaumond Heights: $732,854
- Rexdale-Kipling: $732,854
- Claireville: $732,854
- West Humber: $732,850
- Georgina: $590,255
- Clarington: $585,562
- Brock: $573,951
- Oshawa: $556,309
- Essa: $547,970
So there you have it. Be sure to consider the above figures as you start saving up and applying for mortgages.
3. Take Advantage of Culture on Your Doorstep
If art and culture interest you, moving to Toronto won’t disappoint. The city hosts a number of film festivals, the most famous among them being the Toronto International Film Festival. There are also plenty of performing arts events and fairs organized throughout the year. Plus, thanks to the variety of cultures, the culinary world is as vibrant as it is authentic. There are also plenty of parks and trails dotted around the city to enjoy, which is perfect for anyone who prefers a more active lifestyle.
Ready to Move to Toronto?
Toronto has all the amenities, opportunities and friendliness to welcome you. By embracing the variety of cultures in the city and hunting around for a place you can afford, Toronto will feel like home in next to no time.
