Life can change quite quickly, and some changes can become rather stressful. Moving is definitely one of the bigger life changes, especially when you are unsure if it is the right decision. If you have thought that Toronto would be a good place for you to settle down, then you’ve likely done the research. However, there is always more to know.
Toronto has become one of the best cities globally. It is diverse, fun, and has lots of opportunities. This is why it has ranked quite highly on many people’s potential destination list. To help you make a solid decision on whether Toronto is the city for you, four considerations have been outlined in this article.
Search for the Best Neighborhoods to Live
Toronto is made up of a collection of neighborhoods. Each has its own style to create such a vibrant city, which means there is something for everyone. There are multiple living options to choose from, whether you are looking for a fast-paced urban life or a quieter suburban setting. It is essential to understand your own needs to pick where to move to in the city.
One neighborhood you might consider is The Annex. Sitting right in the heart of Toronto, The Annex has Victorian houses that have been converted into student accommodation and multi-unit housing. This historic charm is situated near to bookstores, cultural landmarks, and museums, which is perfect for both professionals and students. On the other hand, Leslieville has become a popular choice for young families. This neighborhood has plenty of green spaces, with bakeries and cafes available, too.
There is plenty of choice in Toronto. If you are having a hard time choosing your preferred neighborhood, you can use short-term rentals to test which one is best. You can choose a furnished apartment from these Toronto rentals to help you make an informed decision before finalizing your move.
Think About Public Transport
The public transit system in Toronto is incredibly connected. Its public transport is used more than two million times every day, which is the second highest of any city in North America other than New York. This shows that many residents depend on public transit as their main mode of transportation, which could mean there is no need for a personal car in this area.
Public transit can be used with tickets purchased onboard buses and streetcars or from subway stations, or PRESTO cards can be used for all modes of transports in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Both options can be paid with card, although PRESTO cards do allow passengers to take advantage of lower fares.
But there has been some dispute on whether the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) runs slowly or not.
Consider All of the Cultures
Multiculturalism is a big part of the Canadian identity. If you’re sat on the subway in Toronto, chances are you’ll be surrounding yourself with people from around the world. In fact, half of the population of the Toronto region were not born in Canada. This means that you will likely find yourself integrating into this diverse city so much easier than other locations worldwide, no matter the country you’re from.
However, this vast array of cultures might mean residents should be bilingual or multilingual to enable effective communication. There are over 200 languages spoken in Toronto, including Arabic, Cantonese, French, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, and Tagalog, although English is the primary language. The ability to speak English is necessary to access services, communicate with others, and more, but there are language classes to improve individuals’ English skills.
Be Prepared for the Weather
Although many people image Toronto to be cold and snow-filled, it is one of the milder major Canadian cities. The weather is more bearable for all seasons, with summer being hot and humid and winters being snowy and cold, However, it does not become as cold as Montreal, where temperatures can fall below freezing; Toronto sits around 16 Fahrenheit in the winter.
Despite this, people are encouraged to prepare for winter. They should invest in thick clothing to layer up, maintain their homes to prevent leaks and other damage, and stock up on groceries prior to bad weather hitting.
By considering the four factors in this post, you will develop a better idea if the city of Toronto could be your home.
