Moving to Toronto

Moving to Toronto is an exciting choice, as Canada’s largest and most diverse city offers a lot.

People move to Toronto for endless opportunities, whether it’s advancing a career in industries like tech, finance, or healthcare or accessing world-class education at institutions like the University of Toronto.

Beyond work, the city’s lifestyle is a major draw. It boasts a multicultural food scene, lively festivals, beautiful green spaces like High Park and the Toronto Islands, and easy access to nearby lakes, the Niagara region, Muskoka, and national and provincial parks.

It’s a place where you can build a fulfilling life, blending culture, convenience, and community.

Before you pack your bags, let us give you some useful tips to help you settle into life in this bustling, world-class city.

10 Things to Know Before Moving to Toronto

1. High Cost of Living: Toronto is one of Canada’s most expensive cities. Expect to spend a significant portion of your budget on rent, especially in popular neighborhoods like Yorkville and Danforth Village. According to Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, an average one-bedroom condo apartment in 2024 was around $2,500.
2. Public Transit: The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) covers the entire city with subways, buses, and streetcars. It’s reliable but can get crowded during rush hours. A Presto Card makes commuting easier, giving you access to the TTC and regional transit systems like GO Transit.
3. Diverse Culture: Toronto is a melting pot of cultures, with over half its population born outside of Canada. You’ll find festivals, cuisines, and communities representing almost every part of the world, making it a vibrant and welcoming city. The city has many ethnic neighborhoods including: Little Italy, Little Portugal, Greektown, Chinatown, and many others.
4. Job Market: Toronto is a hub for industries like tech, finance, media, and healthcare. While there are plenty of employment opportunities, competition is fierce, so networking and a strong resume are key to standing out.
5. Healthcare: Canada’s public healthcare system is excellent, but it doesn’t cover everything, like dental or prescriptions. New residents should apply for an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card as soon as they arrive.
6. Weather: Winters can be brutal, with temperatures dropping to -20°C or even more, so invest in a quality winter coat and boots. Summers, on the other hand, are warm and lively, with plenty of outdoor activities and festivals to enjoy.
7. Traffic: Toronto’s traffic can be frustrating, especially on the 401 and QEW highways, during peak hours. Public transit is often a faster alternative, but if you drive, be prepared for delays and high parking costs in the downtown core.
8. Housing Market: The housing market is highly competitive, with limited availability and high prices. Many newcomers start with short-term rentals while exploring neighborhoods to find the best fit for their lifestyle.
9. Safety: While Toronto is considered one of the safest large cities in the world, certain areas experience higher crime rates such as Parma Court or Crescent Town. Stay informed about your neighborhood and practice basic safety precautions.
10. Pace of Life: Toronto is a fast-paced city, especially downtown. However, if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed environment, many suburban neighborhoods offer a slower pace with easy access to urban amenities.

Top Ten Places to Live in Toronto

Downtown Toronto

Downtown is perfect for those who want to live in the heart of the action. It’s home to landmarks like the CN Tower and Eaton Centre, with easy access to offices, universities, and public transit (TTC). Expect mostly high-rise condos, with prices reflecting its prime location. Everything you need, like groceries, gyms, and nightlife is often within walking distance.

• Pros: Vibrant lifestyle, great transit, walkability, close to jobs and schools.
• Cons: High cost of living, limited green space, noise, and congestion.

Yorkville

Yorkville is Toronto’s upscale neighborhood, known for its designer boutiques, high-end restaurants, and luxury condos. The Royal Ontario Museum and a variety of art galleries make it culturally rich. It’s a quieter, polished area but close enough to the hustle of downtown. Be prepared for higher living costs, but the convenience and elegance make it worthwhile.

• Pros: Luxurious amenities, cultural attractions, quiet yet central location.
• Cons: Expensive housing, limited options for families with kids.

The Annex

The Annex combines charm and affordability, making it popular with students and young professionals. It’s close to the University of Toronto and filled with bookstores, cafes, and casual restaurants. Housing includes older homes and apartments, many with character. The community vibe here is strong, and transit options are excellent.

• Pros: Affordable for central Toronto, vibrant community, great for students.
• Cons: Limited parking, older housing may require maintenance.

Liberty Village

Liberty Village is trendy and full of energy, popular among young professionals and creatives. The area has modern condos and lofts, as well as co-working spaces and startups. Grocery stores, cafes, and gyms are all nearby, making life convenient. It’s close to downtown and offers quick access to events at Exhibition Place.

• Pros: Modern amenities, close to downtown, trendy vibe.
• Cons: Limited green spaces, high condo fees, busy during events.

Leslieville

Leslieville has a welcoming, family-friendly feel with plenty of parks and schools. It’s also an artistic hub, known for its street art and indie cafes. Housing options range from charming Victorian homes to new condos. If you love farmers’ markets and relaxed weekends, this is your spot.

• Pros: Family-friendly, creative atmosphere, great parks and cafes.
• Cons: Increasing housing costs, farther from downtown core.

Rosedale

Rosedale is a peaceful, upscale neighborhood filled with greenery, ravines, and historic homes. It’s perfect for those looking for quiet but still being close to downtown. Parks like Rosedale Ravine offer trails for walking or biking. It’s an excellent choice for families or professionals wanting a mix of luxury and nature.

• Pros: Quiet, scenic, close to downtown, excellent schools.
• Cons: Very expensive housing, limited nightlife and retail options.

Kensington Market

Kensington Market is a vibrant, bohemian area full of colorful streets and diverse food options. It’s ideal for people who love unique shops, live music, and a sense of community. Housing includes apartments and shared spaces, often with creative flair. The area is very walkable and always buzzing with activity.

• Pros: Artistic vibe, unique shops, walkable, rich food scene.
• Cons: Limited parking, older housing, noisy and busy.

High Park

High Park is known for its namesake park, the largest in Toronto, with trails, gardens, and even a zoo. It’s great for families, with access to good schools and a relaxed environment. Housing includes detached homes and low-rise apartments. The community is friendly, and the subway makes commuting simple.

• Pros: Lots of green space, family-friendly, good transit.
• Cons: Rising home prices, quieter social scene.

Danforth (Greektown)

Danforth, also known as Greektown, is famous for its vibrant Greek culture and incredible food scene. Every year, the area hosts the “Taste of the Danforth,” one of Toronto’s biggest street festivals. The neighborhood is highly walkable, with easy access to the TTC subway. Housing includes older detached homes, semi-detached options, and newer condos.

• Pros: Amazing restaurants, affordable housing compared to downtown, great transit access.
• Cons: Entertainment options are mostly food-focused, less diversity in nightlife.

Distillery District

The Distillery District is one of Toronto’s most picturesque neighborhoods, with cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved Victorian-era industrial buildings. It’s a cultural hub, hosting events, festivals, and art galleries. Housing consists mainly of lofts and luxury condos, making it a great choice for professionals and couples.

• Pros: Unique atmosphere, vibrant arts and culture scene, highly walkable.
• Cons: Limited housing options, higher living costs.

How to Get Around Toronto

Toronto’s commuting system is a mix of public transportation, cycling, driving, and regional transit options. While the city is known for its traffic, it also provides a variety of ways to get around depending on your preferences, budget, and location. Whether you’re commuting across town or from the suburbs, understanding your options will help make your daily commute more efficient and cost-effective. Here is a helpful site to plan your route in Toronto and the area.

Public Transit (TTC)

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is the backbone of the city’s public transportation, offering subway, buses, and streetcars that connect most areas. A Presto Card is essential for easy and discounted fare payments. While the system is generally reliable, be prepared for crowded trains and buses, particularly during peak hours. The TTC is ideal for getting around the city, but delays and limited weekend service on some routes can be a drawback.

Cycling

Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular way to navigate the city, especially downtown. Toronto has a growing network of bike lanes, with more developments underway. It’s an eco-friendly and efficient way to get around for short trips. However, cyclists should be aware of heavy traffic in some areas and the occasional lack of designated bike lanes in certain neighborhoods. Bike Share Toronto also provides an easy option for those without a personal bike.

Driving

Driving in Toronto can be challenging, particularly during rush hour. Traffic congestion is a regular issue, and finding parking downtown can be both expensive and difficult. Many residents choose public transit or cycling as alternatives, especially for daily commuting. However, driving is still a viable option if you’re traveling outside the city or to less accessible neighborhoods, though you’ll likely face delays and higher costs.

GO Transit

For those living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), GO Transit is the ideal choice for commuting from the suburbs into the city. Offering commuter trains and buses, GO Transit provides a comfortable alternative to driving, especially for longer distances. It’s especially useful for avoiding rush-hour traffic on the highways, though fares are generally higher than those of the TTC. GO Transit is a convenient and reliable option for commuters who live outside Toronto but work in the city.

Is Toronto Walkable?

Toronto is a walkable city, especially in its downtown core and popular neighborhoods like Queen West, St. Lawrence Market, and the Entertainment District. The grid layout and public transit options make getting around on foot or via subway, buses, and streetcars convenient. Areas like the Toronto Islands and High Park are perfect for walking and enjoying nature.

However, some suburban areas like Scarborough or Etobicoke are less pedestrian-friendly and may require a car. Overall, Toronto is great for walking, with ongoing efforts to improve walkability across the city.

Toronto Shopping Tips

Buying Food

In Toronto, you’ll find a wide range of options for buying food, from everyday groceries to specialty and wholesale items. In general, food in Canada is expensive.

Large grocery chains like Loblaws, Metro, and Sobeys are staples for fresh produce, pantry essentials, and prepared meals.

For local and fresh finds, the St. Lawrence Market is a top choice, offering everything from meats and cheeses to artisan baked goods, while Kensington Market is perfect for unique international ingredients.

Wholesale stores like Costco and Bulk Barn cater to those buying in bulk or stocking up.

For liquor, the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) and The Beer Store are the main outlets, offering a wide selection of wine, beer, and spirits.

Farmers’ markets, like the one at Evergreen Brick Works, and flea markets such as Downsview Park Merchants Market, round out Toronto’s vibrant food shopping scene.

Shopping Essentials

Shopping in Toronto offers something for everyone, from high-end designer labels to unique local finds.

For luxury shopping, Yorkville is the place to be, featuring designer boutiques and upscale galleries.

If you’re after a more eclectic experience, Queen Street West is full of trendy fashion boutiques, vintage stores, and independent art galleries.

The Distillery District, with its cobblestone streets and historic charm, offers artisan shops and cozy cafes.

For a more traditional shopping experience, the Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto is one of the city’s largest malls, home to a variety of stores, ranging from global chains to Canadian favorites.

Other popular malls to explore include Yorkdale Shopping Centre, known for its luxury brands, and Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga, one of the largest in the Greater Toronto Area.

Don’t miss the PATH, Toronto’s underground shopping network that connects downtown office buildings, malls, and subway stations, offering a convenient way to shop while staying out of the cold.

For electronics, major retailers like Best Buy, The Source, and Canada Computers are popular choices.

If you’re looking for deals on household goods and essentials, IKEA, Walmart, and Costco are reliable go-tos.

Things to Do in Toronto: A City for Every Interest

Once you move to Toronto, you’ll quickly realize just how vibrant the city is. There’s always something happening, whether you’re into sports, art, music, or outdoor activities. It really feels like there’s a place for everyone to explore and enjoy.

If you’re moving to Toronto and looking to dive into the city’s entertainment scene, here are a few tips to help you get started.

For Sport Lovers

Toronto’s sports scene is unbeatable, with a range of professional teams to cheer on.

If basketball’s your thing, you can catch the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. For hockey fans, the Toronto Maple Leafs are always a major draw. Baseball lovers won’t want to miss a game at the Rogers Centre with the Toronto Blue Jays, and if you’re into soccer, Toronto FC at BMO Field is the place to be.

For Art Lovers

If you’re passionate about the arts, Toronto has a lot to offer. Whether you’re into traditional art or more contemporary exhibits, the city’s galleries and museums won’t disappoint.

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is a must-see for its incredible collection of Canadian and international art. And if history or natural science is more your style, you’ll want to visit the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Plus, Toronto’s Theatre District is full of Broadway-style shows and performances, so you can easily catch a live play or musical in the heart of the city.

For Music Lovers

If you’re into music, Toronto is definitely the place to be. The city offers a huge variety, so whether you’re a fan of opera, indie rock, or live jazz, there’s always something going on.

For something a bit more grand, head over to the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts for an unforgettable opera or ballet experience. If you’re more into live concerts, the Danforth Music Hall is a great spot for everything from indie bands to rock acts. For a more intimate vibe, check out the Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar, or catch a show at Massey Hall, one of the city’s most iconic venues for folk, rock, and more. Toronto’s music scene really does have it all.

Festivals to Experience

Toronto’s festivals are one of the best ways to experience the city’s culture.

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), held every September, is world-renowned, attracting film lovers and industry professionals from all over.

If you’re into jazz, don’t miss the Toronto Jazz Festival in June, which brings top-tier performances across the city.

Another major event, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana), is one of North America’s largest cultural festivals, packed with vibrant parades, music, and delicious Caribbean food.

In the summer, the Toronto Fringe Festival is great for independent theater lovers, while the Beaches International Jazz Festival offers free outdoor performances along the waterfront.

Even in winter, Toronto comes alive with the Toronto Light Festival in the Distillery District, where incredible light art installations turn the area into a magical visual experience.

Parks and Outdoor Activities

Toronto has some beautiful parks, perfect for a variety of outdoor activities.

High Park is a local favorite with walking trails, picnic spots, a zoo, and lovely gardens—especially stunning in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. The Toronto Islands, just a short ferry ride away from downtown, offer beaches, biking trails, and amazing views of the skyline, making them perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.

Cycling around the city is also a great way to explore, thanks to Toronto’s extensive network of bike lanes and the convenient Bike Share Toronto program. A popular route is along the Martin Goodman Trail by the waterfront, which offers scenic views of Lake Ontario. If you’re into water sports, you can rent equipment for kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing along the lakeshore or at Toronto Islands.

For those who prefer more active outdoor sports, Toronto’s parks are equipped with tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and soccer fields. Plus, if you’re interested in joining a game, there are plenty of organized sports leagues where you can play soccer, softball, or cricket.

How to Stay Safe in Toronto

Staying safe in Toronto is relatively easy, as the city is known for its low crime rates and friendly atmosphere.

However, like any large city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. If you’re out at night, stick to well-lit streets and avoid walking alone in quieter areas, especially if you’re unfamiliar with them.

Popular areas like downtown, Queen West, and the Distillery District are generally safe, but it’s always wise to stay alert in crowded places and be mindful of your belongings to prevent pickpocketing.

For families, Toronto is very safe, with many neighborhoods offering peaceful streets, good schools, and community-focused spaces. When it comes to your kids at school, Toronto’s educational system is reputable and safe, with security measures in place.

If you’re using public transit, the TTC is generally safe, but try to avoid empty subway cars or stations late at night.

If you’re ever in danger or need assistance, don’t hesitate to call 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies. In case of theft or lost items, contact the Toronto Police Service non-emergency line at 416-808-2222.

It’s also important to have insurance, whether it’s for your home, car, or health.

Wrapping Up

And that’s a wrap! These are just a few useful tips to help you as you’re moving to Toronto and settling in. As you explore the city, you’ll discover even more about what makes it such an exciting place to live.

We’ll continue sharing helpful information to ensure you have everything you need to enjoy your new home with a smile.