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MOVING TO TORONTO: Pros and Cons


Blog by Doriana Zohil-Morton, Broker of Record/Owner | November 8th, 2019


Whether you’re coming from a different country, province, territory, or city, moving to Toronto is an adjustment for everyone. But it can also be very rewarding given the fact that the city has a lot to offer. Like anywhere else, there are a lot of benefits to living in Toronto, some of which may be more worthwhile than others depending on your perspective and personal preferences.

If you’re planning on relocating to Toronto to be closer to friends and family, to start a new job, or simply to start a new lease on life, here are a few important pros and cons you should consider.

Pros of Moving to Toronto

Plenty of Job Opportunities

Considered one of the largest tech hubs in North America, Toronto is home to a number of large corporate headquarters for a number of influential tech and media companies including Google, Corus Entertainment, CHUM Limited, Bell Media, Rogers, and many more. Having all of these media moguls located in the same city signifies that the tech industry is vibrant and rapidly growing in Toronto, meaning that job opportunities in the downtown core and surrounding areas are ripe for the taking if you’re ambitious enough.

Drool-Worthy International Cuisine

One of the biggest things that people associated with Toronto is the delicious multicultural food. No matter what neighbourhood you’re in, you can bet that there’s always some delicious and exotic restaurant around the corner. Craving pizza or pasta? Take a stroll through Little Italy. Are you in the mood for some delicious gyros or spanakopita? Get on down to Greektown! If you want some authentic Chinese cuisine or to go shopping for some amazing east Asian groceries and novelty items, then Chinatown is the place for you! Whatever place you want to briefly escape to in the world, Toronto has it all!

Reliable and Affordable Public Transportation  

With multiple lines running north, south, east, and west, as well as constant expansions taking place every couple of years, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is a great way to truly get a feel for the city. Take a ride through the downtown core on one of Toronto’s iconic streetcars, busses, trains, or paratransit services or ride the GO Bus pretty much anywhere you want to go in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Other bus systems that operate in the GTA include the YRT, Viva, and Züm.

Safe Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods

If you’re moving to Toronto with your family, then there are a few additional factors you need to think about when choosing the ideal living situation, including finding a safe family-friendly neighbourhood that’s close to a school. Much like New York, the city is divided into a number of different boroughs, each of which have their own unique set of characteristics. As a result, finding appropriate temporary housing in Toronto can be challenging for people who are unfamiliar with the different neighbourhoods. Among some of the safest family-friendly neighbourhoods in Toronto are Bloor-West Village, Davisville Village, The Beaches, Danforth Village, and Leslieville.

Comparatively Low Crime Rate

Unfortunately, some degree of crime is unavoidable no matter where you live. But, compared to other cities of a similar land mass and population density (i.e. New York, Chicago, Boston), Toronto actually has a relatively low crime rate. Out of a total of 60 cities, Toronto was ranked the fourth safest major city worldwide and the number one safest city in North America by The Economist in 2017.

There’s Always Something Going On

Regardless of the season or time of day or night, there’s always something going on in Toronto. From its active and vibrant nightlife to fun and entertaining cultural events, food festivals, and street fairs, Toronto should be rebranded as the city that never actually sleeps.

In the spring, you can enjoy the beautiful and fragrant blooming of the Japanese cherry blossoms in High Park. Summer brings on a slew of exciting festivals and exhibitions including concerts, one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world (which lasts for the entire month of June), Taste of the Danforth, Caribana, and so much more. Enjoy the fall season with a number of family-friendly seasonal activities including Oktoberfest, Pumpkinfest, or the famous all-night art festival known as Nuit Blanche. As fall transitions into winter, you can still enjoy a lot of fun and exciting festivities including going skating at Nathan Phillips Square downtown, Winterlicious, or the Cavalcade of Lights that takes place every November at Toronto’s City Hall.

Toronto Celebrates Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism and diversity are two of Toronto’s crowning achievements. While Canadians on the whole are very accepting and appreciative of other cultures, Toronto is a physical representation of those sentiments. Every street corner has a unique and interesting story to tell as people from other countries have left their mark in their respective parts of the city. Although the city is divided in terms of having different cultural neighbourhoods, people from all over the world are always welcome to experience everything Toronto has to offer and are presented with the opportunity to thrive.

Cons of Moving to Toronto

Housing Is Notoriously Expensive in the Downtown Core

Ask any true-blue Torontonian and they’ll tell you that one of the biggest downsides of living in the downtown core is the high cost of living. But with the help of professional relocation companies in Canada, though, you can rent a luxurious short-term furnished apartment in Toronto for an affordable rate.

MAC Real Estate Services is here to save the day. Not only are we able to help you find a short-term furnished apartment in Toronto through our sister company MAC Furnished Residences, but our licensed realtors can also help you if you’re buying or selling a home or condo.  Plus, we can facilitate a smooth transition if you’re moving to Toronto with MAC Relocation Solutions. Contact us today to book your accommodations or learn more about our services!