If you are thinking of moving abroad and your destination of choice is Ontario’s capital, you must be looking into Toronto neighborhoods to figure out which one suits you best. Luckily for you, the city has been nicknamed The City of Neighborhoods, as there are upwards of 240 officially recognized and unofficial neighborhoods within its boundaries. We’ll introduce you to some of the better ones and let you decide which one suits your lifestyle.
Whether you are moving to another country for love or moving abroad alone, adjusting to a new country is never easy. However, if you are moving to Canada, you’ll be living in one of the friendliest countries in the world and the best places to live abroad with family. Also, you won’t have to worry about breaking the language barrier. Before you get on to figure out what to pack when moving abroad and which packing services to use, check out our guide to the best neighborhoods in Toronto, the capital of Ontario.
What Are the 6 Areas of Toronto? Carefully Choose Your District
You may have heard of T.O. being referred to as The Six here and there. So, why is it called The Six? The name originated in the local hip-hop community, and it stands for the 6 Toronto districts that make up the city. Old Toronto, East York, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, and York are the municipalities within the city’s boundaries.
What Is the Best Neighborhood in Toronto Ontario, the City of Neighborhoods?
Even though the town is home to so many unique neighborhoods, those who dream of living in Toronto usually visualize themselves in the downtown. If you are moving to Toronto for urban living and can afford Toronto cost of living, then these areas should be your top choice.
Old Town Is the Location Where It All Started
One of six districts and the place it all started – Old Town is where the city keeps its history and the downtown area. Even though the real estate prices in Downtown are falling due to the pandemic, it’s still the most expensive district, and you can expect to pay around $2,300 to rent a home here. That’s without the monthly cost of utilities that will set you back at least $100 for a studio apartment.
West Queen West – the Coolest Neighborhood
The question of how to keep in touch with friends back home must be all you are thinking about right now. But, you gotta embrace the new area and meet some new ones, and there’s no better place to do just that than West Queen West. Vogue put it second on its list of the coolest neighborhoods, and it’s the hangout spot of the town. It has all the cool shops, vintage shops, and art galleries and is home to Trinity Bellwoods Park. The rent in this area that runs from Queen Street to Gladstone Avenue will cost you around $2,000, and you’ll have easy access from east to west if you hop on the 501 Queen streetcar.
Explore the Area Around Kensington Market to Discover West End Gems
West End is a trendy spot, beloved by young professionals, art enthusiasts, students, and families as well. The whole area is pretty walkable, and you can feel a change of energy and vibe when you walk into a new neighborhood due to its high diversity. With Dundas Street to the south, Kensington Market is the jewel of the district. With many shops, bars, restaurants, and book shops, Kensington’s a haven for bohemians, which is a make-or-break factor when it comes to choosing a place to stay.
Getting to Know Little Italy Is a Must
Just past Kensington Market is Little Italy. Even if you don’t end up living in this community, you simply must visit Little Italy at least once. The place has great food, as one would imagine, and it’s a great spot for bar-hopping and a night out. In summer, it hosts The Taste of Little Italy street festival, which brings the community together. The community is pretty tight-knit, which is a great thing to know if you’re looking to raise a family around here.
While on West End, Don’t Miss Out on Bloordale Village
Bloordale Village should be on your radar if you are a parent moving internationally with kids as it is a safe, family-oriented neighborhood. This up-and-coming area is also great for young professionals, as its two major subway stations offer easy access to the downtown area, where all the jobs in Canada are easily found, as it’s where all the big businesses have their offices. It’s also a haven for artists, as Mercer Union moved to Bloordale Village in 2008 and now holds all events here. It’s also a foodie paradise, with new places to eat and drink popping up each month, but Burdock remains the locals’ favorite.
High Park North – the Peace of a Village in a Big City
If you are looking for that village-type peace and tranquility to tuck you away from all the hustle and bustle of a metropolis, then High Park North is the perfect place for you. It’s easy to get lost in its namesake park – High Park to the south of the neighborhood, as it spreads across 400 acres. The park will give you that extra sense of tranquility with lush greens and wildlife, of which swans and ducks are the stars. And, there’s a pool, as well. Take a look at this video to see how life in this charming park community looks like.
Where Do Hipsters Live in Toronto?
Once chained for the West End, hipsters seem to prefer East End nowadays. The East End consists of different kinds of neighborhoods like Danforth-Greektown, Cabbagetown, East Chinatown, The Village, The Beaches, and Riverdale. It offers a cheaper cost of living than the downtown area, with rent for a 1-bedroom apartment ranging from $1,500 – $2,000 per month.
What Are the Best Toronto Suburbs?
While rental prices keep dropping due to the coronavirus crisis in 2020, the suburbs are becoming increasingly popular, with some experiencing a surge in residents and an increase in real estate prices. The suburbs will offer safety, a slow-paced lifestyle, and more affordable rent. You will definitely need a car, though, so better look into auto transport services as you will likely be shipping a car overseas. Some of the suburbs we recommend are:
- Vaughan
- Etobicoke
- North York
- Eglinton West
Where Should I Not Live in Toronto, Canada?
What are the dangerous areas of Toronto? – you might ask, as you would want to avoid them. Although this is a pretty safe city, here are the parts of the city you may want to avoid when house-hunting.
- Regent Park
- Weston
- Bay Street Corridor
- James Town
- Jane and Finch in North York
Choose a Neighborhood That Speaks to You
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all recipe when it comes to how to move abroad and choose a perfect neighborhood. Just like with choosing the right international moving company, you need some time to find the right one for you. Your best bet is to rent a place for a week through Airbnb until you find that perfect neighborhood and apartment that speaks to you, and you just know it’s the right one. And, as you can see, you have plenty of options to choose from if you decide for international moving.
