Toronto Neighborhood Guide: Choosing the Right Area for Your Move
Toronto has it all: cultural diversity, natural beauty, great neighbourhoods, top-rated schools, nightlife, cuisine, and incredible shopping. If you can imagine it, you can find it in Toronto.
But Toronto is big! Every district and neighbourhood has its own unique vibe. Today’s post is intended to help you choose the right Toronto neighbourhood for you
Understanding Toronto’s Geography
Toronto is a city of almost three million. Still, in the greater Toronto area (GTA), which runs from Burlington in the west to Clarington in the east and north to the tip of Durham County, it’s almost seven million. Wow!
So, for today’s article, we’ll focus on territory between Scarborough to the east, Etobicoke to the west, and the downtown core in between.
The core is famous for shopping, nightlife, and the financial district. Along the waterfront, you’ll find tourist destinations and landmarks like the CN Tower, Ontario Place, and Exhibition Place, bookended by vibrant beaches and greenspace in the east and west ends.
Midtown Toronto runs from Bloor St. to north of Lawrence Ave. and between Laird Dr. in the east to Bathurst St. in the west. Here’s where you’ll find some of the most affluent neighbourhoods, including Rosedale, Moore Park, Leaside, and Forest Hill. While apartments and condos are available in these areas, it’s predominantly single-family homes with a strong family vibe.
As you travel further afield of these areas, rents and home prices tend to be more affordable. On the other hand, downtown living will run you top-dollar, especially in places like Yorkville, which is famous for its luxury.
East End Toronto
Toronto’s east end is generally described as anywhere east of Broadview Ave. The immediate vicinity is Riverdale, which features a beautiful park, lovely tree-lined streets, and a generational Greek community.
The heart of east end Toronto centres around Danforth Ave., where you can find every kind of restaurant, bar, shop, and nightclub. The famous Danforth Music Hall hosts many world-class acts, and health-conscious folks will love the Carrot Common, a holistic-themed mall.
One of the east end’s most anticipated events is Taste of the Danforth, a three-day festival that closes off the entire street so people can enjoy food, drink, and music in the heart of Greektown.
The subway line runs along Danforth and connects the whole GTA. Buses and streetcars feed into the subway stations, so getting anywhere you want to go in the city is easy. A trip to the heart of downtown from the furthest station on the line will only take you about 40 minutes and cost you $3.35.
Scarborough is the eastern extremity of Toronto. The housing is more suburban, less densely built, and more affordable. And while the transit system runs through it, having a vehicle might also be a good idea as shopping might not be as walkable
Just before you hit Scarborough, you’ll pass through The Beach, an upscale, hip and trendy neighbourhood with walkable amenities, a public beach that extends for miles, and mostly single-family homes in and around Queen Street East.
West End Toronto
Toronto’s west end has an entirely different vibe from the east, but there are some similarities. Neighbourhoods are walkable, transit is everywhere, and there are lots of parks and green spaces.
The ethnicity in the West End is historically Italian and Portuguese, but if you’re coming west from downtown, you’ll go through Chinatown first. Bordering Chinatown, you’ll find Kensington Market, a very bohemian neighbourhood with lots of shops and ethnic grocery stores you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Fun fact: Kensington was once known as the birthplace of Toronto’s punk scene, and you’ll still find plenty of evidence in its vintage shops, clubs, and funky bars.
A bit further south, you’ll find Queen West, which is inarguably the hippest stretch of road in the city. Around Queen St. West, you’ll find many older brownstone apartment buildings and factories that have been converted to lofts. A bit further south is Liberty Village/King West Village, an old industrial neighbourhood that’s evolved from factories and jails to artist lofts to its current vibe, stacked tight with condos.
The GO Train runs along the city’s south end and stops in Liberty, which is convenient for anyone working outside the city. The King Streetcar runs 24 hours to help you get anywhere in the city you need to be.
Etobicoke is to Toronto’s west end what Scarborough is to the east. Known for its cul-de-sac housing developments and the high-end Sheridan Centre, Etobicoke’s shoreline and boardwalk is a lovely place to cycle, jog, or walk. It’s close to the freeway and Mississauga’s bustling business centre and is accessible by GO transit.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Toronto Neighborhood
When choosing the best Toronto neighbourhood for you, here are a few things to consider:
Proximity to work or school
Ideally, you’ll want to choose a neighbourhood close to work and school or where you have good access to transit to get you there.
Access to public transportation
Transit is very good in Toronto, but the further out you go, the more transfers you may have to take.
Safety and crime rates
The downtown core can be dangerous, especially if you need to take transit at odd hours. Check with the Toronto Police for current crime data by neighbourhood.
Local amenities
Think about what you like to do and where you want to go. Check neighbourhoods for proximity to parks, activities, and local shopping.
School districts
Toronto offers many specialty schools, including schools for the performing arts, French immersion, and more. Most college campuses are in the downtown core, with some notable exceptions.
Cost of living
The further you get away from the downtown core, the more affordable housing will be. East York, Scarborough, and Etobicoke offer excellent value and quality of living.
Final Thoughts
Are you excited about your move to Toronto? We hope we’ve given you some food for thought! When you’re visiting, don’t forget to pick up your copy of NOW magazine to find out what’s happening—and don’t be afraid to explore.
Toronto is a big city with something for everyone. Choosing the right neighbourhood for you might take a little research and exploration, but it’s well worth the effort when you find your perfect spot.
Moving is hard, just give it to us
The impact of moving stress can vary depending on the person. Some common ways it can affect you include trouble sleeping, increased anxiety, and feeling disconnected or out of sorts.
It’s vital to address these feelings and find healthy ways to cope. If left unchecked, moving stress can have long-term implications, leading to depression, relationship problems, and physical health issues.
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