In the best of times, moving is a very challenging undertaking. On occasion, I reflect on the career we all at TRG have chosen to pursue, and I realize that we are instrumental in orchestrating what is one of the most stressful moments of people’s lives. While we at TRG pride ourselves in creating a process that’s as seamless and stress-free as possible, there are certain realities of moving which can’t be avoided.
That stress is increased exponentially when it comes to relocating cities. It’s one thing to move within your neighborhood, or even to the other side of the city your currently living in. It’s an entirely different best when it comes to relocating to a new city. In today’s increasingly global environment, this type of relocation is all the more common. When you work in a hub of industry and culture, and one that happens to be the largest city in it’s country, you get very familiar with the process of moving into a city.
Which brings us to today’s blog post:
What to ask yourself before moving to Toronto
As I said, working with folks who are relocating to Toronto is an increasingly large part of our business. Whether it’s folks who are relocated here for their jobs, families looking to move to Canada who want to live in its largest and most multicultural city, or simply people within Ontario or Canada who have a desire to immerse themselves in all this city has to offer, there are hundreds of thousands of folks coming to this city each year.
Did you know we have a real estate podcast? Get real insights on today’s most interesting news and issues affecting the Canadian real estate market. Listen to The Last Honest Realtor podcast right here or anywhere you get your podcasts.
What are the Pros and Cons of Moving to Toronto?
Understanding the pros and cons of moving to Toronto is a good first place to start. Toronto offers the worlds most multicultural city, and is the centre of industry and culture in Canada. It’s also by far the largest city in Canada, and the fourth largest in North America behind Mexico City, New York and Los Angeles. While this means there is no shortage of things to do and job opportunity, the large city life may not be for everyone. Consider the lifestyle which is best for you and your family, and if a bustling city life isn’t for you, perhaps moving to Toronto isn’t the right choice.
Do you have questions about buying a home in Toronto? Here are a few more posts you might find helpful:
- How Much Does it Cost to Own a Home in Toronto
- Should You Buy a ‘Tear Down’ in the City of Toronto?
- New Construction Vs. Resale Condo in Toronto: Which is Right For Me?
What Neighbourhood Will Suit Me Best?
With that said, as with any city of this size, there are countless different places where one can choose to live in this city, and it’s likely there will be a place that fits your needs. Unlike many major North American city, there are numerous neighborhoods within the city, and families often live in the metropolitan proper as opposed to the suburbs.
There are also many places within downtown to live, even if a high-rise condominium isn’t your style. Want to live in a fantastic location just west of downtown where you can walk to parks, restaurants and shopping? Perhaps Trinity Bellwoods is right for you. Is a lakeside neighborhood with a tight knit community on the east of the city more your speed? Consider the Beaches.
What about a neighbourhood which feels like it’s own small town just twenty minutes from downtown (when traffic is good) in midtown? Leaside is the place to start.
If you want the true downtown experience in a high-rise condo, try King West. High-end shopping and living in a neighbourhood to see and be seen? You’re going to a Yorkville resident in no time. Or, if a more conventional suburb lifestyle is your speed, I bet you’ll end up in Oakville.
Needless to say, Toronto has a location that will fit almost any individual or families need, and having a sense of what location is right for you is a strong first step in your relocation journey.
Want to learn more about Toronto’s best neighbourhoods? Read this blog next!
What are Some of the Challenges of Living in Toronto?
Like any city though, Toronto has components that may not be what you are looking for. Like many cities of this size, traffic can be a challenge. Cost of living is high, and the average price for a home is nearly twice that of the average price across Canada.
As far as cities of its size are concerned, Toronto is exceptionally clean and has a low crime rate. On the other hand, comparing it to similarly sized cities, it lacks the robust public transit system you might expect to see. As I said, considering what is best for yourself or your family and then understanding if that fits with what Toronto has to offer is very important.
Planning a cross-country relocation? Read our Ultimate Guide to Moving Across the Country right here.
How Do I Buy a Home in Toronto?
Buying and selling Toronto Real Estate may look quite different from where you are coming from also. In Toronto, unlike England as an example, nearly every buyer partners with a Realtor who advocates on their behalf in negotiations, and educates and informs them on the real estate process.
It’s very common for properties for sale to receive multiple offers, and properties remain available for sale for less than a month on average, with the best properties selling within a week or even less than a day.
Pricing is done in many ways, and it’s not uncommon for the list price of a property to be hundreds of thousands of dollars lower than what the actual sale price will be, and on that track many properties sell in excess of their list price. Partnering with the right Realtor, one who is experienced and qualified, will help educate you on this process and ensure you make the right decisions in this significant financial undertaking.
Still have questions about home-buying in general? These posts might come in handy next:
- What NOT to Do Before Buying a House
- Do You Really Need a Buyer’s Agent?
- Should I Buy a House That’s Been on the Market For a Long Time?
Is Toronto a Good Place to Live?
Toronto is a fantastic city. It’s routinely ranked highly in the “best cities to live in” lists you’ll fine online, and is diverse and large enough that there’s almost certainly something for everyone. It’s got a phenomenal food scene, has countless sports and entertainment options, has a robust landscape for employment, and more museums and culture than you could see after living here for years.
Because of its scale, moving here can seem overwhelming, but it can properly managed if done with the requisite research and diligence, setting you and/or your family up for a lifetime of happiness in this world class city.
Partnering with the right Realtor, who can explain all the nuances of the city and the real estate process, is a great first step to successfully relocating here, and we at TRG work with a number of individuals and families who are doing exactly this every year, month, and day.
If you have questions about moving to Toronto, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to share everything that we love about this city with you, and help guide you through the journey of moving here, and put you in a spot to enjoy your new life in Toronto.
Learn more about our relocation services right here. You can also get in touch directly via the form on this page or by calling 416.642.2660 or emailing admin@torontorealtygroup.com today.
Ready to Get Started?
It all starts with a conversation. Whether buying or selling, TRG can help you achieve your real estate goals. Get in touch with our team today to start the process.
