As the largest city in Canada and one of the most culturally diverse in the world, the idea of moving to Toronto can be extremely exciting, albeit slightly intimidating. With so many housing options, work opportunities, and countless things to see and do – it is easy to feel a little lost.
Here are five tips to help get you started on your transition when moving to Toronto:
Find Your Perfect Toronto Neighbourhood
Get to know Toronto’s neighbourhoods and find the one that best matches your budget and needs. With 140 distinct neighbourhoods there are many to choose from: if your dream one is out of your budget try looking just outside it. A REALTOR® can help you narrow down your search and match you with a suitable area. There is something here for everyone!
Get Involved in the Community
Whether you are moving to Toronto by yourself or with your family, it is important to feel at home in your new city. A great way of doing so is attending a Meetup (available both on an app and a website) where you can find like-minded people who are interested in your hobbies across the city. From cooking to parent groups, there is a space for you in Toronto. There are also plenty of local events going on throughout the year. Subscribing to local blogs/newspapers will let you know what is going on close by.
Get the Hang of Public Transportation
Voted as having the best transit system in North America, moving to Toronto seems like a natural choice if you are a commuter or frequently use public transportation. While you may know that transit systems typically offer monthly or weekly passes to save money, be aware that group and family day passes are available on weekends and public holidays – this can save you a substantial amount of money. Utilize the transit maps available and check out the subway, streetcar and bus routes that will get you where you need to go. Alternatively, Toronto is building a strong cycle network – it may be worth considering buying a bicycle and taking in Toronto’s views at your own pace.
Find the Best Food, Grocery, and Restaurants
Not all grocery stores are built alike. Depending on your needs, one store will have more value to you than another. For organic and healthy foods, Whole Foods Market or Noah’s Natural Foods are great specialist grocers. If you are looking to minimize your food costs, No Frills is one of the most affordable grocery store chains available. If freshness matters most to you, St. Lawrence Market has an international reputation for high quality food. Outside of grocery stores, local blogs like BlogTO, Toronto Now or Narcity are great resources to find the hottest up–and–coming restaurants! These blogs also advertise special events and promotions that happen throughout the year.
Prepare Your Wardrobe for the Weather
Moving to Toronto can be a shock to some people, as the city experiences drastic temperature changes throughout the year. You will need a specific winter wardrobe and a specific summer wardrobe. July is Toronto’s hottest and most humid month with temperatures ranging between 26-35 degrees Celsius. January is Toronto’s coldest month with temperatures ranging from 0 to -15 degrees Celsius. Winter generally lasts between December to March so make sure your clothes are not just snow proof but waterproof for the transition to a generally wet spring.
Moving to Toronto can be a very exciting and thrilling experience! I would love to help you find your perfect home in our city; feel free to contact me.
