Toronto is the largest city in Canada, with over 6.5 million people calling the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) home. If you’re looking to make a location change, life in Toronto is never dull!
The cost of living in Toronto may be higher compared to smaller cities in Canada. But it’s a trade-off for all the activities, amenities, and awesome advantages this beautiful city offers.
Let’s explore the top 7 reasons why you should consider living in Toronto!
1. Explore International Cuisines
With over 158 neighborhoods, the city of Toronto boasts 7,500 restaurants. That’s not including the outlying parts of the GTA where thousands more eateries are located.
Toronto’s many cultural neighborhoods will delight your culinary senses. Try Peking duck in Chinatown, K-BBQ in Korea Town, and gyros in Danforth Village. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll probably find it here.
Of course, while you’re living in Toronto, you need to try Canada’s infamous poutine. Specialty poutine shops like Smoke’s Poutinerie offer unique variations on this Canadian dish. Imagine piles of hot fries, drenched in gravy, and topped with delectable cheese curds.
2. Experience Canada’s History
Did you know that Toronto is home to North America’s only castle? That’s right, Casa Loma sits perched on a hill in Midtown overlooking the glittering city. Built in 1914, it’s now a museum where visitors can tour the home and gardens.
Another cool historical location worth checking out is the Distillery District. The neighborhood was built in 1832 as the site of the Gooderham & Worts distillery. The Victorian industrial buildings of the distillery have transformed into cafes, shops, and restaurants.
Love history and food? St.Lawrence Market is a foodie’s dream come true. Operating since 1803, this farmer’s market in Toronto’s downtown contains over 120 culinary options. Vendors, shops, and artisans come here daily to trade their delicious goods.
3. Enjoy Vibrant Nightlife
Extravagant nightclubs, dirty dive bars, and live music venues – Toronto’s got it all! Whatever your preference is, you’ll definitely find it in this city that never sleeps. Every neighborhood offers something different.
King West is the place for upscale lounges and hotel rooftop bars. Meanwhile, Queen West is full of long-standing local favorites and trendy new spots. Music lovers should head to Parkdale while people seeking something eclectic and fun need to party in The Annex.
Drinking not your thing? Don’t worry. The many comedy clubs, theaters, concerts, and cultural events will keep you busy after sunset.
4. Upgrade Your Skills
If you’re thinking of moving to upgrade your skills or find a job, Toronto is a perfect choice! There are four community colleges and five universities in the GTA for you to choose from. Many of them have locations in the downtown districts.
The University of Toronto is one of Canada’s most prestigious schools. It offers over 700 undergraduate and 200 post-graduate programs. Getting a degree from this highly-acclaimed university is a great way to upgrade your resume.
In 2019, job opportunities in Toronto increased by 3.1% or 46,920 more jobs than the year prior. Being Canada’s biggest city, most corporations and companies have offices in the GTA. It’s also full of unique start-ups, small businesses, and remote opportunities.
5. Spend Time in Nature
While Toronto can sometimes seem like an urban jungle, it’s actually a very green city! Parkland covers 13% of Toronto’s total area. That’s a staggering 1600 parks!
Throw in 700 sports fields, 118 swimming pools, and 53 skating rinks, and you’ll never run out of outdoor activities in Toronto. Besides that, the city is constantly improving and constructing new public spaces. You’ll also find beaches, forests, and wetlands in the area.
Make sure to explore the giant High Park, with its twisty roads, open fields, and dense forests. For something a little more social, head to Trinity-Bellwoods where picnickers lounge under shady trees. Kew Gardens, a gorgeous park that’s fully wheelchair accessible, is a must-see.
6. Explore Canada
One of the best reasons to live in Toronto is leaving the city. Not because being in Toronto is a bad thing, but because it’s so easy to travel from there!
Rent a car and drive up to Muskoka in the summer to enjoy the beaches and relaxing cottage life. Hop on a train, and you’re in Montreal in a few hours exploring the historic St. Lawrence River. Want to check out Vancouver or Halifax? Toronto’s Pearson Airport is the busiest in the country and will get you there in an instant.
Toronto’s unique location provides numerous avenues and opportunities for travel around the country. But you’ll first need to consider your home base. Will you rent, buy, or build? This complete guide to investing in Toronto property will get you started.
7. Love the Weather
Unlike the freezing North and the rainy West, Toronto has excellent weather. Thanks to its location on Lake Ontario, the city enjoys a semi-continental climate.
Summers are long and warm, giving you ample time to soak up the rays on a beach or enjoy cool drinks on a patio. Winters are snowy and cold, but they won’t leave you with frozen eyelashes and frostbite on your toes.
Toronto used to have a summer smog problem back in the day. But when the city shut down its final coal-fired power plant in 2014, the air quality improved massively! You can now enjoy good quality air days year-round.
Experience Living in Toronto
Living in Toronto is a delight thanks to its warm climate and green spaces. Gourmet food, lively nightlife, and cultural activities will keep you busy 24-hours a day.
Are you ready to make your move to Toronto? The first step is to pay this beautiful city a visit and explore its many neighborhoods! Once you find the perfect place to call home, you’ll be packing your boxes in no time.
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