Things to know about Toronto before you move there
When you move, it is inevitable to go through some adaptation. Understandably, it isn’t easy to start from scratch in a new home, but it isn’t unachievable either. When you know what to expect, the whole process is much easier to handle. To all those who are considering or even planning an upcoming move to Toronto, here are a few things to know about Toronto before you move there.
Some general things to know about Toronto before you move there
Let’s start with the basic information about the city and its citizens. These are the first things you need to check out to make sure Toronto is just right for you. Then, make a list of pros and cons of moving to Toronto, and decide about the move.
Toronto – the biggest city in Canada
Not only is it the biggest city, but it is also a cultural melting pot. Of almost 3 million people living in Toronto, a half of them were born abroad. As a result, racism and homophobia are forbidden here. People are tolerant of the differences, so there is no need to worry about this even if you move to Toronto from another country.
Parlez-vous Français?
Pardon me? Although it is the second official language in Canada, not all the people speak French. It is a compulsory subject at school, but the majority of people stop studying it later on. So, don’t worry about your bad French. You won’t be an exception. One of the things to know about Toronto is that you can do perfectly well here with your English. However, what you will need to study is the famous Toronto slang. It seems like a thoroughly separate language, but it’s a great fun to know it and use it.
Speaking badly about Toronto is a no-no
Torontonians like their city too much to let other people say bad things about it. If you want to criticize Toronto in the presence of its loyal citizens, better think twice. It is a no-no here.
What’s the weather like in Toronto?
Well, pretty changeable we would say. Consequently, you will have to get used to these changes. The fact that the weather can change completely from one day to the other is just what you need to take at face value.
The traffic causes serious headaches
Unsurprisingly, indeed! Have you expected anything different from a 3-million people city? A convenient solution is to use Public Toronto Transit. It may not be as fast as you would want to, but it’s reliable and you always get to your destination. Plus, the subway system is well-developed and at your disposal too.
Things to know about Toronto when you choose where to live
Finding a place to live in Toronto involves some calculations and a research. Calculations are related to moving costs and the cost of living here. On the other hand, you need to do a bit of a research to choose the right neighborhood for you at the price you can afford.
Finding an affordable apartment in Toronto – not so easy
Arm yourself with patience when you start looking for an affordable apartment. You will realize that hiring the ideal Toronto moving company is a piece of cake compared to this. Before you start organizing your Toronto move, think twice whether you can afford it in the first place. The chances are that doing some severe saving is the only way to buy something right in the city that works for you. For example, if you are looking for a detached house, the average sum of money you need to prepare is about a million dollars. Conversely, if you need something smaller, choose from numerous condos which are much cheaper.
Variety of neighborhoods to choose from
Officially, there are 140 neighborhoods in Toronto. This makes your choice significantly difficult to make. When you know how to choose where to live in Toronto and when you determine your priorities and the budget, you can narrow the list of potential neighborhoods appropriate for you. The most important thing is that the city is pretty safe to live in. So, when it comes to your safety, there isn’t much of a difference between neighborhoods.
Things to know about Toronto when it comes to entertainment
One thing is for sure – you can never be bored in Toronto. This is a promised city for all those who like delicious food, coffee, art and culture and lots of green areas. Even though you’ll have lots of things to do after your relocation, exploring Toronto after your move is a must. You will be pleasantly surprised by all the things the city has to offer.
Bon appétit
Diverse is the word which best describes the food in Toronto. There are countless restaurants of every cuisine here, so enjoying various dishes is one of the privileges of living in Toronto. Furthermore, eating out is what Torontonians do very often, 3.1 times a week to be exact. Despite all the joy, be ready to wait for your tasty meal to get prepared. If you go to a popular place, you sometimes need to wait for more than 30 minutes to get your order.
Welcome, coffee drinkers!
In Toronto, you can try the best coffee in the world. There is a vast number of coffee shops which offer you coffee of different tastes you can try. Become a Toronto local and enjoy your favorite drink in a completely different way.
Toronto is the city of art and culture
Yes, this is right. There are more than 80 festivals in Toronto, numerous performing arts organizations and historical monuments to explore. So, if this is your cup of tea, just let yourself go. You will enjoy Toronto to the maximum.
Parks in Toronto leave you speechless
Although there are always constructions all over the city, Toronto isn’t just buildings and concrete. One of the things to know about Toronto before you move there is that there are lots of green areas. How about spending some time in one of the 1,600 parks in the city? Cyclists and hikers can enjoy over 200km of trails. Furthermore, thrill seekers who are looking for a real adventure can go camping in Rouge National Urban Park. Living in Toronto is great, isn’t it?