Moving to another country or city is a big change. There are several different factors to think about, and it is important to give each one enough thought to ensure you are making the right decision. Too many people now jump at the chance to change their lives, but they do not think how they will sustain this or how it will affect them in the long-term.
To avoid being one of these individuals, you will need to research what living in Toronto is like before you fully commit. Thankfully, this post has outlined three of the key aspects that will require your attention.
Consider the Cost of Living in Toronto
One of the first aspects to think about when considering a move to Toronto is the cost of living. This will include entertainment, housing, transportation, and more. You must understand these costs to ensure you make informed decisions about budgeting, employment, and lifestyle choices if you wish to relocate, and this will require thorough research.
While the housing market is known for rapid price growth in Toronto, it is vital to look at your options. Both renting and buying property here can stretch your budget, but it is can be a smart decision to rent first, which will be discussed in the next point. However, you might also want to research transportation, especially as the city is considered to have a good public transportation system.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) provides a network of buses, streetcars, and subways to connect various parts of the city. This network is easy to use, with extensions available to the Greater Toronto Area and beyond with the GO Transit system. People will often use a PRESTO card to travel, either through pay-as-you-go or monthly passes.
All of the information you find when researching the cost of living in Toronto will help you decide whether you can live in the city long-term.
Research Neighborhoods to Find the Best Fit
When you want to move to Toronto, you should look at the different neighborhoods and try to select the one that best suits your needs. The key areas to assess include amenities, commute times, property value trends, and safety, to name a few. There are several online resources to use, such as city government websites, community Facebook groups, and real estate portals, that can outline this information.
After completing your research, then you might want to try living in the neighborhood before committing to the move. You can search for accommodation when visiting Toronto short term, and there are many options for stays of 30 days or more. This gives you plenty of time to learn about the neighborhood firsthand, allowing you to make an informed decision about moving. You should reflect on your personal needs and priorities to narrow down this search.
If you do choose to stay in a specific neighborhood for a short time, you can talk to the locals there, too. Community festivals and other local events are perfect opportunities to get out and learn about the lives of those living in Toronto. It is also worthwhile using social media to connect with these people.
Think about the Job Market
With the cost of living being a critical factor, then you should also think about the job market and how this will affect your life. Toronto has a strong economy, and salaries are high on average, although unemployment rates do fluctuate. This is why you must reflect upon it closely to ensure you can make a sufficient living if you decide to move.
You might move with your current employment, which means you do not need to be on the lookout for new opportunities straight away. If you do require a new job, you will need to understand that the Toronto job market is competitive, and the pool of applicants will be large and diverse. This will help you align your aspirations and skills with the available jobs, which might mean making career adjustments or further training.
To conclude, if you are thinking about moving to Toronto, then you must research a variety of aspects to ensure you make the right choice. The information found in this post will help you decide whether committing to a move is correct for you and your family.
