Living In Toronto

[Oreth]

Howdy all,

I had asked here before for some advice on Austin, Texas as that was part of my original plan that has literally turned to shit over the last 2-3 months because of Visa fees and internal company policies etc. So unfortunately we have had to come up with an alternative plan and essentially there is a 2 year working visa that is available for the Irish public that myself and the future wife have qualified for.

This makes it much easier to do a transfer in the same company and recently some jobs opened up in their offices in Toronto. Before now we had been spending a good bit of time researching Austin and even went there last April to look into it all. Now that the jobs are open things could move quite quickly if I am successful so could be looking to move within 2-3 months if not earlier.

With the above said im looking for some advice on Toronto as a whole. The offices are based in Gordon Baker Road, North York, Ontario which is north of downtown. Hoping there might be some of you that have spent time there or lived there that might be able to offer some sound advice. I realize its one hot extreme to a cold extreme but weather isn't a huge factor for either of us its more down to career progression / opportunities for both of us

1) What would be some of the better places to live? (We would prefer to go for a 2/3 bed condo / house but will settle for an apartment if the location is better) - Currently checking out places like Hillcrest Village, Thornhill, Markham & Newtownbrock. Would welcome any better suggestions

2) What is North York / York like as a whole to live in? Iv heard mixed things about rough areas in the east of the area from reading online

3) What are the above areas and North York as a whole like for Public Transport? Is it a nightmare to get to the city if we needed to or wanted to?

4) Is there much going on out that way? Shopping / Cinemas / Bars / Sports etc

Anything else to say or advise on would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

[vagus]

Welcome to Canada.

[Oreth]

Not there yet.. You from there yourself?

[Rhyis.]

Toronto is expensive to live. Most people commute to work from various neighbouring cities in the greater Toronto/Hamilton area. Worth a look.

[Oreth]

Would those areas i mentioned above not be considered the GTA? Looking at a map they appear to be a good 45 mins - 1hr outside the city and thats with Google maps so any public transport is gonna be longer.

Ill definitely check out Hamilton though thanks.

[Daruvan]

Toronto resident here,

1) Regarding the location of the office, you are most likely better off searching in Markham, Thornhill, or Richmond Hill. In fact, there are a number of condominiums recently built in the downtown Markham area (about 15 minutes drive away, Warden / Highway 7) that may have space available at this time.

The drive from Hamilton will be quite tough, having to deal with high amounts of traffic on most highways (45-minute commute might be a good day). Coming from the north will be less troublesome. You do also have the benefit of a VIVA transit line right at the door, but this particular line seems to be only available during rush hours.

2) In my opinion, North York is not that bad of a place to live, having lived in this city for quite some time (the area is quiet, green, low crime). The Jane / Finch area is known to be a rough area, but the rest of the city is fine. Housing costs / property taxes (if applicable) are definitely higher here than in Markham, Thornhill, etc., but I think the gap is closing.

3) Transit is less frequent in the northern areas, but if you live on a VIVA line, this is less of an issue. In North York, transit is definitely more frequent. Service is decent and clean, overall, but nothing too amazing, which reflects in the amount of drivers on the road.

4)All areas have a decent amount of entertainment, and also a number of ways to get downtown, if need be. There are definitely less options, the further out you go, and they have a more suburban feel to them as well.

[Kang]

If you're looking for a condo, Toronto is the place to be. You can't turn in any direction downtown without seeing a condo under construction. It's such an eye sore. Just a warning. If you're coming here soon then be prepared for a shit ton of road construction. People are saying this will be the worst construction season ever as the city has one year left to go to get ready for the Pan Am games next year.

[Oreth]

Toronto resident here,

1) Regarding the location of the office, you are most likely better off searching in Markham, Thornhill, or Richmond Hill. In fact, there are a number of condominiums recently built in the downtown Markham area (about 15 minutes drive away, Warden / Highway 7) that may have space available at this time.

The drive from Hamilton will be quite tough, having to deal with high amounts of traffic on most highways (45-minute commute might be a good day). Coming from the north will be less troublesome. You do also have the benefit of a VIVA transit line right at the door, but this particular line seems to be only available during rush hours.

2) In my opinion, North York is not that bad of a place to live, having lived in this city for quite some time (the area is quiet, green, low crime). The Jane / Finch area is known to be a rough area, but the rest of the city is fine. Housing costs / property taxes (if applicable) are definitely higher here than in Markham, Thornhill, etc., but I think the gap is closing.

3) Transit is less frequent in the northern areas, but if you live on a VIVA line, this is less of an issue. In North York, transit is definitely more frequent. Service is decent and clean, overall, but nothing too amazing, which reflects in the amount of drivers on the road.

4)All areas have a decent amount of entertainment, and also a number of ways to get downtown, if need be. There are definitely less options, the further out you go, and they have a more suburban feel to them as well.

Thanks for all that info. I might hit you up with a few PMs if you dont mind over the coming weeks. I should know within a week or 2 whether or not ill be getting the role available in Toronto. Id feel confident enough but given how the process went with the US i wont hold my breath. Only good thing is i have my own visa this time so i can go over whenever i want really just means looking for a new job.

I like the look of Thornhill / Richmond / Markham areas ill definitely check out those new complexes in that area. Is there any specific names to them or anything? Cheers for the transit line information as well good to know it. That query was more in relation to if we had parents / family or friends over while we were working that they could get themselves down town with relative ease if possible so just wanted to pick an area that they could get on a bus to a metro or rail station then go to the city for the day or whatever. Also if we fancied going downtown.

Yea i know what you mean too... Not looking for Toronto's most happening club but an area with a few bars / restaurant / shops so we can go out at the weekend or if i want to watch some sports etc that there is options.

If you're looking for a condo, Toronto is the place to be. You can't turn in any direction downtown without seeing a condo under construction. It's such an eye sore. Just a warning. If you're coming here soon then be prepared for a shit ton of road construction. People are saying this will be the worst construction season ever as the city has one year left to go to get ready for the Pan Am games next year.

Yea we dont have a whole load of them here in Ireland they seem more like a nice happy medium between a house and an apartment. Looking to get out of an apartment and want to get into a nice 2/3 bed building with some space. Look to get a dog and have a garden when we get up and running but it will depend on location as well. Ill most likely be staying out of the centre of downtown if i can as I would rather drive to work than take public transport if that is even an option to get to North York without 2+hrs of travel on different services.!

[Daruvan]

Thanks for all that info. I might hit you up with a few PMs if you dont mind over the coming weeks. I should know within a week or 2 whether or not ill be getting the role available in Toronto. Id feel confident enough but given how the process went with the US i wont hold my breath. Only good thing is i have my own visa this time so i can go over whenever i want really just means looking for a new job.

I like the look of Thornhill / Richmond / Markham areas ill definitely check out those new complexes in that area. Is there any specific names to them or anything? Cheers for the transit line information as well good to know it. That query was more in relation to if we had parents / family or friends over while we were working that they could get themselves down town with relative ease if possible so just wanted to pick an area that they could get on a bus to a metro or rail station then go to the city for the day or whatever. Also if we fancied going downtown.

Yea i know what you mean too... Not looking for Toronto's most happening club but an area with a few bars / restaurant / shops so we can go out at the weekend or if i want to watch some sports etc that there is options.

No problem at all. PM's are welcome as well.

Not sure of names of the buildings, however. Good sites for condo / home listings are REMAX (Sales) and Viewit (Rental / Lease).

Downtown Markham does fit what you are looking for, with both bus and train stations nearby which service downtown, but the train does not run on weekends, and is replaced by a comfortable bus service. Also, there are a couple of good bars in nearby Unionville, but after that it's only better downtown.

[Kang]

North of Toronto is a good place to live I've heard. I've only ever lived to the west and east of Toronto. As far as construction goes, I can only vouch for the areas I frequent, so I don't know how much is happening in North York/Thornhill/Richmond Hill. The only real construction I know is that the Warden Ave. bridge over Highway 401 should be wrapping up soon.

This article may help a little.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toront...ects-1.2601462

[Aragon of Odin]

Only ever lived West of Toronto in Mississauga, the commute travelling East into Toronto is a huge pain if travelling by car, but given that it's the 5th largest Metropolis in NA I guess it's kind of expected.

Realtor.ca is a great site to check out listings, whether looking to buy or rent/lease, though it's more geared towards buying.

Entertainment wise the city is absolutely amazing, the diverse culture in TO makes it such an amazing place for food and entertainment with all the festivals and suff held. Visiting the little cities within the city (Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown, Little Portugal, etc....), you could spend days in each part exploring and not run out of things to do. You and the fiance should never find yourselves bored.

[Skjie]

Lived in the heart of downtown and just south of where you're looking to work. Best of luck driving - it's the best way to waste your day you can possibly do. Be near the Go Train or transit if you want to get anywhere in a reasonable amount of time. Also, unless your new job is going to pay you a ton, I wouldn't get your hopes up about a private garden and/or a dog...

[Oreth]

No problem at all. PM's are welcome as well.

Not sure of names of the buildings, however. Good sites for condo / home listings are REMAX (Sales) and Viewit (Rental / Lease).

Downtown Markham does fit what you are looking for, with both bus and train stations nearby which service downtown, but the train does not run on weekends, and is replaced by a comfortable bus service. Also, there are a couple of good bars in nearby Unionville, but after that it's only better downtown.

Cheers thanks been checking out Markham looks like a good suburban place with the bars / places to eat and shop etc. Might look to stay here in a hotel for a week or two when we arrive to check it out. Ill see how i get on in the coming days with the job and give you a shout after if it will be moving ahead.

North of Toronto is a good place to live I've heard. I've only ever lived to the west and east of Toronto. As far as construction goes, I can only vouch for the areas I frequent, so I don't know how much is happening in North York/Thornhill/Richmond Hill. The only real construction I know is that the Warden Ave. bridge over Highway 401 should be wrapping up soon.

This article may help a little.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toront...ects-1.2601462

Perfect thanks for that shows all the different road works going on. This is part of some summer or winter games is it?

Only ever lived West of Toronto in Mississauga, the commute travelling East into Toronto is a huge pain if travelling by car, but given that it's the 5th largest Metropolis in NA I guess it's kind of expected.

Realtor.ca is a great site to check out listings, whether looking to buy or rent/lease, though it's more geared towards buying.

Entertainment wise the city is absolutely amazing, the diverse culture in TO makes it such an amazing place for food and entertainment with all the festivals and suff held. Visiting the little cities within the city (Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown, Little Portugal, etc....), you could spend days in each part exploring and not run out of things to do. You and the fiance should never find yourselves bored.

Cheers thanks for that. I was checking out Mississuaga originally as alot of lease options seemed to be there but is just a bit too far east. Would be a good hour or two drive each day with the way the traffic might be as you are putting it.

Lived in the heart of downtown and just south of where you're looking to work. Best of luck driving - it's the best way to waste your day you can possibly do. Be near the Go Train or transit if you want to get anywhere in a reasonable amount of time. Also, unless your new job is going to pay you a ton, I wouldn't get your hopes up about a private garden and/or a dog...

Cheers. Checking out Markham to the job it looks like about 12km of a drive so not the worse. Cant imagine that taking more than 30-40 mins or is traffic that bad everywhere?

Pay would be pretty good its at the higher end grade of the role im going for. Combined with the gf when she gets a job we should hopefully be fairly comfortable with a rent of 1700-1900 per month which would from what i can see be a good 3-4 bed house / condo but cheers for the info.

[Rhyis.]

I know some people who live in Markham. Nice place.

[Kang]

Perfect thanks for that shows all the different road works going on. This is part of some summer or winter games is it?

It will be next summer.

Cheers. Checking out Markham to the job it looks like about 12km of a drive so not the worse. Cant imagine that taking more than 30-40 mins or is traffic that bad everywhere?

For that distance it shouldn't take you more than 30-40 min to arrive in rush hour but it may vary.

[Ros]

1) What would be some of the better places to live? (We would prefer to go for a 2/3 bed condo / house but will settle for an apartment if the location is better) - Hillcrest Village, Thornhill, Markham & Newtownbrock, The Beaches, Downtown Condos, Certain parts of Scarborough, Mississauga (Traffic is horrible from about 3PM to 6PM going East).

2) What is North York / York like as a whole to live in? They are moving alot of the government housing to North York. But like every area there is a shit hole.

3) What are the above areas and North York as a whole like for Public Transport? Toronto has one of the best bus/subway systems. TTC is amazing for North York / East York / Scarborough. Go-Trains go all over Toronto/Missassauga/Hamilton/Brampton etc

4) Is there much going on out that way? Shopping / Cinemas / Bars / Sports etc: Downtown is loaded with Bars/Clubs/Shopping. Yonge & Dundas has the Eaton Center, Yonge & Bloor has your high end stores (Louie Vuitton, Gucci, etc), Yorkdale Mall, Vaughn Mills Mall, Scarborough Town Center.

Places not to Live in Toronto:
Jane & Finch
Weston Rd
Scarlett and Dundas
Parts of Etobicoke (Most of it is ghetto)
Main and Gerrard
Malvern
Regent Park
jamestown
Jarvis & Sherbourne

[Kirbyprime]

If you ever take transit near Jane and Finch, never sit by the exit with your phone / game out. Actually, just don't take anything out period. Pretty sure you can buy 2 houses in that area with the money you'd use to buy a place anywhere else.

[Oreth]

Haha noted... I presume they are pretty rough areas... Cheers for all the info greatly appreciated.

Interview went well yesterday just need to play the waiting game for a week or so then i will know for definately! Ill hit this thread back up then as i continue to look into it.

[Ros]

What company were you moving down too if you don't mind me asking

[Howie Roary]

sounds like Daruvan has what you need regarding Markham, I know nothing of cities north of Toronto. GTA (Greater Toronto Area) includes Toronto itself, Etobicoke (west part of Toronto), North York (middle north), Scarborough (east end), and East York (between North York and Scarborough)

Markham, Stouffville, Richmond Hill, Maple, Brampton, Mississauga are all surrounding area and not strictly Toronto or even GTA (Mississauga more than stands on its own and imo wouldn't even remotely be considered Toronto)

if you take transit, keep in mind you'll be paying 2 fares switching between GTA and any of the 2nd list. If you live north of Toronto I'd recommend driving.

If you want info on any GTA neighbourhoods let me know, feel free to PM anytime. Pretty much all of East York is fine aside from Overlea and Don Mills area. East York ends and Scarborough begins at Victoria Park Ave. Scarborough has pockets of good neighborhoods but has a lot of government housing. North York is hit or miss so PM's are best.