Moving to Toronto: What You Need to Know in 2025
Toronto isn’t just Canada’s largest city—it’s a city of stories, energy, and endless opportunities. If you’re thinking about making the move, whether from another part of Canada or halfway across the world, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of people choose Toronto as their new home, drawn by its diverse culture, thriving job market, top-tier schools, and a lifestyle that’s as fast-paced or laid-back as you want it to be.
But before you pack your bags and head for the CN Tower’s shadow, let’s break down what living in Toronto really looks like—what you’ll love, what might surprise you, and what you absolutely need to know.
Why Move to Toronto?
1. It’s a Global City
Toronto consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities. It’s the financial heart of Canada and a major hub for technology, education, healthcare, arts, and entertainment. Whether you’re chasing career growth, academic excellence, or an unbeatable food scene, Toronto’s got it.
2. Diversity is the Heartbeat
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities on the planet. Over 50% of Torontonians were born outside of Canada, which means you’ll hear dozens of languages on the subway, and every neighbourhood offers a chance to experience new cultures. This diversity isn’t just a statistic—it’s embedded in the city’s schools, workplaces, and communities.
3. It’s a City of Neighbourhoods
Toronto isn’t one city—it’s many. From the historic charm of The Annex to the trendy streets of Queen West, each neighbourhood has its own vibe, price point, and pace of life. Whether you want the high-rise hustle of downtown or the family-friendly streets of Leaside, there’s a pocket of the city that’s perfect for you.
What You Can Expect When Moving to Toronto
The Housing Landscape
Toronto’s housing market is competitive and dynamic. Prices can be steep—especially downtown—but options range from luxury condos with lake views to cozy walk-ups in quieter neighbourhoods.
Housing Type - Average Price (2025) - Typical Areas
Downtown Condos - $700K - $1.2M - Financial District, Liberty Village, Yorkville
Townhouses - $1M - $1.5M - Leslieville, The Junction, Roncesvalles
Detached Homes - $1.5M - $3M+ - Leaside, High Park, North Toronto
Rent (1-Bedroom Condo) - $2,300 - $2,800/mo - City Core, Distillery District, Waterfront
Rent (2-Bedroom Condo) - $2,900 - $3,600/mo - Harbourfront, Midtown, King West
Pro Tip:
If you’re upsizing from a condo, many Toronto couples look to the suburbs like Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, or Vaughan for more space, excellent schools, and quieter communities.
Getting Around
Toronto is one of the few cities in North America where you can comfortably live without a car.
TTC (Toronto Transit Commission): Subway, streetcars, and buses connect the entire city.
GO Transit: Commuter trains and buses make it easy to travel to neighbouring cities.
Cycling: Toronto’s bike lanes have expanded significantly.
Walkability: Many neighbourhoods are walkable, especially downtown, The Annex, and parts of East York.
Traffic is a real factor—rush hour congestion is intense. If you’re commuting by car, budget extra time.
The Weather: Be Ready for All Seasons
Toronto’s weather swings from one extreme to another:
Winter: Cold, snowy, but manageable (-5°C to -15°C)
Spring: Unpredictable but warming up
Summer: Hot, humid, and buzzing with festivals (20°C to 30°C)
Fall: Crisp, colourful, and arguably the city’s best season
Tip: Invest in a good winter coat and boots. Toronto winters aren’t the harshest in Canada, but they can sneak up on you.
Schools and Education
Toronto offers some of the best schools in Ontario—from top-ranked public schools to prestigious private academies.
Public School Boards:
Toronto District School Board (TDSB)
Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB)
Top Neighbourhoods for Schools:
Leaside
High Park
Lawrence Park
The Beaches
Bloor West Village
Universities & Colleges:
University of Toronto
Toronto Metropolitan University
York University
George Brown College
Humber College
Toronto is also home to French immersion programs, gifted streams, and alternative learning options.
Jobs and Career Growth
Toronto is Canada’s economic powerhouse. Whether you’re in finance, tech, healthcare, education, media, or the arts, Toronto has a thriving sector for you.
Industry - Notable Employers - Hot Neighbourhoods
Finance - RBC, TD, Scotiabank, CIBC - Financial District, Liberty Village
Technology - Shopify, Google, Amazon, Meta - King West, Queen West
Healthcare - UHN, Mount Sinai, SickKids - Queen’s Park, University Ave.
Education - University of Toronto, Ryerson - Downtown Core
Media & Creative Arts - CBC, Bell Media, Rogers - Distillery District, Queen West
Toronto's start-up ecosystem is also booming, with vibrant co-working spaces and funding opportunities.
Cost of Living: Brace Yourself
Toronto isn’t cheap. It’s one of the most expensive cities in Canada, but people choose to live here because of the opportunities and lifestyle.
Expense Type - Average Monthly Cost
Rent (1-bed condo) - $2,500
Utilities - $150 - $250
Internet - $75 - $100
Transit Pass - $156
Groceries (single) - $300 - $500
Dining Out - $15 - $40 per meal
Smart Tip: If you’re budget-conscious, consider neighbourhoods like Scarborough, East York, or parts of Etobicoke for more affordable housing while staying well-connected.
The Culture: Something for Everyone
Toronto is vibrant, busy, and proudly diverse. There’s always something happening.
Festivals:
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Caribana
Taste of the Danforth
Pride Toronto
Winterlicious/Summerlicious
Food Scene:
You can travel the world without leaving the city. From Vietnamese pho in Ossington to Ethiopian stews in Bloorcourt, the options are endless. Michelin-starred restaurants, hole-in-the-wall gems, and food trucks all compete for your attention.
Sports:
Toronto Raptors (NBA)
Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)
Toronto Blue Jays (MLB)
Toronto FC (MLS)
Arts & Entertainment:
Theatre lovers will thrive with shows at Mirvish, the Princess of Wales Theatre, and the Four Seasons Centre. Art enthusiasts can explore the AGO, ROM, and the city’s dozens of galleries.
The Best Toronto Neighbourhoods to Consider
Neighbourhood - Highlights - Vibe
The Beaches - Family-friendly, near the waterfront - Laid-back
Leslieville - Hip cafés, family homes, close to downtown - Trendy, artistic
High Park - Huge park, great schools, older homes - Green, community-driven
The Annex - Near universities, eclectic, walkable - Lively, youthful
Roncesvalles - European vibe, bakeries, boutique shops - Cozy, charming
Leaside - Upscale homes, top schools - Quiet, prestigious
King West - Condos, nightlife, tech hubs - Fast-paced, modern
Yonge & Eglinton - Transit hub, condos, family options - Balanced, accessible
Moving Tips for Toronto
Secure Housing Early: The best rentals and homes move fast.
Understand the Rental Process: Landlords often ask for credit reports, employment letters, and first/last month’s rent.
Explore Before You Commit: Spend time in the neighbourhoods you’re considering. Walk the streets, try local coffee shops, and get a feel for the vibe.
Work with a Local Realtor: The Toronto market is nuanced. A local expert can help you navigate it efficiently and competitively.
Prepare for Parking Costs: Street parking and private parking come at a premium, especially downtown.
Embrace Transit: Invest in a PRESTO card and get familiar with the subway, streetcar, and bus routes.
Hidden Gems and Local Favourites
Kensington Market: Indie shops, vintage stores, street art, and international eats.
St. Lawrence Market: One of the best food markets in the world.
Allan Gardens Conservatory: A free, year-round tropical oasis.
The Islands: A quick ferry ride to beaches, trails, and city skyline views.
Tommy Thompson Park: A peaceful escape for walking and cycling on the lakeshore.
Final Thoughts: Is Toronto Right for You?
Toronto offers big-city excitement with the charm of tight-knit communities. Yes, the cost of living is high, and traffic can be frustrating—but the opportunities, diversity, and culture more than make up for it.
Whether you’re a young professional, growing family, or new immigrant, Toronto has a place for you.
If you’re thinking about moving to Toronto and want personalized advice, I’d love to help you find the right home and neighbourhood for your goals.
