Toronto Neighbourhoods

We are hoping to move somewhat soon! The biggest problem we are facing is where, in the city or move out of the city. Trying to figure out what is affordable, and in what areas are we going to get the most for our money, without compromising other amenities or safety. 

We have been doing quite a bit of research and learning more about this great city then we ever knew before. We are spending weekends visiting neighbourhoods, walking around them, having lunch in a local restaurant. Yet, after all this we still can't make up our minds. However, we have narrowed it down to a few neighbourhoods that we like, unfortunately for vastly different reasons, which is part of the problem. 

We have been looking at magazines like these and online. Toronto Life magazine has come out with a ranking of all the neighbourhood in Toronto, that you can view here. This is a little bit helpful, but I think some of them need to be taken with a grain of salt, as there are areas that I have known for a long time and like that are ranked low. 

Top Neightbourhoods

1. West Rouge / Port Union - Ranked 21st
   
2. The Beaches / Leslieville - Ranked 8th
   
3. Cedarvale / Corso Italia - Ranked 20th
4. The Danforth / East York - Ranked 79th
5. Cliffside / Cliffcrest - Ranks 38th

These are our favourite neighbourhoods that we would like to live, with the biggest divide between out of the city or stay in the city. Of course we also fell in love with areas in the west end of the city, the neighbourhoods that we liked the housing market was way out of our price range (can I say again WAY out). This is one very expensive city!

Where?: Out and East of the city, right down by Lake Ontario

Why Here?: More Affordable Housing

Pros: 

1. Bigger houses and yards 
2. Takes off an hour drive to Ottawa, where both our parents live
   
3. Feels safer
4. Lots of green space and parks
5. Near the lake

Cons: 

1. No main street for walking to coffee / restaurants
   
2. Need a car
3. Much longer commute to work

Where?: East city, near Lake Ontario

Why Here?: Great Sense of Community

Pros: 

1. Amazing waterfront park and beach
2. Great main street with coffee / restaurants and lots of shops

Cons: 

1. Not on the subway line, shorter distance commute but have to take the streetcar
2. Need a car most likely
3. Affordable housing in The Beaches is almost non existant, and there are a very few in Leslieville

Where?: West / Central City

Why Here?: Affordable City Housing

Pros: 

1. Close to the subway line and streetcar
2. Main street with coffee / restaurants and lots of shops
3. Parks nearby

Cons: 

1. Houses are affordable, but older and small
2. Many don't really have yards, as the parking/garage is in the back

Where?: East City

Why Here?: Great Main Street

Pros: 

1. Great, lively main street
2. On the subway line, so short and easy commute
3. Lots of festivals and community involvement

Cons: 

1. Houses are affordable, but older and small, on small lots
   
2. Think about safety a little bit more, can be some rougher areas nearby 

Where?: East City Along Lake Ontario

Why Here?: Pretty Green Space

Pros: 

1. Great Parks
2. More houses to choose from

Cons: 

1. Main street not very nice and inviting
2. Still a long commute
3. Need a car

So, we have a very big decision to make and soon! The hardest one is do we stay in the city or head out of it. If you have any ideas or input for us we would love to hear them. And wish us luck!