Moving to Toronto? Here’s Some Tips You Should Know

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Nowadays, more people are moving from remote areas and small towns to big cities like Toronto. There are numerous reasons behind this, but the main ones include the availability of better infrastructure and social amenities in such cities. 

Here are some things you should know before moving to Toronto

1. Accessibility to Schools, Hospitals, and other Social Amenities

Consider your infrastructure needs before you move to Toronto. In case you have children, move to an area with highly ranked schools. Of course, such places tend to be a little bit more expensive, but it is worth investing in education. If you have a family member who needs some medical care, choose a neighborhood that has a good health facility to minimize transportation cost in case of an emergency.

Areas with excellent amenities, exciting nightlife, reputable shopping centers, and clean streets have high-value properties. You will pay more if you select a house located in top neighborhoods such as Yorkville, North York, Bedford Park, and Forest Hill because they have most if not all basic social amenities.

Most individuals prefer renting a unit in a condo since they tend to be relatively cheaper as compared to high-value properties in the suburbs. You can see this particular location if you want to select a condo that is located close to your workplace or close to some social amenities. Most condos in Toronto features a swimming pool, playground, parking, car wash, a business office, an on-site laundry, gym, and other facilities

2. There are Many Green Spaces

The city has about 1600 parks located in various suburbs. The Rouge National park is also located right in the city and it is perfect for camping and other outdoor activities. Those who like biking can take advantage of 200km of trails that crisscross the city.

3. You Don’t Need to Learn French

French is the official language and it is taught in most learning institutions in Canada. However, you don’t need to learn French to communicate with people in the city since many individuals also speak English or other languages. But if you live in Toronto for some time, you will find yourself learning a few words in French and eventually speaking the language.

4. Live in a Neighborhood with a Subway if you Don’t Have a Car

Most individuals who live far away from a subway find it difficult to move around the city. Having a subway station close to your house reduces your travel time, especially if your workplace is far away. It also reduces the cost of travel thus maximizing your savings.

5. Toronto is Huge

The city has over 3 million people with uncountable suburbs and social amenities. People from smaller towns or rural areas find it difficult to navigate through the heavy traffic and the complex network of roads. It is recommended that you make use of the GPS if you are driving in the city for the first time to avoid getting lost. 

Furthermore, you might find some road signs in French so it is wise if you get the translation before driving so that you don’t commit a traffic offense.

6. Process your Travel Documents

Carry all necessary travel documents for you and everyone who is traveling with you. If you are a foreigner, don’t forget your visa and passport since it can lead to travel delays. 

Students need their certificates, transcripts and other academic papers to avoid delays in admission. Those who have vehicles need a valid driving license from a recognized body to avoid unnecessary fines.

Don’t forget your health documents since you will need them at some point. Carry documents showing your medical conditions if you have any, major surgeries, frequent medications, immunization records, and other relevant medical records. If you don’t have health insurance, it is advisable to get one when you arrive in Toronto.

Visitors should note that some animals, plants, and foodstuffs are restricted in the city. Contact the immigration or visit any relevant site to check if your foodstuff, pet, or other items that you need are allowed in the city before moving. 

These items are inspected at the airport, border crossing or checkpoints. Therefore, you should arrive early at the airport or checkpoint since you might have some delays, especially if you have a rare animal or plant species.

7. Toronto is Diverse

This city has people from various ethnic backgrounds, different races, and culture. Just like other major cities on the planet, Toronto is also linguistically diverse. In fact, about 200 different languages are spoken in the city.

The diverse culture is manifested by the presence of numerous cultural festivals in the event calendar. You will also find many galleries and museums displaying works of art from various communities. The most famous ones include Art Gallery of Ontario, Aga Khan Museum and Royal Ontario Museum.

8. Extreme Weather Conditions

Prepare for extreme weather conditions which you might experience during your stay. During the winter season, outdoor temperatures can drop below freezing point and expect strong winds, more rainfall, sleet and snow everywhere. The freezing temperatures start from mid-October to early May.

If you like winter sports, this is your season. You will find many people ice skating, snowboarding and playing other non-competitive or competitive winter sports. Prepare for winter in advance by getting waterproof snow boots, gloves, down jackets, toques, and other items to keep you warm.

Summer comes with more sunshine and high temperatures – up to 40 degrees centigrade. During this season, expect your clothes to soak with sweat since the humidity is usually high. Fortunately, there are several beaches where you can relax or engage in various recreational activities.

9. Know How to Pronounce the Name of the City and your Suburb

The first thing you should learn when you arrive in a new city is to pronounce the name of the city and your neighborhood correctly. Most foreigners call the city “Tor-on-Toe” but the natives will tell you that it is either “Tronno”, or “Turrono.” 

The correct spelling and pronunciation of your neighborhood will enable a taxi driver to take you to the right destination and people won’t know that you are not from the city.

Moving to Toronto can be frustrating if you don’t have a clue about where and how to live in the city. There are various things you should consider before moving to the city so that you can live in a good neighborhood and minimize expenses. 

This article has covered some of the things you should know before moving to Toronto, including choosing where to live, the main language, the size of the city and social amenities.

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