5 things to know before moving to Toronto

As Canada’s largest and arguably most well-known city, Toronto is a popular moving destination for people from all over Canada and around the world.  

Moving to Toronto can be overwhelming, as is such a large and expansive location. It doesn’t have to be though. Toronto is home to world-class theatre, music, sports, shopping, and an international business centre. There truly is something for almost anyone who is considering a move to Toronto.    

To help those who are moving to Toronto, MoveBuddy is happy to offer this guide of helpful things to know before relocating to Toronto.  

Do you want to be in the 416 or the 905?

When you first start to think of moving to Toronto you might be confused by a couple of numbers that people keep asking you about. Namely, are you a 416er or a 905er.

If you aren’t from the city, you might not instantly understand that those numbers are telephone area codes that represent the city of Toronto-proper (the 416) and the suburban region that surrounds it (the 905). Together, the two areas are known as the Greater Toronto Area, or GTA. They share many common services, but if you are moving to the 905 you will also receive services from the suburban city you are located in. Those are:  

• East of Toronto -- Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa
• West of Toronto – Mississauga, Oakville and Burlington
• North of Toronto – Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Aurora and Newmarket Northwest of Toronto – Brampton and Milton

What about The 6?

What is it with Toronto and numbers?! You may have also heard Toronto called The 6, which along with T.O. has become one of two unofficial nicknames for the city. What does it mean though? The 6 refers to the original six municipalities that were merged in the late ‘90s to form the current City of Toronto (i.e. the 416).  

Each of those has its own character and long-time residents of Toronto will often also hold affection and pride for the part of the city they are from.  

So, if you are moving to Toronto you should consider what part of the city best suits you.  

The 6 are:  

• Etobicoke – the western most part of the city, Etobicoke (which is pronounced E-toe-be-co) has more of a suburban feel with detached homes and big yards in many parts.  
• York – A changing neighbourhood, York was once home to significant railway and industrial uses. Today, you’ll find a vibrant mix of young families and long-standing residents alike.  ‍
• Old Toronto – The downtown core and popular among those looking to enjoy all that a big city has to offer.  ‍
• East York – a cozy, family-focused part of town that also includes the midtown shopping and entertainment district.  ‍
• North York – containing some of Toronto’s wealthiest neighborhoods, North York offers easy access to the bustle of downtown, while retaining much of the suburban quiet that many people desire.  ‍
• Scarborough – Finally, Scarborough, located to the east, is the largest area of the city. It is a diverse community that maintains a strong identity of its own, separate from the other five areas. Although, it is slightly more suburban than the more central areas, it’s hard to define Scarborough in a singular way.  

Toronto loves its sports…and fun!

One thing you’ll notice about Toronto is that it is a town that gets behind its sports teams – and it has a lot of sports teams! In the summer, you’ll see many Torontonians wearing Toronto Blue Jays caps, as the team is widely popular in both Toronto and across Canada.  

Another team with national appeal is the Toronto Raptors, who are known for their rabid fans and are especially popular among young people in Toronto.  

Of course, if you are moving to Toronto from elsewhere in Canada, you’ll be aware of the city’s love of the Toronto Maple Leafs. You might also be bringing with you an allegiance to another NHL team! That’s OK, since people move to Toronto from all over Canada, you’ll be sure to find fans of your hometown team in the city too.  

You’ll also find professional soccer and CFL in the city and if sports aren’t your jam, the city has tonnes of music venues, art, museums, theatre, and other activities to enjoy.    

Getting around  

As with any big city, it can be a challenge to navigate around Toronto. There are lots of people and lots of places that they are trying to go.  

Luckily, there are also plenty of options for moving in the city.

Toronto has two airports with Pearson International Airport being the biggest and one of the busiest in North America. It has direct connections to all major North American cities as well as a significant amount of cities in Europe, South America, Asia and Australia. Billy Bishop Airport – commonly called “The Island Airport” is located downtown and is a great option for business travel, with daily connections to major cities in Canada and the northern USA.  

Direct Passenger rail service is available to Montreal and Ottawa, with connections to locations beyond. You can catch the train at the historic Union Station, which also serves as the hub of the regional train service, Go Transit. “The Go” serves all of the communities in the 905 through both the train and its extended bus options.  

Locally, the Toronto Transit Commission operates an extensive network of subways, streetcars, and buses in all parts of the city. There is also a city-run bike share network, and an increasing commitment to building cycling infrastructure.  

All of this is, of course, on top of the Ontario freeway network. Eleven major highways serve the GTA and those looking to move to Toronto.  

• The 401 – runs east-west across the top of Toronto
• The 407 – toll road running east-west through the 905
• The Don Valley Parkway (DVP) – running north-south, connecting the 401 to the Gardiner Expressway
• The Gardiner Expressway – Runs east-west across the south of the city
• The Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) – runs east-west across the south of the 905 to Hamilton
• The 427 – Runs north-south between the Gardiner Expressway and the 407
• The 409 – Serves Lester B. Pearson International Airport from the 401 and 427
• The 400 – Runs north-south on the west side of the city from the 401 through the 905
• The 404 – Runs north-south on the east side of the city from the 401 through the 905
• The 412 – Runs north-south from the 401 to the 407 in Ajax
• The 418 – Runs north-south from the 401 to the 407 in Oshawa    

A multicultural city

It’s been said that you can take a trip around the world for the cost of a Toronto subway ride. The city is among the most multicultural in the world. With food a festivals representing nearly every country in the world, Toronto is a place where everyone can find a little piece of home.  

A few of the larger ex-pat communities include:

• Italy – Toronto has two Italian neighborhoods. West Downtown’s Little Italy on College St. and Corso Italia in York’s St. Clair West Avenue.  
• China – One of the largest Chinatowns in North America can be found in the Kensington Market area of the downtown, with Little Chinatown located in East York  
• Korea – The area just east of Christie Pits Park is where to find the latest in Korean fashion and culture ‍
• Poland – The hip Roncesvalles – locals just call it “The Roncy” – neighborhood is where you’ll find the best Polish cuisine in the city ‍
• Portugal – Little Portugal is the place to be during big soccer tournaments, with the cafes and bars packed. Go to Dundas West   ‍
• Ukraine – You will find Ukrainian pride throughout the Bloor West Village part of town ‍
• Greek – Featuring some of the best nightlife and restaurants in town, Greektown is located on Danforth Avenue, or The Danny, to the locals.  

There is much more than the above to learn about Toronto, but hopefully, this guide is a good start in preparing you for moving to Toronto.  

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