What Prospective Homeowners Should Know Before Moving to Toronto


 

Toronto has often been named among the world's most liveable cities, and if you're moving there, you probably already know that. But there are quite a few other things you should know before moving to your new place purchased among the homes for sale in Toronto.

You Might Be Able to Ditch the Car 

If you're moving to the downtown core or anywhere within walking or biking distance of the Go Train station, you won't need a car, in fact, it will be more of a nuisance than a convenience due to congestion and the lack of parking. This is the perfect opportunity to lessen your impact on the environment and reduce your expenses at the same time. Public transport in the city includes streetcars, buses, and a subway, making it easy to get from point A to point B. Or, ride a bike as cycling is popular here too.

In the wintertime, you might not want to get around on a bike, but it is possible to walk comfortably as there is a network of corridors and shops beneath the city that make up its famous PATH system.

It's Safe, But Use Common Sense

Toronto is one of the world's safest cities, which means you can even walk around downtown after dark without worry, although you'll still need to use common sense. If you cycle, be sure to lock your bike up, and when driving, don't keep valuables in plain sight. There are some areas you probably shouldn't visit, especially at night, including Regent Park, St. James Town, and Flemingdon Park. 

Get to Know the City's Sports Teams

Those who live in Toronto tend to be passionate about their sports. If you have any interest, attending sporting events is a great way to mingle with the locals and get immersed in your new community. Do some research to learn a little about each of the city's teams. The pro hockey team is the Toronto Maple Leafs, while the Toronto Blue Jays is a major league baseball team, and the Toronto Raptors is the pro basketball team, competing in the NBA. There's a Canadian pro football team too, the Toronto Argonauts. You might want to visit the National Hockey League's Hockey Hall of Fame too, as it's right in Toronto.

St. Lawrence Market is the Place to Go for All Things Fresh

The largest and most famous market in Toronto, St. Lawrence Market was named the best in the world by National Geographic. Plan to do some of your shopping here early in the morning to beat the crowds and pick up the best of everything from fresh seafood, meat, and produce to baked goods and organic health foods.

Prepare For the Cold and Snow

While Toronto isn't nearly as cold as some of the more northerly cities, winters are definitely chilly and snow is common. The average winter snowfall downtown is 47.8 inches while the average daytime highs in January are below freezing at −1 °C (30 °F). You'll want to invest in a warm, waterproof pear of boots with traction for navigating icy sidewalks, along with a good winter coat like a goose down jacket or parka, gloves, scarves, and the like.

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