Toronto is instantly recognized as one Canada’s most vibrant and diverse cities. This provincial capital, located in Southern Ontario, is also the largest city in the country with over three million people, and a total of over six million located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). But is Toronto a good place to live?
With its unique patchwork of neighbourhoods, combined with a thriving economy and opportunities for Canadians and newcomers from around the world, Toronto is one of the greatest places to live in country.
Ready to move? Livabl has your complete guide to moving to Toronto.
Notable Toronto neighbourhoods
Toronto’s signature landmark, the CN Tower, looms large over its core. But there’s far more to the city than this singular icon in the entertainment district. With 140 historical neighbourhoods, Toronto has something to offer everyone: food, art, theatre, live music, parks, and so much more.
The Annex
Next to University of Toronto’s St. George Campus, The Annex is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, drawing students to its casual eateries, indie bookshops, and bard and cafes on Bloor Street West. It is also home to the iconic Lee’s Palace rock concert venue, the quirky Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, Royal Ontario Museum, and The Royal Conservatory.
The Beaches
On the east side of Toronto, The Beaches draws both locals and visitors to enjoy a day on the shores of Lake Ontario. The Beaches has a small-town vibe, with year-round activities such as birdwatching at Glen Stewart Ravine or visiting Kew and Woodbine Beaches for the annual Winter Stations — an outdoor art exhibit that runs for six weeks in February and March. The Beaches also hosts an international jazz festival each year in July.
The Junction
The Junction, one of Toronto’s liveliest neighbourhoods, is named for its geography: the intersection of where four railway lines in the area meet, and its adjoining area, the Junction Triangle (extending from Lansdowne to its main strip of Sterling Road).
After a long battle to absolve prohibition in 1997, the neighbourhood boomed and has since become a sought-after place to live and visit. Be sure to check out the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Angell Gallery — both are must-see stops for art lovers.
Ossington
Found in Toronto’s westside, Ossington’s popularity has skyrocketed, thanks to its wide variety of restaurants, live musical events and an eclectic nightlife scene. One of Ossington’s biggest events is OssFest, a summer festival that takes over the entire strip with street dancing, market stalls, live music, and more.
Kensington Market
One of Toronto’s most unique and recognizable neighbourhoods is Kensington Market, an open-air marketplace filled with food options from around the world, clothing, furniture, cafes, and so much more, all within walking distance.
Throughout the summer, Kensington Market hosts Pedestrian Sundays, closing the neighbourhood to vehicular traffic and allowing visitors to safely ramble throughout the streets.
Top employers in Toronto
As the largest city in Canada, many major companies are based in Toronto. Careers in Toronto are available in finance, technology, education, within the public sector and more. Some of the largest employers in Toronto include the University of Toronto, Unity Health Toronto, Accenture Inc., ADP Canada Co., Manulife Canada, and AMD Canada.
Education opportunities in Toronto
International students and Canadians alike flock to Toronto for its wide variety of universities.
The prestigious University of Toronto is the top-ranked post-secondary school in Canada, second in North America, and 25th in the world, according to QS world university rankings. York University, on the north side of the city, is home to the renowned Osgoode Law School. Toronto Metropolitan University is known for its communication and media studies programs.
Other schools in the city include the Ontario College of Art and Design, Seneca College, George Brown College, Centennial College, and Humber College.
Museums in Toronto
Residents of Toronto have access to some of the most interesting museums in the world. What makes Toronto’s museum scene special is its diversity, covering everything from prestigious art collections to interests such as hockey, textiles, and ceramics.
Many of these museums also offer interactive experiences, educational programs, and unique architectural settings, enhancing the visitor experience. Additionally, some museums like the Toronto History Museums now offer free general admission, making cultural experiences more accessible to everyone.
Here are some of the notable museums in the city for new residents of Toronto to explore:
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
One of the largest museums in North America, featuring extensive collections in natural history, world cultures, and art.
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
A major art museum with a vast collection of Canadian and international art.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Hockey is Canada’s most popular sport, and this museum pays tribute to the game. Dedicated to the history of ice hockey, featuring the largest collection of hockey memorabilia in the world.
Aga Khan Museum
Showcases Islamic arts and culture, housed in a striking architectural building.
Gardiner Museum
Specializes in ceramic arts, offering a unique collection of pottery and porcelain from various cultures and time periods.
Textile Museum of Canada
Dedicated to exploring global textile traditions and contemporary fiber arts.
Spadina Museum
Known as “Toronto’s Downton Abbey,” it represents Toronto life from 1900-1930 through the lens of the affluent Austin family.
Bata Shoe Museum
A specialized museum dedicated to the history of footwear.
Little Canada
Offers miniature representations of Canadian cities and landmarks.
Fort York National Historic Site
An important historical site showcasing Toronto’s military history.
Toronto’s best parks
Toronto is filled with a multitude of parks scattered throughout the city. Whether residents are looking for a place to picnic, run, or walk their dog, there are options for everyone. Here are a few of Toronto’s best parks.
Coronation Park
Located on Lake Shore Blvd on the shore of Lake Ontario, this wide, expansive space features mature trees, jogging paths, and an off-leash dog park.
Trinity-Bellwoods Park
A 14.6 hectare park on Queen Street West at Strachan Avenue once the home of University of Trinity College. The park features three ball diamonds, eight tennis courts, two volleyball courts, an artificial ice rink, a dog off-leash area, a picnic area, a wading pool, and a children’s playground.
High Park
One of Toronto’s largest and most popular parks, High Park fills to the brim in the spring with visitors who come to view its blooming cherry blossom trees. There are plenty of walking trails, fishing spots at Grenadier Pond, and the park’s own zoo, with peacocks, capybaras, sheep, yak, and reindeer.
Kew Park
Shrouded with plenty of trees on the shores of Lake Ontario, Kew Park can be found in The Beaches neighbourhood. Residents spend the summers enjoying the beach, seasonal flowers, and green space. In the winter, skaters can enjoy the artificial ice rink and warm up by the fire pit.
Finding a new home in Toronto
Ready to find that perfect new home in Toronto? Here are some communities to consider.
Alias
Location: 114 Church St., Toronto, ON
Starting price: $1,489,900
Home type: Condo
Alias is a new condo community by Madison Group currently under construction. The community is scheduled for completion in 2026. Available units range in price from $1,489,900 to over $2,348,900. Alias has a total of 546 units. Sizes range from 995 to 1,400 square feet.
The Riv
Location: 93 River St., Toronto, ON
Starting price: $503,490
Home type: Condo
The Riv is a new condo community by Broccolini currently in preconstruction. The community is scheduled for completion in 2027. Available units range in price from $503,490 to over $1,439,240. The Riv has a total of 388 units. Sizes range from 328 to 1,200 square feet.
Aqualuna
Location: 155 Merchants’ Wharf, Toronto, ON
Starting price: $2,345,000
Home type: Condo
Aqualuna is a new condo community by Tridel and Hines currently in preconstruction. The community is scheduled for completion in 2025. Available units range in price from $2,345,000 to over $8,900,000. Aqualuna has a total of 240 units. Sizes range from 1600 to 4622 square feet.
The Saint
Location: 89 Church St., Toronto, ON
Starting price: $1,159,900
Home types: Condos and townhomes
The Saint is a new condo and townhouse community by Minto Group currently under construction. The community is scheduled for completion in 2024. Available units range in price from $1,159,900 to $1,230,900. The Saint has a total of 418 units. Sizes range from 801 to 1,014 square feet.
351 Queen Street East Condos
Location: 351 Queen St. East, Toronto, ON
Starting price: Coming soon
Home type: Condos
351 Queen Street East Condos is a new condo community by ONE Properties currently in preconstruction. The community is scheduled for completion in 2026. 351 Queen Street East Condos has a total of 437 units. The homes will sit atop the 38,800 square-foot retail podium and a 28,100 square-foot grocer on the second floor.
