Moving to Toronto

Toronto is located on the shore of Lake Ontario and is the largest city in Canada.

The capital of Ontario is a very international, cosmopolitan city where more than 150 languages are spoken daily and 50 percent of its residents are born abroad.

The city population estimates 2.6 million residents and the metro area – the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) – has about six million.

Toronto is a diverse city with a strong economy. It offers great career opportunities and for a big city, it is considered a safe and green city.

You may also like to read: How to Decide Where to Move. In this guide, we suggest 9 things to take into consideration when choosing where to move next.

Toronto Economy and Job Opportunities

If you are moving to Toronto to seek career advancement, you have plenty of opportunities.

The finance sector is one of the most developed in Toronto.

Home to the Toronto Stock Exchange, the Royal Bank of Canada, and many financial and brokerage companies, Toronto is a worldwide banking and investment center.

Along with its reputation as a leading financial district, Toronto is a well-known destination for those in the IT and communications sector.

Alliance Technologies, Bell Canada, Celestica, IBM Canada, and Xerox Canada are all located here.

The city is also a major entertainment and media hub, with the advertisement and film industries playing a significant role.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) is located here. Many Hollywood movies are produced by companies with offices in Toronto.

You may also like to read: The Ultimate Guide to Relocating for a Job. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving to find a better job.

Toronto Neighborhoods and Housing

Toronto has diverse neighborhoods and each has its unique character.

Starting with Old Town which is a historical area consisting of nine neighborhoods, through the King West Village which once was an industrial zone, and the ethnic ones – Chinatown, Koreatown, Little Italy and Little India, Greektown, to the more upscale neighborhoods –  Bloor-Yorkville and Harbourfront, and the tranquil and relaxed – the Beach, Toronto Islands and High Park.

A two-bedroom rental in the city costs on average $3000.

Many people moving to Toronto decide to settle down in some of the suburbs in the metro area and take advantage of the less-expensive housing. If you want to own your own property, consider renting for a few months so that you can fully get to know the neighborhoods and discover the best location for you.

You may also like to read: What’s the Average Cost of Moving in Canada? In this guide, we look at the average costs associated with local and long-distance moves within Canada.

Transportation

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates a large system of buses, subway lines, and streetcars.

GO Transit is another transit system operating in Toronto that utilizes buses and trains to transport residents.

Go Transit provides service to and from the smaller towns and cities located near Toronto, linking them to the city center.

You may also like to read: Moving to a New Province in Canada. In this guide, we suggest things to consider when moving to a new province in Canada.

Leisure and Recreation

Toronto is famous for its theater and performing arts. More than 50 ballet and dance companies are based in Toronto.

Massey Hall, Princess of Wales Theatre, and Roy Thompson Hall are worldwide renowned venues.

The Toronto International Film Festival, featuring Hollywood and Canadian cinema, is recognized beyond Canada, and deemed to be the most important film festival after Cannes.

The Harbourfront Centre and Nathan Phillips Square are alluring with their amusement and cultural events.

Toronto has a lot of amazing green spaces. The municipal government maintains more than 300 parks, making Toronto a green city.

High Park is Toronto’s largest park. It spans over 399 acres and is a perfect getaway for children and adults.

It features sporting facilities, cultural facilities, gardens, playgrounds, and a zoo.

You may also like to read: Moving Across Canada. In this section of our home moving blog we have dedicated an entire library of guides to moving within Canada.

Toronto Movers

Once your move to Toronto is official, you need the best Toronto movers to help you with the relocation.

The Office of Consumer Affairs advises to pay attention to the following aspects:

• The moving company should provide you with a pamphlet that outlines your and the mover’s rights and responsibilities, the mover’s liability for loss or damage, limitations on liability, and extra costs associated with each level of liability.
• A professional Toronto moving company should provide a written estimate of costs that describe the shipment and the cost of all services provided to you. And, more importantly, the Toronto moving companies you contact should provide you with a written estimate after a home survey.
• Furthermore, movers should abide by the terms of the estimate and furnish a bill of lading for the move.

How much does it cost to hire Toronto movers?

Your relocation costs will be based on the amount of stuff you are moving and the distance between your old and new home.

Mind that additional services such as packing, storage, long carry, and special handling can increase the moving bill.

When asking for a moving estimate it is essential that you include any additional services you may require so that the quote is as accurate as possible.

As each home move is unique it is best to contact several movers so that you can compare prices and services.

Before deciding upon which mover to hire it is essential that you do your due diligence and ensure that they are a reputable and trustworthy company with the skills and equipment that your particular move demands.

You may also like to read: How to Find the Best Movers in Canada. In this guide, we take you step-by-step through the process of finding the best movers for your home move.

If you are moving locally then check our Toronto movers or just fill in the moving cost calculator to get free, no-obligation quotes for your move.

If you are relocating to Toronto from another province or from abroad, check out our selection of Canadian moving companies.

You will find lots of additional useful information about Toronto on the official website of Toronto.

And be sure to visit our home moving blog which is packed with useful information to make every aspect of your home move easier, cheaper, and safer.

Good luck with your move to Toronto.