Living in Toronto: The Essential Guide to Life in the 6ix
Thanks to Toronto's strong job market, its subway and streetcars, its incredible mix of cultures and a top-notch school system, living in Toronto is seen as one of the best choices you can make in Ontario. On top of all that, the epic skyline, Lake Ontario on your doorstep, the vibrant neighbourhoods and the friendly vibe mean residents really are living their best life.
Are you thinking about moving to Toronto? Or maybe you've just bought a home here and want to get to know your new city. We've got you covered. Here's our guide to living in Toronto, so you can make the most of every season here.
What Is Life Like in Toronto?
Toronto is a big city made of lots of smaller, close-knit communities. It has food from every corner of the world, festivals all year, great shopping, and so much more. Every neighbourhood has its own personality.
Honestly, there's no bad place to live in this city. The real question is what kind of day you want. A morning coffee on a busy downtown street? A quiet crescent where the kids ride bikes? A condo by the lake? Whatever you pick, you'll be close to transit, good schools, parks, great restaurants, city events, the lake and those summer beach days.
The 6ix: Toronto's Six Areas
Toronto is called the 6ix because today's city was made from six places that joined together in 1998: Old Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, East York and York. Locals still use those names every day, and each one feels quite different. Here's a quick tour.
Downtown and Old Toronto
This is the Toronto you see on postcards. Glass condo towers around the CN Tower and the waterfront, and then, a few streets over, leafy blocks of Victorian houses in places like Cabbagetown, the Annex, Leslieville and Roncesvalles. You can walk to work, grab dinner in Little Italy, catch a Jays game and be home without touching a car. If you love being where everything happens, this is your spot. The Beaches, out east, gives you the boardwalk and a small-town feel without leaving the city.
North York
North York is where a lot of families end up, and it's easy to see why. Along Yonge Street you'll find a second downtown with condos, offices and some of the best Korean and Persian food in the city. Step off Yonge and it's quiet streets, big lots and great schools in neighbourhoods like Willowdale, Bayview Village, York Mills and Don Mills. You get city convenience with a bit more breathing room.
Scarborough
If you ask a Torontonian where the best food in the city is, a lot of them will say Scarborough. Hakka, Sri Lankan, Guyanese, dim sum, you name it, usually in a plaza you'd drive right past. Scarborough also has the Scarborough Bluffs, Rouge National Urban Park and some of the city's best value on detached homes with real backyards, in areas like Guildwood, Cliffside, Agincourt and Highland Creek.
Etobicoke
Etobicoke, on the west side, is a mix of lakefront condos at Humber Bay Shores, charming main streets in Mimico, Long Branch and Islington Village, and big family homes in the Kingsway. It's close to Pearson Airport, Sherway Gardens and the highways, which makes it popular with people who commute west to Mississauga or Oakville.
East York
East York is small, friendly and full of families. Think tidy brick bungalows and semis, tree-lined streets, and neighbours who say hello. Leaside, with its shops on Bayview and Laird, is a favourite with parents, and the Danforth's Greek restaurants and patios are minutes away.
York
York, in the west-central part of the city, is one of Toronto's most down-to-earth areas, with neighbourhoods like Weston, Mount Dennis and Oakwood-Vaughan. Homes here are often more affordable than in the areas around it, and it's changing fast now that the new Line 5 Eglinton starts at Mount Dennis.
Want to see what's for sale right now? Browse all Toronto homes, or jump straight to detached, semi-detached, townhouses or condos. And if you're still deciding between Toronto and the cities around it, our guide to the best neighbourhoods in and around Toronto is a good next read.
Fun and Interesting Facts About Toronto
- St. Lawrence Market was once named the best food market in the world by National Geographic.
- Toronto has more than 8,000 restaurants. If you ate at a different one every night, it would take you about 22 years to try them all, and by then plenty of new ones would have opened.
- The CN Tower stands 553 metres tall and was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
- Yonge Street is named after Sir George Yonge, a British Secretary at War.
- The Raptors and the Maple Leafs share Scotiabank Arena, so the crew switches the floor from basketball court to ice rink (and back) all season. Here's a video of the conversion; it's pretty cool.
- For all its towers, Toronto is green: there are more than 1,500 parks and over 10 million trees in the city.
- The Toronto Zoo is Canada's largest, with thousands of animals from hundreds of species.
- Casa Loma, a real castle built in the early 1900s, sits right in the middle of the city.
- The Rogers Centre, first opened as the SkyDome in 1989, was the world's first stadium with a fully retractable roof.
Want to know more? Let's dig into what everyday life in Toronto looks like.
Toronto Restaurants
One of the best things about living in Toronto is the food. Indian, Thai, Italian, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, French... there's no end to what you'll discover. And there's something for every budget. To help you get started, here are some favourites with locals.
Canoe, on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower, serves Canadian cuisine with tasting menus paired with fine wines and a view you won't forget. It's a pricier night out, and perfect for date night. 66 Wellington St W, 54th floor.
Le Baratin serves rustic, cozy French bistro food made with local ingredients, at a friendlier price. Great for date night, dinner with friends or celebrating someone special. 1600 Dundas St W.
Richmond Station, co-owned by Top Chef Canada winner Carl Heinrich, serves seasonal Canadian food, with vegan options and a kids' menu. 1 Richmond St W.
Fat Pasha serves Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired food in a lively room in the Annex. 414 Dupont St.
Bar Isabel has memorable Spanish-inspired plates and craft drinks in a warm, inviting space. 797 College St.
Matha Roti is a tiny spot serving homestyle Indian curries and roti, made from scratch, at a great price. Fair warning: even medium is spicy. 141 Harbord St.
Koh Lipe serves Southern Thai food that has earned a spot in the Michelin Guide. Try the noodles, sticky rice and crispy pork, and look out for the lunch special. You'll find it downtown at 35 Baldwin St and in Scarborough at 4675 Steeles Ave E, and it's also worth the short drive to its Markham location.
Rasta Pasta is a one-of-a-kind Jamaican-Italian mash-up: jerk chicken, oxtail and gnocchi. Spend a sunny afternoon people-watching from the patio in Kensington Market. 61 Kensington Ave.
Alo is one of the city's most celebrated restaurants, with a French tasting menu and great cocktails. Grab a seat at the kitchen counter to watch the chefs work their magic. 163 Spadina Ave, 3rd floor.
Where to Shop in Toronto
Toronto has big shopping malls like the CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Yorkdale. If you'd rather browse boutiques and indie shops, these neighbourhoods are worth a wander.
The Distillery Historic District is packed with boutiques, galleries, cafés and restaurants, and it's pedestrian-only. With its 19th-century brick buildings and cobblestone streets, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time, or into a little town in Europe. 55 Mill St.
St. Lawrence Market is the heart of Toronto's food scene. Come for fresh food, specialty shops and events like the winter market, and don't miss the weekly farmers' market. 92-95 Front St E.
Kensington Market is wonderfully unconventional: a maze of indie shops, vintage boutiques, specialty grocers and cafés tucked into old Victorian houses. It's where you'll find the things you can't find anywhere else. Parking is tight, so check the directions page before you go.
Queen Street, east or west, you can't go wrong. Out east, Leslieville has bookshops, Canadian-made clothing and unique gifts. Out west, you'll find fashion shops and coffee spots on a stretch Vogue once named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world.
Toronto Premium Outlets is just outside the city, about 40 minutes west in Halton Hills. It has more than 100 stores with big discounts on brands like Adidas, Calvin Klein and The North Face. 13850 Steeles Ave, Halton Hills.
Once you've shopped 'til you drop, it's time to enjoy the festivals and events happening all over the city.
Toronto Events and Festivals
Toronto has something going on in every season. Summer means music and dancing, with the Caribbean Carnival, the Toronto Jazz Festival and Salsa on St. Clair. When the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) opens, parents and kids everywhere know summer is ending and school is around the corner.
In the fall, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) brings celebrities and film lovers downtown to see the year's biggest movies. Then comes Oktoberfest, with German food and beer, a nice warm-up for winter.
In winter, the Distillery Winter Village turns the cobblestones into a holiday market. If you'd rather stay warm with a full belly, don't miss Winterlicious, when more than 200 Toronto restaurants offer special menus.
Spring in Toronto is breathtaking. Escape the towers and traffic when the cherry blossoms bloom in High Park. Then Doors Open Toronto lets locals and visitors explore buildings that are usually closed to the public.
What makes Toronto so great? There's something for everyone, any time of year. And if there's a sports fan in your family, Toronto has you covered.
Toronto Sports Teams
Toronto is home to the Maple Leafs (NHL), the Sceptres (PWHL), the Marlies (AHL), the Blue Jays (MLB), the Raptors (NBA), the Tempo (WNBA), Toronto FC (MLS), the Argonauts (CFL) and the Rock (NLL).
They play all over the city, at the Rogers Centre, BMO Field, Scotiabank Arena and more. Heads-up: lots of locals still call these places by their old names. Scotiabank Arena, for example, used to be the Air Canada Centre (ACC). You'll get the hang of it.
Toronto Parks
In a city this big, it's nice to know nature is never far away. Some favourite parks include High Park, Trinity Bellwoods and Grange Park. For hiking, try the Scarborough Bluffs, Rouge National Urban Park or the Toronto Islands, a quick ferry ride from downtown.
Kids can climb on neighbourhood playgrounds all over the city, and in summer there are more than 100 splash pads to cool off in.
Toronto Community, Recreation and Sports Centres
Toronto has lots of community centres where you can swim, skate, work out and meet your neighbours. Many programs need you to sign up ahead of time, but there's also drop-in skating and swimming.
Toronto Schools
The Toronto District School Board is the largest in Canada, with close to 600 schools across the city. Toronto also has Catholic and French-language school boards and plenty of private schools, so there are lots of options for every family.
We've put together the full lists, with how each school ranks:
A few names you'll hear parents mention often: North Toronto Collegiate, Leaside High School, Ursula Franklin Academy and Etobicoke School of the Arts for high school, and well-known private schools like Upper Canada College, Branksome Hall and Hudson College.
For college and university, Toronto has the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, York University, OCAD University, George Brown College, Humber College and more.
Toronto Demographics
About 2.8 million people live in Toronto, according to the 2021 census, and it's one of the most diverse cities in the world. Nearly half of the people here were born outside Canada, and you can hear more than 200 languages on any given day. You'll see it in neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Koreatown, Little Italy, Greektown on the Danforth, Little India on Gerrard and Little Portugal.
The Story of Toronto
Long before Toronto was a city, this land was home to Indigenous peoples, including the Huron-Wendat, the Haudenosaunee and the Mississaugas of the Credit. In 1787, the British bought the land in what's known as the Toronto Purchase.
The town was first named York, and it became the capital of Upper Canada. American troops captured it in the War of 1812, during the Battle of York. In 1834, York became the City of Toronto, a name that's often traced to the Mohawk word tkaronto, meaning "where there are trees standing in the water."
Toronto Public Transportation
Toronto is well known for its subway, streetcars and buses, which everyone just calls the TTC. Here's the subway in a nutshell:
- Line 1 (Yonge-University) runs north-south in a U shape through downtown.
- Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) runs east-west across the city.
- Line 4 (Sheppard) is a short line across North York.
- Line 5 (Eglinton), which opened in February 2026, runs along Eglinton from Mount Dennis to Kennedy.
- Line 6 (Finch West), which opened in December 2025, runs from Humber College to Finch West station.
The old Line 3 in Scarborough closed in 2023 and is served by shuttle buses until the Line 2 extension to Scarborough opens. Above ground, you can take any of the many buses and streetcars that cover the whole city.
With Toronto Pearson Airport right next door, people are always coming and going, which adds to the city's buzz. And transit isn't the only way to get around.
Driving in Toronto
Whether you're driving around the city or commuting in from the rest of the GTA, there are lots of ways to get there.
The Gardiner Expressway runs along the waterfront downtown. The Don Valley Parkway runs up the east side, connecting the Gardiner to Highway 401. Highway 427 on the west side links the QEW and the Gardiner to the 401 and the airport.
Allen Road is a short expressway running north from Eglinton Avenue West to Sheppard, handy for north-south trips. Lake Shore Boulevard runs east-west along the lake and is a favourite for avoiding the Gardiner during rush hour.
GO Transit
If driving isn't for you, GO Transit is a great way to get in and out of the city. GO trains run from Union Station west to Hamilton and Kitchener, north to Barrie and Richmond Hill, and east to Oshawa and Stouffville, with buses filling in the gaps. A bonus for families: kids 12 and under ride free on both GO and the TTC.
Realtor's Hot Transit Tip! Thanks to the One Fare program, if you pay with PRESTO, a credit or debit card, or your phone, your transfer between the TTC and GO Transit, MiWay, Brampton Transit, YRT or Durham Region Transit is free. That can save commuters hundreds of dollars a year.
Toronto Parking
If your home doesn't come with parking, you can apply to the City for a residential on-street parking permit. You'll need proof of address and your licence plate number, and you can apply and renew online.
Buying a House Versus a Condo in Toronto
Now for the practical part. Do you buy a house or a condo?
A condo is usually the more affordable way into Toronto. You'll have less space and a monthly condo fee, but that fee often covers things like security, a gym, a party room and building upkeep. Lots of people love that: no gym membership, no shovelling the driveway in winter and no cutting the grass in summer. Condo living also comes with a built-in community and shared spaces, which many singles and young couples enjoy.
A house gives you more space, more levels, your own backyard and the freedom to renovate without asking a condo board. There's no monthly maintenance fee, though the upkeep is all yours.
In the end, it comes down to your budget, what you need from your home and which neighbourhood feels right. Don't plan your budget around one average price. The "average condo" price in Toronto lumps small studios in with large three-bedroom units, so it rarely matches what you will actually pay. Townhouses are the same: some come with a monthly condo fee and some don't. Instead, look up the price for the exact type of home and number of bedrooms you want, or ask me and I'll pull it for you.
Toronto: A City of Endless Possibilities
As we wrap up our tour of Toronto, it's clear this city really does have something for everyone. Whether you're digging into the food scene in Scarborough, catching a festival downtown, raising a family in North York or cheering on your favourite team, life in Toronto is anything but dull.
Thinking of selling so you can make the move? Find out what your home is worth today with a free home evaluation, or call me at 647-576-2100.
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