Toronto is the largest city in Canada with almost 3 million inhabitants, the truth is that it is not so beautiful, there is no old city, but modern buildings, skyscrapers and repetitive and anonymous neighborhoods. But the surroundings are spectacular: Lakes and Parks invite you to go hiking in summer and skiing in winter. Living in Toronto is beautiful.
The city’s public transportation system is generally functional and covers the urban area, but trips take a long time due to heavy traffic and frequent congestion, and winter snowfall contributes to significant delays. The city ranks among the bottom in the world in terms of urban mobility. Given the high cost of rent in the city, many people choose to live in neighboring cities and commute, which leads to increased car traffic and congestion on public transportation, especially during rush hour. So if you manage to take the subway, be prepared totravel like sardines in a can. Fortunately, there are more and more bike lanes, and many people are starting to use this mode of transportation, at least in the spring and summer.
Toronto is a multicultural metropolis and by far the city with the highest percentage of immigrants in the country. In fact, most of the city’s residents are not from Toronto. This high presence of immigrants living in harmony with each other makes it the least racist city in an already slightly racist Canada. These huge communities of immigrants from all over the world means that people are generally warm, friendly, approachable and always ready to help new immigrants.They accept you as you are, without prejudice or false morals. So it is not surprising that Canada was one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage.
The city is very lively both during the day and at night. There are many clubs, music events, street parties and various events. It is suitable for everyone, both for those who love the hectic life of the metropolis and for those who seek peace and quiet, because it is enough to drive a few kilometers to immerse themselves in the wild nature. In any case, social life in Toronto and in Canada in general is very different from that in other countries. Here one has the impression that everyone is dedicated only to his home and work, which is partly true, but it is also true that social life is much less visible.
As for the cost of living, it can be said that living in Canada is expensive, and living in Toronto is very expensive. Toronto, along with Vancouver, is the most expensive city in Canada. Many people are forced to move to the surrounding areas due to the high cost of living. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs from $2,000 per month. So to live a decent life, one would need to earn an annual income of more than $70,000. A family of four with a working parent earning an hourly wage of $25-30 can live well, but if both earn the minimum wage of $15 per hour, it becomes difficult to make ends meet.
On the other hand, the schools are good. You can choose to teach in English or French. Toronto has some of the best universities in the country. The public health care system is also of an excellent level, with absolutely excellent structures, and most of the costs are covered by the government.
Regarding the climate, it can be said that summers in Toronto are very nice, but on the other hand, winter is long and with cold temperatures.
When it comes to work, Toronto has a great job market, but the competition is also great. There are workers from all over the world that you have to compete with. The demand is greater than the supply, and the competition is great. There are good opportunities for most skilled occupations, and since Toronto is the financial center of Canada, jobs in this sector are plentiful.
In any case, you should know that to find a job:
- You will have to submit many applications and never lose hope
- If you have studied or worked in Canada, you have a significant advantage
- If you speak French and English well, you have an advantage
Living and working in Toronto, conclusion
Toronto is a modern, clean, safe, multicultural city where people are friendly and welcoming, in short, a good place to live. It is no coincidence that it has been voted one of the most livable cities in the world for several years.
If you want all the information about moving to Canada, read the article: How to move to Canada
If you want all the information about working in Canada, read the article: How to work in Canada