Canada’s largest city, Toronto, consistently appears in the top ten of best cities in the world in which to live, so it’s no surprise that it is a popular destination for people looking for a place to call home. If you are considering a new life in Toronto, here are some things you should know.
Size Matters
Toronto has a population of around 3 million and is the most culturally diverse city in the world. Over 200 different languages are spoken in schools across the city, including Urdu, Russian, French, Spanish, and Punjabi. In fact, half of Toronto’s population was born outside of Canada, and the city is home to almost all of the world’s cultural groups. So you’ll be meeting people from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures, which makes the city a fascinating place to be.
A Place to Call Home
Housing in Toronto can be expensive-the average detached home costing $1.2 million, so before committing to buying a property, it’s probably best to rent for a while through an agency such as Delsuites. Staying in a long term rental property will allow you time to explore the city and decide which areas you like, what type of property you desire and what you can afford. Toronto is known as a “city of neighborhoods” for a good reason – there are 140 different neighborhoods here, and those are just the ones that are officially listed.
It’s Off to Work You Go
Toronto is the economic heart of Canada. The most important economic sectors are food and drink industries, finances, technologies, life sciences, and durable environment-friendly technologies. Five of Canada’s largest banks have their headquarters in Toronto, and it is in the top ten of global financial centers.
The city employs over 36,000 people in environmental innovation sectors such as energy efficiency, green building, and electric vehicles . Biotechnology is a booming industry – Toronto has the second largest number of biotechnology companies in the world. Research here is world-class, and the city invests serious cash into medical research. Toronto offers economic stability and opportunity in a variety of fields, with an increasing focus on technology. With offices for Google, Uber, Shopify, Vice magazine and more, there are over 200,000 technology and internet-related jobs
Safe and Secure
Toronto is the least dangerous city in North America and among the top safest cities in the world. In 2019 it was ranked as the 6th safest city in the world. However, like any other big city, some crime problems exist and some areas should be avoided by tourists.
Sights and Delights
If you want the best view of the city you want to call home, visit the CN Tower. The tower stands at 533.3 meters and was the tallest, free-standing structure in the world for 32 years until it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2007. It is now 9th in the world rankings. You could even treat yourself to a sumptuous meal in the revolving restaurant.
If you are an animal lover, you will appreciate a visit to the world’s 3rd largest zoo in The world. Toronto Zoo is home to over 5000 animals and spans an area of over 2.87km. For a fishier experience, take a trip to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, where you can marvel at their 12 resident sharks or the mesmerising jellyfish.
The Royal Ontario Museum is the largest in Canada and attracts more than a million visitors every year. With more than 6,000,000 exhibits and 40 galleries, the museums diverse collections of world culture and natural history contribute to its international reputation. The museum contains a collection of dinosaurs, minerals and meteorites, Canadian and European historical artefacts; as well as an extensive collection of design and fine art, including clothing, interior and product design.
Shop Till You Drop
If you are a keen shopper, Toronto boasts the worlds longest street – Yonge Street, and it is lined with over 600 retail stores, including independent boutiques, chain stores and bargain shops. The area also holds an number of impressive malls such as Toronto Eaton Center. St Lawrence Market is the city’s top spot for fresh produce and has over 120 vendors selling everything from freshly baked bread to jewelry and artisanal goods. National Geographic crowned the market the best fresh food market in the world.
Do you love shopping at outlet stores? Toronto Premium Outlets is a short drive from the city and has over 80 designer stores including Hugo Boss and Burberry, and offers goods at prices up to 65% off the normal recommended retail price.
