Cool places to live around Toronto
Oct 17th, 2007, 11:26 AM
#21
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I would start with a scan of Craigslist: "reasonable" will depend entirely on YOUR budget and what you want to achieve with it.
http://toronto.craigslist.org/apa/
Good luck and as you get closer to your move date, remain in touch and you will find assistance; this is a very friendly Fodor's community!
http://toronto.craigslist.org/apa/
Good luck and as you get closer to your move date, remain in touch and you will find assistance; this is a very friendly Fodor's community!
Oct 17th, 2007, 01:04 PM
#22
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About the cheapest one bedroom apartment you'll find is $1000 a month. This might be the upper floor of a house, or it might be in a thirty year old high rise building.
Closer to the subway, higher the rent.
Basement apartments in the Beaches can start around $1200.
A TTC pass is a bit over $100 a month. Go Transit from downtown to Markham would be roughly $200 a month, but on weekends, two can ride on the one person's pass.
I used to live next door to the High Park subway stop in a small, 1960s one beroom apartment in a 15 storey building, for a grand a month, five years ago. Not a cool place, but adequate. I was commuting between Toronto and Montreal.
For trendy, budget at least $1500 a month, plus extra for parking.
BAK
BAK
Closer to the subway, higher the rent.
Basement apartments in the Beaches can start around $1200.
A TTC pass is a bit over $100 a month. Go Transit from downtown to Markham would be roughly $200 a month, but on weekends, two can ride on the one person's pass.
I used to live next door to the High Park subway stop in a small, 1960s one beroom apartment in a 15 storey building, for a grand a month, five years ago. Not a cool place, but adequate. I was commuting between Toronto and Montreal.
For trendy, budget at least $1500 a month, plus extra for parking.
BAK
BAK
Oct 17th, 2007, 01:17 PM
#24
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Mapquest is wonderful.
And there's the aerial photo feature, so you can get a good idea of what's on the map.
That highway 407 immediately south of the opffice is a toll road that runs pretty much east-west, and is a good way of getting to places that really do not interest you.
That mess of sphagetti to the east is the north-south highway 404 mentioned, that turns into the Don VAlley PArkway, and runs right downtown.
As Susan said, 30 minutes, 75 minutes, who knows. But mostly, you'd be going against the traffic, although N-S and S-N is getting very close to equal.
Rr 7, or the 7 in a circle, is a multi-lane arterial roud with strip malls and chin restaurants off to the sides.
We were once worried that, like Susan, we'd end up workingup there, which is why I know a bit about the area.
I guess on factor to consider is what it is he does, and how long it takes to do it. If he works from 7 am to 8 pm, it doesn't really mattr where he stays, and close would be better, especially if you are only around a bit.
If hours are a bit shorter, and you are there a lot, and don't know anyone -- another short term transfer factor -- there's lots to be said for coming up from farther south.
Think about Yonge and Lawrence, Young and Eglinton, Yonge and ST. Clair, Bloor and yone and The Annex, in addition to right downtown.
BAK
And there's the aerial photo feature, so you can get a good idea of what's on the map.
That highway 407 immediately south of the opffice is a toll road that runs pretty much east-west, and is a good way of getting to places that really do not interest you.
That mess of sphagetti to the east is the north-south highway 404 mentioned, that turns into the Don VAlley PArkway, and runs right downtown.
As Susan said, 30 minutes, 75 minutes, who knows. But mostly, you'd be going against the traffic, although N-S and S-N is getting very close to equal.
Rr 7, or the 7 in a circle, is a multi-lane arterial roud with strip malls and chin restaurants off to the sides.
We were once worried that, like Susan, we'd end up workingup there, which is why I know a bit about the area.
I guess on factor to consider is what it is he does, and how long it takes to do it. If he works from 7 am to 8 pm, it doesn't really mattr where he stays, and close would be better, especially if you are only around a bit.
If hours are a bit shorter, and you are there a lot, and don't know anyone -- another short term transfer factor -- there's lots to be said for coming up from farther south.
Think about Yonge and Lawrence, Young and Eglinton, Yonge and ST. Clair, Bloor and yone and The Annex, in addition to right downtown.
BAK
Oct 17th, 2007, 05:57 PM
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First thing to find out whether his office is easily accessible from the Go Station.
I'm a downtown person--I'll admit I've never even been on a Go Train, let alone to Markham-- but if it were me, I would reverse commute. You'd need something right at the Yonge subway line. You'll have to decide what length of commute is acceptable.
Forget the Beaches, that is a transit and gridlock nightmare. Forget the Annex, because you don't want 2 subway changes AND the Go Train.
Yonge & Eglinton or St Clair or Davisville or Lawrence are not cool, not funky, and not places I particluarly like myself. Out of the bunch, Davisville is best, but then you're getting pretty far up north.
I would look at areas like the eastern edges of King West Village, what they now call Corktown, condos close to Union Station, King station, Queen station, and places at Yonge & Wellesley, even Yonge & Dundas.
King West Village and Corktown would involve catching a streetcar to the subway, but I like those neighborhoods much more than the Annex.
If he ends up with a car, I'd say look at Queen & Broadview (now called Queen Broadview Village, sometimes the old name Riverside is still used) This is one of my favourite neighborhoods and it has excellent access to the DVP. It's just east of Corktown.
BTW I think you can find some fairly reasonable rents these days- I'm paying less, for a gorgeous one bedroom apartment in a more central and "happening" neighborhood, than what BAK did for his place out in High Park.
It's renter's market right now.
I'm a downtown person--I'll admit I've never even been on a Go Train, let alone to Markham-- but if it were me, I would reverse commute. You'd need something right at the Yonge subway line. You'll have to decide what length of commute is acceptable.
Forget the Beaches, that is a transit and gridlock nightmare. Forget the Annex, because you don't want 2 subway changes AND the Go Train.
Yonge & Eglinton or St Clair or Davisville or Lawrence are not cool, not funky, and not places I particluarly like myself. Out of the bunch, Davisville is best, but then you're getting pretty far up north.
I would look at areas like the eastern edges of King West Village, what they now call Corktown, condos close to Union Station, King station, Queen station, and places at Yonge & Wellesley, even Yonge & Dundas.
King West Village and Corktown would involve catching a streetcar to the subway, but I like those neighborhoods much more than the Annex.
If he ends up with a car, I'd say look at Queen & Broadview (now called Queen Broadview Village, sometimes the old name Riverside is still used) This is one of my favourite neighborhoods and it has excellent access to the DVP. It's just east of Corktown.
BTW I think you can find some fairly reasonable rents these days- I'm paying less, for a gorgeous one bedroom apartment in a more central and "happening" neighborhood, than what BAK did for his place out in High Park.
It's renter's market right now.
Oct 18th, 2007, 06:04 AM
#26
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I think overall Apres Londee has made some good points and provided a lot of good info. I would however just correct one thing and include my own recent experience.
You do not require two subway changes to get to The Annex from Union Station, the point at which the GO trains enter the city. You simply go up the University line (as opposed to Yonge) and get off at St George. It is one of the reasons our office chose to locate here in The Annex.
Also, depending on where Jayne is from this may not LOOK like a renter's market...Toronto and environs are very pricey compared to many other North American cities. I was taken aback when I checked out Craig'slist myself to see a basement one-bedroom flat in Markham going for well over $1000.
Personally, we rent the world's smallest one bedroom in The Annex and it is $1350...I think it is a good deal as it is a new reno, internet and cable are included and all appliances (including ensuite washer and dryer) are brand new and decent quality.
But we had to look at a lot of lumps of coal before we found this diamond!
You do not require two subway changes to get to The Annex from Union Station, the point at which the GO trains enter the city. You simply go up the University line (as opposed to Yonge) and get off at St George. It is one of the reasons our office chose to locate here in The Annex.
Also, depending on where Jayne is from this may not LOOK like a renter's market...Toronto and environs are very pricey compared to many other North American cities. I was taken aback when I checked out Craig'slist myself to see a basement one-bedroom flat in Markham going for well over $1000.
Personally, we rent the world's smallest one bedroom in The Annex and it is $1350...I think it is a good deal as it is a new reno, internet and cable are included and all appliances (including ensuite washer and dryer) are brand new and decent quality.
But we had to look at a lot of lumps of coal before we found this diamond!
Oct 18th, 2007, 06:44 AM
#27
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Re Markham/Unionville - yes, Unionville is quaint but only on the main street - the rest is modern suburban homes where you have to drive everywhere to get anything you might need - like groceries.
Live in the city - it sounds like that's the experience you're looking for.
Live in the city - it sounds like that's the experience you're looking for.
Oct 18th, 2007, 05:05 PM
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LJ is absolutely right about St George station in the Annex- my mistake!
And I actually used to live in the Annex, too, must be early onset senility.
I lived in the Annex for a couple of years in the early 2000's. I paid a smidgeon less than I do now, only my Annex apartment was a one room flat with a galley kitchen unit (wasn't even a galley kitchen, just a unit)
The Annex can be a fun area, but can be overpriced for what you get. It's a student area, so lots of people willing to pay big bucks for dumps. Most apartments are in coverted Victorian mansions, though there are a few 60's era highrises, too.
And I actually used to live in the Annex, too, must be early onset senility.
I lived in the Annex for a couple of years in the early 2000's. I paid a smidgeon less than I do now, only my Annex apartment was a one room flat with a galley kitchen unit (wasn't even a galley kitchen, just a unit)
The Annex can be a fun area, but can be overpriced for what you get. It's a student area, so lots of people willing to pay big bucks for dumps. Most apartments are in coverted Victorian mansions, though there are a few 60's era highrises, too.
Oct 18th, 2007, 05:07 PM
#30
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Also, check out www.viewit.ca
I just found a one bedroom on there at st George and Dupont for $1100, and it looks okay.
When you do a search, look in Zone 3 Central. Gives you an idea of prices and has pictures
I just found a one bedroom on there at st George and Dupont for $1100, and it looks okay.
When you do a search, look in Zone 3 Central. Gives you an idea of prices and has pictures
Oct 19th, 2007, 07:08 AM
#31
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OK, we are having fun looking at the maps and seeing what our transportation options are from the downtown area.
Stouffville looks interesting, from what I could find online. Can you tell me a little more about it?
Stouffville looks interesting, from what I could find online. Can you tell me a little more about it?
Oct 19th, 2007, 09:51 AM
#32
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Jayne wrote: "The last thing we want is cookie-cutter perfection and a mall. We are currenty in the suburbs of Dallas, if that gives you an idea of what we DON'T want-- hehe.
Even a funky, kind of hippie town might be good."
Toronto is the largest city in Canada. Southern Ontario is one of the most densely populated areas in the entire country. I haven't lived there in a long time now, but as I recall - and what I have noticed more recently flying over - is that one town/city blends into the next. Where there used to be "country" and farmland in between, that is rapidly disappearing.
Unfortunately, Canadian cities tend to develop like U.S. cities - suburban sprawl, big box stores, malls, main street "strips" full of fast food places. I think your expectations of quaint/funky small town life, not too far away and on a budget, are not realistic. (Sorry, but that's my opinion.)
Even a funky, kind of hippie town might be good."
Toronto is the largest city in Canada. Southern Ontario is one of the most densely populated areas in the entire country. I haven't lived there in a long time now, but as I recall - and what I have noticed more recently flying over - is that one town/city blends into the next. Where there used to be "country" and farmland in between, that is rapidly disappearing.
Unfortunately, Canadian cities tend to develop like U.S. cities - suburban sprawl, big box stores, malls, main street "strips" full of fast food places. I think your expectations of quaint/funky small town life, not too far away and on a budget, are not realistic. (Sorry, but that's my opinion.)
Oct 19th, 2007, 10:00 AM
#33
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I have fond memories of visiting friends in Stouffville's "dowtown" about 20 years ago when it was that sort of funky, hippy fun town-in-transition. I THINK those days are long past. They re-modeled the old Victorian house they bought for around $125,00 and sold it for $500,000.
If you were thinking of buying a home, you would have the benefit of a real estate agent to give you all the gen. As a renter, it really is rather do-it-yourself, isn't it?
I am sorry to say this but I think you would really have to go to Stouffville or ________to see for yourself. The charm of a small town and the limitation of rental availability make for a challenge.
If you were thinking of buying a home, you would have the benefit of a real estate agent to give you all the gen. As a renter, it really is rather do-it-yourself, isn't it?
I am sorry to say this but I think you would really have to go to Stouffville or ________to see for yourself. The charm of a small town and the limitation of rental availability make for a challenge.
Oct 19th, 2007, 10:37 AM
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Regarding >I think your expectations of quaint/funky small town life, not too far away and on a budget, are not realistic.<
Leaving aside the budget question, I'd argue in favor of Dundas, Port Hope, Cobourg, Paris, St Marys, Waterdown, and Creemore as all being quaint / funky and within driving distance of Toronto.
The really big question is whether they are worth living in for only a year, while commuting to Markham.
How many peole will be living here, most of the time? If it is two, and one is not working, being inside the borders of Toronto is important. If it is only one person five days a week and perhaps every other weekend, with a second person only 26 times a year, there's a lot to be said for a high rise in Markham close to the office, on a bus route, and renting a car on weekends.
About traffic -- just got a call from my partner, who left the office in Oakville (west of Toronto) at 9:10 this morning and did not get to Don Mills Road and Leslie (about five miles south of Markham) until 10:30. Note that this is after rush hour.
Anyway, check out the GO Train stations in Markham in relation to the office. I took the train into and out of Toronto yesterday, mixed with a 20 minute walk and a subway ride in Toronto, and it was pretty much painfree.
BAK
Leaving aside the budget question, I'd argue in favor of Dundas, Port Hope, Cobourg, Paris, St Marys, Waterdown, and Creemore as all being quaint / funky and within driving distance of Toronto.
The really big question is whether they are worth living in for only a year, while commuting to Markham.
How many peole will be living here, most of the time? If it is two, and one is not working, being inside the borders of Toronto is important. If it is only one person five days a week and perhaps every other weekend, with a second person only 26 times a year, there's a lot to be said for a high rise in Markham close to the office, on a bus route, and renting a car on weekends.
About traffic -- just got a call from my partner, who left the office in Oakville (west of Toronto) at 9:10 this morning and did not get to Don Mills Road and Leslie (about five miles south of Markham) until 10:30. Note that this is after rush hour.
Anyway, check out the GO Train stations in Markham in relation to the office. I took the train into and out of Toronto yesterday, mixed with a 20 minute walk and a subway ride in Toronto, and it was pretty much painfree.
BAK
Oct 19th, 2007, 11:05 AM
#35
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krp329, gotta disagree with you about Canadian cities developing like US cities. Yes, there are cookie cutter suburbs with shopping centres where no one walks (I'm thinking of Highway 7 in Markham) but I work downtown at King and Bay and don't think twice about leaving the office at 11 pm and waiting for a streetcar or taking the subway - there is life down here after office hours due to all the new condos and former office buildings or factories being turned into lofts. Restaurants, bars, theatres, movie houses - it's all down here.
The province has carved out a Greenbelt where there isn't supposed to be any more development so every city lot where a developer can put something up is being developed. I can think of at least 10 redeveloped sites on my streetcar route starting from the Beach area.
The province has carved out a Greenbelt where there isn't supposed to be any more development so every city lot where a developer can put something up is being developed. I can think of at least 10 redeveloped sites on my streetcar route starting from the Beach area.
Oct 20th, 2007, 08:42 AM
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I'm writing this from my office in Markham. I can see the GO station from here (to get to downtown TO), I see the 407 highway (to get east/west across top of Toronto). Mostly homes, with few high-rise going up. Not a hip bustling place. If you want nice area, and can afford, the Unionville area of Markham is prime. Old village, century brick houses, nice shopipng and restos. And easy acces to GO. There are now buses that are express from here to the Toronto subway (TTC). But to get downtown from here...I'd guess more than 1 hr. Markham is the northern edge of the expanding Toronto area.
I like the Beaches and High Park area and think they are worth looking into. These would ne on/near subway so access would be easy.
I like the Beaches and High Park area and think they are worth looking into. These would ne on/near subway so access would be easy.
Oct 21st, 2007, 03:53 PM
#37
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Thanks to all. Considering everything everyone has said, I think living downtown and commuting "out" is the way to go. I would be visiting for about a week at a time, and no more than once a month, so I should be in the middle of the action!
We will starting checking out your suggestions and get back to you if we have questions.
Again, many thanks!
We will starting checking out your suggestions and get back to you if we have questions.
Again, many thanks!
Oct 22nd, 2007, 09:26 AM
#38
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Hi Sally,
Thanks for your comments, but that's not quite what I said. My comments were based on Jayne's questions about quaint, "hip" small town life, not downtown living, and my observation about many Canadian cities is that cookie cutter suburban sprawl has swallowed up the small towns that used to be on the periphery of the city, and you have to go some distance out to find that. This is especially true of southern Ontario, where so many people commute an hour plus from the 'burbs.
I agree with you about downtown T.O., having lived there on and off over five years (although a long time ago). Toronto and Vancouver have been successful in keeping their downtown areas alive (as you mentioned, because people actually LIVE downtown), whereas cities like Winnipeg and Edmonton roll up the downtown sidewalks at the close of the business day because everyone has gone home to the suburbs.
Thanks for your comments, but that's not quite what I said. My comments were based on Jayne's questions about quaint, "hip" small town life, not downtown living, and my observation about many Canadian cities is that cookie cutter suburban sprawl has swallowed up the small towns that used to be on the periphery of the city, and you have to go some distance out to find that. This is especially true of southern Ontario, where so many people commute an hour plus from the 'burbs.
I agree with you about downtown T.O., having lived there on and off over five years (although a long time ago). Toronto and Vancouver have been successful in keeping their downtown areas alive (as you mentioned, because people actually LIVE downtown), whereas cities like Winnipeg and Edmonton roll up the downtown sidewalks at the close of the business day because everyone has gone home to the suburbs.
