Need Opinions from Our Canadian Members on Living in Toronto

[Godzilla]

There's a job opportunity at the Univ of Toronto that I'm interested in exploring. I've visited Toronto and liked it alot, but have never looked at it as a city I might live in. Any and all opinions would be appreciated.

[palitoy]

Well, I live in the suburbs of Toronto but did live downtown during the 90s. The thing that sent me east was cheaper rent and a job opportunity. I can get downtown in 20 minutes so it's the best of both worlds.

As Canadian cities go, it's the "Center of the Universe", at least that's what somebody told me in Edmonton once. It has great shopping, transit and lots of culture and activities. Pretty much anything oddball I want to do requires a trip downtown.

The only drawback is the current real estate bubble which has affected even my area now (and hit me pretty hard during my move) which might require a family to move to "bedroom communities" like Durham, Peel, Markham or Vaughan. So then you're commuting, not the end of the world and you may already do it but it's a factor if UofT isn't offering a residence.

I selfishly want you to take this gig.

[Godzilla]

Thanks for the info and I appreciate the vote of support. I think of the area as the Mego capitol of the world, so it would be cool to live there. Housing would be on us, so finding something affordable may mean a burb. I'm in Columbus, OH now and I'm struggling with thinking of moving to a smaller city and being happy with less options. I enjoy too much weird stuff and you only find that in a decent sized place. Toronto seems like it has everything which is a big draw. Plus I have no clue how moving into Canada as a foreigner works. They're have to work that out for me.

In general how are the schools?

[palitoy]

Plus I have no clue how moving into Canada as a foreigner works. They're have to work that out for me.

Yeah with your skill set that won't be a big problem. Dan aka Superunderdoggie may have more insight as he did a year long stint in Oakville.

In general how are the schools?

Them are good, me came out fine.

Seriously, at one time they were trending better than US schools, I'm not sure how we rank now but being a Teacher is a great paying gig in Ontario.

[Godzilla]

Very cool! We need more of that down here.

[Brazoo]

I love living here. I agree that because of the housing market the biggest challenge will be finding an affordable place to live --- and a lot of choosing what's right for you will obviously have to fit your lifestyle.

We just bought our first place in one of the last remotely affordable areas in the city. We don't care about owning a car, and wanted walkability and quick transit downtown (especially since my wife works right downtown, but also for social reasons). We also sacrificed size - our house is really small.

University of Toronto has campuses outside the city too, do you know if you'd be working downtown?

[Brazoo]

I can get downtown in 20 minutes...

Except when you're fighting your way across the city to make it to a 7:00 Kung Fu Friday screening.

[Brazoo]

Speaking of which, I have to miss this one, because we're out of town, but it looks AMAZING:

http://www.theroyal.to/films/kung-fu-fridays-last-dragon-w-taimak-live/

[palitoy]

Except when you're fighting your way across the city to make it to a 7:00 Kung Fu Friday screening.

Technically, I get to Bayview in 20 minutes. Then the next forty minutes is spent battling street cars and cyclists. There goes my blood pressure..

[Godzilla]

We'll I've tossed my hat in the ring for the job, but I don't have an offer yet. My best guess is the position would be downtown. Keep your fingers crossed!

[palitoy]

Good luck, keep us posted!

[samurainoir]

You and your family would make awesome honourary Canadians! 8)

I think it's not secret how much I love living in Toronto. If you decide to take another visit before making a decision to perhaps move here, I'd be happy to play tour guide (and I've done so with other visiting members of our Mego Museum family).

[MegoMark71]

4 words for ya....Hockey hall of fame.

[Mikey]

A bit off topic but just wanted to say I always thought the CN Tower was/is one of the coolest buildings man ever constructed --- and yes I consider it a building

[cjefferys]

Just visited this great city yesterday. I love Toronto (except the traffic), wish I could afford to live there!