#1Jan 24th, 2011
Thanks to anyone who replies in advance
Much love and scratching head
Faymous x
Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Thanks to anyone who replies in advance
Much love and scratching head
Faymous x
#2
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 24th, 2011
Welcome!
Toronto is a pretty spread out place like most North American cities... and traffic can be pretty bad so a 30 minute commute would put your family within the city limits of Toronto.
Housing in Toronto can be quite pricey and if you're looking at "safe culture", Toronto is extremely diverse so you won't necessarily find what most Europeans consider safe, culture wise. Actually, the Toronto area is becoming less and less safe so I would suggest caution when deciding on a place to settle.
Most of the Toronto area is very much like London, something you might be familiar with. Parts of Forest Hill might be considered safe, but if you cross one street into another neighbourhood, things change drastically. Markham, Thornhill and Richmond Hill are pretty nice and Woodbridge is also a place I would personally like to settle down with my family. Aurora, a little further north but with an increased commute-time is pleasant. Any nice, family-oriented and family-safe neighbourhoods in Toronto proper can be very expensive.
Toronto is a pretty spread out place like most North American cities... and traffic can be pretty bad so a 30 minute commute would put your family within the city limits of Toronto.
Housing in Toronto can be quite pricey and if you're looking at "safe culture", Toronto is extremely diverse so you won't necessarily find what most Europeans consider safe, culture wise. Actually, the Toronto area is becoming less and less safe so I would suggest caution when deciding on a place to settle.
Most of the Toronto area is very much like London, something you might be familiar with. Parts of Forest Hill might be considered safe, but if you cross one street into another neighbourhood, things change drastically. Markham, Thornhill and Richmond Hill are pretty nice and Woodbridge is also a place I would personally like to settle down with my family. Aurora, a little further north but with an increased commute-time is pleasant. Any nice, family-oriented and family-safe neighbourhoods in Toronto proper can be very expensive.
#3
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 24th, 2011Quote: Originally Posted by Andem
Thanks for getting in touch!!! We were hoping for a commute using the infamous fantastic commuter networks rather than cars to get to Liberty Village but I'm just learning so I've no idea if this is possible and if this would expand the area I could look at for housing. I am aware that cities have rougher areas next door to good ones but I'm just looking for a bit of an all rounder I suppose. Having a family yourself you'll realise I don't want to mess any of this up (especially with a teenager who will spend forever reminding me how rubbish I am!) Are there decent areas just outside of Toronto itself? As I am not the one commuting it doesnt really bother me!!! But his job will be paying the rent!! So I suppose 45 mins would be the max.Welcome!
Toronto is a pretty spread out place like most North American cities... and traffic can be pretty bad so a 30 minute commute would put your family within the city limits of Toronto.
Housing in Toronto can be quite pricey and if you're looking at "safe culture", Toronto is extremely diverse so you won't necessarily find what most Europeans consider safe, culture wise. Actually, the Toronto area is becoming less and less safe so I would suggest caution when deciding on a place to settle.
Most of the Toronto area is very much like London, something you might be familiar with. Parts of Forest Hill might be considered safe, but if you cross one street into another neighbourhood, things change drastically. Markham, Thornhill and Richmond Hill are pretty nice and Woodbridge is also a place I would personally like to settle down with my family. Aurora, a little further north but with an increased commute-time is pleasant. Any nice, family-oriented and family-safe neighbourhoods in Toronto proper can be very expensive.
Thanks again for your suggestions. x
#4
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 24th, 2011Quote: Originally Posted by Faybay
A recent study has shown that living in the suburbs can be more dangerous than many neighborhoods - Downtown locations, due to the proximity of neighbors, everyone is closer, smaller lots, higher density of people does not always equate to an unsafe area.Thanks for getting in touch!!! We were hoping for a commute using the infamous fantastic commuter networks rather than cars to get to Liberty Village but I'm just learning so I've no idea if this is possible and if this would expand the area I could look at for housing. I am aware that cities have rougher areas next door to good ones but I'm just looking for a bit of an all rounder I suppose. Having a family yourself you'll realise I don't want to mess any of this up (especially with a teenager who will spend forever reminding me how rubbish I am!) Are there decent areas just outside of Toronto itself? As I am not the one commuting it doesnt really bother me!!! But his job will be paying the rent!! So I suppose 45 mins would be the max.
Thanks again for your suggestions. x
#5
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 24th, 2011Quote: Originally Posted by Goober
I'll bear that in mind.A recent study has shown that living in the suburbs can be more dangerous than many neighborhoods - Downtown locations, due to the proximity of neighbors, everyone is closer, smaller lots, higher density of people does not always equate to an unsafe area.
#6
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 24th, 2011Quote: Originally Posted by Faybay
I'll bear that in mind.
Right I'm probably getting this all wrong. What are the best areas round about a 45 min commute using public transport to get to Liberty village? I need space and water and cafes and good school for a 13 and 7 year old. I don't want to live in anyone's pocket and I need biggish rooms for my 13 year old expanding wardrobe! We have approx £450k to spend on a house but I don't know if what I'm asking for is pie in the sky or if it requires a lot of research?
#7
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 24th, 2011
Hey Faybay,
I haven't lived in Toronto for quite a while and currently live in Europe myself, but with £450.000 (or C$715,000), you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a suitable place to raise a family. From my own personal experience, Forest Hill and Leaside in Toronto are both good neighbourhoods but also quite pricey. I'm not familiar with the prices there now so I would suggest contacting a good real estate agent. I can refer one if you'd like.
On another note, I'm the admin here and I've upgraded your account so that you can receive and reply to private messages. I'm going to send you one now.
I haven't lived in Toronto for quite a while and currently live in Europe myself, but with £450.000 (or C$715,000), you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a suitable place to raise a family. From my own personal experience, Forest Hill and Leaside in Toronto are both good neighbourhoods but also quite pricey. I'm not familiar with the prices there now so I would suggest contacting a good real estate agent. I can refer one if you'd like.
On another note, I'm the admin here and I've upgraded your account so that you can receive and reply to private messages. I'm going to send you one now.
#8
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 24th, 2011Quote: Originally Posted by Faybay
You can check local crime rates in the areas. Reputable Real estate agency helps - have more than 1 looking - line them up ahead but check the areas out on the net first - city - town - rural - amenities - kids in sports - travelling times - Right I'm probably getting this all wrong. What are the best areas round about a 45 min commute using public transport to get to Liberty village? I need space and water and cafes and good school for a 13 and 7 year old. I don't want to live in anyone's pocket and I need biggish rooms for my 13 year old expanding wardrobe! We have approx £450k to spend on a house but I don't know if what I'm asking for is pie in the sky or if it requires a lot of research?
Do not tell them you have that amount of money for a house - 400 k gets a nice house in many parts of Ontario. Have a couple of agents, and work them off against each other - The make on the high sales commision rates in Canada, paid for by the seller which i believe are higher than Europe
#9
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 24th, 2011
Hello and welcome. Liberty Village eh? Not that there aren't children there, it's a different sort of way to live.
Now if hubby is bringing in 6 figures or more, then you will probably manage alright there. Private school rather than public would be the way to go. Condo rather than house is most likely. Unless you have a sizeable stash of cash coming with you, you're going to have to deal with a number of issues, mortgage and credit being the minor ones. If you're renting, think between $2500- $3500 a month for rent for a condo.
Toronto is fairly safe when you know your way around. Consider Toronto like many many little villages all grown together. Greek town, Little Italy, Little Poland, two China Towns, Little Portugal and so on. The culture is very diverse and you can experience more than you ever thought food wise. There are good areas and bad areas. Down by the lake in expensive or derelict. You do sound slightly older having a teenager and two other kids so perhaps the suburbs would be more to your liking. Oakville is lovely and has great public schools. Not all that cheap, though not like Toronto.
Further from the lake, you can find affordable rentals in older buildings or houses. The Beaches is an older established neighbourhood, very nice though a bit trendy. There is poverty in Toronto which is something some people who aren't used to seeing that sort of thing can be disturbed by. There can be a bit of a culture shock when coming from a smaller city. Finding a family doctor can be difficult. There are plenty of walk in clinics that can take care of immediate needs as state of the art health care though emergency rooms are always going to be a long wait.
Great transit system, entertainment second to none, and the food is incredible.
Commuting isn't difficult if you take transit. Driving can be frustrating. Parking expensive and sometimes unavailable. Plenty of free stuff going on almost all the time and much of it family friendly.
Lots of good people living in Toronto and getting involved with schools, community organizations is a great way to make new friends and get a quicker lay of the land.
Toronto also has gangs like all major cities and all the problems that come with that. There are places that you don't want to live here. Jane and Finch for one but problems can and do crop up everywhere from time to time. Response to emergency is usually pretty good. There is a heavy police presence especially when it comes to major events and parking.
This might help with some more information.
--
--
Also if you don't have it already, Google Earth has a street view application that allows you to see an area from the street. So you can see stores, housing, schools, and a snap shot of the usual goings on taken some few months ago.
--
Best of luck.
Now if hubby is bringing in 6 figures or more, then you will probably manage alright there. Private school rather than public would be the way to go. Condo rather than house is most likely. Unless you have a sizeable stash of cash coming with you, you're going to have to deal with a number of issues, mortgage and credit being the minor ones. If you're renting, think between $2500- $3500 a month for rent for a condo.
Toronto is fairly safe when you know your way around. Consider Toronto like many many little villages all grown together. Greek town, Little Italy, Little Poland, two China Towns, Little Portugal and so on. The culture is very diverse and you can experience more than you ever thought food wise. There are good areas and bad areas. Down by the lake in expensive or derelict. You do sound slightly older having a teenager and two other kids so perhaps the suburbs would be more to your liking. Oakville is lovely and has great public schools. Not all that cheap, though not like Toronto.
Further from the lake, you can find affordable rentals in older buildings or houses. The Beaches is an older established neighbourhood, very nice though a bit trendy. There is poverty in Toronto which is something some people who aren't used to seeing that sort of thing can be disturbed by. There can be a bit of a culture shock when coming from a smaller city. Finding a family doctor can be difficult. There are plenty of walk in clinics that can take care of immediate needs as state of the art health care though emergency rooms are always going to be a long wait.
Great transit system, entertainment second to none, and the food is incredible.
Commuting isn't difficult if you take transit. Driving can be frustrating. Parking expensive and sometimes unavailable. Plenty of free stuff going on almost all the time and much of it family friendly.
Lots of good people living in Toronto and getting involved with schools, community organizations is a great way to make new friends and get a quicker lay of the land.
Toronto also has gangs like all major cities and all the problems that come with that. There are places that you don't want to live here. Jane and Finch for one but problems can and do crop up everywhere from time to time. Response to emergency is usually pretty good. There is a heavy police presence especially when it comes to major events and parking.
This might help with some more information.
--
--
Also if you don't have it already, Google Earth has a street view application that allows you to see an area from the street. So you can see stores, housing, schools, and a snap shot of the usual goings on taken some few months ago.
--
Best of luck.
#10
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 24th, 2011
Definitely DON'T deal with a European real estate agent if you are looking to purchase property in North America! It doesn't matter if its one in any English- or German-speaking country or anywhere else for that matter.. Well maybe Poland or another Eastern European country... but just don't.
#11
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 24th, 2011Quote: Originally Posted by Goober
Brilliant advice cheers!You can check local crime rates in the areas. Reputable Real estate agency helps - have more than 1 looking - line them up ahead but check the areas out on the net first - city - town - rural - amenities - kids in sports - travelling times -
Do not tell them you have that amount of money for a house - 400 k gets a nice house in many parts of Ontario. Have a couple of agents, and work them off against each other - The make on the high sales commision rates in Canada, paid for by the seller which i believe are higher than Europe
Quote: Originally Posted by Unforgiven
you're a star! Thanks xHello and welcome. Liberty Village eh? Not that there aren't children there, it's a different sort of way to live.
Quote has been trimmed, See full post:
Now if hubby is bringing in 6 figures or more, then you will probably manage alright there. Private school rather than public would be the way to go. Condo rather than house is most likely. Unless you have a sizeable stash of cash coming with you, you're going to have to deal with a number of issues, mortgage and credit being the minor ones. If you're renting, think between $2500- $3500 a month for rent for a condo.
Toronto is fairly safe when you know your way around. Consider Toronto like many many little villages all grown together. Greek town, Little Italy, Little Poland, two China Towns, Little Portugal and so on. The culture is very diverse and you can experience more than you ever thought food wise. There are good areas and bad areas. Down by the lake in expensive or derelict. You do sound slightly older having a teenager and two other kids so perhaps the suburbs would be more to your liking. Oakville is lovely and has great public schools. Not all that cheap, though not like Toronto.
Further from the lake, you can find affordable rentals in older buildings or houses. The Beaches is an older established neighbourhood, very nice though a bit trendy. There is poverty in Toronto which is something some people who aren't used to seeing that sort of thing can be disturbed by. There can be a bit of a culture shock when...
#12
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 24th, 2011Quote: Originally Posted by Andem
Never upgraded my account when I first got here. I think? Shyte I can't remember, it's been so long ago. I withdraw my complaint.On another note, I'm the admin here and I've upgraded your account so that you can receive and reply to private messages. I'm going to send you one now.
Welcome Faybay by the way.
#13
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 24th, 2011Quote: Originally Posted by Andem
I don't like English estate agents (no offence to any reading this :0) )Definitely DON'T deal with a European real estate agent if you are looking to purchase property in North America! It doesn't matter if its one in any English- or German-speaking country or anywhere else for that matter.. Well maybe Poland or another Eastern European country... but just don't.
#14
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 24th, 2011Quote: Originally Posted by Faybay
Well now, if they're all like Phil Spencer and Kirstie Allsopp I don't blame you one bit.I don't like English estate agents (no offence to any reading this :0) )
BTW. Don't worry, Toronto is great.
#15
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 24th, 2011Quote: Originally Posted by eh1eh
Thank you. And no they are much much worse!!Well now, if they're all like Phil Spencer and Kirstie Allsopp I don't blame you one bit.
BTW. Don't worry, Toronto is great.
#16
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 24th, 2011Quote: Originally Posted by Faybay
We are Bi Lingual - Always ask for a French one?? LOLI don't like English estate agents (no offence to any reading this :0) )
#17
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 24th, 2011Quote: Originally Posted by Goober
Ha Ha c'est une bonne idee!!We are Bi Lingual - Always ask for a French one?? LOL
#18
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 25th, 2011Quote: Originally Posted by Faybay
I'm in love with Oakville!!! Thanks for directing me there!! xBrilliant advice cheers!
you're a star! Thanks x
#20
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Jan 26th, 2011Quote: Originally Posted by DaSleeper
Hey thanks I had a quick look and it's great!I guess nobody suggested that you check on --
#21
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Feb 25th, 2011
You might want to try Long Branch, New Toronto or Mimico south of Lakeshore Blvd . The prices of homes in that general area are close to your target figure. This puts you near the Lake, the general area is becoming more & more gentrified and Liberty Village is one street car (Queen) from that area approx 45 minutes at the most from the end of the line.
#22
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Feb 26th, 2011Quote: Originally Posted by weaselwords
Whoops I 'm misleading you regarding transit its really 2 street cars to get to Libety from Long Branch.You start on the Queens St/Lakeshore then transfer to the King car if I remember correctly at Roncesvalles.You might want to try Long Branch, New Toronto or Mimico south of Lakeshore Blvd . The prices of homes in that general area are close to your target figure. This puts you near the Lake, the general area is becoming more & more gentrified and Liberty Village is one street car (Queen) from that area approx 45 minutes at the most from the end of the line.
#23
Re: Hello I'm new!! Help!!!
Mar 7th, 2011Quote: Originally Posted by weaselwords
Thank you for that I'll have a look at these places too. I'm keeping everything crossed that this moves comes off as Canada looks so beautiful. xxWhoops I 'm misleading you regarding transit its really 2 street cars to get to Libety from Long Branch.You start on the Queens St/Lakeshore then transfer to the King car if I remember correctly at Roncesvalles.