Toronto

[goldenseal]

So I'm moving to Toronto... possibly sometime this fall... I'm just looking for some realistic info from people who live there on:
a) the cost of living
B) any neighbourhoods I should avoid living in
c) I'm a musician, I'm assuming a lot of the live venues are in the downtown area... Is it safe to live there/be out at night?
d) does anyone know the state of the jazz scene in Toronto?
Keep in mind I'm a girl, and I'm 19. I've known guys who've told me me that winnipeg's west end is fine, you just have to get 'the walk' down and the hookers and dealers won't bother you...
Anyway... Any info will be a huge help!! And if you can think of something important that I should know, please let me know that, too!
Thanks very much :D
xoxox

[goldenseal]

I don't know where that robot smiley came from...

[mark-0]

Originally posted by goldenseal@Feb 28 2006, 09:34 PM
a) the cost of living
B) any neighbourhoods I should avoid living in
c) I'm a musician, I'm assuming a lot of the live venues are in the downtown area... Is it safe to live there/be out at night?
d) does anyone know the state of the jazz scene in Toronto?
Keep in mind I'm a girl, and I'm 19. I've known guys who've told me me that winnipeg's west end is fine, you just have to get 'the walk' down and the hookers and dealers won't bother you...

[snapback]104669[/snapback]

Hey. I've lived in Toronto my whole life (Toronto proper, not Mississauga or North York or anything, but a fairly central Toronto neighbourhood).

A) The cost of living is on the higher side (one of, if not the highest in Canada), but I've never lived on my own so I don't have firsthand experience or any exact numbers. Plus there are always cheaper places/ways to live (i.e. roommates).

B) There are a few shadier areas here. From my experience the downtown core is relatively safe, but there are a few neighbourhoods to the east and west that are less than optimal. I don't want to start insulting where anyone lives. Every area of the city has its own charms and positive points, but they also have their downsides. There are also a lot of parts of downtown that are heavily student-populated and you might be more comfortable living around people your own age and/or in the same sort of situation.

C) There are tons of live music venues downtown and lots of parts of the downtown core are pretty nice places to live. In terms of jazz, you should check out a bar called The Rex (near Queen St. West and University Ave.). It's pretty famous in the downtown music scene.

D) I do know that jazz is alive and kicking in Toronto, but I don't know exactly how popular it is. I'm sure there's plenty of work for a jazz musician, but I'm not sure about how easy it would be to make a living doing so, though I do know one or two people who are connected to Toronto jazz.

If you have any more questions I'll try and answer them to the best of my abilities.

[mark-0]

What's with that robot?

[trailer_park_chick]

I lived in Toronto for a few years as well, and as far as I'm concerned, if it looks dodgy, IT IS! The best parts to live in, are slightly outwards adn North of teh center. Living South is dodgier. You can get the free local paper, NOW mag, and there are heaps of listings for shared accommodation, as well as getting your own place. But be prepared, it is pricey! Shared is about $400-$500 a month, plus bills. Toronto's Jazz scene is amazing. The Rex is very cool, but there are heaps of venues all over, look in NOW mag adn you'll see heaps of listings for everything. You will be totally fine, Toronto has tons of opportunities if you just look for em.

[MolsonGirl]

I've grown up either living in the suburbs or actually in the downtown core (just above china town actually) and I can honestly say that toronto is one of the safest cities in the world... it's easy to get around... everything is in grid pattern... and I"ve walked home from the clubs and bars at 2 am and never ever had a single problem... it really is an amazing city and generally any problems are localized and I've never ever had any problems.. its VERY expensive to rent or own in toronto though so that will be something.. however other than that it's not that expensive (kensington is a great cheap place to get groceries) and just like any city don't be stupid and leave yourself open to problems or cause them youself