I finally decided to take the plunge and move to Toronto, even though I don't know anyone there and I hate the climate. (I'm moving for work.)

Toronto people, help a girl out? I'm trying to rent a place for September; which neighbourhoods are good for a twenty-something looking to get involved in stuff (dragon boat, Japanese exchange groups) and meet people?

Azn_North lives in TO, I'm sure he'll help ya out however he can, at least give ya someone to hang with, p.s. stay away from engineering grad students from TO University cuz one of them belongs to me and it's too hard to explain what he looks like so just stay away from all of them lol if i ever get back together with him (which in the bottom of my heart i kinda still hope i do) then i'll probably be in TO too

You might want to peruse toronto.com - Toronto Restaurants, Events, Hotels, Attractions, Shopping, Movies, Bars, Clubs, Nightlife, City Guides
There are listings that detail the more significant happenings in and around the GTA
As for renting a place, can't say I know much about that, but if I come across anything I'll send you the scoop.

Do you have an idea of where you want to be? Obviously you know that living downtown will be a bit more expensive.

What kind of apartment are you looking for?

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"I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because, uh, some people out there in our nation don't have maps, and, uh, I believe that our education like such as in South Africa and, uh, the Iraq everywhere like, such as, and I believe that they should, our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S., er, should help South Africa and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future for our children."

Check out this website for apartment hunting in TO. Very popular amongst landlords and tenants alike esp. for high rises, condos, and private landlords. I will answer more later since it's late... lol.

Apartment Toronto: Find your next Toronto apartment, rent quickly with pictures.

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Thanks for the link! I'm looking for a one-bedroom in the Annex or Little Italy or thereabouts. Would prefer non-smoking, AC, laundry (in the building, not specifically in my suite or anything).

Where do you like to hang out in TO?

Annex is by U of Toronto, very expensive uni student area. Old buildings approx 40-60 yrs. old as is Little Italy. Some are renovated modern but you pay through the nose in rent. Avg one bedroom can run you low of $800-1000+/month. Toronto has very hefty housing costs unless you're willing to share; even bachelor apartments start at the very low end of like $650-700/month and that's pretty much on the low class end if you don't mind sharing with mice and cockroaches. LOL. Landlords will charge more based on demand and popularity - location, location, location. The closer apartments are to uni areas the more the rent is jacked up by landlords. Remember, TO has the highest housing prices in all of Canada except maybe West Vancouver in the detached housing market. Not cheap to live here in general unless you're willing to share with a roommate. You may want to try housing and accommodation centers at uni and colleges. U of T and Ryerson has good housing centers with many ads from landlords and students wanting roommates. Many landlords advertise there from rooms for rent to houses for rent. They offer a bit cheaper rent than landlords that advertise in the major papers like the Toronto Sun, Toronto Star, Globe etc.

As for access to asian areas, hell everywhere is "asian" in TO. 30% of the city's population is asian. Most people live within an hour's transit to major downtown locations/attractions. TTC takes you everywhere albeit it's slow and effing inefficient at times. Blame that on the TTC union! lol.

As CL mentioned, Toronto.com is a pretty good starting guide to upcoming events that happen in the city. Basically no one lives near chinatown anymore. Most affluent asians or recent asian immigrants over the last 10-15 yrs have moved to northern suburbs like Markham, Richmond Hill, Whitby, Unionville, etc. which means you need a car. And fyi.. TO has the highest auto insurance rates in the country and 5th highest in north america not to mention the recent gas prices of $1.25/L. Approx. $5+ for a gallon of juice!

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I used to hang out in the esplanade area. But mainly because I worked in the general vicinity.
I used to do the annex area when I was in my early twenties. It's mostly uni kids in that area so its not an area I frequent anymore.

Rental in the annex is gonna cost you a pretty penny. But there are some beautifully old restored victorian houses there. There are lots of condo being put up, mostly for sale but I;m sure investors have snapped up a lot of them for rental property or otherwise. So condos may be an option if you're looking for something central.

Google toronto housing rental and you'll get a list of good websites catering to that market.
Toronto Apartment Rental | Toronto Apartments | Apartment for Rent Toronto, Ontario looks pretty good at first glance.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

__________________
"I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because, uh, some people out there in our nation don't have maps, and, uh, I believe that our education like such as in South Africa and, uh, the Iraq everywhere like, such as, and I believe that they should, our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S., er, should help South Africa and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future for our children."

Thanks for all the advice! I'm not going to university, so I could probably move a little further from the student areas, although I do enjoy the student vibe (as long as it doesn't make me feel old, heh!).

I got the Annex/Little Italy recommendation from a friend; I haven't actually visited Toronto yet so I know nothing about the various neighbourhoods. I guess as long as I find a place that's close to TTC...

I'm very anti-roommate -- LOVE my own space, willing to pay extra for it -- although who knows, I may be forced to compromise.

The Annex is a great area! I don't know if it's more expensive compare to other parts of downtown, I'd say it's comparable. Do you know where you'll be working? If you don't have a car you might want to look for a place along the subway line. I compiled a list of housing links when I was searching for a place, if you want them let me know.

Toronto sounds nice...CL..can I crash on you're couch for a week? I wanna move there..


Just anything to get the hell out of Amerinazi...

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"They call me deranged. The hope is that they are right! It is of no greater or lesser import for yet another fool to wander this Earth. But if I am right and science is wrong, then may the Lord God have mercy on mankind!"

Victor Schauberger





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