Digital Nomad Life in Toronto
Summary: Digital nomads like living in Toronto, Canada because it is a vibrant and diverse city with a great quality of life. Toronto is a hub for tech and creative industries, making it an ideal place for digital nomads to work and network. The city is also known for its excellent public transportation system, making it easy to get around. The best neighborhood to live in Toronto for digital nomads is the downtown core. This area is home to many of the city’s most popular attractions, including the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Toronto Islands. It is also close to many of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and shops. The approximate population of Toronto, Canada is 2.93 million people. The weather in Toronto, Canada (Farenheit) is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s in the winter to the mid-70s in the summer. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Toronto is approximately $2,000 USD. This includes rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. The cost (in US dollars) to rent a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Toronto is approximately $1,800 USD per month.
How do I meet people in Toronto?
When we asked people living in Toronto about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Toronto can join a variety of clubs and activities to meet people and make friends. Popular activities include joining a sports team, taking a language class, or attending a meetup group. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art shows. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. Finally, expats can also meet people by simply exploring the city and talking to locals," explained one person living in Toronto, Canada.
"We have great biking trails across the city, and tennis courts are abundant in many of our public parks. There are a few newcomers clubs that can be joined for a small fee and can be selected based on the area you choose to live in. We love our pets and many people have dogs that they also like to walk with their friends and neighbours. Continuing education in an area of interest through many of our colleges like George Brown, Sheridan, Centennial and Seneca are also a great way to meet people," said one expat in Toronto.
What is life like in Toronto?
When we asked people living in Toronto what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Career is top priority followed by family time which can consist of outings, socializing with others and taking the kids for after school activities like swimming, playing in the parks, joining sports teams. We like to cook at home and entertain at home as well. Everyone in Toronto loves either Hockey, Basketball, Baseball or all of the above. We are proud of our sports teams. In the summer the waterfront has a lot to offer both residence and tourists with arts, cultures, fairs and events for the whole family. Many like to go out to the country on the weekends when the weather permits. Norther Ontario is a beautiful part of the world," remarked one member in Toronto.
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Toronto is vibrant and exciting. The city is a hub for culture, art, and entertainment, and offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for visitors. The city is also home to a diverse population, making it easy for expats and digital nomads to find a community of like-minded people. The cost of living in Toronto is relatively affordable, and the city is well-connected with public transportation, making it easy to get around. Additionally, Toronto is a great place to work remotely, with plenty of co-working spaces, cafes, and other places to work. All in all, Toronto is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for a vibrant and exciting place to live and work," explained one expat living in Toronto, Canada.
Where should I live in Toronto?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"When looking for a place to live in Toronto, it is important to consider your budget, desired location, and the type of housing you are looking for. Start by researching different neighbourhoods in Toronto to find one that fits your needs. You can also use online resources such as Craigslist, Kijiji, and PadMapper to search for rental listings. Additionally, you can contact a real estate agent to help you find a place to live. Once you have narrowed down your search, you can visit the properties in person to get a better feel for the area and decide if it is the right fit for you," remarked one member in Toronto.
What do I need to know before moving to Toronto?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Toronto, they said:
"I have a relocation company in Toronto helping primarily corporate clients and their families from all over the world with all aspects of their move to Toronto. I also work with an affiliate who has assistants working across Canada. Together we can assist with government cards and forms, school admissions, home finding, city orientation and more. This is a great city, full of cultural resources, picturesque, loads of opportunities and very accepting of all cultures. We are one of the most multicultural cities in the world!!! Language training is abundant, public transportation, continuing education are all available at a reasonable cost. The cost of housing and the overall cost of living is high. In order for me to assist you, you must have your employment in place as there are not many people who will rent to you without this. Once you are working here legally you can get your medical coverage (OHIP) as well. I can direct you to the appropriate immigration lawyers, international movers, etc. as part of my service. Please feel free to drop me a line with your questions here: [email protected] or visit my site at www.gtarelocation.com for more information," remarked one member in Toronto.
"Before retiring in Toronto, expats should research the cost of living in the city, as it is one of the most expensive cities in the country. They should also familiarize themselves with the Canadian healthcare system, as it is publicly funded and provides universal coverage. Additionally, expats should research the different neighborhoods in Toronto to find the one that best suits their needs. It is also important to research the different visa requirements for expats, as well as the tax implications of living in Canada. Finally, expats should take the time to explore the city and get to know the culture and people of Toronto," explained one expat living in Toronto, Canada.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Toronto?
"Opportunities to have a more global perspective, to improve English, to serve the community on a higher scale than before," explained one expat living in Toronto, Canada.
"Expats in Toronto appreciate the city's diverse culture, with a variety of ethnicities and backgrounds represented. They also enjoy the city's vibrant art and music scenes, with a wide range of galleries, theatres, and music venues. Toronto is also known for its excellent food, with a variety of cuisines from around the world available. The city is also known for its friendly people, who are welcoming and open to newcomers. Finally, expats appreciate the city's excellent public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around," said one person in Toronto.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Toronto?
"Expats in Toronto often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. Many find the pace of life to be much faster than what they are accustomed to, and the cost of living can be quite high. Additionally, the weather can be quite unpredictable, with extreme temperatures in both summer and winter. Furthermore, the city is quite multicultural, and many expats find it difficult to adjust to the different customs and languages. Finally, the city can be quite crowded, and traffic can be a challenge to navigate," explained one person living in Toronto, Canada.
"There is a big cultural difference between China and Canada. Inititally I found hard to be fully aware of the difference, then it came the challenges to express it accurately. During the time, I did not have social network and had a hard time to build one. The situation put a lot of stress on my work and life," said one expat in Toronto.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Toronto for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Toronto for a while, you will need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Depending on your nationality, you may also need to apply for a work permit or study permit. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of financial support, such as a bank statement, to demonstrate that you can support yourself during your stay," said one person in Toronto.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Toronto?
We asked people in Toronto if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"It is important to be mindful of cultural differences when visiting Toronto. It is important to be respectful of the local customs and traditions, and to be aware of any potential cultural faux pas. For example, it is important to be aware of the local dress code and to dress appropriately for the occasion. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid using offensive language or making jokes that could be seen as offensive. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of the local Indigenous peoples and their culture, and to avoid making any comments that could be seen as insensitive or disrespectful. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and etiquette, and to avoid making any gestures or comments that could be seen as rude or inappropriate," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Toronto.
"The "embarrassing" blunder we committed is actually leaving our dandelions in the garden because we like them. It's one of the few flowers children are actually allowed to pick in abundance. However, according to several of my friends, it is actually "asocial" to have dandelions in your garden because you "contaminate" the gardens around you and trouble your neighbours who will therefore have to work harder getting rid of theirs. I am still in culture shock and feel sad about this desire to eradicate innocent natural plants (including forget-me-nots, lilies of the valley, and many other beautiful wildflowers which don't cause any harm.)," explained one person living in Toronto, Canada.
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What are healthcare services like in Toronto?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Toronto, they replied:
"Healthcare services in Toronto are provided by a variety of public and private organizations. The public system is funded by the provincial government and is managed by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. This system provides access to a wide range of services, including primary care, hospital care, mental health services, home care, and long-term care. Private healthcare services are also available in Toronto, including private hospitals, clinics, and medical practices. These services are typically more expensive than public services, but may offer more specialized care. Toronto also has a number of community health centres that provide free or low-cost services to those in need. These centres offer a range of services, including primary care, mental health services, and health promotion," explained one person living in Toronto, Canada.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Toronto?
"Expats and digital nomads living in Toronto often appreciate the city's vibrant culture, diverse population, and excellent public transportation system. They also enjoy the city's many parks, restaurants, and entertainment options. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in Toronto to be quite high, and the city's weather can be unpredictable," wrote one digital nomad living in Toronto, Canada.
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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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