By: David Dunkelmam
In my experience as a Realtor; a prospective Buyer will rarely decide to make a decision to buy a home, no matter how nice it is, until they have settled on a neighbourhood that they are comfortable in. Comfort levels will depend on a wide range of factors depending on the wants and needs of the buyer.
First time buyers tend to crave a neighbourhood with some excitement where you can walk to coffee shops, restaurants and the fitness studio. A neighbourhood with a wide selection of condominiums or funky lofts might be a good choice here. Couples who may be thinking of children will definitely want to place schools and parks high on their priority list. A neighbourhood with a strong core of families can provide a nice support group and community for a young family.
The Toronto District School Board website (www.tdsb.on.ca) is a valuable resource in determining what the school is for the home on the street you are interested in. Families with young children already in tow may be looking for a neighbourhood with larger homes and backyards. The proximity to a recreation centre, a public library, a good grocery store and easy access to medical care should all be considered. And do not forget the little things that might come in handy like the presence of a local toy store, ice cream shop, veterinarian clinic for “Spot” and even a toboggan hill for those snowy Toronto winters.
Empty nesters and mature buyers concerned with healthy living might want to choose a neighbourhood that is close to public trails like the Waterfront Trail and the Beltline Trail where you can walk, jog and cycle. Close proximity to arts institutions such as the Art Gallery and the Museum as well as Toronto’s fashion and entertainment districts are also a plus for those with more recreational time on their hands. Convenience to outdoor and indoor shopping centres, hospitals and public transit must also be considered.
In general all buyers may want to choose a neighbourhood that is not too far from family and friends. Public transit and proximity to highways also rates highly on most homebuyers’ wish list. Things like crime statistics can be somewhat random but worth checking into. Are there any development, environment, or pollution issues relevant to a particular neighbourhood? Your local Realtor should have the answer to these questions.
In summary, Toronto is a very tolerant city and welcoming of new residents. Most Torontonians did not grow up in the neighbourhood they now live in; in fact most did not even grow up in this city. Trust your instincts. If a neighbourhood looks and feels right, it quite possibly is the one for you. If you’re still not sure, check and see if there is a neighbourhood residents association and someone you can speak to. Maybe the local business improvement area might provide more information or the parent teacher association at the local schools. You can also check with the local municipal councillor in your ward which can overlap several neighbourhoods. You can find this information on the city of Toronto website at www.toronto.ca. Having had firsthand experience exploring Toronto’s neighbourhoods as the author of the book “Your Guide to Toronto Neighbourhoods” I can confidently say that if you do your homework you will surely discover that there is a Toronto neighbourhood that is just right for you.
David Dunkelman is a Broker and ABR* with Royal Lepage R.E.S.Ltd/Johnston and Daniel Division. David is also the Author of “Your Guide to Toronto Neighbourhoods”. *ABR* The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate BUYER’S AGENT Council (REBAC) of the National Association of REALTORS® who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria.
