For many couples, the decision to start a family is fraught with difficult choices. This is particularly true when it comes to deciding where to live; while wisdom from past generations dictates a move to the suburbs, for many families — particularly those with working parents — the city is actually easier and more convenient than a big house and picket fence. For those who live in Ontario, Toronto provides a particularly appealing option for families, thanks to the wealth of kid-friendly activities and homes in the city.
If you’re eager to make Toronto your family home, here’s why you should pull the trigger:
Plenty of kid-friendly neighborhoods
Whether you’re eager to raise your family in an open-concept loft of like the idea of a more traditional house, you’ll find just the home you’re looking for in Toronto. Toronto’s diverse architecture and equally appealing neighborhoods, like family-friendly Bayview Village, Allenby, and The Beaches, all make this city a safe and comfortable place to call home.
Top schools
Whether you decide to go public or private with your child’s education, you can rest assured knowing that the schools in Toronto will provide them with the foundation they need to excel in life. The Toronto City School District is widely considered one of the best in North America with the top-rated University of Toronto and private institutions like the WillowWood School, Toronto Prep, and Upper Canada College rank among the top independent schools in the country.
Cultural experiences everywhere
You might get a bigger yard in the suburbs, but when it comes to raising your kids with a wealth of cultural experiences at their fingertips, Toronto can’t be beat. From trips to the Royal Ontario Museum to performances of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker put on by the National Ballet of Canada, your children will enjoy an amazing cultural education both in and out of the classroom.
Great walkability
Much like major metropolises like New York, Toronto is a highly walkable city where parents can feel confident about allowing their kids to explore. For those who have older children, you won’t have to worry about them getting behind the wheel any time they want to go somewhere — Toronto’s walkable streets and efficient public transportation mean you can safely give your teenagers plenty of independence.
Short commute times
Commuting home to the suburbs after a long day can wipe out even the most energetic individuals. However, for anyone working and living in Toronto, getting home is a breeze – imagine an end to sitting in endless highway traffic, avoiding lengthy commuter train trips, and no more snow delays making it virtually impossible to get to the office or get home after work.
Finding the perfect place to call home is never easy, but Toronto’s wealth of cultural opportunities, convenience, stunning homes, and stellar educational environments make it an amazing place to raise a family.
