Toronto is so desirable to home buyers that we also see people relocating just from one end of the city to the other. North, south, east, or west; it doesn’t matter, fantastic shops, incredible restaurants, great schools, and beautiful parks abound everywhere you go. In this post, we’ll talk about the merits of moving from the West End to the East End.
A Snapshot of Toronto West
West vs East seems to be a big talking point with buyers coming to Toronto. Both have so many benefits and advantages that it can be hard to decide what side of Yonge Street to call home. That said, there’s a reason so many people who settle in the West End never leave.
There’s just something about the culture here that’s almost irresistible. The shops, unique restaurants, and a list of cool attractions that never seems to end. Art galleries, festivals, and museums are sprinkled throughout each neighbourhood, which means there is always something fun to do.
Looking for an unforgettable experience in Toronto? The posts below will give you some ideas:
- Cycling in the Summer: Toronto’s Hottest Bike Trails
- Let the Music Play: A Guide to Toronto’s Incredible Venues
- Skating in Toronto: A Guide to the Our Favourite Rinks
What to Look Forward to in the East
When you fully grasp just how many benefits the West End offers, you might wonder why anyone would even dream of packing up and moving. That is until you realize that the East End is also full of fun activities and amenities. Whether you’re looking for an evening out on the town with the liveliest nightclubs and the best music or to shop the afternoon away, the East End has much to offer.
Parks and green spaces? Bloor West Village, High Park, and Roncesvalles residents love to boast about High Park. It is Toronto’s largest green space, followed by Centennial Park, which is also in the West. So we do kind of see their point.
However, don’t let them rub it in too much. The East End has Riverdale Park, Kew Gardens, and Tommy Thompson Park (formerly called the Leslie Street Spit). Take that, West Enders!
Plus, we can’t forget about the proximity to some of Toronto’s most spectacular waterfronts. Cherry Beach and Woodbine Beach are hot attractions, especially in the summer. Imagine having them just outside your door or a few minutes away.
Curious about Toronto’s East End? You’ll find even more details in the posts below:
- Luxury Living in Toronto’s East End
- Hiking in the East End: Our Favourite All-Season Trails
- Why Families Love to Call Riverdale Home
A Real Live Case Study
Nothing illustrates our point like a real life case study. So let’s get the facts straight from one of our clients who was a die-hard West Ender – until she made the plunge and bought her first condo in the east!
The name has been changed to protect the guilty, but this is her real life experience as to why she couldn’t be happier, or prouder, to be a Toronto East End resident.
Everything Seems More Affordable in the East
Though the prices of everything from gas, clothing, and houses are sky-high everywhere, life just seems to be more affordable in the East. After our client’s first visit to the local “No Frills,” everything was so inexpensive that it felt like she was stealing, so much so that she had the urge to run out and yell, “Start the car, start the car!”
That’s not to say that there aren’t luxuries or ways to splurge in the East. You can always find plenty of ways to spend your money, whether you’re pampering yourself at a high-end spa or treating yourself to the latest in designer fashion. But you only splurge if you choose to, and that makes all the difference. Affordable options are relatively easy to come by for your day-to-day life.
East End Toronto Is Ultra Convenient
The East End gets major points for affordability, which is a massive plus in Toronto. However, even that takes a backseat to the sheer convenience you’re about to discover. In our client’s own words:
“Everything is SUPER close! Sometimes I feel it unnecessary to jump on the streetcar because everything is really convenient and within walking distance. And when I do decide to hop on public transit to get somewhere, it takes five seconds!”
One of the joys of living in Toronto is that having a car is optional. Public transit is easy and convenient in the East End, and the walkability score is delightfully high. If you don’t want to walk or rely on transit, the East is also very cycling-friendly. Just grab your bike and pedal over to the local shops, restaurants, or breathtaking parks.
Does all this talk about the joy of Toronto life have you ready to start the home buying process? If so, the posts below will help you get started:
- Should You Buy or Sell First in a Shifting Market?
- Has Buying a Home in Toronto Gotten Easier?
- Why Now Is the Time for Toronto Buyers
An Inside View of Toronto East
Are you still curious about what it’s like to move from one side of the city to the other? We leave you with a few more insights from our client to tell you about her first-hand experience of making a fresh start in the East End.
“All of a sudden, your friends think you live on the other side of the world, and just as suddenly, you find yourself in a battle of West versus East. Leslieville is not, in fact, the land of the Greasers, and the West is not the land of the Socs… there are no losers…(unless you are in the West, of course).
After much persuasion that the East is not a land of poverty-stricken gangsters, your friends and family finally agree to make the “road trip” to the other side of the DVP. Soon, they share your amazement just how lovely and delightful, and ‘not at all dangerous’ your neighbourhood feels.
You look at them like they have just left the comfort of their bubble for the first time, and they stare back with nothing but dumbfounded awe, and congratulate you on finding a great ‘nook’ of Toronto.
You hear them muse under their breath, “Les-lie-ville” they say slowly, as though they have never heard of it before in a positive connotation. You can be proud of yourself, because you’ve just taught them a new word.”
There you have it, a very personal assessment of “The East vs The West.” Signed, an East Ender forever.
Who are we kidding though? Friendly rivalry aside, the West End and East End are both incredible, full of scenic beauty, convenience, and excitement. Wherever you settle, you win either way!
Do you want to know about your real estate options in Toronto East or West? Our team is happy to help you find the perfect location for your next home. Connect with us at Erica@EricaReddy.com or call 416.443.0300 for more information.
Meet The Erica Reddy Team
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