Choosing a home is not as easy as looking for a certain number of bedrooms and bathrooms or a given size.These factors are necessary, but don’t let them distract you from looking at the bigger picture: location.Houses to buy in Toronto are only as good as their neighbourhoods.
You can always change the layout of your home or renovate the kitchen, but you can never change its location. As you look for houses to buy in Toronto, be sure to check if the neighborhood has the following characteristics:
Accessibility
How long will it take you to drive your kids from school and back? What about the nearest grocery stores, pharmacies, and shopping malls? A livable neighbourhood will give you access to all the essentials, ensuring that your basic needs are fully met.
Do you rely on public transport? Some neighbourhoods may require you to walk a long way before you get to a bus stop or hail a taxi, which isn’t sustainable in the long run. It’s best to choose a location where you can reach everything conveniently, more you don’t drive.
Eco-friendliness
It’s rare to find a walkable neighbourhood these days, so if you manage to come across one, then you’ve hit the jackpot.
If you love to exercise outdoors, find a place with lots of greenery, allowing you to breathe fresh air during your daily jogs. In addition, consider areas with bike-friendly roads.
Ongoing costs
Of course, you shouldn’t forget about the costs of living in a particular location. For example, exclusive neighbourhoods may require you to pay homeowners’ association fees monthly or yearly, even if you don’t use the amenities.
Moreover, you’ll need to consider the home’s property taxes, mortgage, and maintenance fees.
Safety
Does the neighbourhood have a low crime rate? Unfortunately, property crimes are still widespread in Canada, with Toronto seeing over 100,000 cases in 2020 alone, important to find areas with enough security, including street lighting, police stations, and a neighbourhood watch group.
Sense of community
Neighbourhoods fringe of your home where your kids can make new friends and feel safe. So before looking for houses to buy in Toronto, try making conversation with the current residents.
You can also search for neighbourhoods that fit your lifestyles, such as areas frequented by college students or a peaceful community with fellow parents.
About the Author:
FYN was founded in 2020 by two Schulich roommates while going through their home buying journey, which left them craving for more out of the process. As a result of their experience, they decided to tackle the opaque world of Canadian real estate. FYN is their first humble attempt to turn the tables in consumers' favour by empowering consumers with information and choice. The founders are excited for the day when they can present you, the Homebuyer, with an end-to-end solution on all aspects of home buying. A solution that will hopefully leave you content and not craving for more on the chief purchase of your life.
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