Let us tell you about 6 boroughs of Toronto the way We’d explain it to a friend over coffee. No corporate fluff, just straight talk from someone who’s helped hundreds of people move and settle into these Toronto Boroughs. Grab a drink and let’s break it down.
How Toronto’s Boroughs Actually Work
Toronto isn’t just one big blob of a city – it’s six boroughs of Toronto uniquely stitched together, each with its own personality. It’s crucial to understand this Toronto boroughs map to the point or you might move up in Scarborough expecting downtown vibes and wind up in someone’s quiet suburban paradise instead.
The city government tries to make everything uniform across all boroughs in Toronto, but trust me, crossing from Old Toronto into East York feels like entering a different world. And that’s exactly why you need to understand these differences before choosing where to live.
There are Six boroughs within Toronto:
Old Toronto: Where the Action Is
This is the postcard version of Toronto – the CN Tower, the busy streets, the condos that scrape the sky. We’ve moved dozens of young professionals into these glass towers, and they all say the same thing at first: “The view is incredible!” Then about month three comes the realization: “My entire apartment could fit in my parents’ living room.”
Here’s what they don’t tell you about Old Toronto:
- That “luxury” condo might have paper-thin walls
- Parking spots cost more than some people’s first cars
- Your moving truck will need to book the loading dock exactly on time or you’re stuck circling the block
But if you thrive on energy and want to stumble home from bars at 2 AM without thinking about transit, this is your spot.
Downtown Toronto condos average $2,800/month for 1-bedrooms, while luxury penthouses soar past $3M. Foodies flock to St. Lawrence Market for peameal bacon sandwiches, while CN Tower‘s EdgeWalk thrills adventurers. Art lovers browse AGO, and night owls revel on King West. Despite steep rents, downtown’s walkability and iconic spots like Nathan Phillips Square make it irresistible.
East York: The Goldilocks Zone
East York is where smart Torontonians go when they want space but aren’t ready for full-on suburbia. The streets are lined with these gorgeous old trees that turn into a tunnel of color every fall. Perfect for Instagram and you can be downtown in 20 minutes but sleep in actual quiet.
Housing costs 22% less than downtown—apartments rent for $1,800-$2,500, homes $900K-$1.5M. Foodies love Mezes on Danforth‘s Greek feasts and Neighbors bond over fresh finds at the East York Farmers’ Market before strolling Taylor Creek Park‘s lush trails. Active locals hit Withrow Park‘s tennis courts or Stan Wadlow Park‘s winter rink. This community’s unbeatable mix keeps residents rooted.
North York: Suburbia With a Side of City
North York is where Toronto goes to raise kids and park minivans. We helped a family move here last summer where the dad literally cried when he saw he could afford a garage. A whole garage!
The neighborhoods here have names that sound like British aristocracy – Willowdale, Don Mills, Pleasant View. The reality is more soccer practices and mall parking lots than Downton Abbey, but it’s solid family territory.
North York blends urban convenience with suburban charm, offering condos ($1,800–$2,500/month) and homes ($900K–$1.8M) below downtown prices. With Line 1 subway access and 60+ parks like Earl Bales Park, it’s ideal for commuters and families. Foodies love Jin Dal Lae’s Korean fare, while Mel Lastman Square buzzes with events. Willowdale offers top schools and Gol’s Lanzhou Noodle, while Don Mills charms with mid-century style and the Shops at Don Mills.
Scarborough: Affordable, Place for Families and Fresh Air
Let’s be honest here, Scarborough doesn’t get enough credit. We moved a food blogger here last year who now does “Scarborough eats” tours because the diversity of restaurants blew her mind.
Buying a house here gives you the most square footage space for every dollar spent in the city proper. But here’s the catch – you’ll need a car to move around like you need oxygen.
Families love Scarborough Bluffs Park for sandy cliffs and picnics, while Guild Inn Estate charms with gardens and history. Affordable living? Check—one-bedrooms rent for $1,500-$2,000, and homes start around $750K. Craving global flavors? From Perfect Chinese Restaurant‘s dumplings to Stone Cottage Pub‘s fish and chips (a local staple since 1947), Scarborough serves up diversity on every plate.
Etobicoke: Spacious Living With City Connections
Etobicoke is where people move when they want to say they live in Toronto but also want to pretend they’re in a Nancy Meyers movie. The Kingsway area has these picture-perfect streets where every house looks like a Christmas card. Moreover, you are also getting quick access to the airport (critical for the business traveler crowd), Waterfront parks that actually smell like they should and schools with ample activity areas.
You can find lakefront condos at Humber Bay Shores, century-old bakeries like SanRemo, and tree-lined streets in The Kingsway. With one-bedrooms at $1,700-$2,300 and quick GO train access, it’s no surprise families love Markland Wood’s mid-century homes and Eatonville Library’s community vibe—all at 15% savings over downtown.
York: Quiet, Affordable Borough
York is Toronto’s fixer-upper borough – rough around some edges but full of potential. We’ve helped so many first-time buyers get into this market before prices went nuts. You can get actual affordable detached homes and easy access to public transport with The UP Express making airport trips stupid easy. Most important thing here is the Community vibe that you won’t find in downtown.
Housing costs run 15% below downtown, with apartments at $1,600-$2,200 and homes from $800,000-$1.2M. Family-friendly neighborhoods like Rockcliffe-Smythe feature spacious 3-4 bedroom rentals ($2,500-$3,500) near top schools and local gems like Falafel World and The Social Blend café. From Weston’s historic streets to Earlscourt’s community vibe, each area—including Baby Point, Old Mill, and St. Clair West Village—boasts unique character, green spaces, and strong local spirit.
Picking Your Perfect Borough
Here’s how We suggest you should go about picking from these boroughs in Toronto:
- Budget first – Old Toronto will break you. Scarborough won’t. It’s that simple.
- Commute test – Actually make the trip during rush hour before committing.
- Weekend experiment – Spend a Saturday in your potential new ‘hood. Do you fit in?
- Future-proofing – Buying a condo in a kid-unfriendly area? Think ahead.
Real Talk FAQs
Q. Which Toronto borough is the most affordable to live in?
Scarborough and parts of York generally offer the most square footage for your dollar. If you’re buying or renting on a budget, start there.
Q. Which borough has the worst traffic?
Etobicoke wins because of the Gardiner. It’s like parking lot yoga every afternoon.
Q. Where do I move if I hate neighbours?
Scarborough’s outer edges. You might actually get a driveway instead of a parking spot.
Q. Which borough is best for foodies?
Old Toronto for trendy spots, Scarborough for authentic global cuisine that’ll change your life.
Q. Where do the rich people hide?
The Kingsway in Etobicoke and certain North York pockets. You’ll know by the Christmas light displays.
Q. Which borough feels most like “real” Toronto?
East York – urban enough but with actual community spirit.
Q. Where should I avoid moving if I hate driving?
Scarborough and Etobicoke will test your patience. Stick to Old Toronto or near subway lines.
Final Moving Tips For all 6 Boroughs of Toronto
Having coordinated moves in every borough, here’s my insider advice:
- Old Toronto moves: Book elevator time before you book movers. Seriously.
- East York: Measure your furniture against those narrow porch staircases first.
- North York: Basement apartments mean tricky stairwells – warn your movers.
- Scarborough: Summer moves beat winter ones unless you love snowdrifts.
- Etobicoke: Schedule around rush hour or prepare to hate your life.
- York: Street parking permits take time – apply early.
The right borough makes all the difference. We’ve seen clients go from miserable to thriving just by moving a few kilometers in the right direction.
When you’re ready to make your move, call someone who knows these streets like the back of their hand. We’ll get you where you belong – without the corporate nonsense or fake promises. Just honest Toronto moving advice from people who actually live here.
Found your perfect borough? Let’s make your move happen – the right way. Contact us today for straight talk and real solutions.
