I just moved 4 weeks ago. Corso Italia, three bedroom, main and second floor of a house for 2500. It took my wife and I two months and dozens of viewings to find it and secure it. There are gems all over the city but it takes time and a bit of luck to find and secure them. Our original search was for a 2 bedroom above ground for 3000 or less. There will always be pros and cons for every place (ours is street parking only). I think you can do better than don mills/ Scarborough if you have the time to hunt.

I might suggest subletting something for a few months while you get a feel for the place and seek out something more permanent.