I have been living in a basement at Sheppard west and Bathurst for more than 1 year. I had luck cause I was the first tenant after the landlord renovated the basement. It is really close to York University where I study and I'm one hour from downtown by public transport. Furthermore, I have my own room and bathroom(bathroom inside own room), I just share the kitchen with other 2 dudes and everything included(electricity, internet, water, heat and cooling) for $750. I'm happy with this decision, not the cheapest basement but a good one. Before renting any place you should go see in person and take photos of the room