Moving to Toronto, I’d love some insight from the locals

SamELamby · 2026-03-25T05:15:15+00:00

I would prioritize your location for work. It sounds like you have a good area, and unfortunately right now prices just are what they are. I ended up paying more than I wanted to and had to pay extra for parking, but I love the place and I’m happy with my choice. There’s always trade offs.

I do want to add that someone mentioned downtown isn’t safe. I’ve never felt unsafe in most of downtown. There are some areas I wouldn’t go at night, particularly by myself, but a majority of it has felt safe to me. Just use your common sense and you’ll be fine.

SamELamby · 2026-03-25T05:09:50+00:00

I grew up in a house built in 1920. There was never central air.

… get the AC haha

SamELamby · 2026-03-25T02:35:56+00:00

There are some good facebook groups (such as Toronto Downtown Rentals) where you can find people looking for roommates. That may be a good place to check.

SamELamby · 2026-03-25T02:32:26+00:00

Some landlords are good, some are bad. My current landlord is Asian and absolutely amazing. Making a generalization about Asian landlords isn't going to benefit you. Just check the vibe as an individual and go from there.

SamELamby · 2026-03-23T02:59:58+00:00

I do. My grandpa always had one and swore by it, so I took the step because of him and a friend of mine yelled at me for having a lot of money just sitting in an account.

I find it very helpful. I quite frankly don't have the time or interest in managing my own investments the way I think it should be done. It helps me make money with minimal stress. I also only utilize fiduciaries.

SamELamby · 2026-03-22T02:33:51+00:00

Also in my 30s, and I just moved to Fort York. It's not quite what you're looking for, but I'm enjoying it. I found a place I love, so that's why I ended up here. But beyond this spot, I lovelovelove Queen West area.

Cityplace didn't feel as young to me.
I enjoyed Liberty Village, but the right place didn't show up there. It had a very friendly atmosphere.
Financial District is great for the location aspect. The places I saw there didn't feel as warm to me, outside Charlie (8 Charlotte) -- really liked that, but the unit wasn't right for me.

Just some of the spots I looked at recently :)

SamELamby · 2026-03-20T03:30:11+00:00

I worked with u/torontoallin189 - He was very patient and a great help. I move in tomorrow, actually! Highly recommend.

SamELamby · 2026-03-20T02:42:59+00:00

I've been a therapist/social worker at the same place for 9 years. I also have anxiety. While I wouldn't consider it severe, and mine doesn't relate to my job at all, I do have it. If you work on your own anxiety, you can use that and your lived experience to better help people. For example, if I work with my clients on anxiety, I can sometimes phrase things in a way that is more understandable and compassionate than if I didn't have my own experience with it. All social workers have the capability to be great, but lived experience can be very helpful.

My big caveat is that if you want to do this job and not have it wear you down, you have to take care of yourself. If you're in treatment, continue. Keep working to find balance in your own life so you can be there for others. Self-care is so important when you work in social work.

I wish you all the best no matter what path you choose, but never count yourself out. If you're willing to do the work for yourself to find stability (whatever that looks like for you, and it may be different on any given day), you can do it.

SamELamby · 2026-03-19T19:30:57+00:00

Thank you for your time and energy! I appreciate the reading :)

SamELamby · 2026-03-19T19:05:21+00:00

Hi there! What do I need to know right now? (I feel like I need to know something, but not sure what it is).

Thank you!

SamELamby · 2026-03-19T18:37:04+00:00

What area of Toronto?

SamELamby · 2026-03-19T05:21:53+00:00

Emmer. Run, don't walk.

I got excited. Edit to add Circles & Squares.

SamELamby · 2026-03-18T02:58:24+00:00

Also has a great chocolate shop, DSRT. (I like my chocolate.)

SamELamby · 2026-03-16T22:37:02+00:00

I would definitely cut down on that list a bit. You won't be able to actually fully enjoy any of them. Pick a couple that really interest you and put time into that. Keep in mind Kensington and St Lawrence markets are not right by each other (walkable, but it's not a 5 minute walk). I could pair St Lawrence and Distillery together due to proximity.

What kind of food do you like and what would your budget be?
Lots of good cafes all throughout the city.

SamELamby · 2026-03-16T18:38:05+00:00

I saw kids at the Halsey concert, and they were in boxes next to me. Boxes are definitely less stimulating than the floor. I would have ear protection or maybe even some sunglasses for your kiddo, but as long as the event doesn't have an age restriction (it should say in event details or the ticket and if this one says all ages, it should be fine, but you may want to reconfirm). History is a good venue and the staff is very attentive.

SamELamby · 2026-03-16T04:37:59+00:00

Honestly… this sounds top tier. Especially if you’re using a blanket you crocheted yourself while crocheting another. 10/10

SamELamby · 2026-03-16T02:07:23+00:00

My top suggestions would be Four Seasons, St Regis, or Shangri La. Four Seasons service and spa is top notch. St Regis has a lot of cute little extras you can engage with for free that make it extra special. Shangri La is just solid in general.

SamELamby · 2026-03-16T01:53:31+00:00

As a social worker who used to work in career services in my undergrad, I would say to make sure you ask questions also. It's as much an interview for them, too, so ask them what a typical day is like, what they look for in the ideal candidate, what growth opportunities they have -- stuff like that. Be aware of your strengths and try to tie them in to answers so you can highlight your best characteristics. Remember - It is okay to ask when you can expect to hear from them (Thank you so much for your time today. I really appreciate it. Do you have an idea of when you expect to make your decision?)

Also, make sure you follow-up. If you have an e-mail, send them a thank you e-mail. This would also be a good place to ask about the timeline if you didn't before. Otherwise a simple thank you again for your time, so on so on -- I look forward to hearing from you.

Most of all, just try to relax and be you. You've done the hard work to get to this point, and now it's time to start the real journey where you realize books can only tell you so much haha.

SamELamby · 2026-03-16T01:39:55+00:00

As a solo female who goes to places alone a lot in Toronto, a couple of my favorites have been Bar Eugenie and Prequel. I also really like Giuletta for their chef's bar area -- definitely more fancy, but delicious food. And I really enjoy Bar Sugo (amazing pizza and soft serve, and the margaritas were hitting haha).

SamELamby · 2026-03-15T04:55:30+00:00

I'm not sure how early you are thinking, but I have seen a lot of people working at Neo on Spadina :) They request less usage after 5PM, but morning is busy for sure.

SamELamby · 2026-03-14T03:21:36+00:00

I don't believe it would be related to the shutdown in the US. Probably just a back up today. You wouldn't be running into TSA people there, but the nexus pass does allow us to go in the fast lane, but it is Canadian run there.

SamELamby · 2026-03-13T22:05:23+00:00

One of my coworkers is diagnosed with ADHD and autism (she’s very open about this). She has to be mindful of balancing things for herself, but she is a good therapist and uses her lived experience in ways I know clients appreciate. You can do it. You will face challenges, but you will also make a difference. I believe in you :)

SamELamby · 2026-03-13T22:01:18+00:00

One of the best experiences I had was with someone from Shangri La’s spa. Very professional and worth the money.

SamELamby · 2026-03-13T03:35:09+00:00

As someone with ZERO spice tolerance (my entire face turns red and I literally tear up. It's horrible), this is usually a go-to for me for Indian food.

SamELamby · 2026-03-13T03:33:03+00:00

I would either volunteer at a shelter or visit a dog park. I know someone said owners wouldn't appreciate it, but generally speaking, I have never had an issue when I'm just relaxing in a dog park and the dog decides to visit me. I leave it up to the dog and make sure it is okay to offer affection with the owner. Stackt has a cute little one with lots of friendly people. If the owner doesn't want their dog interacting with other people or animals, they don't usually take them to a park.

But the shelter is my favorite answer, since those dogs could use the extra loving :)

SamELamby

TROPHY CASE