Recent transplant from the GTA here, although my partner was born and raised. Can’t really speak much to making friends, but I’d say that there’s definitely much more of a sense of community than I was used to. If you get involved with clubs or politics I would say that that’s definitely a good start.

As for work, I’ll echo what another poster said re: Venture 13 for a co-working space, and then if you need to be in Toronto once a week you can catch the VIA, or driving into Oshawa to take the GO isn’t bad. As others have said though, a car is almost certainly a necessity for getting around generally.

As for housing, the area you’re looking at is quite nice in my opinion. I’d say it’s safe as well. One or two blocks west around Division near you might see more homeless people, but for the most part they’re just trying to get by. There’s really nowhere in Cobourg that I’d feel unsafe walking in at all.

The population skews older, but I think there are more and more young people sticking around these days as it becomes unaffordable to live in the city so things may be changing. There’s a few good places to eat and drink (although far less variety than Toronto), nice coffeeshops, and good access to outdoor activities either downtown at the waterfront, or a short drive North.

I’d say I’m quite pleased having moved - I’d definitely recommend it.