Moving to Toronto: your friendly newcomer guide for 2026
Paperwork, schools, transit, neighbourhoods and real home prices, plus the best things to do in Toronto.
By Inderpal Sidhu · Updated October 2026 · 9 min read
Welcome! Thinking about moving to Toronto? Canada's biggest city: jobs, culture and every cuisine on earth. This guide walks you through everything a newcomer needs, from your first-week paperwork to the neighbourhoods, schools and home prices, and then the fun stuff: what to explore once you've settled in. If you get stuck at any point, I'm happy to help.
Moving to Toronto soon? Get a free 30-minute plan for your budget, timing and neighbourhoods.
Book my free moving callWhy people love Toronto
- Canada's biggest city: jobs, culture and every cuisine on earth.
- Part of City of Toronto, with the TTC and Union Station is the hub for every GO line for commuting
- A welcoming, multicultural community where newcomers find their people quickly
- Housing in Toronto sits in a balanced market where buyers have time to compare right now
Your first two weeks: the paperwork
- SIN: apply at a Service Canada Centre. You need it to work and to file taxes.
- OHIP health card: apply in person at ServiceOntario with your immigration documents, proof of Ontario address and ID. Ontario no longer has a three-month waiting period for most eligible residents.
- Driver's licence: you can use a valid foreign licence for 60 days after becoming a resident. Some countries have exchange agreements with Ontario, so check before booking a road test.
- Bank account: open one early. Newcomer packages help you build Canadian credit, which landlords and lenders check.
- Free settlement help: search your postal code on Settlement.org for free agencies near you that help with jobs, language classes and paperwork.
- Library card: free, with newcomer programs, ESL circles and computer access.
Health care
Your local hospital: Toronto General, St. Michael's, Sunnybrook, Mount Sinai and more. Register with Health Care Connect to be matched with a family doctor, and use walk-in clinics or virtual care while you wait. Keep private coverage until your OHIP card is active.
Schools
Toronto is served by the TDSB (public) and the TCDSB (Catholic), plus the French-language boards Viamonde and MonAvenir. Register with proof of address, immigration documents and immunization records. School catchments matter, so check the board's school locator before you choose a street.
Getting around
- Local transit: TTC subway, streetcars and buses.
- GO Transit: Union Station is the hub for every GO line.
- Fares: one PRESTO card works on the TTC, GO and most GTA transit systems, with discounted transfers.
- Driving: plan for rush hour on the 401, 400-series highways and the QEW. The 407 is faster but tolled.
Neighbourhoods to know
| Area | Known for | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|
| Leslieville | Brick homes, cafes, east-end village feel | Young families |
| The Annex | Victorian homes, U of T, bookstores | Academics, professionals |
| Liberty Village | Condos, walkable, near downtown jobs | First-time buyers |
| Leaside | Detached homes, top schools | Families |
| The Beaches | Boardwalk, lake, small-town feel | Families, beach lovers |
Not sure which Toronto neighbourhood fits your commute and budget?
Get my personal shortlistWhat homes cost right now
| City of Toronto (all districts), Sept 2026 | Value |
|---|---|
| Homes sold | 1,937 |
| Average price | $1,034,320 |
| Median price | $810,000 |
| Detached average | $1,562,966 |
| Months of inventory | 4.6 |
| Sale vs. list price | 99% |
With 4.6 months of inventory, Toronto is a balanced market where buyers have time to compare. Well-priced homes still sell at about 99% of asking. For a deeper look at areas, projects and taxes, see the Toronto real estate guide and the GTA market update.
Budget calculator
Interactive
Quick budget check: what can you afford here?
Estimate only: 25-year amortization, monthly payments; land transfer tax is approximate and excludes rebates. A mortgage professional will confirm your numbers.
Want homes in Toronto at this budget?
I’ll send you these numbers plus a short list of homes for sale at this price. Free, no pressure.
Buying as a newcomer
- Get pre-approved first. Many lenders have newcomer mortgage programs; see pre-approval basics.
- Land transfer tax: Toronto has a municipal land transfer tax on top of Ontario's, so budget for both. First-time buyers can get rebates on each: up to $4,000 from Ontario and up to $4,475 from Toronto.
- Status rules: federal restrictions on buying by non-Canadians, and Ontario's Non-Resident Speculation Tax, can apply depending on your status. A real estate lawyer will confirm this before you sign.
- Rent first? Renting for 6 to 12 months while you learn the area is common and smart. I can help you plan the switch from renting to owning.
- New build or resale? See the pre-construction buyer guide before you put down a deposit.
Want a clear, no-pressure plan for buying your first Canadian home?
Talk to InderpalThings to do in Toronto
- The waterfront, Toronto Islands ferry and Harbourfront
- High Park and the Don Valley trails
- Kensington Market, St. Lawrence Market and Chinatown
- Raptors, Blue Jays, Leafs and TFC
- The ROM, AGO and the Distillery District
- Try the local food scene: Toronto has incredible family-run restaurants from every corner of the world
Your moving checklist
- Week 1: SIN, OHIP application, bank account, phone plan
- Settlement agency appointment (free)
- Health Care Connect registration
- School registration (check the catchment first)
- PRESTO card
- Mortgage pre-approval if you plan to buy
- A shortlist of 2 or 3 neighbourhoods by commute and school
- A call with a local agent who knows the area (book one free)
FAQ
Is Toronto a good place to live for newcomers?
Yes for many families. Canada's biggest city: jobs, culture and every cuisine on earth. Pick a neighbourhood by school, commute and budget first.
How much is a house in Toronto?
In September 2026 the average sale price was $1,034,320 and the median $810,000 (TRREB, City of Toronto (all districts)). Detached homes averaged $1,562,966.
How long does it take to get OHIP in Ontario?
Apply in person at ServiceOntario. Ontario no longer has a three-month waiting period for most eligible residents; your card arrives by mail.
Do I need a car in Toronto?
Not necessarily. The TTC and GO cover most trips, and many downtown residents go car-free.
Who is a good realtor for Toronto?
Look for someone who knows Toronto block by block, answers fast and shows you recent sold data before you offer. I'm Inderpal Sidhu, based in Markham and working across the GTA. Book a free call and judge for yourself.
Have a question about moving to Toronto? Call, text or WhatsApp me. I answer personally.
Call or text 647-338-6875Moving for the schools? See the top-rated public, Catholic and private schools in every Toronto city, and how I check school boundaries before you offer.
Toronto school rankingsSources
Speak with Inderpal Sidhu
Direct: (647) 338-6875 · WhatsApp · Book a free call
HomeLife Silvercity Realty Inc., Brokerage. Not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale.
