I recently moved to Toronto from Thunder Bay in search of better job opportunities.
Personally, I feel Thunder Bay is a great place for those who are looking for a slower pace of life that is not as busy as Toronto. If you’re looking for more of an urban environment then Toronto is the place for you.
As most of you know Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the provincial capital of Ontario. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario.
The city has more than 2 million residents and it is a multicultural city with many different cultures living together. Toronto has a lot to offer from museums to sports teams, from nightlife to food festivals, there are endless opportunities for entertainment. Also, it has a lot of job opportunities for people who are willing to work hard and take advantage of all that this city has to offer.
Thunder Bay on the other hand doesn’t have as much going for it as Toronto does but it does have its own charm which makes it an attractive destination for those who want an alternative to Toronto
What are the pros of moving to Thunder Bay then?
The advantages of staying in Thunder Bay are:
It is a cheaper place to live
This makes this city an attractive destination for people who are looking for a more affordable place to call home. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment averages $1000 per month and the average cost for groceries ranges from $200 to $250 per month.
Related : How much does it cost to purchase a house in Thunder Bay
Easy commute
The commute to work will also be very easy because the city is not very large and it’s in close proximity to many other cities.
A short commute is better for your health as well as your wallet. It saves you money on gas and other commuting costs like tolls or public transportation fares.
Nature
The city is known for its natural beauty and has been named by National Geographic as one of the world’s best places to see fall colors.
The Thunder Bay scenic views are stunning and offer something for everyone who visits the area. The city offers everything from hiking trails to bike paths, fishing opportunities to boating, and a variety of restaurants and accommodations that will suit any budget.
There are excellent job opportunities
There are numerous job opportunities in Thunder Bay, which can be found via job boards and classified ads. Mining, forestry, tourism, and education are just a few of the industries with a strong presence in Thunder Bay.
The people are friendly and welcoming.
The people in Thunder Bay are friendly and welcoming. The first time I visited this city, I was pleasantly surprised by the community feel. The locals were always happy to lend a helping hand, which made me feel at home right away.
How about cons?
Winter!
Thunder Bay’s winters are dreadful. It’s cold, snowy, and dark outside.
It’s a bad time to be outside. The snow is deep, and the wind is blowing hard. Because the sidewalks are slippery and icy, it can be difficult to walk on them.
Winter in Thunder Bay can be particularly difficult for those who must go outside for work or pleasure.
Crime rate
Thunder Bay had been a murder capital. Once upon a time, the city was dubbed “Canada’s Most Dangerous City.”
However, Thunder Bay’s crime rate has been decreasing for several years. In Thunder Bay, there were 2,544 crimes committed in 2016. This represents a significant reduction from the 3,072 crimes committed in 2015. This is also a 9% decrease from the previous year.
Many factors have contributed to the decrease in crime rates. One of these factors is that the police force is more aware and active than it was previously. The police have been working hard to find ways to reduce crime rates by increasing their presence and visibility on the streets, which has resulted in residents feeling safer.
Advantages of moving to Toronto
It is not a secret that Toronto has more than enough to offer. It is the hub of arts and culture, as well as a diverse and welcoming community. With its vast selection of restaurants, it is no wonder that Toronto has been dubbed “The City That Works.”
Toronto offers many benefits for those who are looking to move there. The city is home to some of the best universities in Canada. The University of Toronto and York University are both in the top 100 universities worldwide according to the QS World Ranking by Subject 2017.
Moving to Toronto can also be a great opportunity for career growth with such companies as Google, Facebook, Twitter, Shopify, Adobe Systems Inc., Thomson Reuters, and Microsoft all having offices in the city.
Disadvantages of moving to Toronto
Toronto is a great city to live in. It has a lot of things to offer, but it also has its disadvantages.
The cost of living in Toronto is high and the housing market is very competitive.
Even though the weather in Toronto is better than Thunder Bay’s weather, you get to experience bone-chilling breeze in certain areas such as Richmond Hill and Vaughan. I’d like to put Markham in the list, but it considered a city of its own. But, it is pretty near to Toronto.
Lastly, commuting can be quite challenging due to the frequent traffic jams on the roads. I have friends who always seem to get stuck in traffic and take forever to drive just a few kilometers. In addition, parking can be quite pricey.
Housing options: Toronto vs Thunder Bay
Thunder bay has cheaper housing options compared to Toronto. The average price of a house in Thunder Bay is $200,000 while the average price of a house in Toronto is $1,000,000.
The City of Thunder Bay offers a variety of housing options to suit the needs and budgets of all residents.
Thunder Bay’s affordable housing market is strong and diverse, with a range of rental and ownership options. There are many affordable housing providers in the city, offering a variety of programs that maintain affordability over time.
There you have it! This should provide you with enough information to determine which city would be the best crib for you.