Hey all. I'm sure it's been asked plenty of times and I know it's a broad question. The difficulty I'm having is that Googling returns results from as early as 2005 and I'm sure areas can change a lot in ten years.

I'm going to live in Toronto for a few months (maybe up to six months). I'm 27, male, most likely will be renting a desk at a co work office. I'm looking at renting a bedroom and spending no more than $1000 p/m.

The area which I felt was probably better for me was somewhere like the Annex as it's not too far from downtown, seems safe enough from what I've read, and looks like there's co working offices near by. And I can have a good time and socialise.

Anyway, I came across an interesting property. It's near Jane/Lawrence and generally attracts people of my age and international students or professionals. One of the big things I want to do on my trip is to meet new people and socialise (I'm coming over by myself).

I've spoken to the landlady and she seems genuine, and says the area isn't the best but certainly not the worse, and is pretty safe.

The thing is, it looks like the area is near Weston and not far from Mt Dennis, and I've read bad things about these areas.

There's so much crap online that you read about some places in Toronto, and I try and bear in mind that it is meant to be a pretty safe city. I know all towns and cities have their dodgy places, so I'm not sure if much of what I've read is true or sensationalised.

I was just wondering if anyone knows this area or recommends a particular area in my budget and requirements?

Thanks!

(ps, it was a choice between Toronto and Ottawa, and I know they're two completely different cities. I'm still not 100% decided, but I do have family in Waterloo which is closer to TO, and I guess there'll be plenty more for me to do there).

I don't know if this is of any use, but it was done in 2013 and ranked different areas http://www.torontolife.com/neighbourhood_rankings/ you can click on the links for more in-depth information.

I don't consider the area unsafe but it's not attractive in any way, think of Acton or Willesden. If you just want a room in a flatshare for $1000 you can surely do better than there.

You have no business being near Jane and Lawrence. That area is out the way and has bad transit links. You'll get depressed quick even suicidal.

The Annex is fantastic and $1000 should be more than enough for a good share.

Liberty Village

City Place

College and Bathurst

Yonge & Eglinton

Yonge and St.Clair

The above are all areas worth looking at. Fairly central with decent transit links, amenities and young persons. $1000 should give you decent options.

+2. Jane & Lawrence isn't quite as bad as Jane & Finch (near where I work) but pretty close. If you're Jewish somewhere on Bathurst would suite, but otherwise the Annex sounds immensely preferable. (Not exclusively so).

Thanks everyone for your replies, really grateful! Siouxie, thanks for that link too. I've had a look on there and I'm struggling to pin point where this area may come under. Especially as the long road names form the name of these neighbourhoods, I guess one end of Lawrence would be better than the other. Apart from Jane, as that seems to have a bad rep anywhere!

Hey,

We lived in TO for 7 months when I was 26, on the IEC. We were in the Annex (Christie Pits area, just off Bloor) for that time and it was great! Korea town is brilliant for cheap groceries, there are loads of young people in the area, tonnes to do and it was easy to get anywhere. I strongly recommend it.

Hi Wolfie and Will, thanks for that, I think it's becoming pretty clear I should end up there!

It is pretty great. We are moving back in the fall and would love to live there again although we now have a bebe so might try and find somewhere nearby but slightly further out to afford the second bedroom!

Once you get south of St Clair, Jane becomes bearable. I too lived in Christie Pits for a few years and it's a fab area with lots of grocery/shopping options. Danforth/Riverdale is also very desirable. Basically, this city has a very easy formula for avoiding undesirable areas, and that is to be within a few blocks of a subway station.

Well put. I endorse that. Can I give a mention for Bloor Village West & Roncevalles? We loved it there the first time we lived in the GTA.

When I first moved here I rented a room in a two bedroom apartment for $800 at College and Ossington on the boarder of little Italy and Little Portugal. Was a great fun safe hip area with lots to do and great TTC links and a great room mate.

So you were a boarder on the boarder?

Thanks for the tip on how to avoid not-so desirable areas, much appreciated!

I also lived around there for a couple of months (short term accommodation on Bloor opposite High Park). Good area. I've also lived at Yonge/Eglinton which is another good area.

http://www.yongeeglinton.com/