Renting in North York

Renting in North York

By Zoocasa

With rents rising all over the 416, prospective tenants may want to take a look in the north part of the city. Long ignored by die-hard downtowners, North York arguably offers the best of everything — cheaper rents, subway access, easier parking, plentiful restaurants — and still with the diversity that Hogtown is known for.

Called “North” York because it’s directly above the old city of York, the former borough is massive and its borders range roughly from the Humber River to Bayview, from Glencarin to Steeles.

Cheaper Rent

The biggest draw to the north is the rental savings.

While houses for sale in North York are not necessarily cheaper to purchase due to being so in-demand with families – it is generally more affordable to rent here compared to other neighbourhoods that are more central.

A one-bedroom apartment can be had for an average of $1,780 in North York, compared to $1,951. And the difference grows greater with a condo: a one-bedroom unit is $1,970 compared to $2,859 in Toronto.

A two-bedroom apartment is $2,077 in North York, while the same is $2,397 down south. Meanwhile, a condo rental is $2,518 — pricey until you realize the same property in Toronto will cost you an incredible $3,687.

Urban and Suburban: Both are Available

Because it’s so large, tenants have a lot to choose from. Do they want a quieter residential neighbourhood and space for a car? If so, why not rent in Clanton Park, the Bathurst Manor or Don Mills. Or, if they want to be in a more urban environment, and able to walk to restaurants, the subway and cultural activities, why not consider Yonge and Sheppard? North York offers something for everyone

Variety of Housing Types

Unlike the downtown core which is dominated by postage-stamp tiny condos and houses with old drafty floor, North York has a far wider variety of housing types. First, there’s the post-war bungalows, which are the perfect size to live in with a roommate or two without feeling cramped. Then there’s the basement in the 1980s McMansion types, which are large and airy. Yes, you’re unlikely to find the character homes seen in the Annex, but you’ll also almost certainly get central air.

And in the last decade, hundreds of North York condos have sprung up on the Yonge Subway line, with a square footage often bigger than south of Eglinton. Yonge and Finch and Yonge and Sheppard offer plenty of stunning condos with the same upgraded amenities you’d see downtown — if not more.

Diversity

If you think North York is less diverse than the core, think again. If anything, it’s even more of multicultural hub. There are large Chinese, Filipino, Black and South Asian communities that flourish there – with the restaurants and ethnic festivals to prove it.

You can find some of the best bagels, bubble tea, and lechón in the entire 416 within North York.

Next time your lease is up, consider expanding your horizons and considering North York — you may be impressed.