Toronto is a city that goes by many names. Ontario’s capital, the T-Dot, TO, and YYZ (after the airport), are just a few. We even get called Hollywood North due to the number of movie and television scenes filmed here.
Past monikers have included Queen City and Little York (as a nod to New York). And, of course, who could forget “Toronto the Good?” thanks to the city’s history during the Victorian era. An argument could be made as to which of its names Toronto deserves most. However, a strong case can be made for “the Six.”
Whatever you call it, one thing is not up for debate, and that is that Toronto is one of the best places to live and visit. Let’s explore a few reasons why.
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Welcome to the Six!
There are two equally valid explanations for why Toronto often gets called “the Six.” It starts with our primary area codes, 416 and 647, both of which contain a six. (Of course, that was before 437 and 942 came on the scene. But we won’t count those.)
More likely, the name comes from the six distinct municipalities that make up the city. Here’s the back story:
In 1998, Toronto received a major upgrade! That’s what happened when the borough of East York, together with the former cities of Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York, and York, all joined with Old Toronto into one giant metropolis.
If anyone back then thought that Toronto was a huge city, second only to Montreal at the time, imagine how they must feel now. The area itself is massive, spanning approximately 632 square kilometres. Population-wise, “The Six” is home to over three million people, and still growing.
Do you want to know more about Etobicoke, one of the six? Check out some of our related posts below:
- What Are Etobicoke’s Most Luxurious Neighbourhoods?
- Is Etobicoke in Toronto?
- Things to Do in Etobicoke
What Does The Six Mean In Toronto?
The origin of the nickname “the 6” is clear and unmistakable. However, to us, there’s an even deeper meaning. We like to think of it in terms of what makes it such a fantastic and desirable place to live. With that theme in mind, here are six things to love about Toronto.
One: A Celebration of Culture
It is estimated that approximately half of Toronto’s population was born outside of Canada. Do you know what that means? The city is a celebration of culture, cuisine, and festivals, and we are here for every minute of it.
Touring through the distinct neighbourhoods brings a wealth of dining, music, and entertainment, and the festivities here are second to none. There’s the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, the Ukrainian Festival, Festival of India, Taste of Little Italy, Afrofest, and the Toronto Dragon Boat Race Festival, to name a few. This truly is one of the most diverse and welcoming cities in the world. Fun fact: Toronto was once reported as the friendliest city on earth!
Does Toronto (nickname: “the 6”) sound like the perfect place for your next home? Take the first step to turning your vision into reality by browsing our featured listings.
A Hub of Sports and Events
Just think of how many sporting and entertainment events Toronto hosts each year. A few of our major league teams include the world-famous Toronto Blue Jays (MLB), Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) and the Toronto Argonauts (CFL).
With numerous major venues, Toronto is also a premium stop for many world-class performers and artists.
Superb Access to Schools
There are many areas where Toronto shines, including access to outstanding schools at all levels. Many public schools are rated very highly by both the Fraser Institute and the EQAO. If you prefer, you can pursue your choice of premium private schools.
In addition, you’ll find several reputable colleges and universities, including the University of Toronto, York University, Humber Polytechnic, and George Brown College. This array of reputable schools is a huge draw for families and young professionals. It also makes Toronto the perfect city to settle in for life!
Outstanding Convenience and Connectivity
Toronto residents can find everything they need right within the city. There’s a superb public transit system that includes a network of buses, subways, and streetcars.
When travelling by car, commuters have access to various highways, primarily the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway (DVP). Traffic can be heavy at times, but that’s all part and parcel of living in a bustling city. For a more stress-free travelling experience, you could always hop on the Go Train. There are multiple stops standing by, ready to take you nearly anywhere you want to go.
Our team believes that everyone deserves a luxury experience when buying or selling a home. Learn more about what we mean in What Is Luxury Real Estate in Toronto?
Delectable Dining
Superb restaurants and an exhilarating entertainment scene might be the most compelling reason of all to live in Toronto! Thanks to the diverse population, you can expect to sample flavours and cuisines from around the globe, often without leaving your own neighbourhood.
Fine dining, gourmet fast food, street eats, themed restaurants, rooftop patios, dinner theatre and more, it’s all here, just waiting to dazzle your taste buds. And what’s a tasty meal without a side of entertainment? Toronto’s music, comedy, and live performances are absolute perfection. An ever-revolving roster of international, national, and local artists means there is always a venue with something going on!
Getting ready to search for your next Toronto home? The posts below will help you along the way:
- Steps to Buying a House for the First-Time in Canada
- Must-Have Features for Luxury Home Buyers in Etobicoke
- 7 Signs You’ve Found The Right Home
Stunning Scenery
Last, but absolutely not least, Toronto’s beautiful parks, more than 1500 of them to be exact, are worthy of a fairy tale. This city is home to High Park, a glorious natural oasis that includes hiking trails, a pond, a cafe (complete with a dog-friendly patio) and even a petting zoo!
For a booming metropolis, you would be surprised at how easy it is to lose yourself in nature. From the picturesque beaches and gardens of Toronto Island to the spectacular waterfront views from Trillium Park and William G. Davis Trail, you can’t help but get caught up in the beauty of it all.
Some of these spaces are sprawling, others are little hidden gems, but you’ll find breathtaking nature in pretty much every Toronto neighbourhood and all of its suburbs. In our very own Etobicoke, there’s James Gardens, a former private estate with streams and bridges, Centennial Park with vast open fields and marshlands, and Humber Bay Park, yet another fantastic spot to take in the waterfront.
Whatever lifestyle you desire, Toronto has you covered from all angles. We couldn’t imagine a better place to call home!
Do you have questions about buying or selling a house? Our Toronto luxury real estate agents can help you achieve it. Reach out to ana@asantos.ca or call us at 416.575.7317 to take the next steps.
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