How to compare Toronto neighbourhoods before you buy

Think about a normal week. Where do you travel to for work, and how long does the trip take at rush hour? How close are the grocery stores, parks, and places you visit often? A short test commute at the actual time you would travel tells you more than a map does.

Areas often have a mix of housing, from condos to detached homes. Instead of comparing one area against another in general, compare what your budget buys in each: the size, the age, the type of home, and the condition. This usually shows differences you would not see from price alone.

Some costs depend on where the home is. Property tax is set by each municipality, so two similar homes in different cities can have different yearly bills. Homes in the City of Toronto also pay a municipal land transfer tax on top of Ontario's, which homes in neighbouring cities do not. Ask your agent to include these differences when you compare areas.

If schools matter to you, check the school boards' own information to confirm which school serves an address, because boundaries can change. Look at parks, community centres, libraries, and transit near the homes you like, and check for any major construction or development planned nearby.

An area can feel very different on a quiet weekday morning, during evening traffic, and on a Saturday afternoon. Walk the streets, notice the noise, and see how easy it is to park. If you can, visit more than once before you decide.