TOinTO
Active Member
When I was looking to move back to Toronto in 2006, I was concerned that I might have a hard time finding good work in the city - because of all the gloomy reports of business moving to the 905 in the last 15 years - especially technology companies.As a freelance contractor I've been contacted by at least two dozen businesses (design, tech, advertising) over the past year inquiring about potentially hiring me for individual projects, contracts, or full-time work. Almost all of the businesses would have been easily walkable from downtown; another handful were on the subway. Only ONE was outside downtown Toronto, and that was in Oakville.
But it was no problem and I've moved through 3 jobs since then (my choice) - all of them downtown.
I'm not trying to counter well documented trends with personal anecdotes. There has been much more job growth in the 905 than in Toronto and the inner suburbs are doing badly. But there is a robust white collar job market downtown.
I think I would move to another city (like New York or back to SF) before I would commute to Markham or Mississauga.
Yeah, you wait! My car is paid for too. We don't use it for commuting. Last year we had to have the breaks done and one of the struts replaced for about a $1000. Total expenses for the car that year were $4500. This year it was revealed that the coolant leak no one could find had fucked up most of the electronics - $4000 just to fix that mess. Of course, that's what I would pay/year to replace it. I hate owning a car. Once the kids are older, they're going to go through a lot of sneakers!The car is paid for, but needs about $200 a year on average in maintenance.