10/20/2026
I’m a mom who chose to raise my kids in Toronto, and I’m not afraid to admit that...
Toronto is not for everyone, and that’s okay.
I don’t believe you need to leave the city to give your kids a great childhood.
When we had kids, we wanted more space, a backyard, and good schools. So we moved to Newmarket (45 minutes north of Toronto).
We loved our new subdivision. Almost every family on our street had kids our kids’ age. New parks, schools, and a wonderful community.
But within a year, we moved back to Toronto.
We missed Toronto’s energy, diversity, and being close to loved ones.
Here’s why I’m glad we’re raising our boys here.
Family is close. My parents live minutes away. Last-minute dinners happen all the time. Our boys grow up with their grandparents nearby.
Diversity is everyday life. I came from Vietnam at 18. Now our boys grow up surrounded by different cultures, languages, traditions, and food.
Nature is nearby. Earl Bales Park has beautiful wooded hiking trails. We can also explore the Don Valley or Rouge National Urban Park without leaving Toronto.
Community feels personal.
We know our neighbours, have friends nearby, and love bringing people together. North York can feel like a small town.
Yes, winters get cold! But we get snowy days, spring blooms, summers by the lake, and colourful fall hikes.
There’s always something happening.
Festivals, museums, sports, beaches, restaurants. There’s always something new to explore.
If you want a slower pace, quieter surroundings, and more space for your money, then suburbs may suit you better.
But if you love multicultural neighbourhoods, incredible food, and a city full of life, Toronto might be your place.
Yes, housing is expensive and traffic can be frustrating. But a bigger house doesn’t automatically mean a better childhood.
For us, it’s about family, connection, and experiences.
If you’re thinking about moving to the Toronto area but aren’t sure which neighbourhood is right for your family, I am here for you.
Comment “GUIDE” and I’ll send you my guide to Toronto’s most popular neighbourhoods and suburbs, including home prices, school ratings, populat