Hi,
All areas of Toronto will have a slightly rubbishy area....like everywhere else in the world. You just need to know which ones they are. Etobicoke is to the west side of Toronto (before Mississauga), it is ok but there is a bit less transport connections in my opinion, The Rexdale part of it is the area to avoid in my opinion since there's been a couple shootings there since I arrived in Feb. North York is ok but depending where you settle it could be a bit further from downtown so keep close to the subway line. Jane & Wilson (good shopping but area so so). The east side of toronto is the one with the best transport connections in my opinion. East York is the closest part (passing the Don Valley parkway I think) and then comes Scarborough which is an ok area. I also did hear bad thing about Scarb. but when we came here it was ok. It's got it's parts but so does downtown and any other town.
The one thing we found difficult was to secure a lease with no employment letter, credit history and landlord refs. but if you go the real state way that's most probably what you'll find. But if you look on the Kijiji, comprayventa.com, comercio latino (and I'm sure there is plenty of others) you may be able to find a landlord that will be ok with refs. and just first & last month (and maybe a security deposit).
Regarding the shopping areas, the best thing you can do it's to bring a map of Toronto in google get the area you are interested in and do a street view so that you scan around the area and check out what shops are around. Best for cheaper groceries are Food Basic, No Frills & Walmart (this one has clothing and household items too).
By the way, my landlady will be renting the upper part of the house I'm living in (I rent the basement, so she will be renting the rest of the house). It's a 4 BR detached house by Brimley & St. Clair (Scarb.), all services + internet & cable included and also independent laundry facilities. All furnished. Master. bedroom has walk in closet and en suite with whirlpool I think, second bedroom has en suite also and the other 2 bedroom share a Jack n Gill bathroom).
Pls if you have any question don't hesitate to ask but pls contact me through my email address: yolex01@hotmail.com as I don't log in here often anymore. I arrived to Canada in Feb with my family and are settling quite well. Best wishes to all.
