The Chase: A first-time renter leaves the nest to find a home in Corktown
After working at a software company for a year, Tracy Pham had the financial confidence to leave her parents’ place in midtown. So she set a budget of $2,200 a month and started her search
The renter: Tracy Pham, 26, a vocal teacher and project manager.
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The story: In April of 2023, Tracy, who had recently earned her degree in health sciences at Western University, was living with her parents at Bayview and Eglinton. After working at a software company for a year, she had the financial confidence to live on her own for the first time. The goal was to score a studio or one-bedroom big enough to store her keyboard, electric drum kit and other music equipment. Tracy also wanted a quick commute to her office at King and Bay and easy access to concert venues downtown. She set a budget of $2,200 a month and started her search.
Option 1: King Street East near Jarvis
Listed at: $2,100 Rented for: $1,995
Tracy spotted this 650-square-foot studio on Craigslist and fell in love with its loft-style design and exposed brick and wood beams. Right on King, it was a five-minute streetcar ride west to the Financial District and a 15-minute trip east to Leslieville—one of her favourite neighbourhoods for hanging out. On the downside, it was situated above a vacant storefront, and she didn’t like not knowing what type of business might move in beneath her. She was still willing to consider it, but the landlord rented out the apartment before her scheduled viewing.
Option 2: Woodbine Avenue near Gerrard
Listed at: $2,200 Rented for: $2,200
A week later, Tracy saw this 600-square-foot one-bedroom on Facebook Marketplace. It was on the second floor of a recently renovated Victorian, with brand-new appliances and light fixtures along with a fresh coat of paint. She liked the open-concept layout and abundance of natural light. Plus, she got a good vibe from the landlord, and the neighbourhood was quieter than downtown. But Tracy wanted to be closer to the core and was unwilling to endure the 40-plus-minute commute on the TTC. So she moved on without submitting an application.
The Buy: Bayview Avenue near Front
Listed at: $2,150 Rented for: $2,150
Next, Tracy visited this 500-square-foot studio in Corktown that she also found on Craigslist. It was smaller than the previous two spots, but the price was right and the open layout made the place feel large. Plus, it came with a balcony and a suite of shared amenities like a gym and a rooftop pool. She submitted an application and then met with her would-be landlord on Zoom. The bid was successful. In June of 2023, Tracy moved in. “I sing at random hours of the night, and no noise complaints yet!” she says. “So I’m very grateful.”
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Andrea Yu is a freelance journalist based in Toronto. She reports on a wide variety of topics including business, real estate, culture, design, health, food, drink and travel. Aside from Toronto Life, her writing has appeared in the Globe and Mail, Chatelaine and Cottage Life.
