/
1x
Proudly Canadian, obsessively Toronto. Subscribe to Toronto Life!
Urbs vs. Burbs: Six families defend their visions of the ideal life in and around the GTA

Urbs vs. Burbs

Six families defend their visions of the ideal life in and around the GTA

Interviews by Alex Cyr and Andrea Yu| Photo by Ebti Nabag
| July 14, 2023
Copy link

Deciding where to live in the GTA was fraught even before sky-high prices and rock-bottom supply turned searching for real estate into a battle royale. Everyone wants a prime location, a good deal and ample space, but absent a Roy family–sized trust fund, we usually have to cave on one or two must-haves. Want that big yard and second bathroom? Better be ready to move off the subway line. Dreaming of a downtown dwelling close to work and surrounded by restaurants? Get used to the condo elevator and the sounds of bickering neighbours through the walls.

And yet, despite the compromises, everyone thinks their decision is best. We found five families—a lively mix of proud sub­urbanites, devoted downtowners and committed ­renters—who are thoroughly convinced that their way is the superior way. Who’s most right? That’s up to you.


Urbs vs. Burbs: "We can entertain our entire family, and no one complains about parking"
Real Estate News

Urbs vs. Burbs: “We can entertain our entire family, and no one complains about parking”

Burlington resident Amanda Dindayal explains why life outside Toronto is best for young families

This story appears in the July 2023 issue of Toronto Life magazineTo subscribe for just $39.99 a year, click here. To purchase single issues, click here.

NEVER MISS A TORONTO LIFE STORY

Sign up for The Vault, our free newsletter with unforgettable long reads from our archives.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
You may unsubscribe at any time.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Big Stories

Inside the Latest Issue

The May issue of Toronto Life features the artists, professors, scientists and other luminaries moving north to avoid the carnage of Trump. Plus, our obsessive coverage of everything that matters now in the city.