Toronto has always consisted of numerous neighborhoods. Then, in the process of the city development, new quarters appeared and existing districts changed or merged. Modern buildings were erected next to low-rise residential houses.
Toronto has turned into a fabulous hustling and bustling metropolis where happy people enjoy their life to the fullest. The city offers many opportunities and invites everyone. Every district, every corner and every street has something to surprise a tourist. Learn more at toronto-future.
The beginning of the city development
Toronto is divided into six main neighborhoods: York, East York, North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough and Toronto. It is one of the largest cities in North America. Not only natives but also immigrants from all over the world live here.
According to the administrative division, Toronto is divided into 140 districts, but locals are used to unofficial district names that emerged as a result of historical and cultural events. The city is also divided into the western (more suitable for tourist trips) and eastern (comfortable for a living) parts.
Until 1834, the city of Toronto was called York. At the beginning of the 19th century, only several thousand people lived in the city. In the second half of the 19th century, a network of railway tracks passing through the city was created, which contributed to the rapid development of new districts and quarters. In addition, the population was growing quickly and housing estates were being developed too. That part of the city with small rural communities was transformed into industrial districts with numerous factories, plants and warehouses.
By the end of the 19th century, the Toronto neighborhood was transformed into industrial and commercial. The poor population and newly arrived immigrants (mainly Jews and Irish) continued to live there. Representatives of the middle and upper classes were moving to the new residential districts. The tram lines accelerated that process, as they simplified commuting to a downtown workplace. New districts were also built around the tram tracks.
Most of Toronto’s districts were established before the 1920s. In 1925, the need to establish ten postal zones emerged in order to facilitate the Post Office operation. At first, that postal division was not applied, but after the Second World War people began to use that numbering. That system was partially preserved until 1971. The city downtown underwent changes and was divided into zones, but the outskirts of Toronto continued developing.
With the invention of the automobile, new opportunities and prospects appeared. The government decided to demolish the old quarters and build new ones instead. The city was in a constant process of reconstruction.
Toronto is a dream city for many
Toronto is a city of ultra-modern skyscrapers, ancient mansions, pompous parks and sports arenas. Toronto was founded by people of different origins and cultures who were looking for a better life far away from home. The atmosphere of a sophisticated lifestyle reigns here.
Historically, the crime rate in Toronto has almost always been quite low, but you have to be cautious, as thieves and swindlers are present in every city. It would be better to avoid crowds in badly lit places.
It is difficult to point out the safest and most comfortable neighborhoods in Toronto because there are a lot of them. Families can settle in neighborhoods with parks, gardens, zoos and supermarkets. Singles would choose bustling districts with restaurants, cafes and nightclubs.
