After more than a decade of living in three different cities with a revolving door of roommates, I've realized that living alone, especially in Toronto, is just not my vibe and that there are countless benefits to having roommates.
That initial taste of freedom post-parents' house is exhilarating... and maybe a tad daunting. At 18, it was comforting to have others spreading their wings alongside me; we were all in it together, figuring things out.
Honestly, that camaraderie still holds true, even at 30. Toronto, with its bustling streets and endless possibilities, can be overwhelming to navigate alone, even for a local. Adulting can get lonely sometimes, and in a city bursting with opportunities, having roommates makes it easier to dive into, well, everything.
Of course, some people have always wanted to have their own space, but I'm here to make the argument that everyone could benefit from a roommate situation, no matter how introverted you are.
From saving on Toronto's ridiculous rent prices to being able to find your community, here are six reasons why living with roommates, whether you have a choice or not, can be so much better than living alone.
You can save on ridiculous rent prices
You have to laugh at Toronto's rent prices, right?
Sophie Rivers | Narcity
Of course, we all know the obvious point: rent costs in Toronto have skyrocketed after a welcome depletion during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unless you're rolling in cash or have wealthy parents to help you out, it's almost impossible to live alone in the city. In fact, Toronto was recently ranked as one of the most unaffordable cities in the world to live in.
So, even though most of us are forced to live with other people, there are still more pros than cons. By splitting the rent and utilities bill, you can make the most of the situation. In Toronto, where the winters are cold and the summers are very hot, heating and AC costs can be a financial nightmare. However, by living with two people, I pay under $1,000 a month, a much more reasonable figure than the current average of $2,500.
Luckily, I get along with both of my roommates, which is definitely crucial and only sometimes the case when living with multiple people. Make sure you fully consider your potential roomies before jumping into a lease. Go out for coffee and get to know them before deciding if these are people you can actually live with…and at least like as humans.
Tip: Make your shared space homey and welcoming, with personal items from everyone displayed with care.
You can get a better location
Of course, the better the location, the higher the rent. And, by pooling resources, you might be able to snag a good spot close to downtown or, like me, find a gem in Midtown.
When people first move to Toronto, many only consider south of Bloor, that imaginary “cool downtown” barrier.
However, Midtown and slightly north are super up-and-coming for young adults. It’s quieter, marginally cheaper, and has everything within a walking radius, including downtown streets. The proximity to the city centre allows us to easily venture out and explore what Toronto has to offer. The area feels more spacious than the downtown core, which gives the three of us some welcome breathing room.
Tip: Skip rental sites and check Facebook Marketplace for listings. Make a personal connection to the landlord over messenger to get in there fast, as the best places are snatched up very quickly!
It's easier to get involved in your community
Experiencing your local community is easier with a roommate by your side.
Sophie Rivers | Narcity
Immersing yourself in big city life can be difficult on your own if you're not a natural go-getter. There's so much going on, and having roommates can encourage you to get out and experience what Toronto has to offer.
I've found that I do so much with my roommates because it doesn't take as much planning as seeing friends I don't live with. When your lives are so closely intertwined, making bite-sized plans is easy. It's like having a ready-made social calendar! Plus, living with locals means insider tips on the best cafes, bars, and events in your neighbourhood.
Tip: Every neighbourhood has its own unique events, and it can be nice to feel part of your community. Look for local events like trivia nights, community classes, and more.
It helps you beat the winter blues
Living alone can be isolating, especially during Toronto's cold winter months. We all experienced what it was like in lockdown without the usual social connections we sometimes take for granted. It's so important to get out there and do things, see friends and get some fresh air. Winter walks are just as important as summer ones, if not more so. This works much better if you have the motivation from built-in buddies.
At any time of the year, having a friend to come home to can make a bad day a little better. You can vent, make food together, watch Gilmore Girls or play Nintendo Switch if you don't feel like talking.
Tip: Create a winter bucket list with your roommates, with goals to stay active (and sane).
It's easier to make friends
Making new friends as an adult can be challenging, but having roommates opens doors to new connections.
Whether it's through their social circles or chance encounters in your living room, saying 'yes' to new friendships becomes a breeze. Having grown up in Toronto, I'm lucky to have childhood friends I still hang out with, but even so, it's always nice to meet new people for new chapters of your life.
Tip: You could invite those new living room friends to said trivia night around the corner. No pressure or obligations, just good vibes.
You can try new things
A smile a day keeps the loneliness away!
Sophie Rivers | Narcity
Thanks to my roommates, I've delved into a world of delicious new recipes I never would've found otherwise. Toronto, one of the world's most multicultural cities, has added immense flavour to my culinary journey.
Coming from diverse cultural backgrounds, my roommates and I share traditions and dishes that enrich our home life. Embracing these small discoveries outside my own bubble has been incredibly rewarding.
Living together means constantly learning new skills and discovering unexpected pleasures, like diving into a new book that finds its way into our shared space.
Tip: Stay open!
Living solo might seem appealing in theory, but trust me, the perks of sharing your space in Toronto far outweigh the solitude.
Embrace the chaos and enjoy the company.
The average rent costs in the GTA for an unfurnished property.liv.rent
