City living guide
Toronto & the GTA
The Greater Toronto Area is home to one of the world's largest Iranian communities. This guide helps you choose the right neighbourhood, learn the transit, and take your first steps.
Persian neighbourhoods
Tap any neighbourhood for its full guide — housing, schools, Persian shopping and transit.
North York Willowdale and the Yonge corridor — on the subway, urban and full of amenities. The old heart of Toronto’s Iranian community. Richmond Hill Family-oriented with strong schools; the Yonge corridor and a large Iranian community. Thornhill One of Canada’s largest Iranian communities; the Bathurst/Centre corridor, with plenty of shops and restaurants. Mississauga West of Toronto; newer, cheaper housing, GO trains downtown, and a growing community.
Getting around
- TTC — Toronto's subway, buses and streetcars. Get a PRESTO card and ride everywhere with it.
- GO Transit — regional trains and buses connecting the suburbs (Richmond Hill, Mississauga and more) to downtown.
- YRT / MiWay — the York Region (Richmond Hill/Thornhill) and Mississauga bus systems.
First steps
- Get your Social Insurance Number (SIN), a bank account, and your Ontario health card (OHIP).
- Looking for a Farsi-speaking immigration consultant, lawyer, doctor or realtor? Browse the Iranian business directory.
- To estimate your Express Entry score, use the CRS calculator.