Can a Neighbourhood Really Be Ranked Scientifically ?

The September issue of Toronto Life Magazine has sparked controversy amongst loyal readers and those who closely follow the Toronto housing market. The article in question is: The Best Places to Live in the City.  Author, Andrew D’Cruz, along with a team of researchers from the University of Toronto, came up with a 10 factor criteria for scoring Toronto neighbourhoods.

The factors assessed, in principle, are extremely important when considering a neighbourhood. Of course, price, transit, schools, proximity to shops, etc., are important components in selecting the perfect property to purchase. But, I don’t believe these factors can be weighed scientifically.

Toronto Life explains that they conducted an online poll of Toronto Life Readers, who told them what they prioritized when choosing where to live. Based on this poll categories developed and were weighed accordingly. I believe that the importance of each category is subjective. To some, proximity to public transit is a huge consideration and to those who never use transit- it doesn’t matter. If you are in the later category- this study unfairly weights data that should have no impact in your buying decision.

Furthermore, settling on a neighbourhood is a very emotional decision. Trust me, after 24 years in the real estate business, I know!  Individual needs and personal perception of a “good” neighbourhood, out way any scientific stat.

The beauty of Toronto is that we have many wonderful and diverse neighbourhoods. Our neighbourhoods are not cookie cutter and neither are our residents. Why someone chooses to live and love their neighbourhood may have nothing to do with the scientific factors and everything to do with their family two blocks away or the morning car pool to school.

Long story short, this article should be taken with a grain of salt.

Click Here to to read the complete Toronto Life Magazine article.