Lease Deal-breakers
 

I am a male in his mid-twenties who just moved to a new city (Toronto, ON). I am currently looking for a place to live, entering into a rental contract for an apartment. Aside from the job I came to this city to experience it. Clubs, attractions, downtown life etc.

I have a friend who is looking to room with me (which isn't the problem), but I am having a tough time trying to decide whether or not this is a good position for me. I'm looking for advice.

$925 per month per tenant (ie $1850) with electricity and water. Central air, fireplace, fridge, stove, washer, dryer. One parking space (that we're going to alternate). (For those living in the area, it is on the east side of High Park in downtown Toronto about a 2 minute walk from Keele station). It really isn't a bad place at all.

The trouble I have is that it is a 15-20 minute subway ride to the center of town (around the University of Toronto), and in my case, another 10 minute subway ride south to a fulltime job everyday. The commute time would be the same as it is currently, and that's also something I do not want.

So it's more of a social thing. I can't see myself having to hop on a subway or use my car to get everywhere. I really do want to be able to walk a short distance and do stuff on the weekends instead of always relying on public transit or my vehicle. I'd like to save fuel to drive home (3 hours) to see my girlfriend every other week or so.

What would your dealbreakers be for your lifestyle if you were looking for a new place? Is there anything else I should be asking myself while I'm looking for an apartment? Would anyone know of a good area for a young adult to live in?

I suppose I do need to think for myself, but the real issue here is having to disappoint my friend by potentially rejecting the lease because he really likes the place (and will be driving 20 minutes to work if we get it).

I would be looking for balance in all things...lifestyle, work, friends, time, etc. I can tell you that overlapping things like a single parking space can cause conflicts. Two cars and one space will almost certaily lead to trouble down the road.

Frankly, most people want to live near the places where they work, study, and socialize. When they don't, it's because they can't afford to.

If you _can_ afford to live in or near the neighborhood(s) you desire, I'd encourage you to do so; it will make your life easier, more pleasant, and more fulfilling. It doesn't sound like you're gaining anything through this rooming arrangement with your friend.

By rooming with him, it sounds like you're allowing him to get the apartment he wants in the place he wants. But, friends aside, you should be where _you're_ happiest. He can always make another deal.

And personally, I wouldn't spend $925 for a room in a place that didn't even guarantee me a place to park. Yeah, and like thingstodo says, enforcing the single-parking-place discipline might turn into a hassle. Unless there's a real monetary or lifestyle incentive, why buy into something like that?

First let me say that I envy you getting to live in Toronto. It is truly a great and magnificent city.

A thought: Part of what makes Toronto so great is its readily available mass transit. Is it possible that living so close to the subway line you could give up your car? Maybe you can rent on weekends when you need one? You could either pocket all the money you will save not having a car, or potentially add some of that money to your rent and live even closer to the downtown core. Just a thought.