Win-Win Situation

This single mom managed to save money while landing a family-friendly home for her young kids

- NATHAN ABRAHA

The Buyer: Emily Hart, 37, a content creator. The Story: In 2018, Emily was living with her two kids, ages eight and 10, and her dog, Teddy, in a two-bedroom condo near Yonge and Eglinton for $2,800 a month, but noise from neighbourhood construction soon became a nuisance. She started thinking about moving downtown to be closer to her friends, and she was willing to downsize to a one-bedroom with a bed in the living room to make it work. In the spring of 2024, she set a budget of $3,000 a month and started searching.

1. Wellington Street West

near Spadina and Front.

Listed at $2,482.
Rented for $2,482.

EMILY WAS INTRIGUED by the Well, the massive new housing and retail complex in the Entertainment District, so she attended a showing for various one-bedroom apartments. The units were big and had open layouts, and as a huge Formula One fan, Emily liked that the building had an F1 simulator and games room. But she was dissuaded by the extreme density—more than 10 units on every floor—and realized that she preferred the more relaxed vibe of her residence in midtown. Looking for less of a crowd, she headed back north.

2. Redpath Avenue

near Yonge and Eglinton

Listed at $2,575

Rented for $2,575