A recent survey commissioned by the City of Toronto shows a rise in the overall quality of life reported by Torontonians since last year – but how do locals feel when asked face-to-face on the city’s streets?
The Listening to Toronto poll, which was conducted by Ipsos between Aug. 1 and 18, asked more than 1,100 Torontonians aged 18 and older to rate local and municipal services, along with overall quality of life.
The survey revealed 69 per cent of Toronto residents described their overall quality of life as “good” or “very good, marking a five-point jump up from 64 per cent in 2024, despite many key satisfaction ratings remaining in the mid-to-high 60 per cent range.
Additionally, the report indicated notable gains in several areas, including 95 per cent satisfaction with recreation programs, an 82 per cent approval rating for customer service interactions with the city, and a six-point increase in perceptions of public safety, reaching 65 per cent.
Meanwhile, 73 per cent of Torontonian males were more likely to rate their quality of life in the city as “good” or “very good,” compared with 66 per cent of Torontonian females.
With a positive shift reported among Torontonians, Now Toronto hit the pavement to ask locals how they would rate their overall quality of life on a scale from one (“very bad”) to 10 (“very good”), and they shared their raw, honest sentiments.
Toronto local Jeremy D, who has lived in the city for approximately 25 years, says access to “great” medical care, transportational developments, and fantastic weather are all contributors to his personal rating of nine.
“It’s a great city, and it’s growing, and it’s the fourth largest city in North America. Most people don’t even realize that.”
Among his stays in New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, and London, Jeremy says Toronto is his absolute favourite city, recommending others visit or stopover permanently.
“It’s a great city, lots of culture, lots of good stuff to see, not so many old buildings, but there’s great countryside nearby too.”
The only thing keeping Jeremy away from giving a higher rating to his quality of life in the city? “Cheaper rates.”
Others shared similar positive sentiments. Danny G says he would rate his overall quality of life in the city a seven or eight, as he chooses to make the best of his situation and take life one day at a time. But for this local, something integral is missing.
“More social involvement. When I grew up, there was a lot more of an active community compared to now.”
Despite the perceived absence of an active community, Danny says Toronto is still the best city.
“It’s up there, it’s definitely up there.”
Local resident Sabrina B. says her quality of life in the city is good right now, having given it a seven out of 10, but feels there is still room for improvement.
“I guess things could always be a little better, my mental health could be better.”
When asked to rate his quality of life, Chris A. says he would give it a concrete 8.5 out of 10, citing the personal prosperity he is currently experiencing in his life.
“I’m good with God, my loved ones, I have a job. I find myself pretty fortunate,” he said.
So, what would it take for Chris to rate his quality of life a 10?
“I don’t know, nothing’s perfect. There could be improvement with everything. I just give it 8.5 and not a 10 or a nine or something like that.”
Meanwhile, Toronto resident Keisho initially gave his quality of life a perfect 10 – before settling on a solid 8.
“Just because.”
