friendliest city Toronto

Toronto just ranked as the friendliest city in the world…no, really

Move over Sydney, Australia, a global ranking of the friendliest cities in the world has put Toronto at the top of the list.

Sure, it might seem like the city is coming apart at the seams, and incidents of violence make headlines each and every day, but apparently we are actually quite friendly indeed despite it all.

Preply, an online language learning platform, has developed a “community spirit index” to rank 53 global cities based on friendliness to non-natives. The six key metrics upon which the ranking is based include visitor return rates, safety ratings, LGBTQ+ equality, and overall happiness.

“Toronto boasts a very decent visitor return rate of 15%, which means that people who come to Toronto tend to love it so much that they come back again and again,” reads the report. “And for good reason – with a happiness score of 7.03 out of 10 and a very high LGBTQ+ equality score of 90 out of 100, Toronto is an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.”

Apparently, the city narrowly eked out a victory over Sydney, Australia for the top spot.

“Both cities have their unique charms and strengths, making them great destinations for non-natives looking for a friendly and inclusive community,” the report read. “So, whether you prefer the cosmopolitan vibe of Toronto or the laid-back beach lifestyle of Sydney, you can be sure you’ll find a warm and welcoming environment in either city.”

Rounding out the top five are Edinburgh and Manchester in the United Kingdom and New York City. The only other Canadian city on the list is Montreal, ranked sixth, likely account of the city’s embarrassing hockey team.

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