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Purchasing a home in Toronto may very well be the biggest investment a local resident will make in their life, making it absolutely crucial to choose the location wisely.

As in many cities, we have our fair share of tension between the east and west, with many happy to come forth with reasons why their side is the better one.

And as popular as the west side is with its array of food, shopping, nightlife and more, the east side has a slew of things that one could argue make it the better option.

Here are some of the reasons why you should consider buying a home on Toronto’s east side instead of the west side.

Easy access to some of the city’s best nature trails

If you find yourself needing a break from the concrete jungle, you can get a nice breath of fresh air on one of the many of hiking trails and cycling paths on the east side, from the Lower Don and East Don Trail to the Leslie Street Spit and Tommy Thompson Park, from the Glen Stewart Ravine to Taylor Creek to the Scarborough Bluffs.

The best beaches 

While the west side may have Sunnyside Beach, the east side’s counterparts are much better. Woodbine Beach is known to be bumping all summer (for good reason), while Bluffer’s Park Beach will make you feel like you’re abroad with its dramatic cliff backdrop and scenic lookouts above.

Then, of course, there’s Cherry Beach — a hot spot for dance parties, kayaking and more — and Sugar Beach for those closer to the downtown core who want a brief, sandy reprieve.

Toronto’s best sunset views

There is no better place to catch the sunset than the top of the hill at Riverdale Park East or along the water at Polson Pier, where you can sit and watch the sun dip below the iconic city skyline from two very different vantage points.

Both are perfect for photo ops, and the crowds gathered there most evenings prove it.

Lots of unique ways to have outdoor fun

Aside from its vast array of bike and walking trails, the east side also has a ton of outdoor activities, like disc golf and archery at ET Seton Park, beach volleyball at Woodbine Beach, and lawn bowling at Cosburn Park — all fun and creative ways to get outside and enjoy the warmer months.

Tons of fun family stuff to do

One of Toronto’s top attractions, the Toronto Zoo, is located on the east side, as is Riverdale Farm.

Other kid-friendly activities include the new gaming centre Activate in Scarborough, trampoline…