New graduate moving to Toronto for job; need rental advice :) (apartment, lofts)

[imissyu]

New graduate from Vancouver and moving to Toronto to start work in September near Yonge and Sheppard.

Criteria:
1) Ideally looking for a studio/bachelor or 1-bedroom apartment close to downtown where the "action" is; restaurants, entertainment, gym, park, nightlife.
1) Monthly rental about $800-$1300
2) Close to TTC

Recommendations much appreciated on the following:
1) Where should I find listings? Craigslist? Viewit.ca? Should I work with a broker?
2) Any ideal areas for yuppies? Streets or highrises?
3) How far in advance do I need to sign lease? I'm thinking of visiting TO in June to get this done.

Also curious what the locals think of the buying/renting market in DT TO right now as buying is something on my agenda in the near future

Thank you!! Feedback much appreciated

[a_jordania]

Tons of different areas in TO, but it depends on what type of "action" you're looking for. Are you more into the finance/yuppy crowd or artist/hipster scene?

[imissyu]

Finance/yuppie I've heard good things about Bloor West and Liberty Village. Any thoughts??

[a_jordania]

In that case Liberty Village. It's a bit pricey with a bunch of lofts and condos to choose from (not really sure about apts.), but you're close to everything. Just north you're getting into more of the neighbourhoods like Parkdale.

Bloor West is nice but a bit further from downtown and more family oriented.