There’s a lot to love about living in the Toronto area, but not everyone wants to live in the dense urban core. Luckily, Toronto has a number of fantastic suburbs, each with great homes and a unique quality of life.
Whether you’re moving to the GTA or you already live here and are looking for a community that feels a little more relaxed, this blog post is for you. As a local real estate agent based in Oakville, Ontario, I know the local landscape inside and out.
In this blog, I’ll explore a handful of Toronto’s best suburbs, what makes them special, and what else you need to know before you move there.
Mississauga
Located just west of Toronto, Mississauga is one of the city’s biggest suburbs in terms of population. Home to around 790,000, it’s about the size of a small city. However, the local atmosphere is distinctly suburban.
One of the best parts about Mississauga is that it was developed with relaxed, family living in mind. You’ll find welcoming communities, a wide selection of homes, and some truly great schools as well. Being close to Toronto in terms of location, Mississauga is often a first choice for home buyers who commute downtown on a regular basis.
On the hunt for a great house and community? You may find these other blog posts helpful.
- The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Family Home in Oakville
- Should I Retire in Burlington or Oakville?
- Oakville Vs. Mississauga For Families
Oakville
Tucked along the shore of Lake Ontario, Oakville is not your average Toronto suburb. Yes, it’s only about 35 kilometres from the city centre, but the town truly has its own unique feel and identity.
For example, Oakville has a noticeable historic charm, with gorgeous heritage homes found all across town. This is because rather than being developed as a suburb, it was founded as an independent village back in 1827.
In terms of demographics, Oakville has a reputation for being affluent. However, there are still homes and communities for every budget.
Like Mississauga, Oakville’s accessibility and commuter friendliness is a big part of its appeal. If you’re travelling by car, it’s usually a 30 to 45 minute drive to or from downtown Toronto – depending on traffic levels. That said, many Oakville residents prefer to take the GO Train from Oakville GO Station. Trains run frequently during the week and usually on an hourly basis over the weekend, making for an efficient and comfortable journey into the city.
Burlington
South of Oakville, Burlington is another one of Toronto’s best lakeside suburbs. However, what makes Burlington unique is that it is also a suburb of Hamilton, Ontario. As a result, local residents have easy access to some of the top amenities, infrastructure, and employment and education opportunities in all of Southern Ontario.
Beyond the down-to-earth lifestyle, one of Burlington’s main draws is its affordability. The suburb is known for its comparatively lower housing prices, rental rates, and property taxes. Plus, Burlington’s overall cost of living is quite manageable, especially when considering healthcare, utilities, and daily expenses.
Bonus Pick: Etobicoke
Located near the western edge of Toronto, Etobicoke is a large region known for its many great suburban-style communities. While not technically a suburb of Toronto anymore (Etobicoke was amalgamated into the city about 25 years ago), it still has a strong suburban feel while remaining closer to the city centre than some of the farther communities on this list.
Being part of Toronto proper has its perks and drawbacks. For example, you benefit from greater public transportation options as the TTC serves Etobicoke. On the other hand, house prices in Etobicoke can come with the same high price tags that you’d find close to downtown – you’ll also pay Toronto’s municipal land transfer tax.
Want to make the most of your upcoming home purchase? You’ll find lots of great advice in this blog!
- How to Sell and Buy a House at the Same Time
- Steps To Buying A Home in Oakville, Burlington, or Mississauga
- Moving Up – Should You Buy Your Next Home Before You Sell?
Discover Your Perfect Home and Community
If you’re searching for the perfect place to call home, you’ll want to work with an experienced Realtor who understands the local marketplace better than anyone else. Like me, Stacey Robinson.
For more than 30 years, I’ve helped buyers across the Greater Toronto Area find their dream homes – and I can do the same for you. Not only do I have the unique insights and expertise to help you navigate the market strategically, but I also strive to make the house-hunting process as fun as possible.
Searching for a great home? I can help! To get in touch, call 905-464-7653 or email me at stacey@staceyrobinson.com.
At Your Service
I’m here to guide your real estate venture with an education to empower you. Let’s chat about what your needs, and I’ll tell you how I can help you meet them.
