Navigating the best GTA suburbs: A newcomer’s guide to settling in

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is Canada’s largest metropolitan region and an attractive destination for newcomers. Known for its thriving business and finance sectors, the GTA also boasts a rich diversity, with communities from all corners of the globe calling it home. Toronto and its surrounding areas are renowned for their multicultural atmosphere, making it an exciting and welcoming place to live. Here’s everything you need to know about life in the Greater Toronto Area.

About the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and the best GTA suburbs

The GTA is made up of four regional municipalities: Durham, Halton, Peel, and York, in addition to the city of Toronto itself. The region has a combined population of around 6.5 million people. Spanning across Lake Ontario from east to west and extending north of downtown Toronto, the GTA covers a vast area. With such a large number of suburban communities, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for you and your family. Below are some of the most well-known neighborhoods in the GTA.

Brampton

Located in Peel Region, Brampton sits north of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport and approximately 40 km northeast of downtown Toronto.

Key Features
Nicknamed “The Flower City,” Brampton was first established in the early 1800s. Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, offering a perfect blend of urban conveniences and a family-friendly atmosphere. The city is home to over 170 distinct cultural communities, with more than 70 languages spoken.

Public Transportation
Brampton Transit operates an extensive bus network that covers the entire city, including connections to downtown Toronto via the GO Transit Georgetown line. It also links to Mississauga, York, and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). For faster travel, Brampton offers a rapid bus service called Züm.

Brampton buses are equipped with bike racks, making it easy to combine biking with public transportation. There is also a covered bike storage area at the Brampton GO station. For cycling enthusiasts, the city offers 33 km of recreational bike trails that wind through parks, urban forests, and suburban neighborhoods.

While driving from Brampton to Toronto takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic, having a car isn’t essential in Brampton, as the city’s comprehensive transit system and its connections to other parts of the GTA make commuting easy.

Recreation and Shopping
The Rose Theatre, located in downtown Brampton, hosts a wide variety of performances, including music, dance, comedy, and cultural events. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities, ranging from outdoor skating and ziplining to canoeing, sailing, paddle-boating, and fishing in the city’s lakes and rivers. For shopping, the Bramalea City Centre offers more than 250 stores and restaurants, while the downtown area is home to boutique shops and eateries.

Education
Brampton is part of the Peel District School Board, which serves over 140,000 students across 220 schools from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Additionally, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board also serves Brampton’s students. Higher education in Brampton includes Sheridan College’s Davis Campus, which has more than 12,000 students enrolled in applied health, engineering, technology, and community service programs.

Average Rent
The average monthly rent in Brampton is as follows:

• Studio apartment: $1,539
• One-bedroom apartment: $1,625
• Two-bedroom apartment: $1,911

Crime Rate
Brampton falls under the Peel Region, which has a Crime Severity Index of 50, lower than the Canadian average of 75.01, indicating a relatively safe environment for its residents.

Mississauga

Located to the west of Toronto, along the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario, Mississauga is Canada’s sixth-largest city with a population exceeding 800,000. It is home to Toronto Pearson International Airport, one of the country’s busiest airports, as well as the headquarters of numerous Canadian and international corporations.

Key Features
Mississauga is often referred to as the “City of Villages” due to its distinct neighbourhoods: Clarkson, Downtown, Meadowvale, Port Credit, and Streetsville. Each area has its own unique charm and atmosphere. The city boasts a variety of museums, arts, and cultural events. Celebration Square is a popular free outdoor space, featuring an ice-skating rink in the winter and splash pads during the summer, along with cultural events and concerts throughout the year. The Art Gallery of Mississauga is dedicated to showcasing international artists. Port Credit hosts an annual Blues and Jazz Festival every September, and the Living Arts Centre provides a range of activities, including theatre performances, concerts, art classes, and children’s camps.

Public Transportation
Mississauga’s local transit system, MiWay, operates 96 bus routes throughout the city, offering connections to GO Train services and the Square One shopping area. GO Transit connects Mississauga to Toronto, with the Lakeshore West line having stops in Port Credit and Clarkson, with trains running twice per hour and more frequently during peak periods. The Kitchener line stops in Malton, while the Milton line has several stops within Mississauga.

Though Mississauga has well-established public transit and cycling routes, owning a car is not necessary, though about two-thirds of the city’s residents still drive. The city has an extensive cycling network, with approximately 500 km of multi-use trails, bike paths, and shared routes for both commuting and leisure.

Recreation and Shopping
Mississauga is home to an array of recreational options, including an indoor trampoline park, axe throwing, alpine indoor skiing, rock climbing, bowling, and roller skating. The Credit River is a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking, while Erin Park offers activities ranging from tobogganing in the winter to salmon fishing. With over 500 parks, Mississauga’s recreational programs run year-round, catering to residents of all ages.

For shopping, the charming villages of Port Credit and Streetsville feature numerous locally-owned businesses. Square One, located in the city center, is one of the largest malls in Canada and offers both high-street brands and over 20 artisan food merchants. Other shopping centers include Heartland Town Centre in the northern part of the city and Erin Mills Town Centre.

Education
Mississauga’s schools are overseen by the Peel District School Board, which operates 220 schools and serves over 140,000 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board also provides education in the city. Mississauga offers a number of top-rated public and Catholic schools, as well as private schools that focus on specialized programs, including Montessori, International Baccalaureate (IB), and gifted education. Sheridan College operates a campus at Square One, where students can pursue programs in Architectural Technology, Interior Design, Marketing, and Advertising.

Average Rent
According to Zumper, the average monthly rent in Mississauga is:

• Studio apartment: $1,612
• One-bedroom apartment: $1,773
• Two-bedroom apartment: $2,150

Crime Rate
Mississauga’s crime rate falls under the region of Peel, which has a Crime Severity Index of 50, lower than the Canadian national average of 75.01, indicating a relatively safe living environment.

Markham

Markham, located in the Municipality of York, lies approximately 30 km northeast of Downtown Toronto. With a population exceeding 353,000, it is renowned as Canada’s high-tech hub.

Key Features
Markham is a vibrant multicultural city, with large communities of Chinese, South Asian, and Black residents. It is famous for having some of the best Chinese restaurants in the region and is home to Pacific Mall, the largest indoor Asian mall in North America. The city also boasts Markham Village, an area filled with historic homes, parks, and local businesses. Each October, the city hosts the Markham Fair, one of the oldest county fairs in Canada, which runs for four days.

Public Transportation
Markham is connected to the greater Toronto area by GO Transit’s Stouffville line, and residents also have access to services from the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) and York Region Transit. Commuters can easily travel to downtown Toronto by either train or bus from Markham GO Station. While many residents in Markham drive, you may find it convenient to live near Highway 7 for easier access to transportation within the city. Markham is also a bike-friendly city, with over 400 km of on- and off-road bike paths and trails suitable for both recreational cycling and commuting.

Recreation and Shopping
Markham offers a wide variety of community events, including the Taste of Asia Festival, Canada’s largest Asian festival, which attracts over 150,000 visitors each year. The city also hosts the annual Markham Jazz Festival and Markham Ribfest. For outdoor enthusiasts, Markham features over 22 km of walking and cycling paths, as well as Milne Dam Conservation Park, part of Rouge National Urban Park, which is home to wetlands and forests. In addition to Pacific Mall, CF Markham mall recently underwent a renovation and now features over 160 retailers, offering a variety of shopping options.

Education
Markham is served by the York Region District School Board, which caters to students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, along with the York Catholic District School Board. The city also has several private schools that provide education at both elementary and secondary levels.

Average Rent
According to Zumper, the average monthly rent in Markham is:

• Studio apartment: $1,599
• One-bedroom apartment: $1,865
• Two-bedroom apartment: $2,213

Crime Rate
Markham is located in the York Region, which has a Crime Severity Index of 40, considerably lower than the national Canadian average of 75.01, indicating that the area is relatively safe.

Burlington

Located along the shores of Lake Ontario, Burlington is positioned between Toronto and Hamilton.

Key Features
This family-oriented city is bordered by the Niagara Escarpment, with over half of its area dedicated to rural space. Burlington’s downtown, situated near Lake Ontario, features charming boutique shops, cozy cafés, restaurants, and the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. The city is also home to the expansive Royal Botanical Gardens, offering beautiful green spaces and natural attractions.

Public Transportation
Burlington is well-connected to Toronto by the GO Train, which travels along the Lakeshore West corridor to Union Station. There are three GO stations in the area: Burlington GO, Appleby GO, and Aldershot GO, with trains departing twice per hour, with more frequent service during rush hours. GO stations offer free parking, and bus connections are available through Burlington Transit, which also provides bike racks on buses. The town’s bus routes cover key areas, including Lakeshore and Dundas Street, making it possible to navigate Burlington without needing a car. Additionally, the town is bike-friendly, featuring 48 km of bike lanes and cycling trails for residents to enjoy.

Recreation and Shopping
Burlington offers a range of recreational options, from neighbourhood ice rinks and outdoor skating to community centers and swimming pools. There are numerous parks and recreational trails throughout the city, ideal for walking, cycling, and enjoying nature. For shopping, Mapleview Mall is a popular destination, housing 165 retailers, two restaurants, and a food court for a variety of shopping and dining experiences.

Education
Burlington is part of the Halton District School Board, which educates over 64,000 students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, and the Halton Catholic District School Board. Several public and Catholic schools in Burlington are highly rated for their academic excellence, with top rankings on the Fraser Institute’s academic performance scale.

Average Rent
According to Zumper, the average monthly rent in Burlington is:

• Studio apartment: $1,450
• One-bedroom apartment: $1,703
• Two-bedroom apartment: $1,979

Crime Rate
Burlington falls within the Halton region, which has a Crime Severity Index of 27, as reported by Maclean’s Magazine. This is significantly lower than the national Canadian average of 75.01, indicating that Burlington is a safe and secure community to live in.

Oakville

Nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario, Oakville is a charming community with a population exceeding 200,000. Known for its picturesque harbour and vibrant downtown.

Key Features
Located just 40 km west of Toronto, Oakville’s history dates back to 1857 when it was founded as a village. The Olde Oakville area is renowned for its historic charm, with elegant heritage homes and a bustling downtown area filled with boutique shops and restaurants. The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts is a cultural hub, offering a variety of theatre, dance, and music performances. The town is also home to the prestigious Glen Abbey Golf Course, which has previously hosted the Canadian Open.

Public Transportation
Oakville is well-connected to Toronto through the Lakeshore West corridor, serviced by two GO Train stations. Trains depart every half hour and run more frequently during peak hours, providing easy access to Toronto’s Union Station. While Oakville is expanding, it is still possible to get around the town without a car. Oakville Transit operates a bus system that serves the entire community, linking to the GO stations, Sheridan College, and carpool areas near major highways. For cyclists, Oakville offers more than 193 km of on- and off-road cycling paths.

Recreation and Shopping
Oakville boasts a variety of recreational amenities for families, including neighbourhood rinks, community centres, public libraries, over 200 parks, and community swimming pools. The town features more than 200 km of walking and cycling trails across 1,420 hectares of parkland. Oakville’s downtown area comes alive in the summer with events such as the Jazz Festival and Midnight Madness, drawing large crowds. The primary shopping destination in Oakville is Oakville Place mall.

Education
Oakville is served by the Halton District School Board (HDSB), which educates over 64,000 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, along with the Halton Catholic District School Board. The town is home to several private schools, including Appleby College, St. Mildred’s, and Dearcroft Montessori School. Sheridan College’s Trafalgar Campus is particularly well-regarded for its animation program, which has produced Academy Award-nominated works. The Oakville campus has around 9,500 post-secondary students enrolled and is home to the Faculty of Animation, Arts, and Design.

Average Rent
As of Zumper, the average rent in Oakville is:

• Studio apartment: $1,600 CAD
• One-bedroom apartment: $1,850 CAD
• Two-bedroom apartment: $2,685 CAD

Crime Rate
Oakville is part of the Halton region, where the crime rate ranks at 27 on the Crime Severity Index, significantly lower than the national Canadian average of 75.01, indicating a relatively safe community.

Richmond Hill

Originally a small settlement located just north of Toronto, Richmond Hill has grown into a vibrant community with over 200,000 residents. The town is culturally diverse, with residents speaking 126 languages, including Chinese and Persian.

Key Features
Richmond Hill boasts a rich arts and culture scene, highlighted by the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts and the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre, which offers insights into the area’s history. The Boynton House Art Exhibition Space is another venue for local art displays. The Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory, which opened in 1935, provides public tours and programs. Throughout the year, the town hosts various festivals and events such as a Canada Day celebration, Moonlight Movies, and Ribfest. Richmond Hill is also home to the Greater Toronto Area’s only indoor wave pool.

Public Transportation
Richmond Hill is well-connected to Toronto and surrounding areas through GO Transit on the Richmond Hill Line, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), and York Region Travel, which operates buses to local GO stations. The town has five TTC bus routes that connect it to Toronto. With robust public transit options, a car is not essential for getting around. Additionally, Richmond Hill offers nearly 150 km of trails, including 90 km of bike-only paths, along with bike lanes and shared lanes for cyclists.

Recreation and Shopping
Richmond Hill is rich in recreational opportunities, offering 147 parks and 150 km of trails suitable for walking, cycling, or hiking. In winter, residents can enjoy snowshoeing, skiing, or ice skating along the Richmond Green skate trail. The town also has several fishing spots. Hillcrest Mall, located in the heart of Richmond Hill, is a major shopping destination with over 100 stores and services.

Education
Richmond Hill is served by the York Region District School Board, which caters to students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, as well as the York Catholic District School Board. The town also offers several private schools for both elementary and secondary education.

Average Rent
According to Zumper, the average rent in Richmond Hill is:

• Studio apartment: $1,439 CAD
• One-bedroom apartment: $1,700 CAD
• Two-bedroom apartment: $2,400 CAD

Crime Rate
The crime rate in York Region is ranked at 40 on the Crime Severity Index, which is lower than the Canadian average of 75.01, indicating that Richmond Hill is a relatively safe community.

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