When it comes to locating the ideal place to raise a family, the suburbs of Toronto provide an abundance of alternatives. From lush green spaces to great educational institutions, these family-friendly neighbourhoods offer the ideal balance of urban conveniences and a tranquil ambiance.
In this guide, we unveil the 7 best suburbs around Toronto for families in 2023-2024, complete with detailed reasons and estimated costs of living.
What makes a great suburb for families?
There are a few key factors that make a great suburb for families. These include:
Safety:
Safety serves as the bedrock upon which a family's well-being is built. A great suburb prioritizes the security of its residents, offering a low crime rate and a sense of tranquility.
Before settling on a suburb, research crime statistics and read local news to gauge the overall safety of the area.
Schools:
Education is a cornerstone of a thriving family life. A great suburb boasts a robust school district with a reputation for academic excellence and a supportive learning environment. Investigate school ratings, teacher-to-student ratios, and extracurricular offerings to ensure your children receive the best education possible.
Amenities:
A family-centric suburb recognizes the importance of amenities that cater to all age groups. Abundant parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces foster physical activity and social interaction.
Access to libraries, community centers, and cultural venues enriches the educational and cultural experiences of both children and adults.
Cost of Living:
Financial stability is integral to a family's happiness. While the cost of living in Canada can fluctuate, a great suburb offers a balance between affordability and quality of life. Research housing costs, utility expenses, and property taxes to create a comprehensive budget that aligns with your family's financial goals.
Community Spirit:
A vibrant community enhances the family experience. Seek out suburbs that encourage neighborhood engagement through regular events, farmers' markets, and community organizations. A strong sense of belonging and the opportunity to build lasting relationships can greatly enrich your family's life.
Proximity to Work and Commute:
Reducing commute time allows for more quality moments with your family. A family-friendly suburb takes into account the proximity to major employment centers and offers efficient transportation options. A manageable commute not only saves time but also reduces stress, contributing to an overall better quality of life.
Healthcare and Services:
Access to quality healthcare and essential services is paramount for families. A great suburb ensures that medical facilities, pharmacies, and emergency services are within reach, providing peace of mind in times of need.
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The 7 best suburbs of Toronto for families
Toronto is a great city for families, with a variety of neighbourhoods to choose from. But if you're looking for the best of the best, these seven suburbs are surely the best for you:
Oakville
Oakville is a lovely suburb just west of Toronto. It is well-known for its secure neighbourhoods, outstanding schools, and plentiful parks and green space. Oakville also features a thriving downtown centre with several stores, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Oakville is a terrific place for families to raise a family since it provides a safe, family-friendly environment with good schools. It's also close to Toronto, so if you need to, you can simply commute to job or school.
The cost of living in Oakville is greater than the average for Toronto, yet it is still within most families' budgets. In Oakville, the average property price is over $1 million, and the average rent is roughly $2,000 per month.
Oakville is a wonderful area to raise a family since it has so much to offer people of all ages. There are numerous parks and playgrounds, as well as family-friendly activities including the Oakville Zoo and Bronte Creek Provincial Park. Oakville also has some good schools, including Appleby College and Oakville Trafalgar High School.
Markham
Markham is another excellent choice for families. It has a strong Chinese community, so there are many real Chinese restaurants and shops. Markham also boasts several parks and recreation facilities, as well as a well rated school district.
Markham is an excellent choice for families because it is a diversified municipality with several cultural attractions. It's also close to Toronto, so if you need to, you can simply commute to work or school.
The cost of living in Markham is greater than the average for Toronto, yet it is still within most families' means. In Markham, the average property price is around $900,000, and the average rent is roughly $1,800 per month.
Markham is an excellent area to raise a family since it has so much to offer people of all ages. There are many parks and playgrounds, as well as family-friendly attractions, including the Markham Civic Centre and the Markham Centre for the Performing Arts.
Markham also has a variety of great institutions, such as Markham District High School and Markham South Secondary School.
Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill is a diversified community that has plenty to offer families. There are several parks and trails in the area, as well as the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Richmond Hill also has a variety of high-performing institutions, notably the Bayview Glen School, which is frequently regarded as one of the best in the country.
Richmond Hill is an excellent choice for families because it is a diversified town with a wide range of cultural attractions. It's also close to Toronto, so if you need to, you can simply commute to job or school.
Richmond Hill has a higher cost of living than the rest of Toronto, yet it is still affordable for most families. Richmond Hill's typical property price is over $800,000, and the average rent is roughly $1,600 per month.
Vaughan
The variety of leisure options available in Vaughan, such as Canada's Wonderland, are complemented by the city's reputable schools. The suburb offers a wide variety of home choices that are priced to accommodate a range of budgets. The cost of maintaining a standard of life for a family of four comes to around $4,500 per month on average.
Milton
Because of its reasonable prices and welcoming environment for families, Milton is a treasure for families who are watching their spending.
The growing number of services and schools offered by the suburb make it an appealing option. An estimated $3,800 is needed per month to cover the cost of living expenses for a household of four here.
Etobicoke
Etobicoke is a huge suburb with a diverse range of areas, including the family-friendly Etobicoke Beach and the more urban Humber Bay Shores. Etobicoke also has a variety of well-known attractions, such as the Etobicoke Civic Centre, the Etobicoke Creek Trail, and the Toronto Zoo.
Etobicoke's cost of living is slightly lower than those of Oakville, Markham, and Richmond Hill. In Etobicoke, the average property price is over $800,000, and the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is roughly $1,800 per month.
Etobicoke is home to a variety of high-achieving institutions, including the Etobicoke School of the Arts, Etobicoke Civic Centre School, and Etobicoke High School.
Etobicoke provides a wide range of amenities for families. There are numerous parks and natural spaces, as well as cultural attractions such as the Etobicoke Civic Centre, Etobicoke Creek Trail, and the Toronto Zoo. There are also numerous stores and eateries to pick from.
Burlington
Burlington is a lovely city on the beaches of Lake Ontario, west of Toronto. It is well-known for its secure neighbourhoods, outstanding schools, and plentiful parks and green space. Burlington also features a thriving downtown centre with several stores, restaurants, and cultural activities.
Burlington is a safe and family-friendly community with a diverse range of communities. Burlington has something for everyone, whether you choose a peaceful area with tree-lined streets or a more urban neighbourhood with a variety of stores and restaurants.
There are several high-performing schools in Burlington, including Nelson Mandela Park Public School, M.M. Robinson High School, and Assumption Catholic Secondary School.
Spencer Smith Park, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and the Waterfront Trail are just a few of the parks and green areas available to families in Burlington.
Burlington is a good choice for families that want to be close to the city but also have access to nature. Burlington is a short drive from downtown Toronto, as well as the shoreline and the Niagara Escarpment.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal suburb for your family requires careful consideration of factors beyond just affordability. Each of these seven Toronto suburbs has its own distinct flavor, from scenic beauty and educational prospects to entertainment alternatives and community spirit.
As you consider these possibilities for your family's future home, keep in mind that the anticipated cost of living accounts for a variety of necessities and amenities, allowing you to make an informed selection that is consistent with your beliefs and goals.