There are many reasons millions of people from all over the world come to Canada – opportunity, new beginnings and a welcoming place to raise a family. Finding the right community to raise a family will depend on each family’s particular needs. Those needs can range from affordable housing, to great schools, to accessible services.
But when a family is new to Canada, where should they live? How do they decide which community to call home? Knowing which community will meet your family’s needs and budget is the first step. While Toronto’s real estate market has been red hot over the last few years, there are still some neighbourhoods that are both relatively affordable and have great amenities for new Canadian families:
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- Thornhill: Located on the far north side of the GTA, sandwiched between the cities of Vaughan and Markham, Thornhill is highly sought-after due to its distance from the bustling Toronto core. With 28 elementary schools and plenty of wooded parks, this neighbourhood offers the perfect space for growing families. The average price of a home in Thornhill is $622,000.
- Milliken: This neighbourhood in the Markham and Steeles Avenue area is home to high-scoring academic schools and a vibrant Asian community. This north Scarborough suburb boasts many independent businesses and franchises. Milliken Park is a beautiful green space with bicycle trails and a recreation centre. The average home price in Milliken is $629,000.
- Downtown Brampton: The suburban Ontario city of Brampton has one of the fastest growing immigrant populations in Canada, and for good reason. Boasting a large South Asian-Canadian population, it offers a range of community services to support newcomers to Canada. An average home in the city’s core currently sells for $571,000, while citywide the average price is around $705,000.
- Uptown Burlington: This is quickly becoming the go-to neighbourhood for today’s modern family. Just 45 minutes from downtown Toronto, this suburb is a outdoor-lover’s paradise and has one of North America’s largest botanical gardens. As of May 2018, the average price of a home in Burlington is around $770,000. There are 35 public elementary schools and 14 Catholic elementary schools in the community.
- Newmarket: Located between downtown Toronto and cottage country, this subdivision offers a great balance of city life and small-town charm. According to the community’s website, low crimes rates in this suburb consistently make it one of the safest communities in the city. As of May 2018, the average home price in Newmarket is similar to Uptown Burlington: $767,000.
