9 Best Places to Live in the Greater Toronto Area

Whether you’re looking for a city with thriving job markets, excellent schools, abundant green spaces, or strong community ties, you can find a place that suits your lifestyle.

Here are nine of the best places to live in the Toronto area. Each location has its unique charm and advantages, making it an attractive option for individuals, families, and retirees alike.

Baxter

Baxter is a small, charming rural community in Simcoe County, offering residents a peaceful countryside lifestyle with the convenience of nearby urban centers. This hidden gem north of Toronto is perfect for those looking for a slower pace of life, surrounded by nature and friendly neighbours.

Baxter is known for:

Tranquil rural setting: Baxter provides a quiet, small-town atmosphere, ideal for those who enjoy open spaces and a strong sense of community.
Outdoor recreation: Residents enjoy access to the scenic Baxter Conservation Area, where they can hike, fish, and explore nature.
Heartland, a Masterplanned Community: Built by Brookfield Residential, Heartland sits in a beautiful pocket of nature. The community is surrounded by excellent schools, making it perfect for family living.

Markham

Markham is known as Canada’s “High-Tech Capital,” making it an excellent place for professionals in the tech industry. It combines a strong economy with family-friendly neighbourhoods, excellent schools, and vibrant cultural attractions.

Markham offers residents:

Booming job market: Home to over 1,500 technology and business companies, including IBM, AMD, and Aviva Canada.
Cultural diversity: Markham has a rich cultural scene, with world-class restaurants, shopping centers, and annual festivals.
Parks and green spaces: With places like Rouge National Urban Park and Milne Dam Conservation Park, Markham offers plenty of outdoor activities.

Midhurst

Midhurst, located north of Toronto, is a desirable community known for its scenic beauty, spacious properties, and excellent schools. This area offers a perfect blend of rural charm and suburban convenience, making it a top choice for families and nature lovers.

In the GTA, Midhurst offers:

Top-rated schools: Midhurst is home to highly regarded schools, including Forest Hill Public School, making it an ideal place for families with children.
Outdoor lifestyle: Surrounded by trails, parks, and the Minesing Wetlands, Midhurst is perfect for those who love hiking, biking, and exploring nature.
Midhurst Valley, A Master Planned Community: Brookfield Residential’s Midhurst Valley community encourages an active lifestyle in the great outdoors. Among scenic hills, beautiful shores, and a stunning landscape, this community is the perfect choice for outdoor adventures.

Mississauga

Located just west of Toronto, Mississauga is one of Canada’s largest cities, known for its economic strength, safety, and cultural diversity. It offers a blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility, making it an excellent place for families, professionals, and retirees.

Mississauga is inviting to residents for:

Job opportunities: As home to major corporate headquarters such as Microsoft, Walmart Canada, and PepsiCo, Mississauga provides ample employment opportunities in industries like finance, technology, and manufacturing.
Diversity and safety: With one of the lowest crime rates in Canada, Mississauga is a safe place to raise a family. Its diversity is reflected in its rich cultural festivals, global cuisine, and inclusive community atmosphere.
Parks and recreation: The city is home to over 500 parks, including Erindale Park, Kariya Park, and waterfront trails along Lake Ontario.

Milton

Milton is one of the fastest-growing towns in Ontario, offering a mix of urban development and rural charm. Nestled along the Niagara Escarpment and west of Mississauga, it’s perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a quieter lifestyle without sacrificing accessibility to Toronto.

Milton is known for these amenities:

Access to nature: The town is home to conservation areas like Rattlesnake Point and Kelso Conservation Area, providing endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and outdoor recreation.
Family-friendly community: Milton has a strong sense of community, with many family-oriented activities, festivals, and sports leagues.
Growing economy: With increasing investments in infrastructure and businesses, Milton is becoming a hub for job growth and entrepreneurship.

Newcastle

Newcastle, located in Durham Region along Lake Ontario, is a charming town offering a scenic and relaxed lifestyle. With its picturesque waterfront, historic charm, and easy commuting options, Newcastle is becoming an increasingly popular choice for homebuyers northeast of Toronto looking to escape the congestion of larger cities.

More residents are moving to Newcastle for:

Beautiful waterfront and marinas: The Newcastle Marina and nearby waterfront trails provide stunning views and recreational activities like boating and fishing.
Strong local community: Farmers' markets, local shops, and community events contribute to the town’s welcoming and close-knit environment.
Newbrook, a Master Planned Community: Brookfield Residential’s Newbrook community is a family-friendly dream. The community is surrounded by top-rated schools, premier services, engaging health and wellness institutions, and plenty of satisfying shopping and restaurant options.

Oakville

Oakville is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Canada. This charming lakeside town southwest of Toronto offers a mix of upscale living, excellent schools, and a strong economy while maintaining a small-town feel.

Residents know Oakville offers:

Beautiful waterfront: Oakville’s scenic harbor and lakeside parks provide stunning views and outdoor recreation.
Top-ranked schools: Home to some of the best public and private schools in Ontario, including Appleby College.
Strong economy: Oakville has a thriving job market, particularly in finance, technology, and healthcare.

Pickering

Pickering is a rapidly developing city that blends modern infrastructure with natural landscapes. Located east of Toronto, it provides residents with a high quality of life, economic opportunities, and easy access to the GTA.

In the Toronto area, Pickering is known for:

Economic growth: Pickering is experiencing rapid growth, with new businesses, commercial centers, and infrastructure developments creating job opportunities.
Natural beauty: The city is home to waterfront parks, hiking trails, and conservation areas, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
New Seaton, a Master Planned Community: Brookfield Residential’s New Seaton community, offers modern homes, impressive parks, beautiful trails, and pleasurable bikeways, making it one of the most desirable places to live in Pickering.

Whitby

Located in the Durham Region, Whitby provides residents with a peaceful suburban lifestyle while being close to major urban centers. It’s ideal for families and nature lovers seeking affordability and convenience.

Whitby offers residents these amenities:

Scenic waterfront and outdoor activities: The Whitby Marina and waterfront trail offer stunning views and recreational opportunities.
Great schools and family-friendly atmosphere: Whitby is home to highly-rated schools and family-oriented neighbourhoods.
Garden Square and Station No. 3: Brookfield Residential’s Station No. 3 condos and townhomes feature access to beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. They offer convenient, comfortable living with quick access to experiences both local and in Toronto.

Find Your New Home in the Greater Toronto Area

The Greater Toronto Area is home to many incredible cities and towns, each offering unique benefits depending on your lifestyle, career goals, and housing preferences. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of Mississauga, the scenic beauty of Midhurst, or the fast-paced growth of Markham, there’s a place for everyone in this thriving region.

Brookfield Residential offers five attractive locations in the GTA to choose from: Heartland, Midhurst Valley, Newbrook, New Seaton, and Station No. 3. Each of these communities offers the comfortable, convenient living Brookfield is known for.

Our team is excited to help you find the best place to call home with Brookfield Residential. Explore houses around Toronto today and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!