Have you ever wondered how Toronto measures up against other well-known Canadian cities? Of course, a side-by-side comparison hardly seems fair – where else could even come close to all of the endless excitement and incredible convenience that Toronto residents enjoy?
Other places may claim to be “the best place in Canada (or even the world,) but nowhere holds a candle to our favourite. Fair or unfair, let’s put a few other Ontario cities under the microscope and see what they have to offer compared to Toronto.
Toronto Versus Mississauga
Mississauga is our closest neighbourhood directly to the west. It’s pretty impressive as far as big suburbs go. You’ve got your usual residential areas and big box stores scattered throughout the city. Public transit is available, although it’s primarily buses, which are subject to traffic and far more sporadic than Toronto’s well-served system.
Both cities have much to offer in terms of parks and green spaces. Mississauga boasts over 480 parks, often with an emphasis on conservation, making them perfect for leisurely walks or birdwatching. The number of parks might be Mississauga’s one and only win – until you consider that Toronto offers more than 1,500. Sorry, neighbour!
On the plus side, houses in Mississauga tend to be slightly more affordable to buy than in Toronto. The operative word here is “slight.” If anything, you might pay just as much to get a little more square footage than you’d get in the heart of Toronto.
The shopping and dining scene in Mississauga is adequate, but can it really compare to what you’ll find in Toronto? We don’t think so! Whatever you’re looking for, Toronto offers a greater selection and more unique options by far. Perhaps the best thing we can say about Mississauga is that it’s close to Toronto.
Now that you have an idea of why we love Toronto so much, let’s take a closer look at some of our individual neighbourhoods:
- Why Families Love to Call Riverdale Home
- Everything You Need to Know About Roncesvalles
- Top Dog-Friendly Neighbourhoods in the West End
Toronto Versus Brampton
The City of Brampton lies northwest of Toronto. To get there, all you’d have to do is hop on the Gardiner, transfer to Highway 427 until you get to the 401 West, and then exit onto the 410 North. If all of this sounds complicated, just add traffic.
Now, let’s consider what you get for your trouble. Brampton is much smaller, both geographically and in population than Toronto, which may or may not be an advantage depending on your preferences.
Though smaller, Brampton is not a bad place to live. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly environment with an abundance of parks and playgrounds. (Not a Toronto number of parks and playgrounds, however; let’s stay realistic, here.)
Thanks to Brampton’s rich cultural diversity, you can also count on a fantastic array of unique shops and restaurants. There are numerous festivals throughout the year that residents look forward to, such as the World of Jazz Festival and Winter Lights Festival.
As a thriving economic centre, Brampton offers a diverse job market, which includes many opportunities in skilled trades. In short, Brampton has a lot going for it. It’s a pretty nice place to live, in fact – but it is still not Toronto!
Toronto Versus Oakville
Here is where we begin to compare apples to oranges. Toronto is Canada’s most populated city filled with activity and excitement. As a much smaller town, Oakville is charming and quaint while being one of the most affluent enclaves in Ontario. Picturesque parks, a historic downtown core, and an unshakeable sense of community are the primary highlights of Oakville.
For those who prefer a small-town feel with a laid-back atmosphere, Oakville could be the perfect place to put down roots. For those who love all of the conveniences and amenities of a big city (that is also full of beautiful scenery), Toronto remains the clear winner. The good news is that if you live in Oakville but want a taste of the action, Toronto is an easy drive or train ride away.
Toronto Versus Burlington
Like Oakville, Burlington tends to be on the quiet side, also with a charming downtown core and pretty waterfront. The nightlife and entertainment scene are rather limited. If you prefer a quieter lifestyle, Burlington is a safe and family-friendly environment.
In terms of affordability, Burlington offers a lower cost of living than either Oakville or Toronto, but only slightly. If you miss the abundance of trendy coffee shops and vast dining and shopping options, downtown Toronto is approximately 45 minutes away by car.
You could also take the train and arrive in about an hour and a half. Or, you could be like us and just live in Toronto all year long, which is by far the best option of all!
Are you ready to start the search for your perfect home in Toronto? The posts below will get you off to a great start:
- Why Now Is the Time for Toronto Buyers
- What Is Fractional Ownership in Toronto?
- How the Government is Helping First-Time Buyers in Toronto
Toronto Versus Hamilton
In many ways, Hamilton is like Toronto’s little sister. This up-and-coming city is thriving, with a vibrant arts and entertainment scene all of its own. It’s located along the Niagara Escarpment, which provides a world of incredible scenic beauty that may surprise outsiders who only know Hamilton as “Steel Town.”
Hamilton is also the site of the monthly Art Crawl on James Street, the yearly Supercrawl and the much-anticipated Festival of Friends. Even Toronto residents will often make the trek to Hamilton to experience these events for themselves. That’s high praise, and we’re not biased!
If you visit, you’ll likely hear the local residents refer to the “Mountain,” but don’t be fooled. It’s not a mountain at all; it’s the escarpment used as a point of reference. Everything in Hamilton is either “on the mountain” or “below the mountain.” No matter where you’re located, you will find countless restaurants and other attractions to keep you busy and entertained.
Hamilton has spirit, we’ll give it that. But can we really compare it to Toronto? Check back with us in a few decades after our little sister grows up. Maybe then we’ll give it another glance. In the meantime, there’s no question that Toronto outshines every other city on our list. There is no question or mystery as to why we love it the most!
Do you want to know even more about what it’s like to put down roots in Toronto? We are happy to help! Reach out to us at erica@ericareddy.com or call 416.443.0300 with any questions you may have.
Meet The Erica Reddy Team
Find out how our specialized skill sets and extensive Toronto market expertise empower your real estate venture.
