The GTA’s Top-Ranked Neighbourhoods for Families With Young Kids

By Kristin Doucet | 10 minute read

Wahi analyzed data from Local Logic, a location intelligence platform, to rank GTA neighbourhoods in Toronto, York, Peel, Durham, and Halton regions in 11 categories based on lifestyle, needs, goals and interests. Wahi’s Where to Live 2023 rankings consider neighbourhood attributes such as nearby schools, transit quality, park spaces, access to restaurants and shopping, and more.

From Pickering’s more affordable Amberlea neighbourhood with its abundant park space to the Beaches in Toronto with its sandy shoreline and nearby amenities, these 15 GTA neighbourhoods came out on top as the best places to raise a young family. These communities were ranked according to several factors: the proximity to elementary schools; the amount of park space is in the community; access to amenities like grocery stores; and overall quietness. These neighbourhoods offer a place to put down roots, become part of a community, and watch your family grow. 

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Where to Live: Durham

When it comes to Oshawa/Durham region, growing families can reap the benefits of a lower real estate price tag, an abundance of parks and forested areas, as well as ample recreation spaces. Only 35 minutes by car from Toronto, Durham offers the best of both worlds: forested parks, beaches, and rec centres to explore, as well as a vibrant arts and culture scene. The area also boasts a large number of elementary schools, making this region one of the finest in the GTA for raising a family.
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1. Amberlea, Pickering

If you’re looking for a family living at its best, you’ve come to the right place. Parkland, forested areas and affordable real estate make this a desirable neighbourhood for families. Amberlea has five primary schools and is only 30 minutes from Toronto. Families who are into hockey, swimming, and racquet sports don’t have to go far for great recreational facilities either. There is no shortage of activities in which to participate in this community. 

Check out:

• Amberlea Park: a neighbourhood gathering place with playground equipment, a rock-climbing wall, a splash pad, baseball diamond and soccer pitch. 

• Chestnut Hill Recreation Complex: For those families who enjoy competitive sports, the centre has two ice rinks, racquet sports, a pool and fitness classes.

• Altona Forest: A vast and beautiful greenspace perfect for family outings.

2. Blue Grass Creek, Whitby

This community is ideal for families interested in community building and access to activities and programs all over town. Arts and culture are a big part of Blue Grass Creek, providing ample opportunities for families to engage in a variety of events and festivals. The neighbourhood has 14 parks of varying sizes and functions, as well as recreational facilities offering swimming, skating, fitness classes and programs, and competitive sports leagues. 

3. Rolling Acres, Whitby

Home to numerous parks and green spaces for families to enjoy, Rolling Acres gets its name because of the green space that runs through much of the area. It also boasts many local restaurants and recreation centres. This neighbourhood has everything a family could want and nothing it doesn’t. The community is home to an emerging arts scene that supports and promotes local artists. There is also no shortage of conveniently located amenities for all of your families’ needs.  

Where to Live: Halton

Recognized as one of the safest regions in the country, Oakville/Halton is also known for its scenic parks, Lake Ontario beaches, and a large nature reserve. While the region has the modern recreational facilities and shopping centres found in major urban centres, Halton has the charm of small-town life. Families can partake in a variety of programs and activities all-year round including arts and cultural events, sports programs and leagues, and more. 

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1. Palmer, Burlington

It’s not difficult to see why Palmer attracts a large number of families. Large lots, mature tree-lined streets and spacious homes is what you’ll find in this affordable community. Highly ranked schools also make this an ideal neighbourhood for growing families. A central neighbourhood park and rec centre bring residents together for dozens of recreational activities throughout the year. Palmer’s centralized location means amenities, such as groceries and other shopping, can be found within walking distance.

Check out:

• Mainway Recreation Centre: This venue is a local hub for skating and hockey games, offering programs for families, children and youth. 

• Palmer Park: This neighbourhood park is equipped with a baseball diamond, sports field, tennis courts and basketball court.

• Burlington Performing Arts Centre: A focal point in the community, this state-of-the-art performance centre puts on kids shows and family-friendly concerts throughout the year.

2. Bronte Meadows, Milton

Close to shops, parks, sports fields, wooded areas and Milton’s downtown, this neighbourhood checks off all the boxes for a young family. Bronte Meadows is close to many of Milton’s sports facilities and is therefore a great location for families with kids who swim or play hockey. This community also has a thriving cultural side and holds community festivals for children of all ages to enjoy. 

3. Dempsey Park, Milton

Major retailers and sports centres are all within walking distance in this newly constructed neighbourhood perfect for young families. Dempsey Park has it all: nearby shopping centres with grocery and big-box stores; forested natural areas near parks with playgrounds, splash pads, and sports fields; and state-of-the-art recreational facilities where you can play hockey, swim, or watch a football game. Families can also take in theatre and musical attractions, and attend one of Milton’s many annual festivals.

Where to Live: Peel

Mississauga/Peel is one of the most multicultural regions in the GTA. Here you’ll find many family-friendly neighbourhoods, vast amounts of parkland, and many schools, parks, shopping centres and other amenities. Peel residents also enjoy different festivals and community events throughout the year that celebrate the area’s cultural diversity. It has several popular attractions, including the Rouge Park Conservation Area, a beautiful national park where families can take a short hike or have a picnic. There is no shortage of family-friendly activities in this part of the GTA. 

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1. Brampton North, Brampton 

This charming neighbourhood is a collection of communities that epitomize family living at its finest. With an abundance of green space for residents to enjoy along the Etobicoke Creek Trail, it’s the ideal setting in which to raise a family. Only 35 minutes from downtown Toronto and part of Brampton’s downtown core, Brampton North has much to offer — from shopping and arts and culture, to expansive parklands and trails. 

Check out:

• The Rose Brampton: A popular performing arts centre with arts programs for children. 

• Carabram: An annual multicultural festival that brings together cultures from across Brampton through food, entertainment and education.

• Gage Park: Offering recreational opportunities all year long, this park is equipped with play structures, an ice rink, and splash pads and wading pools. –

2. Fairview, Mississauga 

A newly built community close to large retail shopping malls, schools and recreational centres, this neighbourhood is a great choice for young families. Fairview is home to parks with wooded areas and sports fields, so kids will always have somewhere to play. Residents of this neighbourhood also enjoy many of Mississauga’s festivals and cultural events. Families can take advantage of free art galleries with all-ages programming as well.

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3. Meadowvale, Mississauga

Quiet and affordable, Meadowvale has 13 primary schools and offers highly rated public amenities and a large amount of park space. This family-friendly commuter town is perfect for young families on the hunt for a more reasonably priced starter home. Residents enjoy performing arts and community events, as well as various programs and sports at the local community centre. Whatever your family’s interests, Meadowvale has something for everyone.