Wahi’s Where to Live 2023 Oakville / Halton
Top ranked GTA neighbourhoods to consider for your next move
Oakville / Halton
Moving to the GTA but not sure where to live?
Your search ends here. We crunched the numbers for 400 neighbourhoods in five Greater Toronto Area (GTA) regions and ranked the top-three neighbourhoods in 11 categories. Categories are based on different lifestyles, needs and interests such as families, retirees, foodies, shopping, nature lovers, nightlife and more. The right neighbourhood is waiting for you.
Best Neighbourhoods for Families with Young Kids
FIT FOR A FAMILY We've compiled a list of the best neighbourhoods in Halton for families with young children. These communities were ranked according to several factors: the proximity to elementary schools; the amount of parkspace is in the community; access to amenities, like grocery stores; and how quiet the neighbourhood is. Municipality: Burlington Large lots, mature tree-lined streets and spacious homes is what you'll find in this affordable community. A central neighbourhood park and rec centre bring families together for dozens of recreational activities throughout the year. Municipality: Milton Close to shops, parks, sports fields, wooded areas and Milton's downtown, this neighbourhood checks off all the boxes for a growing family. Municipality: Milton Major retailers and sports centres are all within walking distance in this newly constructed neighbourhood perfect for young families. Municipality: Milton Close to shops, parks, sports fields, wooded areas and Milton's downtown, this neighbourhood checks off all the boxes for a growing family. Municipality: Milton Major retailers and sports centres are all within walking distance in this newly constructed neighbourhood perfect for young families.#1
Palmer#2
Bronte Meadows#3
Dempsey Park#2
Bronte Meadows#3
Dempsey Park
Best Neighbourhoods for Families with Teenagers
TERRIFIC FOR TEENS In search of a neighbourhood where older kids won't get bored and can get around on their own? Then check out these top-ranked neighbourhoods in Halton for families with teenagers. Our top choices are based on several factors: nearby high schools and parks; proximity to shopping; and the cycling and pedestrian friendliness of the area. Municipality: Burlington In the heart of Burlington lies this community, steps away from the shores of Lake Ontario. From street festivals to art spaces to its 35 parks, Downtown Burlington is a mecca for amenities and activities that will keep teens busy all year round. Municipality: Burlington This quiet, tree-lined lakeside community is a stone's throw from waterfront parks and a downtown shopping district teens will love. Municipality: Burlington High-ranking schools, nearby parks, a thriving arts scene and lakeside living make this a top neighbourhood for families with teens. Municipality: Burlington This quiet, tree-lined lakeside community is a stone's throw from waterfront parks and a downtown shopping district teens will love. Municipality: Burlington High-ranking schools, nearby parks, a thriving arts scene and lakeside living make this a top neighbourhood for families with teens.#1
Downtown Burlington#2
Roseland#3
Shoreacres#2
Roseland#3
Shoreacres
Best Neighbourhoods for Retirees
THE RIGHT PLACE FOR RETIREES Settle down in one of these leading Halton neighbourhoods for seniors. These communities received high marks for a number of attributes including: a variety of amenities within walking distance; access to parks; and the area's peacefulness. Municipality: Oakville This is a quiet, park-rich community with easy access to arts and fitness centres. More affordable than other parts of Oakville, it offers ample park space within a few minutes' walk, as well as a popular community centre and library. Municipality: Oakville This fast-growing and peaceful community boasts recreational activities and green space worthy of a top-3 place for retirees to live. Municipality: Oakview Community engagement, parks with walking trails and a love for the arts is what makes this a desirable neighbourhood for folks of all ages. Municipality: Oakville This fast-growing and peaceful community boasts recreational activities and green space worthy of a top-3 place for retirees to live. Municipality: Oakville Community engagement, parks with walking trails and a love for the arts is what makes this a desirable neighbourhood for folks of all ages.#1
Iriquois Ridge South#2
River Oaks#3
Clearview#2
River Oaks#3
Clearview
Best Neighbourhoods for Pet Lovers
PERFECT FOR PETS Check out our list of the best pet-friendly places to live in Halton. These neighbourhoods are known for their park space and walkability, making them a great choice for those who cherish their furry friends. Local dog parks and pet stores add to the allure of living in one of these communities. Municipality: Oakville Lakefront views, large parks with hiking trails, historic lakeshore homes - there are plenty of scenic spots in Old Oakville for you and your pet to explore on foot. Municipality: Burlington This peaceful neighbourhood features stunning views of the Burlington Waterfront. The Waterfront includes a 137m pier, and the pet-friendly Spencer Smith Park, where folks can promenade along the lakeshore or picnic under the lush greenery. Municipality: Burlington What you won’t find in Palmer is a lack of greenery. Tree-lined streets and green spaces such as Palmer Park, Lansdown Park, and Sycamore Park provide ample space for outdoor activities such as walking, running and biking. Municipality: Burlington This peaceful neighbourhood features stunning views of the Burlington Waterfront. The Waterfront includes a 137m pier, and the pet-friendly Spencer Smith Park, where folks can promenade along the lakeshore or picnic under the lush greenery. Municipality: Burlington What you won’t find in Palmer is a lack of greenery. Tree-lined streets and green spaces such as Palmer Park, Lansdown Park, and Sycamore Park provide ample space for outdoor activities such as walking, running and biking.#1
Old Oakville#2
Burlington Waterfront#3
Palmer#2
Burlington Waterfront#3
Palmer
Best Neighbourhoods for Car-Free Living
NO CAR? NO PROBLEM! Whether you're an enthusiastic environmentalist, prefer to get around by bike or foot, or don't own a car, these Halton neighbourhoods are perfect for you. These communities came out on top based on their convenient access to public transit, and their cycling and pedestrian infrastructure. Municipality: Burlington One of the best things about living in this beautiful waterfront neighbourhood is you don't need a car to go places. City buses run frequently and there is a nearby GO station to get to and from Burlington. Municipality: Burlington This lakeside community has many options for getting around. Cycle along the tree-lined streets or take the GO train to your destination. Municipality: Oakville Steps away from the waterfront, this neighbourhood is within walking distance of some of the best places in Oakville. Municipality: Burlington This lakeside community has many options for getting around. Cycle along the tree-lined streets or take the GO train to your destination. Municipality: Oakville Steps away from the waterfront, this neighbourhood is within walking distance of some of the best places in Oakville.#1
Burlington Waterfront#2
Shoreacres#3
West Oakville#2
Shoreacres#3
West Oakville
Best Neighbourhoods for Active Lifestyle
GET MOVING HERE Whether you're a fitness fanatic or just like to stay active, these top-ranked Halton neighbourhoods are the right choice for a healthy lifestyle. Pedestrian and cycling friendly, these communities offer a variety of amenities that cater to physical activity and healthy eating. There's also plenty of green space for sports and other recreational activities. Municipality: Burlington Downtown Burlington is easy to explore, especially since it’s a walkable and cyclist-friendly neighbourhood. For the more sporty types, Central Park has sports fields, a base diamond and tennis courts. Municipality: Burlington The tennis courts in Sycamore Park and adult sport programs at Mainway Recreation Centre make Palmer Park ideal for active types. Municipality: Oakville Stunning lakeside views make going for a stroll or bike ride a lot more pleasant. Municipality: Burlington The tennis courts in Sycamore Park and adult sport programs at Mainway Recreation Centre make Palmer Park ideal for active types. Municipality: Burlington Stunning lakeside views make going for a stroll or bike ride a lot more pleasant.#1
Downtown Burlington#2
Palmer#3
Roseland#2
Palmer#3
Roseland
Best Neighbourhoods for Nature Lovers
BACK TO NATURE Municipality: Burlington With the Millcroft Golf Club as its grassy, wooded centrepiece, this community has large swaths of green space to enjoy. Millcroft Park — as well as several other smaller parks in the immediate vicinity — contribute to Millcroft’s outdoorsy vibe. Municipality: Burlington Named after a local 20th-century farmer, Palmer isn’t an agricultural area any more, yet it maintains lots of wide open space to roam. Municipality: Burlington Not to be mistaken for the Burlington Waterfront, this inland area has several large parks and is a couple kilometres from conservation lands. Municipality: Burlington Named after a local 20th-century farmer, Palmer isn’t an agricultural area any more, yet it maintains lots of wide open space to roam. Municipality: Burlington Not to be mistaken for the Burlington Waterfront, this inland area has several large parks and is a couple kilometres from conservation lands.
For those who crave more green space in an urban setting, look no further than these Halton neighbourhoods. These communities received a high ranking based on several attributes: the amount of nearby park space; how quiet the neighbourhood is; and how easy it is to get around by foot or bike.#1
Millcroft#2
Palmer#3
Downtown Burlington#2
Palmer#3
Downtown Burlington
Best Neighbourhoods for Shopping
RETAIL THERAPY If you're into shopping, then we have the perfect neighbourhoods for you. From high-end boutiques to novelty bookstores to vintage clothing shops and more, we bring you the top-ranked areas in Halton for all your shopping needs. You won't be disappointed by the retail experience found in these communities! Municipality: Burlington In this quiet neighbourhood, Burlington Centre is a popular shopping destination where you’ll find Hudson’s Bay, Homesense and more. Municipality: Burlington Located on the Waterfront, the quaint Village Square mall feels more like a charming European square for curious shoppers. Municipality: Oakville You get the best of both worlds in Old Oakville: Oakville Place with larger retailers, and charming boutiques in the downtown area. Municipality: Burlington Located on the Waterfront, the quaint Village Square mall feels more like a charming European square for curious shoppers. Municipality: Oakville You get the best of both worlds in Old Oakville: Oakville Place with larger retailers, and charming boutiques in the downtown area.#1
Freeman#2
Burlington Waterfront#3
Old Oakville#2
Burlington Waterfront#3
Old Oakville
Best Neighbourhoods for Foodies
GREAT FOR GOURMANDS If you're into the food scene, then check out these top-ranked Peel neighbourhoods for epicureans. These communities boast plentiful restaurants and cafes, many within walking distance. From fine dining to casual eats to cool coffee houses, there is no shortage of palate-pleasing places to eat in these areas. Municipality: Oakville Foodies will love the convenient access to a wide variety of eateries in this upscale neighbourhood. Strolling along the downtown corridor, you'll find everything from sophisticated Italian cuisine to authentic Greek to traditional steakhouses. Municipality: Burlington This lakeside neighbourhood has a restaurant scene that will keep you coming back for date nights, family outings or dinner with friends. Municipality: Milton This charming community boasts an endless supply of restaurants, bars and cafes along the Main Street strip, many within walking distance. Municipality: Burlington This lakeside neighbourhood has a restaurant scene that will keep you coming back for date nights, family outings or dinner with friends. Municipality: Milton This charming community boasts an endless supply of restaurants, bars and cafes along the Main Street strip, many within walking distance.#1
Old Oakville#2
Downtown Burlington#3
Old Milton#2
Downtown Burlington#3
Old Milton
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. The ranking considers neighbourhood attributes such as nearby schools, transit quality, park spaces, access to restaurants and shopping, and more.