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Greater Toronto Area

Wahi’s Where to Live 2023 Mississauga / Peel

Top ranked GTA neighbourhoods to consider for your next move

Greater Toronto Area

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 Peel for families with young children. These communities were ranked according to several factors: the proximity to elementary schools; the amount of park space in the community; access to amenities, like grocery stores; and how quiet the neighbourhood is.

#1
Brampton North

Municipality: Brampton

This charming neighbourhood is a collection of communities that epitomize family living at its best. 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.

#2
Fairview

Municipality: Mississauga

A newly built community close to large retail shopping malls and recreational centres, this neighbourhood is a great choice for young families.

#3
Meadowvale

Municipality: Mississauga

Quiet and affordable, Meadowvale has 13 primary schools and offers highly rated public amenities and a large amount of park space.

#2
Fairview

Municipality: Mississauga

A newly built community close to large retail shopping malls and recreational centres, this neighbourhood is a great choice for young families.

#3
Meadowvale

Municipality: Mississauga

Quiet and affordable, Meadowvale has 13 primary schools and offers highly rated public amenities and a large amount of park space.

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 Peel 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.

#1
Upper Erin Mills

Municipality: Mississauga

Conveniently located near Erin Mills Town Centre, this culturally diverse neighbourhood is close to a handful of community centres, outdoor trails and spacious parkland. Home to three high schools, there are plenty of activities to keep teens engaged.

#2
Brampton West

Municipality: Brampton

Close to Brampton's bustling downtown corridor, this neighbourhood has no shortage of eateries and cultural events for teens to enjoy.

#3
Fairview

Municipality: Mississauga

This new community is home to Square One Shopping Centre, parks and sports fields, making it a perfect choice for families with teens.

#2
Brampton West

Municipality: Brampton

Close to Brampton's bustling downtown corridor, this neighbourhood has no shortage of eateries and cultural events for teens to enjoy.

#3
Fairview

Municipality: Mississauga

This new community is home to Square One Shopping Centre, parks and sports fields, making it a perfect choice for families with teens.

Best Neighbourhoods for Retirees

THE RIGHT PLACE FOR RETIREES

Settle down in one of these leading Peel 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.

#1
Applewood

Municipality: Mississauga

Not far from Toronto you'll find the peaceful borough of Applewood, where neighbours come together for barbecues and other special events throughout the year. Here, retirees will enjoy being close to parks, grocery stores and shopping plazas.

#2
Brampton North

Municipality: Brampton

Close to amenities, recreational activities and parklands, this neighbourhood is ideal for those who seek community engagement at a more affordable price.

#3
Brampton West

Municipality: Brampton

In this established neighbourhood next to downtown Brampton, many amenities are within walking distance, as are several popular parks.

#2
Brampton North

Municipality: Brampton

Close to amenities, recreational activities and parklands, this neighbourhood is ideal for those who seek community engagement at a more affordable price.

#3
Brampton West

Municipality: Brampton

In this established neighbourhood next to downtown Brampton, many amenities are within walking distance, as are several popular parks.

Best Neighbourhoods for Pet Lovers

FIT FOR A FAMILY We've compiled a list of the best neighbourhoods in Durham 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.

#1
Applewood

Municipality: Mississauga

Not only is Applewood a vibrant neighbourhood, it’s also known for having lots of open green space. Take your time exploring the various foot paths or relaxing under the shady trees in this neighbourhood’s dog-friendly parks.

#2
Lakeview

Municipality: Mississauga

Lush greenery and scenic lakefront views is what you’ll find in the park trails that line the shoreline of Lake Ontario.

#3
Dixie

Municipality: Mississauga

Etobicoke Valley Park boasts lots of open green spaces and trails, including an off-leash dog park at the end of Etobicoke Creek.

#2
Lakeview

Municipality: Mississauga

Lush greenery and scenic lakefront views is what you’ll find in the park trails that line the shoreline of Lake Ontario.

#3
Dixie

Municipality: Mississauga

Etobicoke Valley Park boasts lots of open green spaces and trails, including an off-leash dog park at the end of Etobicoke Creek.

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 Peel 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.

#1
Upper Erin Mills

Municipality: Mississauga

The 18-kilometre Mississauga Transitway, a bus rapid transit system that was completed in 2017, has 12 stops, including Erin Mills Station. That gives this neighbourhood impressive local and regional transit connectivity for commuters.

#2
Downtown Brampton

Municipality: Brampton

Going carless in Brampton should be a breeze. It has 10-plus bus routes, an expansive cycling trail network, and a stop on the GO rail line.

#3
Fairview

Municipality: Mississauga

On the outskirts of Mississauga’s city centre, Fairview is well-connected to the MiWay bus system and a 500-kilometre cycling network.

#2
Downtown Brampton

Municipality: Brampton

Going carless in Brampton should be a breeze. It has 10-plus bus routes, an expansive cycling trail network, and a stop on the GO rail line.

#3
Fairview

Municipality: Mississauga

On the outskirts of Mississauga’s city centre, Fairview is well-connected to the MiWay bus system and a 500-kilometre cycling network.

Best Neighbourhoods for Active Lifestyle

GET MOVING HERE

Whether you're a fitness fanatic or just like to stay active, these top-ranked Peel 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.

#1
Downtown Brampton

Municipality: Brampton

Downtown Brampton is known for being walkable, which is great news for health enthusiasts. Cyclists will also be happy to know there are bike paths throughout the neighbourhood.

#2
Mississauga City Centre

Municipality: Mississauga

If you like walking, this neighbourhood has many popular amenities that are accessible by foot, such as grocery stores, shops, restaurants and cafes.

#3
Fairview

Municipality: Mississauga

Fairview has enough trails in Brickyard Park and gyms such as Orangetheory Fitness and UFC GYM Mississauga to keep you active.

#2
Mississauga City Centre

Municipality: Mississauga

If you like walking, this neighbourhood has many popular amenities that are accessible by foot, such as grocery stores, shops, restaurants and cafes.

#3
Fairview

Municipality: Mississauga

Fairview has enough trails in Brickyard Park and gyms such as Orangetheory Fitness and UFC GYM Mississauga to keep you active.

Best Neighbourhoods for Nature Lovers

BACK TO NATURE

For those who crave more green space in an urban setting, look no further than these Peel 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
Applewood

Municipality: Mississauga

Applewood scores high for parks, including Westacres Park in the community’s heart. The expansive green space has a pool, ice rink, outdoor workout equipment, and tennis courts. More than a dozen other parks are within walking distance as well.

#2
Malton

Municipality: Mississauga

Bordering Indian Line Campground and the Humber Arboretum, Malton neighbours popular outdoor attractions and has its own two-kilometre greenway.

#3
Lakeview

Municipality: Mississauga

Lakeview’s main attraction is right in its name. Just east of Port Credit, this one-time industrial area extends from Lake Ontario to the Queen Elizabeth Way.

#2
Malton

Municipality: Mississauga

Bordering Indian Line Campground and the Humber Arboretum, Malton neighbours popular outdoor attractions and has its own two-kilometre greenway.

#3
Lakeview

Municipality: Mississauga

This tranquil waterfront community straddles a stretch of Oshawa’s shoreline near where Darlington Provincial Park meets Lake Ontario.

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 Peel for all your shopping needs. You won't be disappointed by the retail experience found in these communities!

#1
Mississauga City Centre

Municipality: Mississauga

This neighbourhood is home to Square One Shopping Centre, where you’ll find 300 + of the hippest shops and fashion boutiques in town.

#2
Queen Street Corridor

Municipality: Brampton

In need of some retail therapy? Bramalea City Centre is the go-to place for all your fashion needs in this neighbourhood.

#3
Hurontario

Municipality: Mississauga

Nestled in the heart of Hurontario is Heartland Town Centre. Shoppers will enjoy the more than 180 shops and retail hotspots in this outdoor mall.

#2
Queen Street Corridor

Municipality: Brampton

In need of some retail therapy? Bramalea City Centre is the go-to place for all your fashion needs in this neighbourhood.

#3
Hurontario

Municipality: Mississauga

Nestled in the heart of Hurontario is Heartland Town Centre. Shoppers will enjoy the more than 180 shops and retail hotspots in this outdoor mall.

Best Neighbourhoods for Nightlife

ENTERTAIN ME

If hip bars and trendy restaurants are your jam, then check out our list of the liveliest neighbourhoods in Peel based on their ranking. These party-central destinations offer everything from nightclubs to casual pubs. Planning the perfect night out has never been easier in these prime party zones.

#1
Mississauga City Centre

Municipality: Mississauga

If you live in this part of town, you won’t have to go far to find a happening nightlife. Hotspots such as Earl’s, Moxies, and the Rec Room are just some of the local hotspots that draw in the weekend crowds.

#2
Downtown Brampton

Municipality: Brampton

This neighbourhood has a little bit of everything: live music at Track’s Brew Pub, karaoke at Magnums Bar and Eatery, patios, sports bars, and more!

#3
Queen Street Corridor

Municipality: Brampton

Along the Queen Street Corridor you’ll find plenty of options for pubfare, brew pubs, late night patios, and popular hotspots like Moxies.

#2
Downtown Brampton

Municipality: Brampton

This neighbourhood has a little bit of everything: live music at Track’s Brew Pub, karaoke at Magnums Bar and Eatery, patios, sports bars, and more!

#3
Queen Street Corridor

Municipality: Brampton

Along the Queen Street Corridor you’ll find plenty of options for pubfare, brew pubs, late night patios, and popular hotspots like Moxies.

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.

#1
Mississauga City Centre

Municipality: Mississauga

Anchored by Square One Shopping Centre, Mississauga City Centre serves up much more than food court fast food (although there’s lots of that, too). High-end dining and upscale markets dot this community surrounding Canada’s second-largest mall.

#2
Fairview

Municipality: Mississauga

Conveniently located beside Mississauga City Centre and Square One Shopping Mall, Fairview offers lots of unique dining experiences.

#3
Queen Street Corridor

Municipality: Brampton

Stretching from Bramalea Road to Etobicoke Creek, the Queen Street Corridor brims with restaurants that reflect Brampton’s diversity.

#2
Fairview

Municipality: Mississauga

Conveniently located beside Mississauga City Centre and Square One Shopping Mall, Fairview offers lots of unique dining experiences.

#3
Queen Street Corridor

Municipality: Brampton

Stretching from Bramalea Road to Etobicoke Creek, the Queen Street Corridor brims with restaurants that reflect Brampton’s diversity.

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.