[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”55px||30px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” max_width=”100%” custom_margin=”||-24px||false|false” custom_padding=”55px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][wahi_breadcrumb _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][wahi_breadcrumb-link title=”Real Estate 101″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”link_option_url” _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjcyMiJ9fQ==@” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/wahi_breadcrumb-link][wahi_breadcrumb-link title=”Buy” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”link_option_url” _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjE2MzIifX0=@” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/wahi_breadcrumb-link][wahi_breadcrumb-link title=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIn19@” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”title” _module_preset=”default” module_text_color=”#686E6E” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/wahi_breadcrumb-link][\/wahi_breadcrumb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”12px||12px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”3.5rem” header_line_height=”4.5rem” header_font_size_tablet=”42px” header_font_size_phone=”2rem” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_line_height_tablet=”4.5rem” header_line_height_phone=”2.75rem” header_line_height_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IjxoMT4iLCJhZnRlciI6IjwvaDE+In19@[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px||9px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][wahi_socialsharing _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/wahi_socialsharing][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”24px” text_line_height=”1.5em” custom_margin=”||32px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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 Greater Toronto Area neighbourhoods are perfect for you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”1.13rem” text_line_height=”1.18rem” custom_margin=”||5px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
By Josh Sherman<\/a> | 10 minute read<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_post_title title=”off” author=”off” date_format=”M j” categories=”off” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”21px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9mZWF0dXJlZF9pbWFnZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7fX0=@” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”src” _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px|||||” border_radii=”on|32px|32px|32px|32px” border_radii_tablet=”on|32px|32px|32px|32px” border_radii_phone=”on|0px|0px|0px|0px” border_radii_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||11px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”21px” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font_size=”1.25rem” header_3_line_height=”1.88rem” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”1.25rem” header_4_line_height=”1.88rem” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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 2023 Where to Live rankings<\/a> consider neighbourhood attributes such as nearby schools, transit quality, park spaces, access to restaurants and shopping, and more.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s because of <\/span>rising gas prices<\/span><\/a>, a conscious decision to be more eco-friendly by taking public transit, or even <\/span>safety concerns<\/span><\/a> (highway driving can be stressful), many Ontarians are choosing to leave the car at home \u2014 or not purchase a vehicle at all. However, car-free living is much easier in some places than others. Homebuyers who want to go car-free are going to want to consider neighbourhoods that are pedestrian-friendly, have solid public transit, and infrastructure like bike lanes. Wahi\u2019s top-ranked neighbourhoods for car-free living offer these qualities and more.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Although it has large swaths of rural land and sprawling suburban development, the Regional Municipality of Durham (Oshawa\/Durham) also contains multiple urban centres in which owning a car isn\u2019t necessary. The region is home to the mid-sized cities of Oshawa and Pickering, as well as the sizable towns of Ajax and Whitby. Durham has its own transit system, Durham Region Transit, and is also connected to the regional GO Transit network, too. Durham\u2019s top-ranked neighbourhoods for car-free living are centred in Pickering and Ajax, where every amenities are right around the corner.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span> Scenic waterfront trails weave around Pickering\u2019s Frenchman\u2019s Bay: that\u2019s just one of the many good reasons you\u2019ll have to leave the car at home in Bay Ridges. The neighbourhood also has solid transit access, with local Durham bus routes connecting to the Pickering Parkway Terminal and Pickering GO Station. To top it all off, Bay Ridges has a unique commercial centre right on the water, where you\u2019ll find charming restaurants, cafes, shops and more.\u00a0<\/span>Check out:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Downtown Ajax is a walkable cycle- and transit-friendly urban hub serviced by not one but two transit systems: Durham Regional Transit and GO Transit. Ajax is a designated Bicycle Friendly Community<\/a>, and it features a 140-kilometre cycling network, with a fair number of lanes found downtown. Meanwhile, the RioCan Durham Centre meets daily shopping needs without needing to leave the neighbourhood.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Five bus routes serve centrally located Liverpool, which is becoming increasingly transit-oriented and pedestrian-friendly as new development spouts by Kingston Road. Many businesses are clustered along the Liverpool Road corridor, which leads to Pickering Town Centre and its more than 150 stores. The mall is connected to the Pickering GO Station by an impressive 250-metre-long enclosed pedestrian bridge, the longest bridge of its kind in the world<\/a><\/span>. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”35px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f0faf4″ height=”40px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”] [\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||36px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”1145.9px” custom_padding=”23px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”21px” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font_size=”1.25rem” header_3_line_height=”1.88rem” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”1.25rem” header_4_line_height=”1.88rem” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Where to Live: Halton<\/strong><\/p>\n Oakville\/Halton is one of Canada\u2019s fastest-growing regions, and it has four main municipalities: the City of Burlington, and the Towns of Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville. Neighbourhoods in the hearts of these communities tend to be less car-dependent, with central Burlington neighbourhoods especially attractive for those looking to rely on active or public transit. Each of these municipalities is served by local transit, the largest being Oakville Transit, which operates more than 20 bus routes. There are also several regional GO Transit stations within Halton\u2019s borders for longer commutes around the GTA<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n –<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n One of the best things about living in this beautiful downtown 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, although you\u2019ll be able to find everything you need within this lakeside neighbourhood. Shopping, dining, and one of the GTA\u2019s best waterfront parks, the expansive Spencer Smith Park, which includes a boardwalk that\u2019s perfect for evening strolls, are within easy walking distance of each other. <\/span>Check out:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Another lakeside community, Shoreacres has many options for getting around. Cycle along the tree-lined streets or take the GO train to your destination of choice. Shoreacres extends from Lake Ontario and the breathtaking Paletta Lakefront Park to just short of the Queen Elizabeth Way. Between these two points, you\u2019ll find tons of everyday conveniences as well as a high amount of cycling infrastructure. For example, the eight kilometre \u200b\u200bCentennial Bike-way is a popular attraction that connects the surrounding neighbourhoods<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Close proximity to urban retail amenities doesn\u2019t mean sacrificing access to nature in Downtown Burlington. Not far from Millcroft Shopping Centre, which houses dozens of stores, you\u2019ll find seemingly endless green spaces to explore. The Sheldon Creek Woodlot is the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon, or for longer nature retreats, nearby Bronte Creek Provincial Park provides campgrounds during the warmer months<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#edf7f3″ custom_padding=”32px||32px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”46px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#38505b” header_2_font_size=”2.63rem” header_2_line_height=”3.75rem” max_width=”800px” module_alignment=”center” header_2_font_size_tablet=”32px” header_2_font_size_phone=”27px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_line_height_tablet=”3.75rem” header_2_line_height_phone=”32px” header_2_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||17px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”1145.9px” custom_padding=”23px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”21px” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font_size=”1.25rem” header_3_line_height=”1.88rem” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”1.25rem” header_4_line_height=”1.88rem” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A former county, the Regional Municipality of Peel (Mississauga\/Peel) has evolved into a booming portion of the GTA and boasts the most robust transit infrastructure outside of Toronto proper, which is located to the southeast. That\u2019s due in large part to Brampton and Mississauga, each of which have wide-scale bus service throughout. These public-transit systems also join up with the TTC, meaning you won\u2019t need to take the highway or even Go Transit to get into the 416. Convenient public transit is something all of the top-ranked neighbourhoods for car-free living in Peel share in common<\/span><\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n –<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 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 \u2014 and that\u2019s not all. It\u2019s a major shopping district with a distinctly urban feel. It\u2019s also near an impressive trail network for cyclists and pedestrians, which significantly contributes to its status as a great place to make your car-free home.\u00a0<\/span>Check out:<\/span><\/p>\n 2. <\/span>Downtown Brampton<\/span><\/b><\/a><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Going carless in Downtown Brampton should be a breeze. It has 10-plus bus routes, an expansive cycling trail network, and a stop on the GO rail line, to name a few of its car-free qualities. Around the bustling intersection of Queen Street East and Main Street, everything you could need is within a short walk, from entertainment like art galleries, the theatre, and restaurants, to shopping. There\u2019s even an Algoma University satellite campus not far from City Hall<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n –<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n On the outskirts of Mississauga\u2019s dense city centre, Fairview is well-connected to the MiWay bus system and a 500-kilometre cycling network. Neighbourhoods that are anchored by large shopping centres are often a good match for a car-free lifestyle, and Fairview is no exception. Few neighbourhoods can compete with its retail amenities since it\u2019s right beside Square One Shopping Centre, Ontario\u2019s largest shopping centre<\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”35px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_module=”1002″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f0faf4″ height=”40px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”] [\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”58px||3px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||28px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”21px” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font_size=”1.25rem” header_3_line_height=”1.88rem” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”1.25rem” header_4_line_height=”1.88rem” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, Toronto proper has strong potential for car-free living. The city is mostly flat, making riding a bike around less strenuous for most trips, and, as of 2022, the <\/span>city had 374 kilometres of cycling infrastructure<\/span><\/a>, including 116 kilometres of bicycle lanes and 74 kilometres of cycle tracks (protected bike lanes). And while riding the TTC can be frustrating at times, Toronto still has one of <\/span>North America\u2019s best public-transit systems<\/span><\/a>. Generally, the closer you are to the downtown core, the easier it is to forego a car, as Wahi\u2019s rankings reflect.<\/span><\/p>\n –<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n The cobblestone Distillery District is one of Downtown Toronto\u2019s prime pedestrian-friendly areas despite its location just north of the Gardiner Expressway. Large sections of it are closed off entirely to motor traffic, and it\u2019s easily accessible via the 504 King Street streetcar, the city\u2019s busiest surface route.\u00a0<\/span>Check out:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n 2. Trinity Bellwoods<\/b><\/a><\/span>, Toronto<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
Where to Live: Durham<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/span>–<\/span><\/p>\n1. Bay Ridges<\/b><\/a><\/span>, Pickering<\/b><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
2. Downtown Ajax<\/span><\/b><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. Liverpool<\/b><\/a><\/span>, Pickering<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n1. Burlington Waterfront<\/span><\/b><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
2. <\/b>Shoreacres<\/b><\/a><\/span>, Burlington<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. <\/b>West Oakville<\/b><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
“Homebuyers who want to go car-free are going to want to consider neighbourhoods that are pedestrian-friendly, have solid public transit, and infrastructure like bike lanes.”<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/h3>\n
Where to Live: Peel<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1. <\/span>Upper Erin Mills<\/b><\/a><\/span>, Mississauga<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
3. <\/span>Fairview<\/b><\/a><\/span>, Mississauga<\/b><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Where to Live: Toronto<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1. Distillery District<\/b><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n