01.25.2024 | Buying
What to Love About Living in Burlington & Oakville

In the heart of the West GTA, Burlington and Oakville are incredible places to live. Nestled between Toronto and Hamilton, residents enjoy stunning lakeside views, thriving communities and fabulous amenities. There is certainly a lot to love about living in Oakville and Burlington!
Incredible Green Spaces
On the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, both Oakville and Burlington are home to incredible views and lush green spaces. You’ll find stunning trails for walking, hiking, and cycling, from beginner to expert. Both cities are dotted with plenty of parks, including Spencer Smith Park in Burlington, among the shores of Lake Ontario, and Bronte Creek Provincial Park in Oakville. There are plenty of options to get outside and explore the beauty of the Niagara Escarpment.
Beautiful Waterfront
Whether you want to invest in a stunning lakeside property or spend a day on the water, the shores of Lake Ontario provide miles of accessible waterfront. You can hike, jog, bike or walk along the Burlington Waterfront Trail onto the beautiful pier that extends into the lake. If you love to canoe, boat or fish, you can do so at LaSalle Park Community Marina. For a day at the lake, swimming and picnicking, you can visit one of the many public beaches along the lakeshore.
Excellent Schools
Both Burlington and Oakville are home to some of the province’s highest-ranked schools in both the public, private and catholic school boards, offering incredible education options for your family. You are also close to post-secondary options such as McMaster University in Hamilton, Sheridan College in Oakville, and the University of Toronto.
Sense of Community
Living in Burlington or Oakville, you get the best of both worlds – big-city amenities with small-town charm. Both cities host numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Sound of Music and the Winter Beer Festival, to bring people together. With quaint, family-friendly neighbourhoods, you’ll find a strong sense of community.
Safety and Low Crime Rate
Burlington consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Canada. Oakville and Burlington are family-friendly welcoming communities, where you can rest easily knowing your family is safe. You’ll find low crime rates and neighbours looking out for you and your property in these beautiful cities.
Culinary Delights
Another thing to love about living in Burlington or Oakville is the delightful culinary options. You’ll find popular chain restaurants, boutique-style cafes, and locally-owned restaurants. People come from all around to visit Kelly’s Bake Shop, known for their allergy-friendly, gluten-free treats. Oliver’s Steakhouse and Spencer’s at the waterfront are incredible restaurants in the area.
Big-City Shopping
Everything you need is close at hand, from big chain retailers at one of the three large malls in the area to high-end boutiques in both downtown cores. If you need more shopping, you’re close to Hamilton, Toronto, and the biggest mall in Ontario, Square One in Mississauga.
Perfect Positioning
Nestled between Toronto and Hamilton, the West GTA is the perfect location for commuters. Not only are you close to all the big-city amenities, but with the GO train and easy access to the 400 series of highways, it’s easy to commute to work.
Thriving Arts and Culture Scene
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre hosts performances throughout the year, including concerts, plays and musical performances. You’ll find public art installations in both cities and a commitment to supporting local artists. Oakville hosts Art in the Park every year, a festival that showcases the work of local artists and artisans.
Environmental Sustainability
Burlington and Oakville are both committed to environmental sustainability. Both cities have implemented numerous initiatives to reduce their ecological footprints. A focus on protecting green spaces, encouraging energy efficiency, and reducing waste brings awareness to residents, perfect for those looking to live in an environmentally conscious community.
Opportunities for an Active Lifestyle
With tremendous amounts of green space and hiking & walking trails, you have plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the beautiful scenery both Burlington and Oakville have to offer. Residents in the area are committed to fitness, as you can see by the many independent gyms, fitness programs, and recreational facilities to keep everyone active and engaged.
Well-Run Urban Planning
Burlington and Oakville are well thought out, organized, and aesthetically pleasing. With a dedication to maintaining the stunning natural spaces in the area, both cities are committed to controlling urban sprawl and highlighting the best features. The area has a rich history to preserve, as seen in both beautiful downtown cores.
Festivals and Events
There is always something to celebrate in the West GTA. Burlington and Oakville are home to incredible festivals throughout the year, bringing people from across the region. The Beer Festival, Sound of Music, Festival of Lights and Taste of Burlington are all favourites.
Top-Notch Healthcare Facilities
Residents can access top-notch healthcare throughout Burlington, Oakville, and the area. You are close to Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, a new full-service acute care facility, and top-rated hospitals in Toronto and Hamilton.
Cultural Heritage
Burlington and Oakville have rich histories, reflected in their architecture, cultural events and heritage homes and sites. You can tour the Erchless Estate, a museum showcasing the town’s heritage, once the home of Oakville’s founding family. Other notable places to visit include the Joseph Brant Museum in Burlington as well as Dundurn Castle, in Hamilton, just on the outskirts of Burlington.
There is so much to love about living in Oakville and Burlington, which is why both cities are consistently ranked among the top places to live in the area. Whether you are looking for waterfront living, a strong sense of community, an abundance of green space or proximity to top amenities, you’ll find that and so much more in this incredible area.
If you are considering moving to either city, reach out – we’re here to help you find your perfect fit.
