It’s no secret that Burlington is a fantastic place to live. In fact, in 2019, it was named the best mid-sized city to live in Canada by MacLean’s Magazine! Anecdotally, we’ve noticed a huge number of Toronto residents making the move from Toronto to Burlington, and we can’t blame them!
Even though we might be a little biased, Burlington is objectively a great place to live. Whether you’re thinking about moving to Burlington with your family, your spouse, or just yourself, Burlington has something to offer everyone.
Let’s take a closer look at why people are choosing to move to Burlington, Ontario.
The City has a Rich History–And it’s Growing
The City of Burlington, like many other towns in the area, began as a French settlement in the 1600s. After the American Revolutionary War, the area saw an influx of British immigrants, and many new residents cleared farmland to create the framework for the city as we know it today.
In that period, its biggest export was timber. Today, Burlington is a prosperous city centre with a population of about 200,000 residents.
In addition to its exciting history and role in the development of modern-day Canada, Burlington is also continually growing. With its population increasing by about 1.5% year-over-year. The city itself is also innovating and improving to accommodate the growth.
Burlington is home to many new and exciting condo and commercial development projects. With significant building happening in the downtown, lakeshore area.
Burlington Has Great Schools
For families looking to move to Burlington, Ontario, one of the biggest concerns might be transferring schools for the kids. This shouldn’t be an issue, though, because Burlington is home to some of the best public and private schools as rated by the prestigious Fraser Institute.
Some of the top-ranked schools in Burlington include:
- John T. Tuck Public School
- Alton Village Public School
- Nelson High School
- Dr. Frank J. Hayden High School
- Ashwood Glen Private School
- Blyth Academy
And that’s just to name a few.
Is Hamilton more your speed? Read our guide about moving from Toronto to Hamilton here.
Burlington Has Jobs
With a diverse economy, those moving from Toronto to Burlington might be surprised to find out that Burlington is home to an incredible number of well-paying and interesting career options. The economy in Burlington is strong, including a variety of employment opportunities from highly-rated businesses in Canada.
Just a small cross-section of what’s available in Burlington includes pharmaceutical jobs, food processing, electronics, the environmental sector, and more. Some of the largest employers in Burlington are Cogeco Cable, Evertz Microsystems, and Boehringer Ingelheim.
The public sector is also a big economic driver in Burlington, with many jobs available with companies like Joseph Brant Medical Centre and the local Halton District School Board. All of these options make Burlington a great place to start your career and plant roots.
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You Still Have Easy Access to Toronto
One of the biggest benefits of living in Burlington is its excellent access to other cities in the area. Burlington is located right between Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario real estate, making it easy to get from Toronto to Burlington and back again.
Burlington Transit provides the main public transportation in the city. With three major commuter GO stations, it’s easy to get around the city using public transit.
Drivers also enjoy improved mobility in Burlington, with Highway 403 and 407 easily accessible around the city. Additionally, major arterial roads such as Dundas St. and Queen Elizabeth Way are available if the highways are congested.
All That Green Space!
Burlington strikes an amazing balance between urban amenities and proximity to nature. The city itself is extremely green with countless parks, walking trails, community centres, conservation areas, gardens, and more. There are over 1,400 acres of parkland in the area.
Its prime location on the waterfront also provides fantastic access to Lake Ontario. If you enjoy being outdoors and taking in everything nature has to offer, Burlington is an excellent place combine your need for urban amenities with fresh air, clear skies, and a lot of nature.
Spencer Smith Park, LaSalle Park, and Mount Nemo Conservation Area are just a few of the most popular places that locals love to enjoy. The famous Bruce Trail and Niagara Escarpment are close-by as well.
There’s Always Something to Do, Shop, and Eat
Those considering a move from Toronto to Burlington might be afraid to miss out on some of the exclusive amenities once reserved only for the big cities. Trendy coffee shops, fine dining, and luxury retailers were once found only in Toronto’s trendiest neighbourhoods.
That’s not the case anymore, and Burlington is home to some of the most incredible shops, restaurants, and events in the area!
Its downtown core features incredible locally-owned shops, cafes, and restaurants, while you could head to the Mapleview Centre or Burlington Centre for all your name-brand shopping needs.
In terms of restaurants, Burlington caters to all tastes with a variety of establishments that specialize in cuisines like elevated pub food, vegan dishes, fine dining, and more.
The city also supports an active and dynamic community with numerous annual events such as Ribfest, Jazz Fest, Festival of Trees during the holiday season, and more!
The Real Estate Market is Diverse
Although home prices in Burlington might be higher than in other regions such as Hamilton, there is still a diverse range of housing available to meet a variety of buyers’ needs. For example, Burlington’s downtown core hugs the beautiful waterfront and features exceptional condos perfect for small families and young professionals.
More established neighbourhoods like Alton Village and Aldershot predominantly feature single-family homes on larger-than-average lots with mature trees. These neighbourhoods are great for larger families seeking more space and breathing room.
In short, real estate in Burlington, Ontario has something for everyone!
What About Burlington Real Estate Affordability?
Home prices in Burlington are relatively high compared to other towns in the region. However, its close proximity to Toronto as well as all the amazing opportunities available here means that quality of life comes into play when discussing affordability.
Want to learn more about the Burlington real estate market? Check out our latest market report here.
Of course, the further you get from Toronto, the more affordable homes will be. But in Burlington, you can stay close to the action, get a home for a great price, and enjoy all the amenities and benefits mentioned above.
Paying a premium for a high-quality home in a high-quality city makes sense in this case.
Whether you are looking to upgrade you living situation, buy your first home or even downsize during retirement, Burlington and Hamilton Realtors® at Michael St. Jean Realty are here for you When Life Changes™. To learn more about our real estate services in Burlington, Ontario, you can call us at 1-844-484-SOLD or email us here.
