Moving to Burlington? Here's What You Need to Know
Moving to Burlington, Ontario? Here’s What You Need to Know
So, you’re thinking about moving to Burlington, Ontario? Great choice! Whether you're looking for a quieter lifestyle, a family-friendly community, or a beautiful waterfront city that still offers easy access to Toronto, Burlington is a fantastic place to call home.
As a local real estate broker and a long-time resident of the Greater Toronto Area, I can tell you that Burlington is one of the most sought-after cities for a reason. Let’s dive into what makes Burlington special and what you should expect if you’re planning to make this city your new home.
Why Burlington is a Top Place to Live
Burlington consistently ranks as one of Canada’s best mid-sized cities. It offers a unique mix of natural beauty, excellent schools, strong community spirit, and a thriving local economy. It’s big enough to have everything you need but small enough to feel like a close-knit town.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what draws people to Burlington:
Feature - Why It Matters
Proximity to Toronto: 45-minute GO train ride to Union Station – perfect for commuters
Waterfront Access: Beautiful views, marinas, parks, and walking trails along Lake Ontario
Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods: Safe streets, excellent schools, and lots of parks
Vibrant Downtown: Local shops, restaurants, festivals, and a lively waterfront scene
Access to Nature: The Niagara Escarpment, Royal Botanical Gardens, and hundreds of trails
The Burlington Vibe: What to Expect
When you move to Burlington, you’re stepping into a city with a laid-back yet dynamic lifestyle. It’s not as fast-paced as Toronto, but it’s not sleepy either.
The People
Burlington attracts:
Young families looking for space and top-tier schools.
Professionals and commuters who want easy GO train access to Toronto or Hamilton.
Retirees who appreciate the peaceful, walkable neighbourhoods and waterfront views.
It’s a city where people smile when you pass by and local business owners remember your name. There’s a strong community vibe.
The Pace
Expect a more balanced lifestyle.
Rush hour here is a breeze compared to Toronto.
There’s room to breathe, with wide streets, low-rise neighbourhoods, and plenty of green space.
You’ll find that people take their time to enjoy the lake, the festivals, and a good meal downtown.
Burlington’s Neighbourhoods: Where Should You Live?
Each neighbourhood in Burlington has its own personality. Here's a breakdown to help you explore your options:
Neighbourhood - Vibe - Who It’s Great For
Aldershot - Close to the Royal Botanical Gardens and GO Station - Nature lovers, commuters
Downtown Burlington - Walkable, charming, waterfront access - Young professionals, retirees
Brant Hills - Established homes, parks, schools - Families looking for space
Millcroft - Golf course community, newer homes - Upsizing families, golf enthusiasts
Alton Village - Newer builds, top schools - Young families, modern buyers
Tansley Woods - Centrally located, near parks and shops - Downsizers, first-time buyers
Roseland - Prestigious, tree-lined streets - Luxury buyers, long-term residents
Housing in Burlington: What’s on the Market?
Home Types
Detached homes: Most popular for families.
Townhouses: A good balance of space and price.
Condos: Concentrated in Downtown Burlington and along the waterfront.
New builds: Alton Village, The Orchard, and North Burlington offer newer homes with modern amenities.
Price Points (as of mid-2025)
Home Type - Average Price
Detached - $1.2M - $1.6M
Townhouse - $850K - $1M
Condo - $600K - $800K
Note: Burlington prices can vary block by block. Working with a local real estate expert helps you navigate price vs. value.
Schools and Education: A Major Draw
Burlington is part of the Halton District School Board (HDSB) and Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) — both highly regarded.
Top Public Schools:
Top Catholic Schools:
French Immersion and Private Options:
Multiple French Immersion programs
Private schools like Burlington Christian Academy and Fern Hill School
Families move to Burlington specifically to access these schools, making it a prime family relocation city.
Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Living
Nature is part of everyday life here.
Waterfront Parks:
Spencer Smith Park: Iconic lakefront park with festivals, playgrounds, and walking paths.
LaSalle Park: Great for picnics, boating, and spotting swans.
Paletta Lakefront Park: Stunning photo ops, a heritage mansion, and peaceful trails.
Trails:
The Burlington Waterfront Trail: Perfect for walking, cycling, and lake views.
Bruce Trail: Access point to Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath.
Royal Botanical Gardens Trails: Over 27 km of trails through diverse ecosystems.
Local Favourite:
In Burlington, weekend hikes, bike rides, and waterfront strolls are the norm.
Getting Around: Transportation in Burlington
Burlington offers an excellent balance of accessibility and ease.
Commuting Options:
Mode - Details
GO Train - Aldershot and Burlington GO Stations – ~45 min to Toronto
Highway Access - QEW, Hwy 403, Hwy 407 – easy drives to Hamilton, Mississauga, Toronto
Local Transit
Burlington Transit serves key city routes, but most residents prefer driving.
Walkability:
Downtown Burlington is very walkable.
Suburban neighbourhoods are car-dependent but have good bike lanes and trails.
Shopping, Dining, and Local Gems
Shopping:
Mapleview Shopping Centre: Major brands and retailers.
Burlington Centre: Smaller mall with essential stores.
Downtown Shops: Local boutiques, home goods, and unique finds.
Dining:
Burlington’s food scene is underrated but growing.
Spencer’s at the Waterfront: Beautiful lake views and elevated cuisine.
Lettuce Love Café: A hit for plant-based eaters.
The Martini House: Cozy, upscale bistro.
Son of a Peach: Local pizza spot with serious fanfare.
Coffee and Bakeries:
Kelly’s Bake Shoppe (gluten-free treats)
Pro tip: Sunday brunch along Brant Street is a must!
Burlington’s Festivals and Community Events
Burlington knows how to throw a good community event. Some local favourites:
Sound of Music Festival: Canada’s largest free music festival right by the lake.
Canada’s Largest Ribfest: Held in Spencer Smith Park every Labour Day weekend.
Burlington Festival of Lights: Stunning waterfront light displays over the holidays.
Burlington Farmer’s Market: A local favourite for fresh produce and baked goods.
These events bring the community together and add to Burlington’s welcoming atmosphere.
Weather: What You’ll Experience
Season - What to Expect
Spring - Mild, with beautiful cherry blossoms and waterfront blooms
Summer - Warm, lakeside breezes, patio season in full swing
Fall - Crisp air, gorgeous escarpment foliage
Winter - Snowy but manageable, especially compared to other parts of Ontario
Lake Ontario moderates Burlington’s climate, which often means less snow than northern cities and slightly warmer winters.
The Local Job Market
Burlington is more than just a commuter city. It has a diverse local economy.
Industry - Local Impact
Advanced Manufacturing - Major employers: Evertz Microsystems, Cogent Power
Healthcare - Joseph Brant Hospital, local clinics, growing health sector
Education - Strong public and private school system
Tech and Professional Services - Many residents work remotely or in nearby Toronto hubs.
If you’re commuting, both Hamilton and Toronto job markets are within easy reach.
Pros and Cons of Living in Burlington
Pros - Cons
Excellent schools - Real estate prices can be high
Waterfront lifestyle - Limited nightlife
Family-friendly - Less public transit than big cities
Strong community events - Longer commute if working in Toronto daily
Proximity to nature - Some areas lack walkability
Insider Tips for New Burlington Residents
Start your home search early. Burlington’s most desirable homes (near schools, parks, and the waterfront) often move quickly.
Explore the neighbourhoods by foot. You’ll get a better sense of community vibes and local gems.
Join local Facebook groups like "Burlington Ontario Community" to get real-time updates on events and services.
Visit during the Sound of Music Festival. It’s a great way to see Burlington at its most vibrant.
Final Thoughts: Is Burlington Right for You?
If you’re looking for a city that offers the best of both worlds — big-city access and small-town feel — Burlington is a perfect fit. It’s a place where you can raise a family, enjoy a slower pace, but still have all the modern conveniences.
As a local real estate broker, I can help you find the right home that suits your lifestyle and budget in Burlington. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, I’ve helped dozens of families make the move with confidence.
Let’s Chat About Your Move
If you’re thinking about moving to Burlington, I’d love to help you navigate the process. Let’s explore neighbourhoods, schools, and homes together so you can make an informed decision.
