Where to live in the GTA – Know Your Options
Where to live in the GTA – Reality Check
Are you a newcomer to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), or a first time home buyer looking to buy your first, or perhaps someone looking to relocate to a different part of the GTA for one of many reasons?
The GTA is one of the most desirable places to live despite the high property prices. Nearly a fifth of Canada’s population lives in the GTA, and many newcomers choose to live in this region because of its employment opportunities and post-secondary education system.
However, there are many cities, towns, and communities in the GTA, making it challenging to choose where to live.
Moving to a new place comes with its own excitement and challenges. The same holds true for Canada. Finding a suitable home to buy, in your area of choice based on employment, schools or another criteria, is definitely not easy. The high home prices and low inventory, make it tough, especially with the growing Canadian population.
As per RE/MAX, here are six ways to help determine where you want to live and how to select the right place.
The first step is to create a list of the top ten most desirable places to live, followed by outlining what matters most to you. It is also important to be realistic and maintain a budget when buying a home, get a home inspection, and stay updated on the housing market.
The GTA includes Toronto and the regional municipalities of Durham, Halton, Peel, and York. Each of these areas has unique features that appeal to different people.
Team Kalia has helped many new immigrants purchase their home in the GTA as Work Permit Holders or as Permanent Residents.
Here are some of the GTA real estate markets that Team Kalia has been serving since 2003.
Where to live in the GTA – Mississauga
Located in the Regional Municipality of Peel, bordering Toronto to the east, Mississauga sits on the shores of Lake Ontario. With a population of over 721,000, it is the seventh-most populous municipality in Canada, and the second-most populous in the GTA, after Toronto itself.
In recent decades, Mississauga has become a hub for multiculturalism and a bustling center of commerce, with a thriving central business district.
In addition, it boasts Toronto Pearson International Airport, the busiest airport in Canada, and serves as the headquarters for numerous Canadian and multinational corporations.
March 2023 Average Home Prices in Mississauga
Detached: $1,553,304
Semi: $1,057,053
Condo Townhouse: $828,182
Condo Apartment: $614,758
Spotlight on Mississauga:
With its thriving economy and growing population, the real estate market in Mississauga has been experiencing steady growth over the past few years.
The average price of a home in Mississauga has been steadily increasing over the past five years.
In 2018, the average price of a home was $741,444, while in 2022, the average price has increased to $1,156,868. This represents a staggering increase of over 55% in just four years.
While this may seem like cause for concern for potential buyers, the good news is that the pace of growth seems to be slowing down. In fact, in the past year, the average price of a home in Mississauga has only increased by 1.4%. This indicates that the market may be stabilizing and becoming more balanced.
Another positive trend in the Mississauga real estate market is the increasing number of homes being sold.
In 2022, the number of homes sold in Mississauga increased by over 21% compared to the previous year. This is likely due to the city’s strong economy and growing population, as well as low interest rates and other incentives for home buyers.
One area of concern for the Mississauga real estate market is the number of new listings.
In 2022, the number of new listings decreased by 16.8% compared to the previous year. This could be due to a variety of factors, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty about the economy, and a lack of available land for development.
Despite this potential issue, the Mississauga real estate market remains a strong and growing market for both home buyers and home sellers. With its diverse population, strong economy, top schools and attractive location, it is a great place to invest in real estate.
Whether you are a first-time home buyer or an experienced real estate investor, Mississauga offers a wide range of opportunities for growth and success.
View Latest Mississauga Listings for Sale by Home Type & Price Range:
Detached Homes For Sale in Mississauga
Semi-detached Homes For Sale in Mississauga
Bungalows For Sale in Mississauga
Freehold Townhouses For Sale in Mississauga
Condo Townhouses For Sale in Mississauga
Condo Apartments For Sale in Mississauga
Mississauga Properties under $500,000 For Sale
Mississauga Properties from $500,000 to $650,000 For Sale
Mississauga Homes above $650,000 For Sale
Toronto
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the fourth largest in North America, with a population made up of people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The city’s economy is highly diversified and boasts strengths in various industries, including technology, design, financial services, life sciences, education, arts, fashion, aerospace, environmental innovation, food services, and tourism.
The city has gained a reputation as a hub for international business, finance, arts, and culture, and is renowned for its multiculturalism.
March 2023 Average Home Prices in Toronto (Avg. of West, Central & East Toronto)
Detached: $1,708,373
Semi: $1,262,629
Condo Townhouse: $841,872
Condo Apartment: $732,944
View Latest Listings of Condos For Sale on TTC Subway Line
Vaughan
Situated in the Regional Municipality of York, north of Toronto, is the township of Vaughan.
In terms of population, it is the 17th largest city in Canada and the fifth largest within the GTA.
Vaughan is notably famous for the theme park – Canada’s Wonderland and Vaughan Mills shopping mall.
Vaughan also serves as the third-largest employment hub in the GTA, following Toronto and Mississauga.
March 2023 Average Home Prices in Vaughan
Detached: $1,839,814
Semi: $1,169,722
Condo Townhouse: $936,204
Condo Apartment: $695,673
Brampton
Brampton is a Canadian municipality that ranks as the ninth most populous in the country and the third most populous in the Greater Golden Horseshoe urban region, following Toronto and Mississauga.
Brampton is located northwest of Toronto. Brampton’s growth represents just over 90% of the net population growth within the Region of Peel (between 2016 and 2021). It is a diverse community with 250 cultures. Over time, Brampton’s population has increased substantially due to immigration.
Brampton is a green city providing access to more than 850 parks, many recreational amenities, open spaces, and trails.
Brampton’s economy is centered around various industries, such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, retail administration, food and beverage, life sciences, information and communication technologies, and business services.
March 2023 Average Home Prices in Brampton
Detached: $1,242,193
Semi: $956,742
Condo Townhouse: $728,821
Condo Apartment: $564,944
View Homes For Sale in Brampton
Oakville
Oakville is a town located in the Halton Region of Ontario, Canada. It sits on the shore of Lake Ontario, between Toronto and Hamilton.
The land between Etobicoke and Hamilton was bought from the indigenous Mississaugas people by the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada, with the exception of the land around Twelve Mile Creek (Bronte Creek), Sixteen Mile Creek, and along the Credit River.
In 1962, Oakville merged with its neighboring villages, including Bronte, Palermo, Sheridan, and the rest of Trafalgar Township, to become the new Town of Oakville.
Oakville is a highly desirable market, with higher home values than Mississauga.
March 2023 Average Home Prices in Oakville:
Detached: $2,046,817
Semi: $1,179,525
Condo Townhouse: $821,668
Condo Apartment: $811,418
View Homes For Sale in Oakville
Burlington
Burlington is a Canadian city situated at the northwestern edge of Lake Ontario, in the Regional Municipality of Halton.
Along with Milton to the north, Burlington forms the western end of the Greater Toronto Area and is part of the Hamilton metropolitan census area.
Its diverse and thriving economic base is due to its location in southern Ontario (Canada’s largest consumer market), proximity to large industries, and excellent transportation infrastructure.
It is at the hub of the Golden Horseshoe area and is largely driven by both the automotive and manufacturing sectors.
March 2023 Average Home Prices in Burlington
Detached: $1,431,359
Semi: $1,027,696
Condo Townhouse: $826,863
Condo Apartment: $581,910
View Homes For Sale in Burlington
Oshawa:
Oshawa is situated on the shores of Lake Ontario and is often considered the eastern endpoint of the Greater Toronto Area and the Golden Horseshoe. It is the largest municipality within the Regional Municipality of Durham. The name Oshawa has roots in the Ojibwa language, meaning the crossing place.
While it was once known as the Automotive Capital of Canada, Oshawa has shifted to become a hub for education and health sciences, although General Motors continues to be a significant contributor to the city’s economy.
March 2023 Average Home Prices in Oshawa
Detached: $907,548
Semi: $711,127
Condo Townhouse: $640,629
Condo Apartment: $453,114
Whitby
Whitby is a town situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario in Durham Region. It is considered a commuter suburb located in the eastern region of the Greater Toronto Area. To accommodate the increasing population, new residential areas have been developed mostly in the north since the mid-1990s.
While the southern part of Whitby is urban and serves as an economic center, the northern part of the town is more rural.
March 2023 Average Home Prices in Whitby
Detached: $1,141,559
Semi: $918,627
Condo Townhouse: $751,750
Condo Apartment: $650,354
Milton
Milton is a municipality located in the Halton Region, part of the GTA. It is renowned for being the fastest growing town in Canada with big population jumps over the years. In 2016, Milton’s census population was 110,128 with an estimated growth to 228,000 by 2031.
Milton’s public elementary and secondary schools are part of the Halton District School Board and the the Halton Catholic District School Board.
The town has very easy access throughout the GTA by Highways 401 and 407 towards Oakville, Burlington.
The town is well-known for its picturesque conservation parks, campgrounds, and recreational areas.
March 2023 Average Home Prices in Milton
Detached: $1,411,213
Semi: $1,007,783
Condo Townhouse: $781,667
Condo Apartment: $666,738
Halton Hills
Halton Hills, a town situated in the northwestern region of the Greater Toronto Area, falls under the jurisdiction of the Regional Municipality of Halton.
The area boasts of several breathtaking natural landmarks, such as the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail.
The popular GTA shopping attraction – Toronto Premium Outlets, is also located in Halton Hills.
Georgetown and Acton are the main population hubs of Halton Hills, complemented by various rural communities and hamlets scattered throughout the region.
March 2023 Average Home Prices in Halton Hills
Detached: $1,210,333
Semi: $877,333 (Feb 2023)
Condo Townhouse: $657,633
Condo Apartment: $517,500
In addition to these markets in the GTA, Team Kalia also serves residential real estate markets in Hamilton, Ancaster, Guelph, Kitchener & London.
London is located in southwestern Ontario, just north of Lake Erie and the U.S. border. It is home to the University of Western Ontario. London is known for higher education, medical research, manufacturing and technology, and it is fast becoming one of the destinations of choice for young families moving to Canada.
