The west GTA is a beautiful region in southern Ontario extending from Toronto to Niagara. With an abundance of green space, parks, waterfalls, and natural attractions, it is the perfect place to get out and enjoy nature. You’ll also find incredible shopping, dining, and entertainment, within a fantastic sense of community.

Many neighbourhoods within each of the 6 main cities west of Toronto are perfect for growing families. If you are looking for a place to put down roots, we’re sure you’ll find your forever home in the West GTA! 

Burlington

Burlington has been consistently voted one of Canada’s best places to live and work. On the shores of Lake Ontario, the city is home to incredible waterfront views, a charming downtown core, and some of the best schools in the area. With an abundance of Family Friendly activities, it has something for everyone. Read on for the most popular Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Burlington.

Palmer

Palmer is a mature area with tree-lined streets and beautiful homes on good-sized lots. It is an excellent choice for families and is home to one of the city’s best-ranked schools, the Canadian Martyrs Catholic School. There are many parks nearby with tennis courts and open recreational spaces.

Longmoor

Close to the waterfront and Appleby GO station, Longmoor is excellent for commuting parents. Amenities in the area are steps away, with top-notch schools, the expansive Nelson Park, and the Appleby branch of the Burlington Public Library.  

Orchard

The Orchard is in the far northeast corner of Burlington. The area is lush and beautiful, directly adjacent to Bronte Creek Provincial Park, with top-performing schools and a family-friendly feel.

Millcroft

Millcroft is an upscale family-oriented neighbourhood named after the prestigious golf course nearby. With numerous parks, excellent schools, and every amenity close, it’s the perfect community for families.

Roseland

Roseland is a more mature neighbourhood closer to Lake Ontario. With a mix of housing, from heritage homes to brand new builds, there’s something for everyone in this neighbourhood.

Oakville

Oakville is a beautiful, affluent community! It’s consistently ranked among the best places to live and raise and family in Canada. With picturesque surroundings, a charming downtown core, and a stunning collection of homes along the waterfront, Oakville is an incredible place to live with tons to explore (especially this summer).  We love these family friendly Oakville neighbourhoods.

West Oak Trails

A relatively new development, West Oak Trails is home to hiking trails, playgrounds, and parks. This neighbourhood is mainly made up of detached single-family homes on generous lots and is designed for family living.

Glen Abbey

Home to one of Canada’s most famous golf courses, the Glen Abbey Golf Course, this area is one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Oakville. There are top-notch schools, shopping close by, incredible outdoor amenities, walking trails, and the Glen Abbey Community Centre to keep everyone entertained.

Eastlake (Ford)

Along the shores of Lake Ontario, Eastlake is one of the prettiest Oakville neighbourhoods, perfect for family life. This area is ideal for Toronto commuters with direct access to major highways. With a thriving waterfront area, vibrant downtown, and a great mix of property types, Eastlake is an incredible place to call home.

Joshua Creek

Joshua Creek is one of Oakville’s newer developments; close to Mississauga, it’s a popular choice for commuting families. The Joshua Creek Arena is well-known in the area for indoor winter sports like hockey and skating.

Clearview

Another desirable locale for families in the east end is Clearview (also known as Sherwood Heights). It’s a classic safe, suburban neighbourhood with excellent schools, amenities, beautiful green spaces, and a sizeable community-run garden. Most of the homes in this area are large, detached houses on generous lots, perfect for growing families.

Etobicoke

Etobicoke is quickly becoming a Toronto hot spot! This west-end community is growing and developing, attracting many new residents and businesses to the area. Many families are leaving downtown Toronto to seek more space in Etobicoke. To get more in-depth with Etobicoke, check out our complete guide for living in Etobicoke

Edenbridge-Humber Valley

This beautiful residential neighbourhood is perfect for growing families. Developed between 1930-1960, most homes are Tudors, English Cottages, or Ranch-style detached homes with room to move. The community has a close-knit feel, excellent schools, and lush green spaces for children to play.

Islington-City Centre West

The neighbourhood of Islington West is the perfect spot for busy families who still want to remain in an urban area, close to all the action! You’re close to all the amenities, with access to public pools, parks, and incredible shopping. You’ll find densely populated regions and quieter pockets of homes tucked away from the busier streets.

The Kingsway

The Kingsway is a prestigious neighbourhood filled with history and tradition. One of Etobicoke’s older communities, the homes are large, beautiful, and architecturally diverse, set on mature tree-lined streets with large yards. A close-knit community, residents tend to stay once they put down roots here!

Hamilton

One of Canada’s largest cities, Hamilton is full of diverse neighbourhoods perfect for raising a family! Whether you are looking for a big-city vibe, a suburban area, or a more rural feel, you will find the ideal fit in this beautiful city. Hamilton is a beautiful city to work and live, read more on our blog here.

Mountview

Atop Hamilton Mountain, you’ll find the neighbourhood of Mountview. This area is full of lush, green parks, stunning views, and some of the city’s most reputable schools.

North End

With an abundance of green space, public waterfront, parks, and hiking trails, it’s easy to get out and enjoy nature in the north end of Hamilton.

Delta West

Delta West is home to picturesque Gage Park, which contains a tropical greenhouse and charming rose garden open year-round to residents. You’ll also find of the top 10 schools in the city, St. John the Baptist Catholic Elementary School.

Kirkendall

With highly ranked schools, waterfalls, and a section of the Bruce Trail, Kirkendall is a beautiful place to call home. Close to Locke St., your family can shop, dine, and wander around this trendy, growing area.

Huntington

Huntington is home to a 32 km pedestrian and cycling trail full of stunning views of the Niagara Escarpment. You’re also close to the lower city with plenty of opportunities for family day trips.

Durand

Durand is one of the most affluent, desirable neighbourhoods of the city. This historic area is full of heritage buildings, the Art Gallery of Hamilton, and the central branch of the Hamilton Public Library.

Milton

The town of Milton is snowballing! Check out our all-inclusive Milton guide here. It’s the perfect area to raise a family with convenient shopping hubs, fantastic parks, community activities, and small-town charm. Milton is also so close to so many beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls to explore.

Timberlea

A central neighbourhood, part of old Milton, the community is full of tree-lined streets, sizable lawns, and pool-worthy backyards. Timberlea is a quiet, spacious area with parks, excellent schools, and various housing options. 

Dempsey

Dempsey is the perfect family spot and ideal for commuters. Close to the GO and highways and the heart of Milton’s shopping centre, Dempsey has excellent schools and a great walking score.  

Scott

A newer area in West Milton, Scott is known for beautiful, well-manicured homes, parks, and green spaces. It also boasts the best views of the Niagara Escarpment in the area!

Mississauga

Mississauga has seen significant growth over the years, becoming the second most populated city in the GTA. IT’s proximity to Toronto Pearson Airport, diversity, shopping, and community amenities make it a great choice to live! For more on Mississauga, read head on over to our comprehensive guide on this beautiful city.

Erindale

East of Credit Valley River, Erindale is a quiet neighbourhood with plenty of green space for families who like to get out and enjoy nature. Houses in the area are typically detached homes with yards perfect for young families.

Streetsville

Known for older, charming bungalows and local shops, Streetsville has a beautiful community feel. With many options for families, you’ll find everything from new condos to hundred-year-old homes.

Clarkson

Clarkson is one of Mississauga’s most popular neighbourhoods with many recent developments and the growth of trendy shops and restaurants. It’s home to Jack Darling Park on the shores of Lake Ontario and the Clarkson GO station for commuters.

Central Erin Mills

This neighbourhood is known for its selection of excellent schools and family-friendly amenities. A central district with easy access to the 403, it’s also the perfect spot for those who commute to work.

Sheridan

With expansive lots, quiet streets, and beautiful homes, Sheridan is a desirable neighbourhood for families. Close to shopping, restaurants, and highways, this neighbourhood has everything you need!

Family-friendly neighbourhoods are abundant throughout the West GTA! (We’ve only begun to scratch the surface). If you’re looking for your family’s forever home, we’re happy to help you choose the perfect community! Reach out to our team today and we can help you find the perfect home in the West GTA!