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Living in Oakville vs. Toronto: Insights from a Local Realtor
If you’re looking to settle down in the Greater Toronto Area but are torn between the urban allure of downtown Toronto and the suburban charm of Oakville, you're not alone.
With its fast-paced lifestyle, Toronto has a rich history, stunning architecture, and world-class amenities, including universities, healthcare, and transportation.
Running along Lake Ontario with a more low-key way of life, Oakville offers a growing community, natural beauty, and charming neighbourhoods.
Keep reading to learn some pros and cons of living in Toronto vs Oakville, their local features and amenities, real estate market comparisons, and the different commuting and transportation options.
Pros and Cons of Living in Oakville
Living in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, has many benefits contributing to its appeal.
Below are some pros:
- Safety: Oakville consistently ranks as one of the safest communities in Canada.
- Education: The town has excellent schools and educational institutions, ensuring high-quality education and learning opportunities.
- Proximity to Toronto: Only 32 km southwest, Oakville residents can enjoy the amenities of a major city while living in a more relaxed suburban setting.
- Community: Known for its tight-knit, family-friendly community, neighbours support one another and participate in local events like art and culture and other engaging activities.
- Healthcare: High-quality healthcare facilities and medical services close to home give Oakville residents peace of mind.
- Recreation: Enjoy an active lifestyle with many recreational activities, including parks, trails, sports fields, and community centres.
- Economy: Oakville's strong local economy, supported by multiple industries and prominent companies, contributes to a high standard of living and gives residents a comfortable lifestyle with many employment opportunities.
- Housing: Oakville produces different housing options, from charming heritage homes to modern condos. The town's stable real estate market instills confidence and investment security.
While Oakville offers many benefits, it also has some drawbacks:
- Oakville's cost of living: Housing prices, property taxes, and everyday expenses may be higher, potentially causing financial strain.
- Commute: Despite being close to Toronto, commuting into the city for work or leisure can be time-consuming, especially during rush hours.
Pros and Cons of Living in Toronto
Living in Toronto also has pros and cons. Here are some advantages:
- Culture: Toronto has a strong cultural scene with various cuisines, festivals, and arts and entertainment options.
- Employment: It has a strong economy with job opportunities in technology, finance, healthcare, and education. The city has many multinational corporations and startups, providing additional employment prospects.
- Education: Home to several prestigious colleges and universities, including York University and Humber College, Toronto affords world-class education and research opportunities.
- Transportation: Toronto has an extensive public transportation network, making it fairly easy to get around without a car.
- Green spaces: Despite being an urban centre, the city has many green spaces for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
Below are some disadvantages:
- High cost of living: With expensive housing prices and everyday expenses, affordable housing options may be limited in desirable neighbourhoods.
- Traffic congestion: The city experiences heavy traffic congestion, especially during rush hours, leading to longer commute times.
- Overcrowding: As Canada's most populated city, Toronto can feel crowded, leading to noise pollution and a lack of privacy.
Real Estate Market Comparison
There are some key differences between the housing markets in Oakville and Toronto.
| Oakville | Toronto | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Oakville's housing market tends to be more expensive than the average across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The median home price in Oakville is typically higher due to its affluent neighbourhoods and desirable waterfront properties. | Toronto has a mixed housing market with varied prices depending on location, property type, and size. While some neighbourhoods feature luxury homes with high price tags, more affordable options are also available. |
| Inventory | The housing inventory in Oakville may be more limited compared to Toronto, particularly for detached homes and waterfront properties. High demand and low supply can increase competitive bidding wars and faster sales. | Toronto's housing market typically has a blend of inventory, including detached homes, condominiums, townhouses, and apartments. |
| Neighbouhoods | Popular neighbourhoods in Oakville include Bronte, Glen Abbey, and Joshua Creek. These areas have upscale homes, excellent schools, and accessibility to parks, shopping centres, and the waterfront. | Toronto has many popular neighbourhoods, including the Annex, Rosedale, and Forest Hill, which are known for their luxury homes and vicinity to downtown amenities. Family-friendly neighbourhoods like Leslieville and the Beaches offer a more laid-back feel with easy access to parks and schools. |
Local Amenities and Lifestyle
Both Oakville and Toronto offer many amenities and lifestyle options, such as:
Parks and Recreation
Oakville’s parks and green spaces, including Bronte Creek Provincial Park and Coronation Park, highlight hiking, picnicking, and outdoor sports opportunities.
Toronto has substantial green spaces, including High Park and the Toronto Islands, providing residents with outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and boating. Both Oakville and Toronto have golf courses, community centres, and recreational facilities.
Schools
Oakville is home to top-rated public and private schools, providing quality elementary and secondary education. Recognized institutions include Rotherglen and St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School.
Toronto also has prestigious education facilities, such as the University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), as well as reputable public and private schools.
Shopping Centres
Oakville provides various shopping options, including the Oakville Place Mall and the outdoor shopping district in downtown Oakville, where residents can find retail stores, boutiques, and specialty shops.
Toronto is a shopper's paradise, with iconic destinations like the Eaton Centre and Yorkdale Shopping Centre offering retail stores and luxury brands.
Restaurants
Oakville features mixed dining options, with restaurants serving food from around the world. There's something for everyone, from fine dining along the waterfront to cozy cafes and family-friendly eateries.
Toronto has a multicultural culinary scene. From trendy eateries and cafes to authentic ethnic cuisine, there's no shortage of dining experiences to explore.
Cultural Entertainment
The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts hosts many productions, from live music to theatre.
Toronto has many theatres, museums, galleries, and live music venues showcasing performances and exhibitions. The city also hosts various events and festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival and Pride Toronto Street Fair.
Commute and Transportation Options
Thanks to its well-connected transportation network, it's easy to get around Oakville. It has public transit, major highways like the QEW and 403, and GO Transit — providing hassle-free travel to nearby cities and downtown Toronto.
Toronto's public transit system, including subways, buses, and streetcars, provides complete coverage throughout the city. Major highways like the Gardiner Expressway and the 401 enable connections to neighbouring areas. Commuting times vary; car commutes from downtown to the suburbs can range from 30 minutes to over an hour during peak traffic, while subway rides typically take 20-30 minutes between major stations.
Can’t Decide Whether to Buy a Home in Oakville or Toronto?
Buying a home is significant, and when you're choosing between two distinct areas like Oakville and Toronto, the choice can feel daunting.
Each offers a unique lifestyle, amenities, and attractions. Oakville's smaller size provides a more tight-knit community feel, while Toronto's cosmopolitan area offers an urban experience.
If you’re tired of navigating the real estate market in Oakville and Toronto, the Dan Cooper Group can help.
As a trusted Ontario realtor, you can expect extensive local market knowledge, award-winning services, a large network of resources, a personalized approach, and responsive, attentive, and transparent customer service.
We’ve got your back.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Call Us - 905.849.3360
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251 North Service Road West, Oakville, ON L6M 3E7
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