Top 10 Best Neighbourhoods in Oakville for Families

Dan Cooper • July 15, 2024

Oakville, Ontario, has long been a desirable city for families. Its location along the northwest shoreline of Lake Ontario offers stunning scenic views and a high quality of life. It has top-rated schools, many parks and recreational facilities, low crime rates, and tons of family-friendly amenities like community centres and sports clubs.


Keep reading to discover the ten best 
neighbourhoods in Oakville for families.

Unpacking the Oakville Housing Market: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

Neighbourhood #1: Glen Abbey

Ideal for active families, Glen Abbey has scenic trails, a fantastic golf course, community centres with swimming, ice rinks, gyms, sports courts, and excellent schools, such as Abbey Park Secondary, St Matthew Catholic Elementary, and Pilgrim Wood Public. 


Glen Abbey is ideal for nature lovers, featuring many parks and trails. Families can enjoy picnics, sports, and walks in the 13.9-acre Glen Abbey Park and the serene 14-mile Creek Trail.

It’s also known for its strong community spirit, family-friendly environment, exceptional amenities, and low crime rates.


Neighbourhood #2: Joshua Creek

Joshua Creek has upscale homes, natural beauty, and convenience. It offers residents various amenities and services, parks and trails, and top-rated schools, including Joshua Creek Public, Iroquois Ridge High, and St. Marguerite d’Youville Catholic Elementary. Joshua Creek is a higher-end neighbourhood offering a safe, family-friendly atmosphere with a close-knit community.


Some family-friendly parks and sports facilities are:


  • Bayshire Woods Park
  • Glenashton Park
  • Indoor-outdoor tennis

Year-round skating/hockey rinks


Neighbourhood #3: River Oaks

The tree-lined streets, well-kept properties, and many parks and green spaces make River Oaks appealing to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, especially when they visit River Oaks Community Centre, River Oaks Park, and Crosstown Trail. Popular with young families, River Oaks offers a safe, peaceful, and tight-knit community, a quiet, relaxing living experience, and top schools like:


  • River Oaks Public 
  • St. Andrew Catholic 
  • White Oaks Secondary 


Neighbourhood #4: Bronte

Bronte, a quaint neighbourhood in southwest Oakville, offers a small-town feel with a bustling shopping district, rich history, waterfront activities, hiking trails, convenient commuter access, and top-rated schools, such as:


  • St. Dominic Catholic Elementary
  • St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary 
  • Eastview Public School


Bronte is a family-oriented waterfront community with strong safety measures for a secure environment. Some of its family-friendly parks and nature areas include:


  • Bronte Beach Park
  • Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park
  • Shell Park
  • South Shell Park


Neighbourhood #5: West Oak Trails

West Oak Trails is a well-established, family-filled neighbourhood with many schools, parks, and outdoor activities. It also has various shops and businesses, as well as convenient access to highways and the GO station.


Reputable schools in the area include:


  • Forest Trail Elementary
  • West Oak Public Elementary
  • St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary


West Oak Trails is a peaceful, welcoming environment for families looking for a more balanced lifestyle. The northeast section of West Oak Trails borders Sixteen Mile Creek, where you’ll find:


  • Sixteen Hollow Park
  • Lions Valley Park
  • Old Oak Park


Neighbourhood #6: College Park

College Park offers a mix of housing options, mature surroundings, and proximity to Sheridan College. It’s located near major transportation routes and features several parks and green spaces for outdoor activities, such as McCraney Valley Trail, Sixteen Mile Creek Trail, and Oakville Park.


College Park’s crime rate is well below the national average. Whether you're a student, retired, or part of a growing family, this neighbourhood has all the essentials nearby. Some popular schools in College Park include:


  • Sheridan College
  • White Oaks Secondary 
  • St. Marguerite d’Youville Catholic Elementary


Neighbourhood #7: Clearview

Clearview has convenient commuter access to the Clarkson Go Station, QEW, 403, 407, and downtown Oakville. It’s a family-oriented area with traffic-calming streetscapes and bike lanes. Some high-quality schools in Clearview are:


  • James W. Hill Public Elementary
  • Oakville Trafalgar Secondary
  • St. Nicholas Catholic Elementary 


The Avonhead Ridge Trail circles Clearview and interconnects a few well-maintained parks and green spaces, including Wynten Way Park, Kingsford Gardens, and Clearview Park. Residents enjoy a friendly atmosphere in this safe, supportive community with low crime rates.


Neighbourhood #8: Falgarwood

Falgarwood features traditional and contemporary single-family homes. It offers quick access to shopping plazas and the Oakville Place Mall for everyday needs. Some prominent schools in Falgarwood include:


  • Iroquois Ridge Secondary
  • Munn’s Public Elementary
  • St. Mary Catholic Elementary


With its low crime rates, Falgarwood residents feel secure and comfortable. Community events and programs encourage belonging, enhancing its reputation as a family-friendly neighbourhood. The area has beautiful parks, like Falgarwood Park, offering areas for picnics, sports, and walks. Scenic trails and playgrounds provide jogging, biking, and children's play options.


Neighbourhood #9: Southwest Oakville

Southwest Oakville’s tree-lined streets, spacious lots, and architectural homes offer easy access to the waterfront and outstanding parks, trails, and recreational facilities for endless activities. This highly sought-after neighbourhood has some top-rated schools, such as:


  • Pine Grove Elementary
  • St Mary Catholic Elementary
  • T.A. Blakelock Secondary.


The highlight of Southwest is Coronation Park, a gorgeous spot for waterfront events, festivals, and family picnics or outings. Regular events encourage close-knit connections in this safe community.


Neighbourhood #10: Old Oakville

Old Oakville, one of the town's original communities, is a desirable neighbourhood within walking distance of the harbour, parks, and downtown. The architecture and scenic streets reflect Old Oakville’s historic charm. Low crime rates and a caring community give residents a sense of security and peace of mind. 


Lakeside Park and Tannery Park offer playgrounds, trails, historic sites, and washrooms. Nearby, the Oakville Club and Yacht Squadron provide recreation, sailing education, and summer lake cruises.


Some popular schools in Old Oakville include:


  • Oakwood Public
  • E.J James Public Elementary School
  • MacLachlan College JK-12

Prepare to Fall in Love with Oakville, Ontario

These best neighbourhoods in Oakville perfectly blend safety, community, and fun. With low crime rates and plenty of family-friendly activities, there’s something to keep the whole family entertained. 


Welcome to The Dan Cooper Group. As part of the prestigious Royal LePage family, we deliver top-notch service and expertise to make your real estate dreams a reality. From mapping out your must-haves to handing over the keys to your dream home, we’re right by your side.



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