Moving to Burlington, Ontario

Why People Love
Burlington

Burlington sits on the western shore of Lake Ontario, between Hamilton and Oakville. It offers a rare combination of waterfront beauty, outstanding schools, a vibrant downtown, and seamless transit connections to Toronto.

With about 187,000 residents (2021 Census), Burlington strikes the perfect balance between urban convenience and suburban tranquility. Spencer Smith Park, the Burlington waterfront trail, and the Royal Botanical Gardens provide world-class outdoor spaces, while Brant Street's shops, restaurants and cafes make a walkable downtown core.

For families, there are public and Catholic school boards plus private options. For commuters, the GO train runs to Union Station in about an hour. For retirees, the arts scene, medical facilities, and lake views offer a fulfilling lifestyle. No matter your stage of life, Burlington delivers.

Best Neighbourhoods
for Families

If you're moving to Burlington with children, several neighbourhoods stand out for their family-friendly atmosphere, school quality, and access to parks and recreation.

Alton Village — Burlington's newest major community, offering modern homes, excellent schools (including Alton Village PS and Alexander's PS), and abundant green space. Popular with young families for its wide streets, parks, and community feel.

Headon Forest — A well-established neighbourhood with mature trees, generous lot sizes, and easy access to the 403 and QEW. Families appreciate the quiet streets, community centres, and proximity to Mapleview Mall.

Orchard — A centrally located neighbourhood with a mix of housing types, strong schools, and excellent walkability to amenities. Great for families who want a balance of space and convenience.

Best Neighbourhoods
for Professionals

If walkability, dining, and transit access top your list, these Burlington neighbourhoods offer the lifestyle professionals want.

Downtown Burlington — Live steps from Brant Street's restaurants, boutiques, and Spencer Smith Park. Condos and townhomes offer low-maintenance living, and Burlington GO station is a short walk or bus ride away. The perfect base for Toronto commuters who want a vibrant home base.

Roseland — One of Burlington's most prestigious neighbourhoods, Roseland offers tree-lined streets, character homes, and proximity to both the lake and downtown. It's ideal for established professionals who want elegance without sacrificing convenience.

Schools &
Education

Burlington is served by two excellent school boards: the Halton District School Board (HDSB) and the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB). Both consistently rank among Ontario's top-performing boards, with EQAO scores well above provincial averages.

Notable elementary schools include Alton Village PS, John T. Tuck PS, and Charles R. Beaudoin PS. At the secondary level, M.M. Robinson, Nelson, Dr. Frank J. Hayden, and Burlington Central are highly regarded for academics, athletics, and arts programs.

Burlington is also home to several private and independent school options, and McMaster University's Burlington campus provides post-secondary access locally.

Cost of
Living

Compared with Toronto, Burlington usually gets you more space for the money: more square footage, a yard and a quieter street. In September 2026, Burlington’s composite benchmark price was $854,500, according to the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS®. The benchmark is the modelled value of a typical home, not an average.

Property tax is set each year by the City of Burlington, Halton Region and the provincial education rate. Ask us for the taxes on any home you’re considering. Day-to-day costs are similar to other GTA suburbs.

Townhouses, condos and detached homes each have their own price range, and prices vary a lot by neighbourhood. See our market report for the latest figures, or ask us for recent sales in the areas you like.

Commuting from
Burlington

Burlington has three GO stations on the Lakeshore West line: Aldershot, Burlington and Appleby. Trains run directly to Union Station in about an hour, depending on the station and the train. Check GO Transit for current schedules.

By car, the QEW connects Burlington to Toronto, Mississauga, and Niagara, while the 403 provides fast access to Hamilton and Brantford. The 407 ETR is also accessible for those willing to pay for a toll-free commute.

With the growth of remote and hybrid work, many Burlington residents enjoy a lifestyle-first approach — working from home most days and commuting only when needed. Burlington's cafes, co-working spaces, and high-speed internet infrastructure make it an excellent base for remote professionals.

Things to
Do

Burlington's waterfront is the jewel of the city — Spencer Smith Park, the Brant Street Pier, and the 8+ km Waterfront Trail provide year-round recreation for runners, cyclists, and families. In summer, the waterfront hosts the Sound of Music Festival, Canada's largest free music festival.

The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), one of Canada's largest botanical gardens, straddles Burlington and Hamilton, offering gardens, nature trails, and world-class horticultural displays. The Bruce Trail, Canada's oldest marked hiking trail, runs along the Niagara Escarpment through Burlington's south end.

Downtown Burlington along Brant Street offers a walkable strip of independent restaurants, craft breweries, boutiques, and the Art Gallery of Burlington. Weekend farmers' markets, seasonal festivals, and a thriving arts community ensure there's always something happening.