🏙 Fivewalls: Top Cities To Relocate To In Toronto (GTA)

There are 25 municipalities within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), which makes relocating easier when you are ready for a change.

Compiled is a list of the top 10 cities to relocate to within the GTA, starting with the most affordable (as of April 2020).

Items in this article:

• Relocate to Whitby
• Relocate to Milton
• Relocate to Halton Hills
• Relocate to Newmarket
• Relocate to Burlington
• Relocate to Aurora
• Relocate to Markham
• Relocate to Vaughan
• Relocate to Caledon
• Relocate to Oakville

1. Whitby

Average priced house: $650,000

Average annual income: $45,900

Distance to Toronto (in minutes): 49
 

Whitby’s cost of living is relatively low compared to other cities around the GTA. Though the city has definitely started to grow rapidly within the last few years, it still has a humble small town feel to it. No matter which neighborhood you decide to live in, there are many great recreation centres and parks to enjoy daily activities for the whole family. The historic downtown Whitby is also booming, with over 470 different businesses/shops. See a list of top real estate agents in Whitby who can help you find your next home.

2. Milton

Average priced house: $714,000

Average annual income: $46,600

Distance to Toronto (in minutes): 52
 

Hikers will love relocating to Milton. No matter your location within the city, you will always be close to walking trails and conservation areas, such as the Crawford Lake Conservation Area, or Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, and more. The city has a very small town feel to it, mainly because of all the surrounding farmlands. Downtown Milton has lots to offer for its residence, including parks, the Farmer’s Market, cafés, pubs, and more. Milton is also known for their public schools’ high reputations. See a list of top real estate agents in Milton who can help you find your next home.

3. Halton Hills

Average priced home: $728,000

Average annual income: $44,800

Distance to Toronto (in minutes): 60
 

Halton Hills was ranked the top 10 places to live in Canada last year. With a low crime rate, low unemployment rate and low population, it is easy to see why this city is a great location for people of all ages. There are plenty of trails for avid hikers and bikers, like Silver Creek Conservation Area and the beautiful Hilton Falls. The public schools in the area are highly rated as well, from kindergarten to grade 12. See a list of top real estate agents in Halton Hills to find the best properties in the area.

4. Newmarket

Average priced home: $774,000

Average annual income: $44,900

Distance to Toronto (in minutes): 47
 

Newmarket has a relatively lower cost of living than other cities in the GTA. There are various parks around the city for the whole family to enjoy, including Fairy Lake where you can follow a path along the water. Upper Canada Mall is located on Yonge Street and offers a variety of stores for people of all ages. Newmarket was founded in 1801 and its history can be explored throughout the museum and sidewalk markers along Main Street.  See a list of top real estate agents in Newmarket to find the best properties in the area.

5. Burlington

Average priced home: $808,000

Average annual income: $50,500

Distance to Toronto (in minutes): 52
 

Not only is Burlington in a fair distance to bigger cities like Toronto and Hamilton, but it is also one of the most vegan-friendly cities in Ontario. Home to the infamous Kelly’s Bake Shop and Lettuce Love Café, there are many different places to grab a bite to eat and afterwards enjoy a relaxing stroll by the water. Whether you are looking for a detached home, townhome, or condo, Burlington has it all. There are plenty of reputed public schools in the area for kids of all ages, as well as activities to enjoy together as a family, such as having a picnic and enjoying a hike at Mount Nemo Conservation Area or Cherry Hill Gate.  See a list of top real estate agents in Burlington to find the best properties in the area.

6. Aurora

Average priced home: $832,000

Average annual income: $47,700

Distance to Toronto (in minutes): 43
 

Aurora is a very kid-friendly town, with many different recreation activities being offered from sports to creative activities. There are also 2 large recreation centres for people of all ages to enjoy indoor swimming or other various programs. It was rated one of the top 25 places to live in Canada, mainly for its many activities you can get involved with and its green space. There are plenty of parks and trails to visit such as Lundy Park, Sheppard’s Bush and more. It is also a closer distance to Toronto if you need to commute to work or are looking for day trip ideas.  See a list of top real estate agents in Aurora who can help you find your next home.

7. Markham

Average priced home: $856,000

Average annual income: $51,000

Distance to Toronto (in minutes): 33
 

Although the housing prices in Markham are a bit higher, it is still much more affordable than Toronto. If you need to commute for work, Toronto is approximately half an hour away. Markham has a very charming suburban feel to it and many of its neighborhoods seem like they are out of a movie. There are many different parks and schools for younger kids, and lots of boutiques, cafés and a mall for shoppers of all ages. See a list of top real estate agents in Markham who can help you find your next home.

8. Vaughan

Average priced home: $894,000

Average annual income: $45,900

Distance to Toronto (in minutes): 39
 

Vaughan has a higher population than the other cities around the GTA, which explains the rise in housing prices. But the job market is also very hot, and there are always things to do whether you want to go on a date with your partner or need to entertain the kids. Vaughan Mills mall is conveniently located in the middle of the city, as well as the infamous Canada’s Wonderland, one of Ontario’s top tourist attractions. If you work in Toronto, the commute time from Vaughan is approximately 40 minutes, with the Don Valley Parkway in short distance from anywhere in the city.  See a list of top real estate agents in Vaughan who can help you find your next home.

9. Caledon

Average priced home: $961,000

Average annual income: $47,900

Distance to Toronto (in minutes): 54
 

Caledon’s housing market is known for being a bit on the pricier side, but the cost of living is still much more affordable than Toronto. Most of its homes also have very generous sized lots, which is great for families with young kids. Caledon is also home to many different types of restaurants, so whether you are craving Italian, Japanese, or a big juicy burger, your taste buds will easily be satisfied.  See a list of top real estate agents in Caledon who can help you find your next home.

10. Oakville

Average priced home: $1 million

Average annual income: $50,700

Distance to Toronto (in minutes): 38
 

Oakville is also one of the top locations to live in Canada, mainly because of its strong economy. There are plenty of business opportunities for people and no matter your lifestyle, Oakville caters to it. Downtown has over 400 different unique shops and boutiques and many different restaurants and cafés to grab a bite to eat. Oakville is also known for its education system, including Sheridan College. For outdoor enthusiast, there are over 200 kilometres of trails to choose from, or walk along the water and watch the sailboats lazily bounce on Lake Ontario. Here is a list of top real estate agents in Oakville who can help you on your real estate journey.

The GTA has many great opportunities for relocating and each city is just as great as the next. Some locations will have higher priced houses, but no matter where you choose to live, your lifestyle needs will easily be met. Even if you work within the city of Toronto, there are plenty of reasonable commute options. Don't forget to consult a reliable real estate agent to help you make the right decision.

Disclaimer: prices and numbers subject to change.