10 Best Cities Near Toronto for Newcomers to Canada
Toronto, one of Canada’s largest cities, is an exciting place to live for newcomers. However, it can also feel overwhelming and expensive when you’re just starting out. Luckily, several cities near Toronto offer more affordable, family-friendly alternatives while still keeping you close to the big city.
In this post, I’ll walk you through 10 of the best cities near Toronto for newcomers, giving you a great starting point if you haven’t yet decided where to settle.
1. Mississauga
Mississauga, located west of Toronto in the Peel Region, is known for its safe, family-friendly neighbourhoods and vibrant community.
It is home to major shopping centers, including Square One Mall, one of the largest malls in Canada, making it ideal for shopping lovers.
This is actually where we live! Although rental prices are similar to Toronto, we love Mississauga for its green spaces, parks, and trails.
Public transportation is known as MiWay and is paid with the Presto card.
If you want more details, check out 14 Top Reasons to Live in Mississauga and 14 Parks and Trails to Visit in Mississauga.
2. Brampton
Brampton, part of the Peel Region and located just north of Mississauga, is a fantastic option for newcomers looking for a diverse and family-friendly community.
One of Brampton’s highlights is its rich cultural diversity, with a large South Asian immigrant population, which means you’ll find plenty of authentic restaurants, cultural events, and community support for newcomers adjusting to life in Canada.
Getting around is easy with Brampton Transit, which, like Mississauga’s MiWay, operates with the Presto Card. If you rely on public transportation, you’ll find it convenient for commuting to Toronto or exploring neighboring cities.
When it comes to housing, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs between $1,800 and $2,000 CAD, according to Numbeo. While prices are still on the higher side, they are generally more affordable than downtown Toronto, making Brampton one of the best cities near Toronto for newcomers looking for a balance between affordability and accessibility.
If you’re curious to learn more about what Brampton has to offer, you can check out the city’s official website for more details!
3. Oakville
Oakville, a city west of Toronto in the Halton Region, is often seen as one of the best cities near Toronto for newcomers looking for a quieter, more upscale place to settle. It’s known for its beautiful neighbourhoods, scenic parks along Lake Ontario, and a peaceful atmosphere that many families and professionals appreciate.
Public transportation here is handled by Oakville Transit, which, like other nearby cities, operates with the Presto Card, making it easy to travel within the city or commute to Toronto.
One of the things I love about Oakville is its green spaces. Gairloch Gardens, with its stunning lake views, is a perfect spot for a relaxing walk. Lion’s Valley Park, which we visited in the past, offers great trails surrounded by nature.
If you’re considering Oakville as your new home, you can find more details on the city’s official website to explore what it has to offer!
4. Markham
Markham, located just north of Toronto in York Region, is a great option for newcomers, especially those working in the tech industry. With major companies like IBM and AMD based here, it has become a hub for innovation and job opportunities.
Public transportation is handled by York Region Transit, and like in other nearby cities, you can pay using a Presto Card, making it easy to commute within the city or to Toronto.
Beyond its job market, Markham offers plenty of green spaces and local attractions. Toogood Pond Park is a peaceful spot for a walk and Milne Dam Conservation Park is great for outdoor lovers who enjoy hiking and nature.
When it comes to housing, rent for a one-bedroom apartment can vary quite a bit, ranging from $2,000 to $2,500 CAD, depending on location and amenities according to Numbeo. While it’s not the cheapest option, Markham remains one of the best cities near Toronto for newcomers who want a balance of career opportunities and a family-friendly environment.
If you’re considering making Markham your home, you can find more details on the city’s official website!
5. Vaughan
Vaughan, located just north of Toronto, is a great place to live, especially if you love shopping, dining, and entertainment. It has a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of things to do, making it one of the best cities near Toronto for newcomers who want to stay close to the city while enjoying a lively community.
One of Vaughan’s biggest attractions is Canada’s Wonderland, a massive amusement park that welcomes around 600,000 visitors each year. If shopping is more your thing, Vaughan Mills is a must-visit, offering a huge selection of stores and outlets across its 118,000 square meters.
With so much to offer, Vaughan is an exciting place to consider if you’re looking for a mix of convenience, entertainment, and accessibility. If you want to learn more, you can check out the city’s official website for additional details!
6. Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill is another great option for families, offering excellent schools, plenty of parks, and a welcoming community. It’s also one of the best cities near Toronto for newcomers, especially those looking for a diverse and vibrant place to call home. With a large Chinese and South Asian population, the city has a rich cultural scene, making it easy for newcomers to find familiar foods, traditions, and community support.
Housing here is relatively more affordable compared to Toronto, with one-bedroom apartments around $2,500 CAD, according to Numbeo. While prices can vary, Richmond Hill offers a good balance between city convenience and suburban comfort.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Wilcox Lake is a popular spot for walking and relaxing by the water. If you’re into the arts, the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts hosts a variety of shows and events throughout the year. And for anyone fascinated by astronomy, the David Dunlap Observatory is a unique place to explore.
If you’re considering Richmond Hill as your new home, you can find more details on the city’s official website!
7. Pickering
Pickering, located east of Toronto in Durham Region, is a great choice for newcomers who love the outdoors. With its beautiful green spaces and easy access to nature, it offers a more relaxed lifestyle while still being close to the city. It’s one of the best cities near Toronto for newcomers looking for a balance between nature and convenience.
The city is home to several parks and recreational spots, including the scenic Waterfront Trail, perfect for walking and cycling, and Frenchman’s Bay Marina, where you can enjoy waterfront views and outdoor activities. For history lovers, the Pickering Museum Village offers a glimpse into the past with its charming heritage buildings.
Commuting to Toronto is fairly convenient, with a GO train ride taking just 41 minutes, making it a great option for those who work in the city but prefer a quieter place to live. Housing here is also more affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging around $2,150, according to Numbeo.
If Pickering sounds like the right place for you, you can explore more details on the city’s official website!
8. Ajax
Ajax, part of the Regional Municipality of Durham, is a fantastic option for newcomers who love the outdoors. It’s also home to the major employer Volkswagen, making it appealing for those looking for job opportunities in the area.
Getting to Toronto is easy, with a GO train ride to Union Station taking about 45 minutes. Plus, with its Lake Ontario access, you get the best of both worlds—city connections and waterfront living.
For things to do, Rotary Park is a great spot for a stroll, Greenwood Conservation Area offers beautiful trails, and Ajax Waterfront Park is perfect for taking in the lake views. If you’re considering moving here, rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment are around $2,500 according to Numbeo.
Ajax is definitely one of the best cities near Toronto for newcomers looking for a mix of nature, convenience, and job opportunities. If you want to learn more, you can check out the city’s official website!
9. Aurora
Aurora, located north of Toronto and Richmond Hill, is a great place to live if you love small-town charm with easy access to the city.
Housing here is relatively more affordable, with one-bedroom apartments ranging from $2,000 to $2,400 CAD, according to Numbeo. While it’s a smaller town, it offers plenty of character and green spaces to enjoy.
If you love history, the Aurora Historical Society & Hillary House is a fascinating place to visit. For nature lovers, the Aurora Arboretum provides beautiful trails, and the Canadian Moments Mural showcases local artistic talent. Plus, getting to Toronto is convenient with GO Transit connecting you to the city.
Aurora is definitely one of the best cities near Toronto for newcomers who want a peaceful, family-friendly environment while still having access to urban opportunities. If you’re interested in learning more, check out the city’s official website!
10. Newmarket
Newmarket, located north of Toronto and just a short 15-minute drive from Aurora, is a great place to live, especially if you love shopping and good food. As part of York Region, it offers a mix of convenience and a relaxed suburban feel, making it one of the best cities near Toronto for newcomers looking for a balanced lifestyle.
The city is home to Upper Canada Mall, one of the biggest shopping centers in the area, along with plenty of excellent restaurants that cater to a variety of tastes.
When it comes to housing, Numbeo.com estimates that a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $2,000 CAD and $2,300 CAD. While not the cheapest option, it’s still more affordable than Toronto, with the added benefit of more space and a quieter environment.
If commuting is a concern, Newmarket has a GO Transit terminal, making it easy to travel to Toronto or other nearby cities. Whether you’re working in the city or just want to explore, the transit connections make it a convenient choice.
If Newmarket sounds like a good fit for you, you can check out the town’s official website for more details!
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Toronto is an exciting place to live, it’s not the only option for newcomers to Canada. Many of the best cities near Toronto for newcomers offer a more affordable cost of living, excellent schools, diverse communities, and plenty of green spaces.
I hope this post has helped you discover new possibilities for settling near Toronto. Finding the right place to start your new chapter in Canada is an important decision, and exploring different cities can make all the difference in choosing the best fit for you.