Here’s Where Brampton Ranks Amongst the Best Places to Live in Ontario

Despite some complaints, most people who live in Ontario probably know that it is, overall, a great place to live.

Despite some complaints, most people who live in Ontario probably know that it is, overall, a great place to live. It’s home to Canada’s biggest city, two renowned wine regions (Niagara-on-the-Lake and the super on-trend Prince Edward County) and some very lush cottage country.

It’s also home to Brampton, which has been declared one of the top 50 cities to live in by MoneySense magazine.

Brampton sits at 28 on the list of 150 municipalities.

“Fully half of the 50 best places to live in the country are in Ontario,” MoneySense writes.

“This is partly because it’s the most populous province, but people flock there for a reason. Ontario has a strong economy, cultural amenities in Toronto and Ottawa and, of course, decent weather — for Canada.”

This year, the number one spot went to Oakville. 

MoneySense says the town gets top marks for access to education, a good job market and being a welcoming place for new Canadians.

As for Brampton, MoneySense says the town boasts an unemployment rate of 5.7 per cent and an average household income of $101,848. The data also indicates that the average home price sits at $924,715 and that a two-bedroom apartment typically costs about $1,285 a month to rent.

The magazine also reveals what most likely already know–Brampton is a driving city. According to MoneySense, only 1 per cent of residents walk to work, and an even smaller percentage (0.23) cycle to their place to employment. Only 6.9 per cent take public transit to work.

What cities made the top 10?

1. Oakville

2. Ottawa

3. Russell

4. Milton

5. Halton Hills

6. Saugeen Shores

7. Toronto

8. King

9. The Nation

10. Newmarket

Other cities, towns and villages in the top 50 include Toronto, Burlington, Markham, Richmond Hill, Kingston, Caledon, Waterloo, Brampton, Stratford, Oshawa and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Port Colborne rounds out the bottom of list at 150.

MoneySense mentions that Toronto finally broke the top 20 this year, taking the 16th spot overall. Why? Because even though it’s expensive, housing prices are actually going up faster in the surrounding suburbs now (since buyers are giving up on their dreams of owning a house downtown).

The Best Places to Live ranks 415 cities across the country based on 10 categories: Wealth and economy, affordability, population growth, taxes, commute, crime, weather, access to health care, amenities and culture.

Do you think Brampton should have cracked the top 10?