There’s no doubt that Oakville is one of the best places to live in Canada. With its natural beauty, stunning homes, and friendly village feel, this charming town on the lake ranks high on many home buyers’ lists. There’s also a lot more variety here than you might think—in terms of both homes and communities.
If you’re dreaming of making a move to Oakville, here are five neighbourhoods worth getting to know right now…
1) Bronte Village
Bronte Village has been around since the 1830s, making it one of the most well-established communities in Ontario. There are plenty of older homes here, but they’re mixed with newer options—including condos and townhouses.
Along with its rich history, the area is brimming with gorgeous green spaces. Local favourites include Bronte Creek Provincial Park (with its trails, pool, golf course, and more) and Shell Park North (which features tennis courts and a dog-friendly area, among other amenities).
You’ll find a mix of shopping plazas along Lakeshore Road West, as well as one of the area’s most unique local attraction (Sovereign House, which showcases local history and art exhibits).
Another fantastic perk of living in the area is Bronte Harbour. Along the waterfront, you’ll find a marina offering scenic views, an assortment of great restaurants (Bronte Boathouse and Plank Restobar are two must-try hotspots).
2) Old Oakville
It’s one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in town. We’re talking about Old Oakville, which provides scenic lakefront views, pretty parks, and top-notch schools (including the highly-reputable MacLachlan College). It’s also an ideal community for those seeking a heritage home.
Fans of Tudor, Georgian, and Colonial houses will find plenty of selection in Old Oakville. Mixed in with these historic properties, there are also some beautiful modern options.
Along with its homes, Old Oakville is known for its downtown business district. Take a stroll down Lakeshore, and you’ll find everything from designer clothing to upscale giftware to trendy art galleries. There are also plenty of buzz-worthy eateries here, including Noble Bistro (which has top chef JohnRoss Woodland at the helm).
3) Morrison
Looking for a custom-built home? If so, Morrison may be right for you. This charming area serves as a calm oasis (think mature trees and plenty of peace and quiet). Residents enjoy a friendly, small-town feel, along with properties that perfectly meet their needs.
Of course, the opulent homes here—especially those along Lakeshore—can come with some hefty price tags. Morrison is nicknamed the “Gold Coast,” in large part due to its spacious houses (many of which cost many millions of dollars). Big lots and close proximity to downtown Oakville also attract buyers to this area.
Morrison is also where you’ll find some of the top schools (including private institutions) in the country. In fact, local test scores are 37% higher than the national average.
4) West Oak Trails & Westmount
Oakville neighbourhoods don’t get more family-friendly than West Oak Trails. This relatively new community offers plenty of great places for kids to get an education (including but not limited to West Oak, Garth Webb, and Forest Trail schools). It’s also a highly convenient place to live, with its parks, recreational facilities, and access to GO Transit and highways.
Within West Oak Trails is an up-and-coming neighbourhood known as Westmount. Here you’ll find well-appointed homes that are, for the most part, smaller and more affordable than those you’ll find in other parts of Oakville.
A mix of detached, semi-detached, and townhome options make Westmount a great area for first-time buyers. There are plenty of parks and playgrounds around, furthering its appeal with families.
5) Glen Abbey
This Oakville neighbourhood is known largely for the Glen Abbey Golf Club, which has hosted RBC Canadian Open and PGA events. Its gorgeous clubhouse and beautifully-designed course—which is one of the best-known in the country—make it a pleasure to visit for any golf enthusiast.
In Glen Abbey, you’ll find an abundance of houses in the Georgian and Tudor Revival styles, many of which sit on wide lots and back out onto a ravine. Locals also enjoy the area’s abundance of trails, parks, and playgrounds.
Between its stately homes, world-class golf club, local conveniences (like the Abbey Plaza shopping centre), and bike-friendliness, this community is a homeowner’s dream.
Is Oakville Right for You?
Prospective Oakville homeowners have no shortage of neighbourhoods to consider. While the town is often associated with affluent buyers (and it’s true that there are plenty of local mega-mansions), you’ll find more opportunities at various price points than you might think. Are you ready to find your perfect place in one of Canada’s most beautiful communities?
Looking for your next home? I know Oakville better than anyone. Get in touch to learn how I can help you find your ideal property!
