Burlington

Burlington, Ontario is a desirable lakeside city in Halton Region, located in the west GTA and known for its family-friendly neighbourhoods, strong schools, a scenic waterfront, and an elevated lifestyle shaped by the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario.

Burlington is situated west of Toronto, Mississauga, and Oakville, and to the east of Hamilton. Predominantly suburban in character, this vibrant city features charming pockets of historic, village-style neighbourhoods with original architectural character and an undeniable community feel.

Stately homes line the Lakeshore, and many of the streets feature a canopy of mature trees. Residents love this greenery for several reasons; they provide cool, shaded retreats in summer and spectacular displays of autumn colours.  Fun fact: The City of Burlington keeps an honour roll of large, rare and historically significant trees. 

In addition to nature, people living in Burlington bask in the tranquillity of suburban life. Nevertheless, they also enjoy convenient access to other major urban centres, which expands their employment and entertainment opportunities.

Burlington is frequently compared to Oakville by buyers seeking a similar lifestyle at a more accessible price point. When evaluating Oakville vs Burlington, many find that Burlington delivers the same strong community feel, excellent recreational amenities, and access to the waterfront, parks, and trail systems that define life in Halton Region. The city is home to many families, drawn to its picturesque neighbourhoods and a wide range of housing options, from townhomes and condominiums to spacious detached homes and luxury waterfront estates.

While real estate values in Burlington remain strong, buyers often benefit from generous square footage and substantial outdoor living space. Backyards designed for family life, entertaining, and everyday enjoyment are a defining feature of many Burlington neighbourhoods, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a highly livable and family-oriented community.

These qualities continue to make Burlington a top consideration for growing families seeking long-term value without compromise to lifestyle or amenities.

Are you wondering what makes Burlington especially appealing to growing families? Here’s Why Burlington Is A Great Place To Raise A Family.

Burlington has been consistently recognized by MoneySense magazine as one of Canada’s best places to live, praised for its quality of life, safety, amenities, and long-term housing stability. This national recognition reflects the city’s thoughtful planning, access to green space, and strong community infrastructure, making Burlington especially appealing to families, professionals, and those seeking a high standard of living within Halton Region.

Burlington is well-regarded for its safe environment, with quiet residential streets, traffic-calming measures (such as speed bumps, raised crosswalks, and traffic circles) and an abundance of parks and play areas that keep children away from busy roads.

But enough of the practical matters; let’s talk about something fun, like all the great activities you can enjoy in this vibrant, mid-sized city.

Burlington boasts 48 kilometres of dedicated bike lanes and more than 52 kilometres of multi-use paths, which has earned it official recognition as a Bicycle-Friendly Community. When you can ride safely, cycling becomes a favourite heart-healthy activity and a great way to explore the neighbourhood.

Incredible Shopping and Dining

Shopping and dining are integral parts of modern life. In Burlington, you’re sure to love the eclectic mix of old and new, Big Box stores and independent boutiques.

The downtown area along Lakeshore Road is especially beloved, with Spencer Smith Park on one side and a lively collection of eateries, ice cream shops, cafes, and gift stores on the other. One of the most exciting aspects of the local shopping scene is the abundance of Canadian-made goods from artisans and small business owners.

Burlington’s Breathtaking Parks

If there’s one thing Burlington residents love, it’s having the stunning sights and sounds of nature all around, which is evident in its 115+ parks encompassing more than 580 hectares of green space city-wide. Scenic beauty aside, these green spaces offer abundant recreational opportunities!

• Spencer Smith Park: Essentially, this downtown park is the heart of Burlington! Even non-residents will come from all over to experience its spectacular waterfront and to walk along the pier. Spencer Smith Park also hosts a variety of festive events. These include the summer Sound of Music Festival – the region’s largest music festival and the Festival of Lights in the winter.
• Beachway Park: You don’t have to go far for soft sandy beaches! This family-friendly favourite offers a wide shoreline for sandcastle building, beachball volleyball, and cooling off in the waves.
• LaSalle Park: A scenic boardwalk and 57 acres of picnic areas, a playground, and baseball diamonds make this a peaceful oasis any time of year. There’s even a marina where you can watch the boats on the water.

Burlington offers a well-established education landscape, with Burlington schools supported by two publicly funded streams through the Halton District School Board and the Halton Catholic District School Board, both recognized for strong academic performance.

These boards serve a wide range of elementary and secondary schools across the city, making education a key consideration for families relocating to Burlington.

In addition to public options, private schools in Burlington include respected institutions such as Fern Hill School (Burlington campus), Glenn Arbour Academy, Laureate College, Burlington Christian Academy, and Halton Waldorf School, offering diverse educational philosophies ranging from traditional academics to experiential and holistic learning.

Burlington’s location between Oakville and Hamilton also provides convenient access to leading post-secondary institutions, including Sheridan College and McMaster University, both widely recognized for the quality of their programs.

With direct GO Transit service and efficient highway access, commuting to Toronto or Hamilton is straightforward, allowing students and professionals to enjoy Burlington’s family-oriented neighbourhoods while remaining connected to major education and employment centres.

Get to know Burlington’s education system better in 5 Burlington Schools Parents Should Know.

Burlington is proud of its green city heritage, with extensive parkland and a quality of life that is often described as second to none. The city also offers multiple indoor and outdoor pools, splash pads, ice rinks, community centres, and local golf courses.

In addition, you’ll find some of the best hiking in the world on the Bruce Trail and the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve. The Waterfront Trail – part of the Niagara-on-the-Lake to Québec border trail – skirts the shores of Lake Ontario and Burlington Bay/Hamilton Harbour. The cream-coloured sandy beaches and tepid waters at Beachway Park make hot summer days a welcomed event. Burlington Beach is also a busy destination!

Thinking of making a move to Burlington? Explore available homes and expert insights with the Tanya Crepulja Team. We know the city inside and out and are excited to help you find the lifestyle that fits you best.

Get in touch today at tanya@tcteam.ca or call 647-293-3785 with any questions.