What do you picture when you think about a great family-friendly community? We think of great schools, beautiful parks, safe neighbourhoods, after-school programs, and more. They say it takes a village to raise a child, which makes it even more important to choose a community that will truly benefit your family in all the best ways.
For us, Burlington is pretty high up on the list of great places to live. In 2019 MacLean’s Magazine even called Burlington the best place to live if you have a family.
Let’s take a closer look at all the reasons why Burlington is a great place to raise a family.
The Population
The same MacLean’s article that proclaimed Burlington as the best family-friendly community also noted the city’s population as a great reason to move here if you have kids. It stated that 47% of the population reported having kids and 17% of the population is under the age of 15. If you want to live in an area where your kids will have friends they can grow up with, and constant availability of friends and playdates, Burlington has it all.
The Diverse Schools
Burlington is home to some of the best schools in the region, and regardless of your child’s needs, interests, or goals, there is a school here that can help them achieve their academic goals. With a combination of great public schools, exclusive private schools, faith-based, French immersion, and gifted programs, Burlington has a lot to offer in the way of academic success.
But how do you know which Burlington school is right for your child? The Fraser Institute is a great place to start. Or you can take a look at our blog on the top schools in Burlington, Ontario right here.
Since Burlington is situated between Hamilton and Oakville, the city also has easy access to excellent post-secondary schools like McMaster University or Sheridan College.
Safety
According to Numbeo, Burlington has an extremely low crime index and a high safety index. In general, people in Burlington feel safe walking during the day and at night, and the risk of crimes such as theft or assault is quite low.
Burlington is home to the Joseph Brant Hospital, a highly-regarded and innovative healthcare centre. Residents in Burlington also have access to numerous specialty hospitals such as the Hospital for Sick Children located in nearby Toronto.
Transportation
With easy access to public transit and the GO Train, getting around Burlington is easy. If you’re a parent who spends a lot of time chauffeuring kids from school to after-school activities, you’ll want to know your way around Burlington. Luckily for drivers, the city has many main arterial roads and much of the city has easy access to Highway 403 and Lake Shore Road to the south.
The Homes
Burlington has a diverse range of properties. From beautiful detached houses in quiet, leafy neighbourhoods, to spacious condos in luxury buildings, there’s a property type to suit your unique family unit.
It’s quite common to see young families start out in Burlington condos and then move up to a lovely detached home in a more suburban neighbourhood close to great amenities, such as schools, daycares, public parks, and more.
Interested in seeing what’s available right now in Burlington? Search our latest listings to find your next family home here.
Parks and Recreation
With such a young, vibrant, and diverse community, Burlington has a lot of services on offer. The city has incredible parks (more than 1,436 acres of parks, to be exact!), walking trails, bike paths, and community centres to serve an active community.
Whether you’re looking for skating rinks, public pools, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, play structures, and more, there’s always something to do in Burlington. The city is home to:
- 4 Indoor pools
- 2 Outdoor pools
- 3 Splash pads
- 12 ice pads
- 6 community centres
Before heading out to one of the city’s excellent parks or community centres, check out the City of Burlington website for the most up-to-date information to make sure the services you’re looking for are open.
If organized sports are not your family’s thing, Burlington is also renowned for its incredible hiking and nature trails. The Bruce Trail and Niagara Escarpment are located here, as well as The Waterfront Trail–a spectacular trail that traces the shores of Lake Ontario. Burlington is also home to beaches like those found at Beachway Park, perfect for enjoying a hot summer day with the family.
Burlington Neighbourhoods
Like all cities, Burlington is home to some great micro-communities. Some are more well-known for their family-friendly vibe, while others are preferred by young professionals. If you’re looking for the best of the best for family living in Burlington, neighbourhoods like Alton Village, Brant Hills, Roseland, and Tyandaga are some of the safest bets.
To learn more about Burlington and its various neighbourhoods, you can check out our Burlington neighbourhood guide right here.
