Blog 5 Renters 5 Find 5 Neighbourhood Guide: Where To Live In Toronto

Neighbourhood Guide: Where To Live In Toronto

24 min read
Sarah Anderson

Sarah Anderson

Creative Content Writer at liv.rent

Published on March 25, 2021

Last updated on March 3rd, 2023

If you’re thinking of calling Toronto home, then you definitely want to get the lay of the land before you pack your bags. Toronto is a huge city, after all, and it’s surrounded by sprawling suburbs each with its own distinct character.

Whether you’re moving to the city for school, work, or just for a change of scenery, this neighbourhood guide shows you exactly where to live in Toronto and will cover all the basics you need to know before you start looking for your next home.


Table of Contents

Life in Toronto

Right on the edge of Lake Ontario, Canada’s largest city is an urban centre surrounded by neighbouring suburbs. The cultural capital of the country, close to three million people call Toronto home.

Life in Toronto is tasty and the city has incredible food, thanks in part to its diverse immigrant populations. Locals will be up in arms about where to get the best curry, Jamaican patty, roti, or shawarma quite easily. It’s an exciting place to call home with lots of opportunities for work, play, and, of course, good food. But how much does it cost to live in Toronto? let’s take a look at the overall average rent in the city:

Average rent in Toronto

So, how much is rent in Toronto? As of March 2021 — the average cost for an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment was $1,679. That’s down 9.5% from March 2020 when the average rent was $1,847.

Let’s take look at the current cost of rent in Toronto broken down into the different types of housing in the city. The following are all representative of unfurnished units:

How much is a studio apartment for rent in Toronto?

A studio apartment for rent in Toronto cost $1,425 on average in March 2021, according to Zumper.

How much is a one-bedroom apartment for rent in Toronto?

A one-bedroom apartment for rent in Toronto cost $1,679 on average in March 2021, according to liv.rent.

How much is a two-bedroom apartment for rent in Toronto?

A two-bedroom apartment for rent in Toronto cost $2112 on average in March 2021, according to liv.rent.

How much is a three-bedroom apartment for rent in Toronto?

A three-bedroom apartment for rent in Toronto cost $2663 on average in March 2021, according to liv.rent.

How much is a townhouse for rent in Toronto?

A two-bedroom townhouse for rent in Toronto cost $1,988 on average in 2021, according to the City of Toronto. For a three-bedroom, it was $1,928 and for a four-bedroom, it was $2,546.

Where to live in Toronto?

Living downtown in Toronto is very busy but lots of fun.
Source: Unsplash

Downtown

If neighbourhood vibrancy and a concise commute are on your wishlist, then you’ll love Downtown, which can be broken up even further from the flashy Yorkville area to the bustling Entertainment District. Of course, when you’re right in the heart of it all, you’re going to pay more for the privilege.

Average apartment rent in Downtown Toronto

The average cost of rent for a studio apartment in Downtown Toronto is $1,600. If you want a little bit more space, a one-bedroom averages $1,900. Two-bedroom and three-bedroom units go for on average of $2,690 and $3,127 respectively.

  • Studio apartments for rent: Downtown
  • One-bedroom apartments for rent: Downtown
  • Two-bedroom apartments for rent: Downtown
  • Three-bedroom apartment for rent: Downtown

Average house price in Downtown Toronto

Apartment$633,850
Detached home$1,527,650
Townhouse$838,150

Source: Syed Mehdi

Schools in Downtown Toronto

For public elementary and secondary education, there are a couple of school boards, but the main one is the Toronto District School Board. There are also lots of independent and religious schools in the area.

There are four main post-secondary institutions here:

It’s common for young adults to move downtown from other parts of the GTA to attend college or university.

Transportation in Downtown Toronto

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) takes care of public transit in the area with an extensive line of subways and buses that connect downtown to neighbouring suburbs in the GTA. A single fare will set you back $3.25 and the system uses “Presto” cards to act as monthly passes and hold stored value.

If you’re downtown, it will be pretty easy to get around on their four subway lines. However, the further away from the centre you go, the fewer transit options you’ll have.

Sports & recreation in Downtown Toronto

519 Church Street Community CentreMary McCormick Recreation Centre
Applegrove Community ComplexMasaryk-Cowan Community Recreation Centre
Bob Abate Community Recreation CentreParkdale Community Recreation Centre
Canoe Landing Community Recreation CentreRalph Thornton Community Centre
Cecil Community CentreRegent Park Community Centre
Central Eglinton Community CentreScadding Court Community Centre
Community Centre 55 St. Lawrence Community Recreation Centre
Eastview Neighbourhood Community CentreSwansea Town Hall Community Centre
Harrison PoolWaterfront Neighbourhood Centre
Holy Family Community CentreWellesley Community Centre
John Innes Community Recreation Centre

Food & Entertainment in Downtown Toronto

The best food in Downtown Toronto

It’s unfair to narrow down the diversity of food in Toronto to just a few picks, especially given its remarkable eminence as a multicultural city. However, here are a few famous tiny pieces of the larger mosaic of incredible food in Toronto:

  • Grey Gardens — consistently one of the most buzzed-about restaurants in the city, get fresh modern dishes here with your friends for a great night out.
  • Canoe Restaurant — an all-Canadian restaurant serving upscale local food, you’ll love this place if you are super patriotic, plus it has fantastic city views.
  • Bar Raval — you’ll feel like you’re in a tapas joint in Spain when you hang out at this beautiful watering hole.
  • Momofuku Toronto — celebrity chef David Chang’s Toronto outpost of his famous Momofuku restaurant is always a good ticket, especially if you love Asian food.
  • 360 Restaurant — worth checking out at least one in your life, this is is the revolving restaurant at the top of the CN tower and it’s definitely the highest restaurant in Canada.

Things to do in Downtown Toronto

  • The AGO — the Art Gallery of Ontario is filled with some of the most notable works in the country and makes a perfect rainy day activity.
  • The ROM — the Royal Ontario Museum houses natural history treasures that you don’t have to be a kid to get excited about.
  • TIFF — the Toronto International Film Festival happens at the end of summer each year, but you can check out the Bell Lightbox theatre anytime to catch a film screening.
  • Museum of Illusions — not your average museum, this hotbed of Instagram activity is a unique and colourful way to play with perspective.

Tourist attractions in Downtown Toronto

  • CN Tower — the most iconic building in Toronto, you have to go up to the top at least once and see the breathtaking views of the entire city from the platform.
  • Ripley’s Aquarium — you can walk through an aquatic tunnel inside this locally-loved tourist attraction.
  • Bata Shoe Museum — a quirky spot for sneakerheads and shoe-lovers, you can get cultured about shoes here!

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North York is a popular neighbourhood in Toronto.
Source: Unsplash

North York

This northern Toronto neighbourhood has a distinctly uptown feel. It gives you a bit more green space and quiet than downtown while still being very connected to the city and enjoying a ton of amenities.

Average apartment rent in North York

In North York, your average one-bedroom apartment will set you back $1,796. Two-bedroom apartments go for $2,282 on average while a three-bedroom is closer to $2,878.

Average house price in North York

Apartment $456,000
Detached home $918,000
Townhouse $728,000

Source: Zolo

Schools in North York

Similar to Downtown, the main school board for public elementary is the Toronto District School Board which runs dozens of schools in the area. There are also some independent and religious schools in the area.

When it comes to post-secondary education, some of the most popular and distinguished schools are in the Downtown area, and more suburban neighbourhoods are going to have more limited options.

However, York University, Canada’s third-largest university, is located here.

Transportation in North York

Transit distance to Toronto City Centre:
By car: 21 mins
By public transit: 13 mins

Compared to some of the other Toronto neighbourhoods, transit options in North Nork are pretty good. The TTC serves the area with buses and subway lines. The popular Yonge-University line runs north to south through the neighbourhood and the new Sheppard line runs east to west across.

Sports & recreation in North York

Amesbury Community CentreGlen Long Community Centre
Ancaster Community Centre Gordon and Irene Risk Community Centre
Antibes Community Centre Goulding Community Centre
Banbury Community Centre Grandravine Community Centre
Barbara Frum Community Centre Irving W. Chapley Community Centre
Broadlands Community Centre Lawrence Heights Community Centre
Carmine Stefano Community Centre North Toronto Memorial Community Recreation Centre
Chalkfarm Community Centre Northwood Community Centre
Cummer Park Community Centre Oakdale Community Centre
Dennis R. Timbrell Recreation Centre O’Connor Community Centre
Domenico Diluca Community Centre Oriole Community Centre
Driftwood Community Centre Pleasantview Community Centre
Earl Bales Community Centre Roding Community Centre
Edithvale Community Centre Seneca Village Community Centre
Falstaff Community Centre Viewmount Community Centre
Flemingdon Park Community Centre

Food & entertainment in North York

The best food in North York

North York knows how to eat, especially in the Yonge & Sheppard area where there are lots of tasty restaurants serving sushi, ramen, and Vietnamese.

  • Sushi Moto — the absolute best spot for sushi in North York with many of your Japanese food classics and specialty rolls.
  • Mustafa — this beautiful Turkish restaurant will make you feel like you’re inside a cave while you eat kebabs and Turkish pizza.
  • Angus Pho House — when nothing but pho will do, get yourself some of the most flavourful broth around at this spot.
  • Gyu-Kaku — the menu at this Japanese BBQ spot is always evolving making each time you go a new tasty experience.
  • Ajisen Ramen — whether you like it spicy, classic, or covered in fried chicken, this slurp-worthy ramen spot is delicious.

Things to do in North York

  • Orfus Road Shopping — some of the best outlet shopping in Toronto can be found along Orfus Road.
  • Edwards Gardens — a free and beautiful spot to check out right next to the Toronto Botanical gardens, you’ll want to go in spring and summer to watch the world bloom.
  • Sunnybrook Park — filled with bike trails and people walking their dogs, this local park is accessible on the bus.
  • Don Mills Shopping — this big mall is easy to get on the subway.

Tourist attractions in North York

  • Mel Lastman Square — lots of festivals and activities are held here throughout the year and in the winter there’s a skating rink.
The GTA area has lots of desireable neighbourhoods.
Source: Unsplash

Etobicoke

Regarding housing, there are lots of new condos in the area that are just a train ride away on the Bloor line from the city. Lots of young families are moving into the area right now to take advantage of its abundant housing options and proximity to the city.

Average apartment rent in Etobicoke

The average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Etobicoke is $1,911. For two-bedroom apartments in Etobicoke, the average is $2,556 while a three-bedroom isn’t that big of a difference at $2,569.

Average house price in Etobicoke

Apartment$517,600
Detached home$1,175,840
Townhouse$831,080

Source: Sandra Rinomato

Schools in Etobicoke

The Toronto District School Board is responsible for public elementary and secondary schools in the area. There’s also the Toronto Catholic District School Board here which helps more than 90,000 students get an education.

There are two major post-secondary institutions in Etobicoke — Humber College and the University of Guelph-Humber.

Transportation in Etobicoke

Transit distance to Toronto City Centre:
By car: 15 mins
By public transit: 1 hour

The TTC serves Etobicoke and has a subway line with a few stations that runs west to east across the neighbourhood connecting to the downtown core. While there are no subways that service north Etobicoke, there are bus routes that link up to the rest of the system.

Sports & recreation in Etobicoke

Albion Pool and Health ClubJohn G. Althouse Community Centre
Bloordale Community Centre Ken Cox Community Centre
Centennial Recreation Centre Kingsview Village Community Centre
Edenbridge Centre Norseman Community Centre & Pool
Elmbank Community Centre North Kipling Community Centre
Elms Community Centre & Pool Ourland Community Centre
Hilltop Community Centre Park Lawn Community Centre
Hollycrest Community Centre Power House Recreation Centre
Humberwood Community Centre Sir Adam Beck Community Centre
Islington Community Centre Smithfield Community Centre
James E. Bell Community Centre Thistletown Community Centre
John English Community Centre

Food & entertainment in Etobicoke

The best food in Etobicoke

You’ll find no shortage of tasty options for takeout or delectable dining spots for sit-down dinners. It just depends on what you’re in the mood for!

  • Tom’s Dairy Freeze — iconic colourful swirls of tall soft-serve ice cream await you here.
  • Sugo — affordable Italian-American classics like chicken parm and spaghetti you’ll want to eat every weekend.
  • Beach Hill Smokehouse — when you want to treat yourself to some Texas-style BBQ, this is the place.
  • Patois — you can get jerk chicken chow mein at this unique spot that blends Caribbean and Asian soul food.

Things to do in Etobicoke

  • Humber Bay Parks — these two parks are among the best in the city and are popular places to come for long walks along the lake.
  • High Park — on the edge of Etobicoke and downtown Toronto, this park fills with cherry blossoms in the spring.
  • 401 Mini Indy — your place to go play minigolf or race a go-kart with friends on the weekends.

Tourist attractions in Etobicoke


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What's it like to live in Scarborough?
Source: Unsplash

Scarborough

While it might not have the same attractions or draws, Scarborough is a great place to live that’s not too far from the city centre. So, if you prefer green space over concrete, then this is a great option that’s not too far-flung from downtown Toronto. Plus, this neighbourhood has a few jaw-dropping natural spots that outdoorsy folks will love.

Average apartment rent in Scarborough

To rent a studio apartment in Scarborough, expect to pay an average of $1,430. To get a bit more space, a one-bedroom can set you back $1,535. The average cost of rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Scarborough is $1,957, while a three-bedroom is $2,440.

Average house price in Scarborough

Apartment$415,000
Detached home$1.5 million
Townhouse$465,000

Source: Zolo

Schools in Scarborough

Public elementary and secondary schools in Scarborough are run by the Toronto District School Board which serves 247,000 students across 583 schools across Toronto.

There are two major post-secondary schools in the area: U of T Scarborough and Centennial College.

Transportation in Scarborough

Transit distance to Toronto City Centre:
By car: 21 mins
By public transit: 34 mins

The TTC provides public transit in the area. They have an extensive bus system and the line three subway connects Scarborough to downtown and beyond.

However, the further away from the Toronto city centre, the more limited your transit options become and not all corners of the neighbourhood are well connected, leading to longer commutes. It’s a good idea to own a car so you’re not reliant on public transit.

Sports & recreation in Scarborough

Agincourt Recreation CentreL’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre
Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre L’Amoreaux Sports Centre
Birkdale Community Centre Malvern Recreation Centre
Burrows Hall Community Centre Neilson House
Cedar Ridge Creative CentreOakridge Community Recreation Centre
Cedarbrook Community CentrePort Union Recreation Centre
Centennial Recreation Centre Scarborough Village Recreation Centre
Commander Park Recreation Centre Stephen Leacock Community Recreation Centre
Curran Hall Community CentreTall Pines Community Centre
Don Montgomery Community Recreation CentreTam Heather Curling and Tennis Club
Ellesmere Community Centre Warden Hilltop Community Centre
Heron Park Recreation Centre West Rouge CC
Jack Goodlad CentreWest Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre

Food & entertainment in Scarborough

The best food in Scarborough

  • Allan’s Pastry Shop — fill up on freshly baked Jamaican patties, plantain tarts and spice buns.
  • Harry’s Drive-In — this retro joint is perfect for your next burger (or, souvlaki) craving.
  • Lamanna Bakery — this place is notorious for their comically giant slices of pizza larger than an average toddler, but it’s great fun and good food.
  • Babu — this Sri Lankan takeout spot serves up big portions and is really popular with locals.
  • The Roti Hut — this legendary roti spot has open-faced rotis and Caribbean curries you’ll come to crave.

Things to do in Scarborough

Tourist attractions in Scarborough

  • Scarborough Bluffs — every Torontonian has spent a sunny afternoon along this 15-kilometre stretch of beautiful beaches and parks lined with bluffs.
  • Toronto Zoo — this massive zoo is a big tourist attraction in Toronto and you can see famous furry faces like their red pandas here.
Toronto is Canada's largest city and there are lots of apartment rentals available.
Source: Unsplash

Markham

Just north of Scarborough and surrounded by parks and golf courses, Markham is a fast-growing suburb of the GTA. It’s also one of Canada’s largest innovation hubs with more than 1,500 tech companies set up in the city.

Average apartment rent in Markham

If you want to rent a studio in Markham, expect to pay on average around $1,700. To get a one-bedroom, you would be paying close to $1,944. For two-bedrooms and three-bedrooms, the average rent is $2,356 and $2,667 respectively.

  • Studio apartments for rent: Markham
  • One-bedroom apartments for rent: Markham
  • Two-bedroom apartments for rent: Markham
  • Three-bedroom apartment for rent: Markham

Average house price in Markham

Apartment $625,000
Detached home $1.7 million
Townhouse $1 million

Source: Zolo

Schools in Markham

The York Region District School Board is in charge of all the public elementary and high schools in Markham.

There are not many post-secondary institutions in Markham, but there is a local campus for Seneca College here. Also, Markam will be getting a York University campus that’s planning to open for the Fall of 2023.

Transportation in Markham

Transit distance to Toronto City Centre:
By car: 25 mins
By public transit: 1.5 hours

There are a few different transit services in Markham including:

  • The TTC — runs bus transit in areas south of Markham but has a couple of bus routes in the area.
  • York Region Transit — in conjunction with VIVA, the YRT operates the bus system in Markham and is the main transportation provider for the region.
  • GO Transit — the GO system has four train stations in the area at Milliken, Unionville, Centennial, and Markham that connect to its larger GTA network.

Sports & recreation in Markham

Aaniin Community CentreMarkham Village Community Centre
Angus Glen Community Centre Milliken Mills Community Centre
Angus Glen Tennis CentreMorgan Pool
Armadale Community Centre Mount Joy Community Centre
Centennial Community Centre R.J. Clatworthy Arena
Cornell Community CentreRouge River Community Centre
Crosby Community CentreThornhill Community Centre
Markham Pan Am Centre Thornlea Pool

Food & entertainment in Markham

The best food in Markham

The food scene here really represents the cultural diversity of the GTA. Residents here can eat their way through Asia, India, Europe and the Caribbean right in Markham.

  • Inspire — this modern fusion spot is creating future classics that will make weekend dinners extra special.
  • Cravins — when you get a craving for jerk chicken, you’ll want to hit up this Caribbean spot.
  • Indias Taste — for tandoori, tikka, and curry you’re going to want to hit up this place but be warned their big menu is really mouthwatering.
  • Los Chicos Brasa — this Peruvian restaurant has great rotisserie chicken and big portions so the whole family can fill up.
  • Big Beef Bowl — fresh, hand-pulled noodles plus plush dumplings and buns await you at this Asian restaurant.
  • Patisserie Fleur — whether you need to pick up a showstopping cake for a birthday or you want to treat your mom to afternoon tea, this pastry shop has you covered.

Things to do in Markham

Tourist attractions in Markham

  • Pacific Mall — aka “PMall,” this is the biggest Asian mall in Canada.
  • Unionville — spend the afternoon walking and shopping in this adorable historic area (settled in 1794) that looks like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie.

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Toronto neighbourhoods: Mississauga.
Source: Unsplash

Mississauga

Suburban Mississauga has a large immigrant population and has been developing its own urban identity in recent years. For example, the Port Credit area is a hidden gem in the GTA where you can walk nature trails along the harbour and check out some trendy shops and restaurants.

Average apartment rent in Mississauga

Mississauga is more affordable than living in Downtown Toronto, but it’s not the cheapest region either. The average rent for a studio is $1,525 and for a one-bedroom, it’s $1,628. If you need some more space the average cost of rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Mississauga is $2,040, and a three-bedroom is $2,458.

Average house price in Mississauga

Apartment $558,000
Detached home $1.6 million
Townhouse $872,000

Source: Zolo

Schools in Mississauga

Public elementary and high schools in Mississauga are part of the Peel District School Board with more than 240 schools in Mississauga and nearby Caledon and Brampton.

The University of Toronto has a popular Mississauga Campus and there’s also a CDI College campus in the area, although there are more school options closer to the center of the city.

Transportation in Mississauga

Transit distance to Toronto City Centre:
By car: 27 mins
By public transit: 36 mins

Public transportation in Mississauga is provided by MiWay. Bus routes take you around the city and link up to the TTC and other transit systems from nearby regions.

Sports & recreation in Mississauga

Applewood Heights Outdoor PoolErindale HallMeadowvale 4 Rinks
BraeBen Golf Course Erindale Outdoor PoolMeadowvale Community Centre
Burnhamthorpe Community Centre Frank McKechnie Community Centre Meadowvale Village Hall
C Banquets Harding Waterfront Estate Mississauga Seniors’ Centre
Carmen Corbasson Community Centre Highlands Dining Room Mississauga Valley Community Centre
Churchill Meadows Activity Centre Huron Park Recreation Centre Paramount Fine Foods Centre
Civic Fitness Centre Iceland Arena Paul Coffey Arena
Clarke Hall Lakeview Golf Course Port Credit Memorial Arena
Clarkson Community Centre Lewis Bradley Outdoor Pool River Grove Community Centre
Courtneypark Active Living Centre Lions Club of Credit Valley Outdoor Pool South Common Community Centre
David Ramsey Outdoor Pool LIVE Restaurant Streetsville Outdoor Pool
Don McLean Westacres Outdoor Pool Lorne Park Hall Streetsville Village Hall
Erin Meadows Community Centre Malton Community Centre Tomken Twin Arena
Erin Mills Twin Arena Malton Hall

Food & entertainment in Mississauga

The best food in Mississauga

Whether you’re craving down-home comfort foods or wanting to take your tastebuds on a trip around the globe, Mississauga doesn’t mess when it comes to food.

  • Lion City Restaurant — if you’re craving a warming bowl of authentic laksa, then this Singaporean spot is perfect.
  • Guru Lukshmi — Toronto is all about that dosa life and you can get them at this incredible South Indian restaurant.
  • Rick’s Good Eats — a unique mix of Punjabi-Canadian food, you can get a paneer naanwich, a Punjabi cheeseburger, or a dosa burger here.
  • Roman Zaman — this Syrian restaurant can serve up heaping plates of shawarma.

Things to do in Mississauga

  • Cineplex Cinemas Mississauga — where you can catch the latest blockbuster.
  • The Rec Room — for when you have time to play games before or after the movies.
  • Celebration Square — this cultural hub right in the centre of Mississauga is full of free programming, events, a farmers market, and places to hang out in the afternoon sun.

Tourist attractions in Mississauga

  • Square One Shopping Centre — Ontario’s largest mall has plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options
  • Port Credit — a charming corner of the neighbourhood where you cal walk along the water, see beautiful homes and shop from a growing list of local shops and restaurants
The City of Toronto is well connected by transit options like subway, trams, and buses.
Source: Unsplash

Brampton

Culturally rich Brampton sits just north of Mississauga, close to the Toronto Pearson International Airport. It’s a suburban area and primarily known as a commuter town. Folks who grow up in Brampton will often move into the city later in life for university, college, and job opportunities.

Average apartment rent in Brampton

Your average studio isn’t much of a savings with the cost of rent being around $1,539, while you can get a one-bedroom apartment in Brampton for about $1,336. For two-bedrooms, the average rent is about $1,572, and for a three-bedroom, you’re looking at close to $2,392.

  • Studio apartments for rent: Brampton
  • One-bedroom apartments for rent: Brampton
  • Two-bedroom apartments for rent: Brampton
  • Three-bedroom apartment for rent: Brampton

Average house price in Brampton

Apartment $499,000
Detached home $1.2 million
Townhouse $844,000

Source: Zolo

Schools in Brampton

Brampton’s public elementary and secondary schools are part of the Peel District School Board, which teaches more than 153,000 students.

There are not a ton of colleges and universities in the area. However, there’s a Brampton campus of Algoma University and there’s even been a push for the area to get its own BramptonU one day.

Transportation in Brampton

Transit distance to Toronto City Centre:
By car: 31 mins
By public transit: 55 mins

Brampton’s public transportation is served by the bus system of Brampton Transit. There are three GO Train Stations on the Toronto-Kitchener GO rail also serving Brampton that cut through the neighbourhood, connecting to the downtown core.

Sports & recreation in Brampton

Balmoral Recreation CentreHowden Recreation Centre
Bob Callahan Flower City Seniors Centre Jim Archdekin Recreation Centre
Cassie Campbell Community Centre Ken Giles Recreation Centre
Central Public School Knightsbridge Senior Centre
Century Gardens Recreation Centre Loafer’s Lake Recreation Centre
Chinguacousy Park Memorial Arena
Chinguacousy Park Sandra Hames Centre Curling Club & Tennis Centre Mount Pleasant
Chinguacousy Wellness Centre Peel Village Golf Course
Chris Gibson Recreation Centre Professor’s Lake Recreation Centre
Earnscliffe Recreation Centre Save Max Sports Centre
Eldorado Park Susan Fennell Sportsplex
Ellen Mitchell Recreation Centre Terry Miller Recreation Centre
Gore Meadows Community Centre and Library Peel Village Golf Course
Greenbriar Recreation Centre

Food & entertainment in Brampton

The best food in Brampton

If you know where to look, the food here in Brampton is as good as it is in Downtown Toronto. Like other corners of Ontario, you’ll be able to easily find a good Italian spot, and there are a couple of hidden BBQ gems you need to know about.

  • Heritage Fish & Chips — every ‘hood has to have a go-to fish’n chips spot and this is Brampton’s best spot if you’re a tartar sauce addict.
  • Antica Osteria — when you need good Italian, you’ll want to come to this place which has been a staple in the area for years.
  • Sul Irmaos — serving up Portuguese and southern BBQ, this is perfect if you’re craving rotisserie chicken with all the fixings
  • Jake’s Boathouse — when no one can decide on a place to eat for dinner, go to Jake’s where you can find seafood, steak, curry, chicken, and chowder on the menu.
  • RD’s Southern BBQ — when you’re craving heat and meat, this spot serving Creole and Cajun-style BBQ will hit the spot.

Things to do in Brampton

  • Gage Park — this idyllic park is over 100 years old and is encircled by a skating rink in the winter months.
  • Formula Kartways — race to your heart’s content at this massive indoor go-karting space.
  • Rollerplex Entertainment Centre — throw it back to the 70s, lace up your skates and hit the roller rink.

Tourist attractions in Brampton

  • Heart Lake Conservation Area — this beautiful natural area is great to enjoy the trails, but they also have things that the more adventurous among us will like including treetop trekking and ziplining.

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  • Toronto has lots of cool hidden places to discover.
    Source: Unsplash

    Vaughan/Richmond Hill

    Balanced perfectly between the deep suburbs and the urban centre, the Vaughan and Richmond Hill areas are much more affordable than downtown. Still, if you want to go to the city, it is accessible by transit or a 30 to 50-minute drive away depending on which part you call home.

    Average apartment rent in Vaughan/Richmond Hill

    You can snag a studio in the area for about $1,439. A one-bedroom will cost just slightly more at $1,583. For a two-bedroom, expect to pay an average of $1,943, while a three-bedroom will go for around $2,725.

    Average house price in Vaughan/Richmond Hill

    VaughanRichmond Hill
    Apartment $626,000 $595,000
    Detached home $1.7 million $1.7 million
    Townhouse$1 million $1.1 million

    Sources: Zolo & Zolo

    Schools in Vaughan/Richmond Hill

    The many public elementary and secondary schools in this neighbourhood are run by the York Region District School Board, which serves over 128,623 students across nine different regions.

    There are not many general study post-secondary institutes in the area, but there is the Niagara University in Ontario in Vaughan.

    Transportation in Vaughan/Richmond Hill

    Transit distance from Vaughan to Toronto City Centre:
    By car: 31 mins
    By public transit: 1.5 hours

    Transit distance from Richmond Hill to Toronto City Centre:
    By car: 21 mins
    By public transit: 34 mins

    Both Vaughan and Richmond Hill have lots of providers of public transportation including:

    Through these networks, you should be able to access other regions of Toronto and even commute to the city centre.

    However, it’s helpful to have a vehicle if you want to cut your trip time in half. Depending on where you live, you may have to make up to three bus or train transfers. Overall, the area is not very walkable, especially compared to other regions of Toronto.

    Sports & recreation in Vaughan/Richmond Hill

    Whether you prefer to hit the trails or drop by the pool for some laps, the Vaughan and Richmond Hill neighbourhoods have plenty of options to get in your fitness.

    Here are the community centres and recreation amenities available in Vaughan and Richmond Hill:

    VaughanRichmond Hill
    Al Palladini Community Centre​​​Bayview Hill Community Centre & Pool
    Chancellor Community Centre Centennial Pool
    Dufferin Clark Community Centre Ed Sackfield Arena and Fitness Centre
    Father E. Bulfon Community Centre Elgin West Community Centre and Pool 
    Garnet A. Williams Community Centre Langstaff Community Centre 
    Maple Community Centre McConaghy Centre 
    North Thornhill Community Centre Oak Ridges Community Centre
    Rosemount Community Centre Richmond GreenSports Centre and Park 
    Vellore Village Community Centre Richvale Community Centre and Pool 
    Woodbridge Pool & Memorial Arena Rouge Woods Community Centre 
    The Wave Pool

    Food & entertainment in Vaughan/Richmond Hill

    The best food in Vaughan/Richmond Hill

    This is a neighbourhood that covers a lot of ground and a lot of different kinds of cuisines. You’ll find all kinds of culinary treasures spread out across the Vaughan and Richmond Hill area, including lots of delicious Italian options, including:

    • Fresh Burger — a Richmond Hill original slinging up fresh & quality made-to-order fare like poutine and burgers.
    • Golden Star Drive-In — affordable old-school burger classics and milkshakes for when those cravings hit.
    • Vincentia Fine Italian Foods — this bit of old-world charm is perfect for picking up a sandwich and some ingredients for dinner.
    • Nonna’s Oven — find filling pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and your favourite Italian comfort foods here.
    • Haru Sushi — when the only thing that will hit the spot is a California roll, you can fill up on sushi here.
    • Terra Restaurant — a fine-dining spot, you’ll get spoiled by their steak, seafood, and pasta options.
    • Sarpa — a sister restaurant to Terra with a concise and refined Italian menu.

    Things to do in Vaughan/Richmond Hill

    Tourist attractions in Vaughan/Richmond Hill

    • Canada’s Wonderland — the #1 attraction in the area. It’s a massive amusement park full of rides, games, a waterpark, and so much more. Perfect for families, kids, and kids at heart.
    • LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Toronto — a dream come true for anyone who loves building with blocks and letting their imagination stack up.

    Living in the GTA

    After a look at all the regions in the Greater Toronto Area, we hope you have a better understanding of which neighbourhood is best for you and your needs. Luckily, you can use liv.rent to find your next rental in whatever GTA neighbourhood you decide to live in:

    • Downtown
    • North York
    • Etobicoke
    • Scarborough
    • Markham
    • Mississauga
    • Brampton
    • Vaughan/Richmond Hill

    Whether you’re excited to move downtown into the heart of the city or you’ve found that a more suburban spot is suitable for you, liv.rent is here to help with our free rental resources for our community. Of course, the real estate data and rental averages are always changing, so make sure to keep up with Toronto’s trends with us.

    The data in this report includes information from our own liv.rent research that went into our March 2021 Toronto Rent Report. Additionally, this piece references data from Zolo, The Red Pin, Rentboard, Forum Research, Sandra Rinomato, and Syed Mehdi.

    Please note that some restaurants and attractions mentioned in this article may be subject to COVID-19 related measures. Before you go, always check for updated information regarding openings and follow all public health guidelines.


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