Proximity to your workplace is one of the most influential factors when deciding where to live. After all, your daily commute can set the tone for your day. With pandemic lockdowns behind us, the way we work is evolving. Many folks gradually returned to in-person work (even if it’s not for a full five days a week). In April 2020, around 40% of Canadians worked from home, according to Stats Canada. However, by November 2023, this statistic decreased to just 20%.
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Although living in downtown Toronto comes with a hefty price tag (even surpassing American cities like Miami and New York), smaller nearby cities often offer quieter neighbourhoods, bigger homes, and closer proximity to nature. However, transportation is key.
So where can Canadians find pockets of affordability while also having the ease of being close to the GO Transit system? To find out, Zoocasa analyzed home prices based on listings for sale by 68 GO Train stations from the Toronto Real Estate Board, as well as commute times based on a weekday arrival at Union Station around 8:30 a.m.
5 GO Train Stops with the Lowest Home Prices and Shortest Commute
- Oriole
- Line: Richmond Hill
- Home Price: $593,236
- Commute Time: 34 min
- Kitchener
- Line: Kitchener
- Home Price: $577,267
- Commute Time: 1 hour 37 min
- Niagara Falls
- Line: Lakeshore West
- Home Price: $649,953
- Commute Time: 2 hours 37 min
- Burlington
- Line: Lakeshore West
- Home Price: $712,954
- Commute Time: 51 minutes
- Allandale Waterfront
- Line: Barrie
- Home Price: $747,275
- Commute Time: 1 hour 46 min
5 GO Train Stops with the Highest Home Prices
- Bronte
- Line: Lakeshore West
- Home Price: $2,427,966
- Commute Time: 39 min
- Port Credit
- Line: Lakeshore West
- Home Price: $1,955,731
- Commute Time: 29 min
- Old Elm
- Line: Stouffville
- Home Price: $1,952,599
- Commute Time: 77 min
- King City
- Line: Barrie
- Home Price: $1,897,545
- Commute Time: 43 min
- Gormley
- Line: Richmond Hill
- Home Price: $1,864,853
- Commute Time: 62 min
5 Most Affordable Stops 15–35 Minutes from Union Station
- Eglinton
- Line: Lakeshore East
- Home Price: $815,760
- Commute Time: 25 minutes
- Cooksville
- Line: Milton
- Home Price: $894,376
- Commute Time: 33 minutes
- Danforth
- Line: Lakeshore East
- Home Price: $931,985
- Commute Time: 15 minutes
- Agincourt
- Line: Stouffville
- Home Price: $999,333
- Commute Time: 28 min
- Brampton
- Line: Kitchener
- Home Price: $959,491
- Commute Time: 35 min
5 Most Affordable Stops 36–59 Minutes from Union Station
- Langstaff
- Line: Richmond Hill
- Home Price: $766,986
- Commute Time: 46 min
- Ajax
- Line: Lakeshore East
- Home Price: $930,422
- Commute Time: 49 min
- Meadowvale
- Line: Milton
- Home Price: $993,863
- Commute Time: 52 min
- Pickering
- Line: Lakeshore East
- Home Price: $1,006,559
- Commute Time: 44 min
- Whitby
- Line: Lakeshore East
- Home Price: $1,033,785
- Commute Time: 57 min
5 Most Affordable Stops 1 Hour+ from Union Station
- Hamilton
- Line: Lakeshore West
- Home Price: $691,411
- Commute Time: 1 h 14 min
- Barrie South
- Line: Barrie
- Home Price: $692,954
- Commute Time: 1 h 37 min
- Kennedy
- Line: Stouffville
- Home Price: $756,728
- Commute Time: 1 h 14 min
- Bradford
- Line: Barrie
- Home Price: $912,308
- Commute Time: 1 h 16 min
- Guelph
- Line: Kitchener
- Home Price: $976,895
- Commute Time: 1 h 20 min
Most Affordable Homes Along the GO Station Line
Regarding affordable housing along the GO Station route, Oriole Station is the top choice, with listings priced at an average of $590,000. For a similar price point, heading further out for a longer commute to Kitchener still offers average homes for sale for $580,000. Niagara Falls, with a commute time of 2 hours and 37 minutes, presents homes for sale at an average of $650,000.
Most Expensive Home Prices Along the GO Station Line
In the west end of Oakville, Bronte Station boasts the most expensive homes for sale on average, priced at around $2,430,000, with a 40-minute commute to the city. Port Credit falls just shy of the $2 million mark, with a 30-minute commute. Old Elm Station offers homes at a similar price of $1,950,000 but with a longer commute time of an hour and fifteen minutes.
- Read: Start Saving: $2M Homes Will Soon Be Toronto’s New Normal
Quick Commutes and Affordable Homes Along the GO Station Line
For those prioritizing shorter commute times, living near Eglinton Station presents homes at an average price of $816,000, with just a 15-minute commute. Cooksville Station on the Milton line offers another option for a shorter commute, taking 33 minutes for homes averaging $890,000.
On the other hand, homes for sale near Union Station have an average price of $690,000. However, it’s essential to recognize that this average predominantly comprises condos and apartments.
If commuting plays a significant role in your purchasing decision, consulting with a real estate agent can help you determine the type of home and lifestyle factors you’re seeking in your next move. Give us a call today.
