Burlington is a quiet, mid-sized city located west of Toronto. It has a population of 175,779 and is notable for its low unemployment, low crime and access to the right schools and parkland. Burlington has a reputation as a great place to raise a family, and in 2014 was named best mid-sized city by Moneysense.
Always considered an affordable option for families, Burlington’s average home price in September 2014 was $521,194, and the variety of affordable housing options means there is a family home for every budget.
Here are our top five family friend neighbourhoods in which to buy Burlington real estate:
Palmer
Located just north of the 403 in Burlington, Palmer is a mature neighbourhood with an average property price of $289,258 and good-sized lots. Here you’ll find a broad range of housing options from detached, semi-detached, and townhouses.
This area of Burlington is perfect for raising a family. The top elementary school in the area, the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Elementary School, is ranked first in the city, and Palmer Park and Sycamore Park are nearby, providing tennis courts and recreational space. For hockey enthusiasts, the Mainway Sports & Game Centre offers year-round indoor recreation.
Longmoor
Known for its proximity to the waterfront and the Appleby GO station Longmoor offers an affordable variety of single-family detached homes and townhouses. The average property price in Longmoor is $320,050, making this green and lush neighbourhood a great destination for young families.
Longmoor is home to St. Raphaels Separate School and the Pine Land Public School, both top-notch elementary schools. For recreation, look no further than the Appleby branch of the Burlington Public Library or the expansive Nelson Park, which features ample outdoor recreation space, indoor arena and skating rink, pool, tennis courts and even a football field. Amenities in Longmoor are just steps away in the nearby Appleby Mall, which boasts enough shops to meet your daily needs.
Orchard
Sometimes also called “The Orchard” by locals, you’ll find the neighbourhood of Orchard in the far northeast corner of Burlington. The average property value in the neighbourhood of Orchard is a little higher due to its proximity to nearby Millcroft at $405,673, and you’ll find mostly fully detached homes here.
Most well known for being directly adjacent to the Bronte Creek Provincial Park, The Orchard is also home to one of the top performing schools in the city: St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Elementary School.
Millcroft
For those looking for a more upscale yet still family oriented neighbourhood, Millcroft, named for the prestigious 18-hole golf course nearby, is sure to suit you. In Millcroft you’ll find homes that are large and beautifully appointed, with the average property price a lofty $494,831 and the average household income reaching $145,397.
Millcroft is home to not one but two top schools: Charles R. Beaudoin Public School, and St. Anne Catholic Elementary School. This neighburhood is also a nature lover’s paradise, being located very close to Bronte Creek Provincial Park and Millcroft Park. You can also find amenities in the many shops along the Appleby Line.
Roseland
Closer to Lake Ontario you’ll find Roseland. This neighbourhood is mature and features wide, tree-lined streets. Like many older areas throughout southwestern Ontario, in Roseland you’ll find a mix of brand new builds, fixer uppers, and homes that have been in the same family for decades. There is also a wide mix of housing types, as Roseland’s central location near the downtown area supports a combination of condos, townhomes, and detached homes. This ideal location means you can expect home values in Roseland to be a little higher at an average price of $592,917.
Roseland is the perfect place to raise a family. Your children can attend the top ranked John T. Tuck Elementary School, play at the Paletta Lakefront Park, or pick out a book at the nearby Burlington Central Library.
On weekends the entire family can set out to the nearby Burlington Mall or head to the downtown core to browse the shops and restaurants or take in the waterfront.
Would you consider purchasing Burlington real estate? Share your thoughts in the comments!