Mississauga is always overshadowed by Toronto.
Although it’s the sixth-most populous city in Canada at over 713,000 residents, it’s easy to lump it into the GTA, (although it’s not part of it). And you may know a few things about Mississauga: Hazel McCallion, the country’s oldest mayor who retired in 2014 at age 93; Square One Mall; Absolute World, (those buildings that look like Marilyn Monroe).
But what do you actually know about the city, and why you should consider buying there?
It’s an ideal place to raise a family
While much of Mississauga can be labelled “the ‘burbs,” that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you want or have kids, you know that having a backyard and some space to run around is needed. There are swaths of detached home communities in Mississauga, at comparable prices to smaller homes in parts of Toronto.
That said, there is diversity in housing. If you search “real estate Mississauga,” you’re sure to find an array of detached homes, as well as condos of all kinds.
It’s a great place to learn
And while you’re starting a family there, you can be assured that the quality of education in Mississauga is above par. More than half of their elementary schools are at a 7/10 or above, putting the majority of their schools in the top 25% of Ontario.
Mississauga also has Sheridan College and a campus of the University of Toronto, with programs ranging from animation to animal care.
It’s incredibly diverse
Although Toronto and Vancouver are often called the most-diverse cities in Canada, Mississauga is a definite contender.
Mississauga was one of the first cities to break away from farming, in the late 19th century. Italian immigrants diversified the area by working in manufacturing, like at the Cooksville Brick & Tile Company. Many of the Baltic, Asian, and Caribbean immigrants who came to Canada following World War 2 settled in Mississauga. People from around the world began to see Mississauga as a safe place for all people, so the city embraced them and encouraged them to build a strong community.
The united culture is reflected in many aspects of the city, including architecture, food, art, and history. More than 40 languages are spoken here, meaning Mississauga’s multiculturalism has become its culture. There’s even a three-day citywide event, Carassauga, to celebrate the many cultures of the city!
It’s close to Toronto without being Toronto
Being neighbours with Toronto has its perks. You have especially easy access to the west end, including Pearson Airport, (which is actually in Mississauga). You can hop on the QEW to the Gardiner to get to the heart of Toronto in no time—sometimes faster than if you had to deal with the TTC while living in Toronto.
And even though you’re a stone’s throw away, you don’t have to pay Toronto’s municipal land transfer tax, so there are savings to be had.
It’s worth exploring
Mississauga is not just houses. There is world-class dining, nearly 500 city parks, and a ton of unique activities to take advantage of. If you can’t find the property you’re looking for in Toronto, check out Mississauga; 713,000 people can’t be wrong!
Flickr: Ian Muttoo
