Two of Toronto’s most popular suburbs, Oakville, Ontario and Mississauga, Ontario are both well-suited to families of all sizes. However, despite being located right next door to one another, the two communities are completely unique. So, before you start looking for the perfect family home, you’ll want to have an idea of whether Oakville or Mississauga will work better for you.
As a real estate agent who has worked in both Oakville and Mississauga for more than 30 years, I know these two communities like the back of my hand. In this blog, I’ll offer my best insights to help you decide which place will be better for your family.
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How Different Are Oakville and Mississauga?
Oakville is also known for having a more affluent demographic, however, it still has all the calling cards of a classic family community, like charming neighbourhoods lined with lush trees, scenic lakefront views, and great schools. It’s neighbourly too – Oakville’s strong sense of community is fostered through regular events, farmers’ markets, and outdoor festivals during the summer months.
Looking for my list of Oakville’s best communities for raising kids? Click here.
While not totally urban, Mississauga offers a more upbeat feel depending on where you are in the city. It’s ideal for families who thrive on balance, with easy access to both quiet suburbs and a bustling downtown. Mississauga City Centre, featuring Square One Shopping Centre and Celebration Square, is an energetic hub of activity, while neighbourhoods such as Port Credit bring in a laid-back lakeside vibe. Mississauga’s diversity also brings a range of multicultural events, restaurants, and communities to explore.
Curious about life in Oakville and what it could look like for you? Check out these other blogs and pages from my site!
- Is Oakville a Good Place to Live?
- Should I Retire in Burlington or Oakville?
- Read my Oakville Community Guide
Education & Learning Opportunities
One of the questions I get asked all the time is which has better schools, Oakville or Mississauga? The reality is that both Oakville and Mississauga have great education options. With that in mind, it really comes down to your family’s individual needs.
Oakville is known for having a strong selection of public schools. The Halton District School Board and Halton Catholic District School Board serve Oakville. There are several private school options, including the prestigious Appleby College, making it an attractive choice for families focused on educational quality.
Like Oakville, Mississauga’s schools are also generally well-regarded, with a great selection of public, private, and faith-centred schooling. The city’s two largest districts are the Peel District School Board and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board which both serve the city. Mississauga families will also find numerous options for private education, as well as a range of specialty secondary programs focused on fine arts, technology, and languages.
Green Spaces & Lake Access
Oakville and Mississauga are both packed with beautiful green spaces and parks. They’re also both on right the shore of Lake Ontario, giving families even more ways to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.
In Oakville, families can explore the scenic lakeside at Coronation Park or enjoy the many walking trails at Sixteen Mile Creek. If your family loves spending time on the water, Bronte Harbour is a popular spot for sailing and fishing, while Bronte Beach Park is a great place to relax on the beach or go for a swim.
Mississauga doesn’t fall short on natural scenery either. Popular spots include the Rattray Marsh Conservation Area or the Credit River trails. There’s also great lake access in parks like Jack Darling Park, Lakeside Park and Marie Cutis Park. Families also love Port Credit – a charming waterfront neighbourhood with shops, trails, and a harbour.
Getting Around & Options For Commuters
For families commuting to Toronto, Oakville provides relatively easy access via the QEW and GO Transit. Oakville’s GO stations are well-connected to Toronto’s Union Station, making commuting feasible. However, with fewer transit options than Mississauga, residents here often rely on cars for local travel.
Although it depends on where in the city you are, Mississauga generally has a slight edge over Oakville when it comes to commuting simply because it’s physically closer to Toronto. Mississauga is highly accessible with multiple highways, including the 401, 403, and 407, as well as several GO stations that connect to Toronto. Locally, Mississauga also offers an extensive public transit network, including MiWay buses and the ongoing development of the Hurontario LRT project (Hazel McCallion Line).
Thinking of buying a home in Oakville or Mississauga? Check out these related blogs for more advice.
- Steps to Buying a Home
- 6 Tips For Move up Buyers in Oakville
- Moving Up – Should You Buy Your Next Home Before You Sell?
Find The Perfect Family Home
If you’re looking for the perfect family home, both Oakville and Mississauga offer great options. That said, if you’re thinking about buying in either community, you’ll want to partner with a local real estate agent who specializes in helping families. That’s where I come in.
For more than 30 years I’ve helped families across Oakville and Mississauga find their dream homes – and I can do the same for you. Not only do I have the unique insights and expertise to help you navigate the market strategically, but I also strive to make the house-hunting process as fun as possible.
Searching for the perfect family home? I’m here to help! Send me an email at stacey@staceyrobinson.com or call 905-346-8188.
At Your Service
I’m here to guide your real estate venture with an education to empower you. Let’s chat about what your needs, and I’ll tell you how I can help you meet them.
