Homebuyers have many factors to consider when deciding on the ideal city to live in. After all, choosing the city is just as important as choosing the home itself. Living in Burlington has many benefits, and this beautiful city has so much to offer. A visit to Burlington’s lakeside downtown core is great way to get an appreciation for some of the desirable amenities that this city has to offer. The sprawling lakefront park, dozens of award winning restaurants, and boutique shops make the downtown area a favourite destination for both residents and visitors.
Burlington continues to draw more homebuyers each year. Although individuals and families may choose this city for different reasons, there is truly something for everyone in Burlington. Here are the top ten reasons why Burlington is a great place to call home:
- A Selection of Homes in Every Price Range – Whether you are a single professional looking for your first condo, or a growing family hoping to put down roots in an established neighbourhood, there is a home in Burlington to meet your needs. Each neighbourhood has its own unique characteristics that appeal to buyers for different reasons.
- Beautiful Surroundings – Aside from the well maintained parks found all over Burlington, the surrounding areas are perfect for Sunday drives and scenic hikes. Spencer Smith Park and LaSalle Park are the most popular places to capture beautiful views of Lake Ontario. Nature enthusiasts come from all over the province to enjoy the hiking trails at nearby parks including Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Mt Nemo Conservation Area and Rattlesnake Point. Each season brings its own natural beauty to the area, and warm breezes off of Lake Ontario help to offset the cold weather during the winter.
- Community Oriented People – Residents of Burlington take pride in their city. There are many volunteer-based organizations within the city, including the Partnership West Food Bank, Burlington Humane Society and the Race Planning Committee, that give residents the opportunity to get involved and give back to their community.
- Excellent Schools – The Halton District School Board prides itself in their high standard of education. In addition to the public stream, there are Catholic Schools available for all grade levels and several private schools can be found in Burlington. High school grads will be able to offset the high cost of post-secondary living expenses by staying at home and attending one of the colleges or universities in the area. The University of Guelph, University of Toronto, McMaster University, and several highly sought-after colleges are all within driving distance of Burlington.
- Recreational Facilities – Regardless of the season, there is always something to do at one of Burlington’s recreational facilities. Kids will enjoy the skate parks, community centres, splash pads and pools. There are drop-in fitness classes for adults and many organized sports leagues. The city of Burlington is constantly improving their facilities and adding programs for people of all ages.
- Location, Location, Location – According to MoneySense Magazine, Burlington won the 2013 award for the Best Mid-Sized City in Canada to live in. Economics play a major role in this study, as researchers evaluated household incomes and quality of living. Burlington’s location allows residents to benefit from their close proximity to Toronto, without being squeezed by the inflated cost of living that is found in the core of the GTA. In addition, some of Canada’s best hospitals, including McMaster Children’s Hospital and Mount Sinai, are within driving distance.
- Transportation and Accessibility – Access to highways and GO Transit allows the residents of Burlington to easily commute into the Greater Toronto Area, Hamilton and the Niagara Area. There are also several international airports within driving distance.
- Festivals and Entertainment – Although the lakefront is quiet during the winter months, Spencer Smith Park comes alive during the summer with a series of weekend festivals. Ribfest, The Sound of Music Festival, and the Children’s Festival all draw thousands of visitors to Burlington each year. Great restaurants can be found all over Burlington, and the newly opened Performing Arts Centre hosts an extensive line-up of musicians, plays and other exciting acts.
- Excellent Shopping – Whether you are looking for the perfect gift or picking out an outfit for a special event, there is no need to leave Burlington. Boutique shops downtown are a popular destination for many shoppers. There are two malls, Burlington Mall and Mapleview Mall, which are full of brand-name retailers. If you are looking for a deal, the RioCan Centre on Burloak Drive has over 30 retail outlet stores.
- 13 Unique Neighbourhoods to Choose From – Burlington is divided into 13 individual neighbourhoods that are bordered by the major roads that run across the city. Each neighbourhood has its own amenities and parks, and appeal to home buyers for different reasons. To find the ideal neighbourhood, visit our Neighbourhoods page for details.
