7 Reasons To Move From Toronto to Burlington

If you’re tired of Toronto’s fast-paced lifestyle, rising costs, and crowded streets, moving to Burlington might be the change you’ve been looking for.

Burlington offers convenience and peace without the overwhelming costs of city life.

Over the past few years, many people have started to realise that Burlington provides everything Toronto does but with a calmer, more affordable lifestyle.

If you are someone who’s looking for a better work-life balance as a young professional or growing a family, Burlington gives you the space to live comfortably, enjoy life, and build your future without constant financial pressure.

So, if you’ve been asking yourself, “Should I move from Toronto to Burlington?”, here are the top reasons why it might just be the best decision you’ll make.

7 Reasons to Move From Toronto to Burlington

There are numerous reasons why people are relocating from Toronto to Burlington.

However, here are the top 7 reasons that make this city a top choice for those looking to live smarter, spend less, and stay close to the GTA.

1. More Affordable Housing and Cost of Living

Moving from Toronto to Burlington isn’t just about escaping the fast-paced city life; it’s also about gaining more financial breathing room.

Burlington offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to Toronto while still providing excellent access to big-city amenities.

Lower Housing Costs Compared to Toronto

One of the primary reasons people are leaving Toronto for Burlington is the difference in the housing market.

In the 2024 survey, Toronto has become one of the most expensive cities in Canada, while Burlington continues to offer quality homes at more affordable prices.

Here’s a clear comparison between average monthly rent costs in Toronto and Burlington: 

Note: 

The rent range is calculated using a ±15% variation around the average. Price may fluctuate due to market changes, and this data reflects conditions as of October 2025.

While prices in both cities have risen in the past few years, Burlington remains consistently more affordable.

You can save around $130 to $570 per month on rent in Burlington compared to Toronto, depending on the unit and area. That adds up to about $1,560 to nearly $6,840 a year, money that can instead go toward savings, investment, travel, or family needs.

Everyday Living Costs Are Lower

Burlington not only offers affordable housing but also a lower overall cost of living than Toronto. The difference isn’t minor; it’s noticeable in nearly every expense category.

Here are the latest data according to Numbeo: 

These numbers show a consistent pattern: living in Burlington lets you maintain or even upgrade your lifestyle, without the same financial strain of living in a big metropolitan city like Toronto.

2. Top-notch Education Opportunities

One of the strongest pull factors for families moving from Toronto to Burlington is the access to excellent schools from primary through secondary.

Primary Schools

In Burlington, there are elementary schools with outstanding academic performance.

Pineland Public School in South Burlington scored about 89.8% in Grade 3 and 89.4% in Grade 6 literacy/numeracy from the 2025 ranking, which is well above the provincial averages.  Schools like John T. Tuck Public School and Pauline Johnson Public School are also ranked in the top 5 in Burlington for elementary schooling.

Secondary Schools

Burlington offers high schools that consistently perform above average. For instance, Nelson High School was ranked #1 in 2025 in Burlington’s high school ranking, with strong literacy and math scores.

Schools like Dr. Frank J. Hayden and Burlington Central High School are also ranked top in Burlington’s ranking for the high school category.

Universities and Colleges

Burlington has no public college, but it is home to McMaster University’s Ron Joyce Centre, which houses the DeGroote School of Business. It’s known for its important role in strengthening the city’s business environment, building a knowledge economy and attracting new investment to the community.

This city is also in proximity to major institutions like Sheridan College and Mohawk College, which have campuses in the surrounding region and are accessible to residents.

3. Exceptional Outdoor Lifestyle and Nature Access

Living in Burlington is like having nature right at your doorstep. The city sits on the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario. Compared to Toronto’s busy harbourfront, Burlington’s area feels more relaxed and welcoming.

You can take evening walks, cycle by the water, or simply enjoy peaceful lake views without the constant noise of traffic in downtown.

Spencer Smith Park

Spencer Smith Park is one of Burlington’s most iconic landmarks. Located in the heart of downtown, this park stretches along the waterfront, offering scenic views.

It’s where residents and visitors gather for morning jogs, weekend picnics, and major community events like the Sound of Music Festival and Canada Day Celebrations. Spencer Smith Park gives a balance between city living and natural beauty with its wide boardwalks, gardens, and peaceful shoreline.

The Burlington Waterfront Trail

The Burlington Waterfront Trail forms part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, and the trail splits into two sections at Maple Avenue and Lakeshore Road.  This portion of Burlington is ideal for walking, running, or cycling, as it connects several parks along the shoreline.

This waterfront is more spacious and less crowded, making it easier to unwind and breathe fresh lake air after a long workday.

Royal Botanical Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens, Canada’s largest botanical garden, sits partly within Burlington and Hamilton, covering more than 2,100 acres of preserved land.

It’s like a living classroom for nature lovers, for its beauty. The RBG offers walking trails, pretty floral displays, bird-watching areas, and conservation zones like Hendrie Park and Laking Garden.

Many Burlington locals visit the gardens for seasonal blooms, weekend markets, or quiet reflection among the trees.

Mount Nemo Conservation Area

Just northwest of Burlington, the Mount Nemo Conservation Area gives hikers one of the most breathtaking views in Southern Ontario.

The limestone cliffs and lookout points along the Niagara Escarpment offer views across the city, especially stunning in the fall when the trees turn orange and gold.

Crawford Lake Conservation Area

About a short drive from downtown Burlington, Crawford Lake Conservation Area offers a touch of history. 

It offers a reconstructed 15th-century Longhouse Village and a serene boardwalk that circles a rare meromictic lake (a lake with layers that don’t mix). This mix of culture and outdoor activity makes it an ideal educational trip for families and students.

Joseph Brant Museum

For those who love both heritage and scenery, Joseph Brant Museum near the waterfront tells the story of Burlington’s beginnings and the life of Mohawk leader Joseph Brant.

This place features three galleries, space for special exhibitions, and a dedicated programming area for school groups and education programs.

4. Smaller-City Feel with Strong Sense of Community

Unlike Toronto, which is famous for its energy and diversity, but its sheer size can make it challenging to form genuine connections, Burlington keeps that welcoming small-city spirit alive.

Local Events That Bring People Together

The city hosts countless community gatherings throughout the year, like the Burlington Sound of Music Festival, Ribfest, and Lakeside Festival of Lights.

These events fill Spencer Smith Park with live music, food vendors, and families from across Halton Region.

Neighbourhood Involvement and Volunteers

Burlington’s residents take pride in their community. Many volunteer for local programs, from BurlingtonGreen environmental initiatives to Big Brother, Big Sister, a unique brand of one-on-one mentoring that changes lives forever.

This sense of shared purpose builds real belonging. Even newcomers quickly find it easy to get involved through neighbourhood groups, charity runs, or park clean-up days.

Parks and Programs Designed for Families

City planners in Burlington have prioritised green space and recreation. There are so many parks, family recreation centres, and activities like Tansley Woods Community Centre, Kids Clubs, and Workshops of Burlington Museum that cater to children and teens. Families can spend weekends hiking, swimming, or visiting seasonal farmers’ markets together.

5. Less Traffic Plus Easier Commutes

One of the most noticeable differences when moving from Toronto to Burlington is how much easier it is to get around, as the latter offers a far more relaxed driving experience.

Stress-Free Drive

Major routes, such as the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), Highway 403, and Highway 407 ETR, connect Burlington easily to Toronto, Hamilton, Oakville, and Mississauga.

These roads make travel smooth and efficient, especially for those who still commute to the Greater Toronto Area for work.

Reliable Public Transit Connections

Burlington also offers excellent public transit options that make commuting even more convenient. The Burlington Transit system runs local routes that connect residential areas to schools, workplaces, and shopping districts.

For longer commutes, the GO Transit Lakeshore West Line is a major plus as it connects Burlington directly to Toronto’s Union Station.

Walkable and Cyclist-Friendly City

Beyond driving and public transit, Burlington promotes an active, eco-friendly lifestyle through walkable neighbourhoods and dedicated cycling paths. 

Areas like Downtown Burlington, Aldershot, and Maple are pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to walk to cafes, waterfront parks, and stores.

The city has also invested in safer bike lanes and multi-use paths connecting to Spencer Smith Park and the Burlington Waterfront Trail, encouraging residents to reduce car use and enjoy the outdoors more.

6. Growing Local Job Market

Burlington’s economy is thriving, with new businesses emerging and established industries continuing to expand. This city is home to a wide range of industries, all contributing to Burlington’s strong and stable local job market.

Key Employers That Drive Burlington’s Economy

Here are some of the largest employers in Burlington:

Fearmans Pork Inc.

One of Burlington’s oldest and most recognised employers is Fearman’s Pork Inc., a major name in Canada’s food processing industry.

Operating for more than 160 years, Fearmans plays a vital role in the local economy, providing hundreds of jobs and supporting the agricultural supply chain throughout the region.

Cogeco Communications

Another cornerstone employer in Burlington is Cogeco Communications, one of Canada’s leading telecommunications and media providers.

Cogeco delivers high-speed internet, digital TV, and phone services across the country. The company is also a driving force in local employment, offering hundreds of professional and technical roles.

Evertz Microsystems Ltd.

In the field of broadcast and media technology, Evertz Microsystems Ltd. stands out as a global leader based in Burlington.

The company designs and manufactures cutting-edge technology used in television production, live broadcasting, and digital media streaming. Its products are used by major media networks worldwide, making Burlington a key player in the international technology field.

Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.

Burlington is also home to the Canadian headquarters of Boehringer Ingelheim, a leading pharmaceutical company focused on creating breakthrough therapies that improve patient lives. The company’s research-driven culture and global reputation make it a top employer for professionals in healthcare, research, and biomedical science.

Joseph Brant Hospital

Healthcare plays a crucial role in Burlington’s local economy, with Joseph Brant Hospital serving as one of the largest public sector employers in the city. 

The hospital provides comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and specialised clinics. 

It not only supports thousands of patients each year but also provides steady employment for medical professionals, administrators, and support staff, strengthening the city’s healthcare system and local job base.

7. Prime Location

Burlington’s location is one of its biggest advantages. 

The city is right in the heart of Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe Region, one of the most economically active and densely populated areas in Canada. 

This prime positioning gives residents and businesses easy access to everything. 

Close to the Airport

Aside from the easiest transportation and less traffic in this city we mentioned earlier, travellers also benefit from Burlington’s closeness to Toronto Pearson International Airport (about 40 minutes away) and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (about 30 minutes away), providing easy domestic and international flight access.

Close to Key Destinations and Attractions

From Burlington, you’re just a short drive to some of Ontario’s most visited spots. 

Spend a weekend exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake, experience the wonders of Niagara Falls, or head into Toronto for a concert, sports game, or shopping spree.

You’re also near Hamilton’s art and culinary scene, Oakville’s shopping districts, and Halton Region’s conservation areas.

Are You Planning to Move to Burlington, Ontario?

Now, you’re thinking of moving to Burlington, Ontario?

You’re making a smart choice.

This lakeside city gives you the calm of suburban life while keeping you close to Toronto’s opportunities. Before you pack, consider the benefits of hiring professional movers. While doing it yourself may seem cheaper, experienced movers save you time and heavy lifting.

If you’re torn between DIY vs hiring professional movers, think about your distance and load. A DIY move can work for smaller jobs, but expert movers handle everything faster, safer, and with moving insurance coverage.

Be sure to plan your moving budget early as well. Using a moving cost calculator helps you estimate expenses and compare rates from professional movers to stay within budget. You can also save money by choosing the best month to move. Most people move in the summer, so booking between late fall and early spring often means better prices.

With the right plan and choice of a good moving company, your relocation to Burlington can be smooth and worry-free.

Conclusion 

There are many reasons why people choose to move from Toronto to Burlington, but mostly it’s because they are trading daily stress for balance, comfort, and opportunity.

It’s a city that gives you breathing room while keeping you close to Toronto’s convenience

Choosing to move to Burlington is like choosing a better way of living and not just a change of address.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best neighbourhoods to live in Burlington?

Some of the best neighbourhoods in Burlington include Aldershot, Roseland, Millcroft, and Downtown Burlington. Each neighbourhood has its own charm, so your choice depends on your lifestyle, whether you want peace and quiet or easy access to city life.

2. How much should I earn living alone to live comfortably in Burlington?

To live comfortably alone in Burlington, you should aim for a salary of around $71,870 before taxes per year. This allows you to cover rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation while still saving a bit each month. Of course, your lifestyle and spending habits can affect this, but Burlington’s overall cost of living is lower than Toronto’s, making it easier to maintain a balanced budget.

3. Do I really need to hire professional movers when moving to Burlington?

While it’s possible to move on your own, hiring professional movers can save you a lot of time, effort, and potential damage to your belongings. They have the right equipment, vehicles, and experience to ensure a safe and efficient move, especially for long-distance relocations. Plus, many expert movers offer insured services, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.