Is Vaughan, Ontario, a good place to live?

Located about 47 kilometres northwest of Toronto’s core, Vaughan offers suburban life and a list of notable attractions for homebuyers seeking to live in Toronto while remaining out of the hustle of downtown. But is Vaughan a good place to live? This article has all the information homebuyers need to know about moving to Vaughan.

vaughan city flag - is Vaughan a good place to live? — Adobe Stock

Vaughan is largely known as the home of Canada’s Wonderland — the nation’s largest permanent, outdoor amusement park. Canada’s Wonderland encompasses over 334 acres with 18 rollercoasters and 17 water rides. Since the park’s inception in 1981, the city of Vaughan has grown into one of Toronto’s most popular suburbs, with a wide variety of amenities, parks, and extensive transit options, making it easy to commute into the downtown core, as well as elsewhere in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Here are some reasons why Vaughan is a great place to live

Vaughan has a family-friendly environment

Vaughan is known for being a family-oriented city with numerous amenities catering to families. It offers excellent schools, both public and private, as well as various recreational facilities and parks. Niagara University in Ontario (NUO) located in Vaughan is a private university offering graduate and post-baccalaureate programs in programs such as Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Disaster/Emergency Management and National Security, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration, and more.

Vaughan has great proximity to Toronto with great transportation options

Located just outside Toronto, Vaughan provides easy access to the big city’s amenities while offering a more suburban lifestyle. This makes it ideal for those who work in Toronto but prefer a quieter home environment. The city has a variety of public transit connections, including access to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway system and GO Train service. This makes commuting to Toronto and other parts of the Greater Toronto Area convenient.

Toronto Subway sign Vaughan to Union line 1 - Is Vaughan a good place to live? — Adobe Stock

There are plenty of attractions and entertainment in Vaughan

Vaughan is home to several popular attractions, including Canada’s Wonderland, the McMichael Art Gallery, and the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. These provide ample entertainment options for residents and visitors alike. Both LEGOLAND and Canada’s Wonderland offer annual/season passes, giving Vaughan residents the ability to save money while regularly accessing some of the best entertainment in the area.

Vaughan has many employment opportunities

The city offers various employment options, particularly in manufacturing, retail, and construction sectors. Its proximity to Toronto and Brampton also expands job prospects for residents. There are also career opportunities in healthcare. In 2021, Vaughan opened Canada’s first “smart” hospital, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, ensuring residents have access to state-of-the-art healthcare facilities.

Cultural diversity in Vaughan

Vaughan is known for its diverse communities, which contribute to a rich cultural tapestry and varied dining and shopping experiences. Vaughan is home to over 200 ethnic or cultural origins, according to the 2021 Canadian census. The City of Vaughan has developed a diversity, equity, and inclusion multi-year action plan. This strategy and action plan aims to identify and address systemic discrimination and inequities in access to services, community participation and civic engagement.

Canada's Wonderland - Is Vaughan a good place to live? — Adobe Stock

What are the best outdoor activities in Vaughan?

Vaughan residents can take advantage of plenty of outdoor activities in the city. Vaughan has a wide variety of green spaces for exercising, relaxing, or enjoying time with the family.

Cycling along Vaughan’s trails

Vaughan boasts an extensive network of scenic trails suitable for cyclists of all skill levels. Notable trails include those in Boyd Conservation Park and along the Humber River Trail.

Hiking at the Kortright Centre

The Kortright Centre for Conservation offers over 16 kilometres of trails through diverse ecosystems, providing a serene environment for hikers.

Picnicking in Vaughan’s Parks

Parks such as Chancellor District Park and Mackenzie Glen District Park are perfect for picnics, offering ample green spaces and shaded areas.

Boyd Conservation Park

This park is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking, featuring scenic trails and diverse habitats.

Nashville Conservation Reserve

Known for its beautiful landscapes, this reserve is great for hiking and nature walks.

Sugarbush Heritage Park

This park offers a 2.4 kilometre hiking loop, a playground and gardens.

Claireville Conservation Area

Located nearby southwest of Vaughan near the 407 and 427 interchange, this conservation area is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying nature.

Maple Nature Reserve

This reserve provides a tranquil setting for nature walks and observing local wildlife.

Golfing at the city’s courses

Vaughan has several premiere golf courses, including Eagles Nest Golf Club and Copper Creek Golf Club, which offer challenging courses.

Canada’s Wonderland

While primarily an amusement park, it offers outdoor fun with numerous rides and attractions, making it a great destination for families.

These activities highlight Vaughan’s rich natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities, making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts.

Where to work in Vaughan

Vaughan’s economy is diverse, with careers available in e-commerce, healthcare, accounting, railways, automotives, security, and much more. Here’s a short list of some of the major employers in Vaughan.