Located about 44 kilometres northwest of Toronto’s downtown core, Brampton is a thriving city with a population approaching 700,000 residents. Additionally, Brampton is the fastest growing city in Canada — since 2001, Brampton has grown four times faster than the country and five times the rate of Ontario’s population growth. Brampton has a thriving economy and a great deal of ethnic diversity. But is Brampton a good place to live? This article has all the information homebuyers need for moving to Brampton.
Brampton offers a suburban lifestyle with all the convenience of remaining close to Toronto’s downtown. Indeed, Brampton is a popular place to live for newcomers from overseas, with nearly one-third of the city’s population hailing from India. With a median age of 33.7 years, Brampton is the youngest community in the Greater Toronto Area, contributing to its dynamic and energetic atmosphere.
Here are some reasons why Brampton is a good place to live
Diversity and multiculturalism
Brampton is known for its vibrant and diverse population, with a large South Asian community and a mix of cultures from around the world. Over 52 percent of Brampton’s population identified as South Asian, according to the 2021 Canadian census. This diversity contributes to a rich cultural scene with various festivals, events, and food options.
Affordable housing
Compared to other cities in the Greater Toronto Area, Brampton offers relatively affordable housing options, making it attractive for families and first-time homebuyers. Potential homebuyers exploring Brampton as a place to live will discover that single-family residents average approximately $200,000 less than homes in Toronto, according to summer 2024 pricing.
Centrally located with great transportation options
Brampton is centrally located, just 30 minutes from Toronto and 20 minutes from Mississauga. This proximity to major cities provides easy access to job opportunities and cultural experiences. Brampton also offers excellent transportation infrastructure, including major highways (401, 410, and 407), public transit (Züm Brampton Transit), and three GO Train stations. Toronto Pearson International Airport is also nearby.
Education
The city has a strong educational system with 70 public schools and various private school options, making it ideal for families with children. Set to open in 2025, The Toronto Metropolitan University Medical School in Brampton will include teaching spaces, offices, research facilities, and an integrated primary care clinic. With plans to achieve LEED standards, the project aims to minimize energy and greenhouse gas emissions and integrate on-site renewable energy sources.
Shopping, entertainment, and food
Brampton boasts 16 malls and shopping centres, including Ontario’s third largest mall, the Bramalea City Centre. The city also offers a variety of entertainment options, including theatres and sports leagues such as ball hockey, cricket, dodgeball, and flag football. Brampton also offers a thriving culinary scene. The city offers a diverse range of cuisines, reflecting its multicultural population. Residents can enjoy various dining options, from fine dining to casual eateries.
Where to work in Brampton
Brampton residents have a wide variety of careers to choose from, including telecommunications, automobile manufacturing, healthcare, retail, food processing, and much more. Here’s a short list of some of Brampton’s largest employers.
Rogers Communications
Wireless and internet services, employing approximately 4,500 people.
Chrysler Canada (Stellantis)
Car assembly, with around 3,400 employees.
Loblaw Companies Ltd.
Grocery retail, employing about 3,200 people.
Maple Lodge Farms
Chicken processing, with around 1,600 employees.
Canadian Tire Corporation
Retail warehouse, employing 920 people at one location and 650 at another.
Coca-Cola Bottling Ltd.
Production and distribution of beverages, employing around 745 people.
Olymel LP
Chicken processing, with 700 employees.
TJX Canada
Clothing and home products, employing 700 people.
Gamma-Dynacare
Medical laboratory services, with 700 employees.
Waste Management Canada
Trash pickup services, employing 679 people.
HBC (Hudson’s Bay Company)
Distribution center, employing 600 people.
UTI Canada
Warehouse and shipping services, with 600 employees.
Maritime Ontario
Trucking, employing 560 people.
Decoma (division of Magna)
Bumper systems and car body parts, with 552 employees.
Canon Canada
Imaging products and services, a significant employer in Brampton.
How to spend time outdoors in and around Brampton
Thanks to the mild weather in Southern Ontario, Brampton residents can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities throughout the year. There’s fishing, hiking, swimming, zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and a host of other adventures to be had in and around the city.
Treetop trekking at Heart Lake Conservation Area
This adventure park offers zip lines, suspension bridges, and aerial courses through the treetops.
Chinguacousy Park
A 100-acre park featuring a mini-zoo, greenhouses, sports facilities, and additionally, there are seasonal events such as summer camps and outdoor movie nights.
Heart Lake Conservation Park
This popular conservation park offers fishing, swimming, zip-lining, and nature trails.
Professor’s Lake
A popular spot for swimming, fishing, and water activities. It has a beach, inflatable water park in summer, and trails around the lake.
Claireville Conservation Area
This conservation area is great for hiking and exploring nature.
Eldorado Park
Features the city’s only outdoor pool, picnic areas, playgrounds, and access to the Credit River.
Major Oaks Park
A good spot for walks and outdoor recreation.
Gage Park
Offers a wading pool, gardens, walking trails, and hosts summer concerts and winter ice skating.
Wet’n’Wild Toronto
This nearby water park offers slides, a wave pool, and other water attractions.
Hiking and outdoor adventures
The area around Brampton offers opportunities for activities like whitewater rafting, hiking at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures, and exploring water labyrinths at Eco-Odyssee.
These activities provide a mix of nature exploration, adventure sports, and family-friendly options for outdoor enthusiasts in Brampton.
