If you’re looking for the perfect place to call home near Toronto—but not in it—we’ve put together a list of the top 10 cities that offer a great mix of urban amenities, natural beauty, and community spirit so you can find a great home nearby without living in the city’s borders.
The best cities near Toronto
- Etobicoke
- Vaughan
- Markham
- Mississauga
- Richmond Hill
- Brampton
- Pickering
- Oakville
- Ajax
1. Etobicoke
- Driving distance from Toronto*: 8.2 miles
- Commute time to Toronto via car: 38 minutes
- Commute time to Toronto via public transit: 34 minutes
- Best for: Families and outdoor enthusiasts
- Attractions: Centennial Park, Humber Bay Park, Etobicoke Creek Trail
Why Etobicoke is a great place to live
Etobicoke is ideal for families and nature lovers. It has over 1,600 acres of parks and trails, including the scenic Centennial Park and Humber Bay Park. The Etobicoke Creek Trail is a popular spot for hiking and biking. The area also has excellent schools, making it a great choice for families looking to balance city life with a suburban feel.
3. Vaughan
- Driving distance from Toronto: 19.9 miles
- Commute time to Toronto via car: 51 minutes
- Commute time to Toronto via public transit: 18 minutes
- Median rent**: $2,500 according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Thrill-seekers and sports enthusiasts
- Attractions: Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan Mills, Kortright Centre for Conservation
Why Vaughan is a great place to live
Vaughan is home to Canada’s Wonderland, the nation’s largest amusement park, making it a dream destination for thrill-seekers. Sports fans can catch a game at the Vaughan Sports Village, while shoppers can indulge at Vaughan Mills, one of the largest malls in Canada. The Kortright Centre for Conservation offers a peaceful escape into nature.
4. Markham
- Driving distance from Toronto: 19.2 miles
- Commute time to Toronto via car: 44 minutes
- Commute time to Toronto via public transit: 84 minutes
- Median rent: $2,500, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Tech professionals and history buffs
- Attractions: Markham Museum, Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery, Pacific Mall
Why Markham is a great place to live
Markham is a hub for the tech industry, with major companies like IBM, Apple, and Honda Canada headquartered here. History enthusiasts can explore the Markham Museum and the historic Main Street Unionville. The Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery showcases Canadian art, while Pacific Mall, one of the largest Asian shopping centers in the Americas, is an awesome shopping experience, with plenty of entertainment and stores selling imported goods and food.
5. Mississauga
- Driving distance from Toronto: 16.7 miles
- Commute time to Toronto via car: 64 minutes
- Commute time to Toronto via public transit: 20 minutes
- Population: 828,854
- Median rent: $2,649, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Young professionals and shopping enthusiasts
- Attractions: Square One Shopping Centre, Art Gallery of Mississauga, Mississauga Celebration Square
Why Mississauga is a great place to live
Mississauga is a lively city with a thriving business district, making it attractive for young professionals. The iconic Absolute World Towers, also known as the “Marilyn Monroe” buildings, are stunning landmarks. Square One Shopping Centre is one of the largest malls in Ontario, while the Art Gallery of Mississauga showcases contemporary art. Celebration Square hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.
6. Richmond Hill
- Driving distance from Toronto: 23.3 miles
- Commute time to Toronto via car: 60 minutes
- Commute time to Toronto via public transit: 22 minutes
- Population: 208,370
- Median rent: $2,794, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Stargazers and performing arts lovers
- Attractions: David Dunlap Observatory, Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, Lake Wilcox Park
Why Richmond Hill is a great place to live
Richmond Hill is home to the David Dunlap Observatory, which houses the largest telescope in Canada, making it a unique attraction for astronomy enthusiasts. The Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts hosts a variety of theatre productions, concerts, and comedy shows. Lake Wilcox Park offers a scenic boardwalk, beach, and opportunities for water sports.
7. Brampton
- Driving distance from Toronto: 27.4 miles
- Commute time to Toronto via car: 66 minutes
- Commute time to Toronto via public transit: 25 minutes
- Population: 603,346
- Median rent: $2,349, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Sports enthusiasts and nature lovers
- Attractions: Gage Park, Brampton Soccer Centre, Heart Lake Conservation Area
Why Brampton is a great place to live
Brampton is a sports lover’s paradise, with the state-of-the-art Brampton Soccer Centre and the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame. Gage Park, located in the heart of downtown, hosts various events and festivals, including the popular Brampton Farmers’ Market. The Heart Lake Conservation Area offers hiking trails, fishing, and a lakeside beach.
8. Pickering
- Driving distance from Toronto: 27.4 miles
- Commute time to Toronto via car: 43 minutes
- Commute time to Toronto via public transit: 22 minutes
- Population: 99,186
- Median rent: $2,675, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Beach lovers and history buffs
- Attractions: Pickering Museum Village, Nautical Village, Frenchman’s Bay
Why Pickering is a great place to live
Pickering’s waterfront is a major draw, with the Nautical Village offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and water activities along Frenchman’s Bay. History comes alive at the Pickering Museum Village, the largest living history pioneer village in the Durham Region. The city’s downtown area features unique public art installations, like the Pickering Pioneer Family statue.
9. Oakville
- Driving distance from Toronto: 23.4 miles
- Commute time to Toronto via car: 74 minutes
- Commute time to Toronto via public transit: 31 minutes
- Population: 211,382
- Median rent: $2,500, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Golf enthusiasts and theater-goers
- Attractions: Glen Abbey Golf Club, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Why Oakville is a great place to live
Home to the famous Glen Abbey Golf Club, which has hosted the Canadian Open multiple times, Oakville is a golfer’s dream. The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts showcases local and international theatre, dance, and music talent. Bronte Creek Provincial Park offers camping, hiking, and a historic farm museum.
10. Ajax
- Driving distance from Toronto: 29.2 miles
- Commute time to Toronto via car: 52 minutes
- Commute time to Toronto via public transit: 48 minutes
- Population: 121,780
- Median rent: $2,295 according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Waterfront enthusiasts and casino-goers
- Attractions: Ajax Waterfront Park, Casino Ajax, Veterans’ Point Gardens
Why Ajax is a great place to live
Ajax has a stunning waterfront along Lake Ontario, with Ajax Waterfront Park offering a splash pad, playground, and amphitheater for outdoor concerts. Casino Ajax provides entertainment and dining options, while Veterans’ Point Gardens is a serene spot for reflection and remembrance. The town’s proximity to Toronto and housing options make it an attractive option for commuters.
No matter your lifestyle, one of these top 10 cities near Toronto will offer the perfect blend of convenience, community, and amenities to suit your needs.
*Median rent is calculated on a 30-day average. Please see our rent research pages for more info.
Related content
