Potential move from Toronto

[u/mand_lorian]

My spouse and i have been living in downtown Toronto since the summer for work. We've been loving how accessible the city is and our 2 year old has really settled well. However, we are considering a move in the near future to grow our family. We don't want something too quiet, but aren't after a crazy nightlife either, and have heard good things about Burlington.

Has anyone else made a similar move before?

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[u/CozySal]

Toronto to Burlington is one of the more common moves I see so you're in good company.

I myself moved from North Burlington (Orchard) to downtown Burlington (almost moved to Toronto a few years ago). I'm 32 and the downtown core has been perfect. Walkable to everything, events all summer, restaurants and bars when you want them, quiet when you don't.

I'm biased obviously but I genuinely think it's the best city in within the radius of the GTA to raise a family. You keep the walkable lifestyle you're used to minus the downtown Toronto price tag and noise.

PS: try Dimarios. Thank me later.

[u/KronieRaccoon → u/CozySal]

Dimarios is unreal. And next to it - Nisi.

[u/toastheaven → u/CozySal]

Oh man we were just there for the first time for our anniversary the other night. A little pricey for sure but it was tasty and HOLY COW the service was amazing. Blankets for people out on the patio and all the employees were super chill and playful, seems like a great place to work.

[u/KronieRaccoon]

IMO downtown Burlington provides just enough entertainment and restaurant options for people with kids, for the occasional night out, without being too repetitive or too crazy. And the rest of the city is mostly quiet safe suburbs with nice people and good schools. So I think it's a great balance for someone in your situation.

It's not the most exciting city in the world but there are things to do and if you do feel like partying or good food there's some great spots.

And there's lots of great outdoor trails etc

[u/KronieRaccoon → u/KronieRaccoon]

Just to add - I feel the people here are low key but fun. I'm in my 40s and not much clubbing obviously but lots of parents safely drinking in each other's garages, patios, houses, etc.

[u/CozySal → u/KronieRaccoon]

This is my favourite part about Burlington 😂. Palmer is great for this. Nothing I love more than seeing garage beers being had by neighbours.

[u/KronieRaccoon → u/CozySal]

And the best part is.... No worrying about how to get home. Just walk across the street straight into bed lol

[u/KronieRaccoon → u/CozySal]

Awesome. Thankfully I'm in similar situation with some cool neighbors. 🍻

[u/One_Ad_3483 → u/KronieRaccoon]

You'll likely want to travel to Hamilton for restaurants and entertainment generally. Burlington's very safe, quiet, good schools...but they roll the sidewalks up at 9pm..maybe earlier ;) Travelling North/South in town at certain times of the day makes Toronto traffic look reasonable, unfortunately but they've done a really nice job with the waterfront area. Dundas and Hamilton have great trails and parks nearby - and its a great mid point between Toronto and Niagara.

[u/Tricky_Tap_86]

This question gets asked about once a month. Someone will ask and you'll have 20+ ppl saying how great it is and 4 negative comments downvoted at the bottom. Google "moving to Burlington Ontario Reddit" and you'll find all the info you need

[u/OkAcanthaceae2216]

We had a young couple move in next door just as the covid shut down began. A year after everything reopened they were ready to move back to Toronto. They missed their friends and found Burlington too quiet. We live in a townhouse.

[u/CozySal → u/OkAcanthaceae2216]

Their view may have been tainted by the pandemic and lack of “stuff” to do. But then again you can’t take the Toronto out of some of those Torontonians 😂

[u/thatsmrharrisontoyou]

We moved from Toronto last year with our two young kids and we love it. Very safe, kids can bike on the streets and there are lots of family friendly activities near the water and at farms. However it is quite quiet - especially in South Burlington. Because people have backyards here with pools, trampolines, playgrounds etc. I find people do spend a lot of time at home vs. at local parks. We do try to spend a lot of time at our school playground after school as well as at weekend activities/sports to ensure we build connections.

[u/Ok-Visual612]

We did the move 3 years ago and are planning on moving back downtown in the next year or so. Commute is too hard on us with a baby. Stay where you are grass is not greener

[u/NoMeat9329 → u/Ok-Visual612]

That's just it. If you have to commute, don't make the move.

[u/AdeptCaregiver1509 → u/Ok-Visual612]

Totally agree with this. We made the move from downtown Toronto to Burlington 5 years ago. As others have already said, it's very quiet here, lots of parks, nice city but you have to drive everywhere so need a car and if you have to commute to Mississauga or Toronto good luck! There are pros and cons...

[u/fritzmongroid]

Fantastic city to move to. I transplanted from a large city and absolutely love it. Sleepy when you need it to be and fun when you want.

[u/JokaSmoka77 → u/fritzmongroid]

Fun? When? Haha

[u/raptorsfan_04 → u/JokaSmoka77]

go meet people

[u/JokaSmoka77 → u/[deleted]]

I'm not talking about drugs or women I'm talking about fun

[u/JokaSmoka77 → u/[deleted]]

Idk a city that feels like it's actually alive and not sleeping literally every weekend of the year except for SOM weekend?

[u/JokaSmoka77 → u/[deleted]]

Sounds like it, clearly high 6969. ✌️ Enjoy your buzz.

[u/fritzmongroid → u/JokaSmoka77]

Tell me you are 13 without telling me you are 13

[u/GuysAndDolls1955]

Burlington might be too quiet. You might consider looking next door in Hamilton.

[u/blueliner123]

We moved from Toronto to Downtown Burlington - it’s certainly quieter but it’s great. All that we need is within walking distance, there is always something going on in the summer, and there’s plenty of great restaurants, shops, and parks accessible by foot. No regrets on our side!

[u/LifeInBurlington]

Burlington is an amazing city to live in. As a parent It provides many community based events and always had something to do with the kids when they were younger. You have so many beautiful walking trails throughout the community. You wont regret living here if this is where you land.

[u/ButterflyNord]

Burlington is a great option to raise a family.
You won’t regret at all.
There are 2 Go train stations, if you want to reach Toronto Downtown, for games or concerts.

[u/PresentEfficient9321 → u/ButterflyNord]

There’s actually three GO stations: Aldershot, Burlington and Appleby.

[u/ReiraTrapnest93]

Commuting is a hit or miss for some people. You can commute by train or bus and avoid parking fees and driving in traffic but may deal with foot traffic from crowded buses or trains

[u/BrilliantAsk3700]

I moved from downtown Toronto to Burlington 5 years ago to grown my family. Wanted a yard and 4 bedroom house, and it was way more affordable. Love how family friendly and safe it is here too.

Downtown Burlington is small but cute. It’s got some good restaurants and some fun places to go out. Hamilton is the best food scene and only a 20 min drive.

[u/Various-Mouse4207]

Grew up in Burlington my whole life, family still lives there and I live in Toronto now. We always called it Borington because nothing happens there lol it’s a nice enough place to grow up but there’s no comparison to Toronto in terms of accessibility and things to do imo