Brampton is a great place to live, especially if you’re a first-time home buyer on a budget. A few benefits of living in Brampton include a vibrant multicultural community, amazing food and restaurant scene, great public transit, and easy access to downtown Toronto and other parts of the Greater Toronto Area.
As Canada’s fourth largest growing city, Brampton has some affordable residential options including condos, townhouses, semi-detached, and detached houses. It is also home to well-maintained parks and trails including Heart Lake Conservation Area, Gage Park, and Eldorado Park.
Brampton has 70 public and private schools managed by the Peel District School Board that strive in offering the best education to children. Other than the city’s 16 shopping malls, there’s tons of great restaurants and entertainment options in downtown Brampton. International travel is easy since the Toronto Pearson International Airport is only a few minutes drive.
Top neighbourhoods in Brampton
All of Brampton’s neighbourhoods are safe and protected. The following list highlights neighbourhoods that are the best for first-time home owners in terms of affordability and public transit.
1. Northgate
One of Brampton’s oldest neighbourhoods, Northgate was built in the 1960s and is home to over 11,000 residents. Northgate offers a mix of residential options, from cosy single-family homes to spacious townhouses, all of which are perfect choices for growing families. Being a cycle-friendly neighbourhood, there are plenty of options to enjoy summer time from parkland and trails to community centres and the annual Summer Series Theatre Festival. It has 7 public, 6 Catholic, and 1 private school that offer special programs including French Immersion, Fine Arts, International Baccalaureate, and Gifted/Talented Program.
2. Snelgrove
A small neighbourhood, Snelgrove was originally named Edmonton and is located in the northernmost region of Brampton. Tucked away from the busy city and commercial routes, Snelgrove has beautiful mansions and cottages that are surrounded with preserved parkland. You’ll find most amenities in Snelgrove Village Centre and Mayfield Plaza, which are reachable by car.
3. Southgate
Located in the heart of Brampton, Southgate is lively and has a younger population than most of the city’s neighbourhoods. With over 54% residents being families, your kids will always have some activity to participate in all year round. It is home to 8 parks with over 60 recreational facilities. It is also home to 8 public schools, 5 Catholic schools, and 1 private school. Being densely populated, public transit is well-distributed with 130 stops and Bramalea GO train station. Top industries with employment opportunities include manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, and retail.
4. Brampton West Industrial
Dense with retail, dining, and outdoor amenities, Brampton West Industrial is a commuter and car-friendly neighbourhood. Most of this area is populated by industrial service workshops, shipping warehouses, and manufacturing facilities. Residential areas are mostly new and old townhouses, semi-detached houses, two-storey homes with carports and single-car garages, and a few rows of bungalows.
5. Queen Street Corridor
A personal favourite, Queen Street Corridor is a historical neighbourhood with protected heritage homes and a lively downtown. You’ll find a complete range of housing options from high rise condos and stacked townhouses to beautiful two-storey detached homes with sizable backyards. Also known as Brampton’s artistic hub, it is home to Beaux Arts Brampton that displays artwork by Canadian and local artists including Kelly McNeil and Clarence Porter.
6. Fletchers Creek South
A bustling neighbourhood, Fletchers Creek South is home to Sheridan College and is only minutes away from downtown Brampton. It is the city’s most public transit-friendly neighbourhood and offers smooth connectivity to Mississauga and Toronto. Detached homes, large apartment buildings, smaller highrises, and duplexes make up the residential options.
Excellent public transit facilities
Located only 60 kilometres from Downtown Toronto, Brampton is very well-connected to the rest of Greater Toronto Area.
Rapid transit service – Zum Transit
Go Transit options – Bramalea, Brampton, and Mount Pleasant (train stations)
Other train options – Canadian National Railways and Orangeville-Brampton Railway short line
Highways – 401, 410, and 407
