Moving To And Living In Mississauga, Ontario - The Definitive Guide
There are many reasons why residents enjoy living in Mississauga, Ontario, beyond the obvious proximity to Toronto. The beautiful shoreline, ample recreation space, cultural and art centres, restaurants, shopping and entertainment are all attractive features of the city.
Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, within the Regional Municipality of Peel, Mississauga borders the City of Toronto along the east. The third most populated city in the Province of Ontario and is considered part of the Greater Toronto Area, or GTA.
The purpose of this guide is to provide a glimpse into residing in Mississauga and what the city has to offer! Well rated schools, a plethora of amenities and services, along with events and activities for residents of all ages are part of the reason Mississauga has continued to grow in popularity year after year.
WHERE IS MISSISSAUGA?
As mentioned, the city of Mississauga is located along the shores of Lake Ontario. Just east of the City of Toronto, Mississauga is bordered by Oakville and Milton to the west/southwest and Halton Hills in the northwest corner. Along with other cities, Mississauga makes up the western portion of the Greater Toronto Area.
Originally agricultural lands through the 19th and first half of the 20th century, Mississauga became a cottage area until large scale development and incorporation happened in the second half of the century. With the introduction of the Pearson Airport (originally named the Malton Airport) and the construction of the Queen Elizabeth Way, better known as the QEW, Mississauga saw significant expansion and an increase in population.
MISSISSAUGA REAL ESTATE
Mississauga offers a wide range of real estate options for buyers from all walks of life. Catering to first-time homebuyers, income property owners and families alike, Mississauga’s real estate market is as diverse as the city itself.
Out of the 23 areas that make up the GTA, according to zolo.ca, Mississauga is directly in the middle (12th) in terms of cost and growth, however, it ranked 3rd for the fastest-selling area.
22 distinctive neighbourhoods make up the city of Mississauga, all offering unique benefits and features to its residents. A healthy mix of family-friendly suburbs and urban areas draw buyers from all over.
With the cost of real estate in neighbouring Toronto, Ontario hitting all-time highs, buyers find relief in cities such as Mississauga, which has an average sale price of approximately 910K in 2020 according to zolo.ca.
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THINGS TO DO IN MISSISSAUGA
There are so many things to see and do in the city of Mississauga. One of the main attractions that the city offers is the 13 kilometres of Lake Ontario shoreline. Along the waterfront visitors and residents enjoy paved walking paths, several parks featuring playgrounds, splash pads and picnic areas, as well as many cafes, bistros, restaurants, and shops.
Port Credit is a very popular area along the waterfront, which is often referred to as Mississauga’s “Village on the Lake”. The area plays host to several festivals and events such as the Waterfront Festival, In-Water Boat Show and Farmers Market. The area enjoys over 225 kilometres of scenic walkways and trails.
Along with the waterfront, Mississauga is home to a large number of parks such as the Jack Darling Memorial Park, Lakefront Promenade Park, Rattray Marsh Conservation Area and the Riverwood Conservancy.
For those looking for a little indoor fun, the Square One Shopping centre, with an impressive 330 stores, is the largest mall in the area. The shopping centre also features seven onsite restaurants.
GETTING AROUND
Being able to effectively get around the city is an important factor for many residents. Mississauga has several ways for residents to travel, not only around the area but also to Toronto and neighbouring cities.
Mississauga has three major railway lines as well as the popular commuter rail, the GO train which provides all-day service along the Lakeshore West line and direct access to Toronto’s Union Station during rush hour times.
Within the city, the Mi-way offers bussing options along 90 different routes and connects with the GO Transit system as well as the Brampton, Oakville and Toronto Transit Commission.
Mississauga is also near major roadways and highways that provide quick and effective travel for commuters via the Queen Elizabeth Way, 401 and 407 to name a few.
MISSISSAUGA NEIGHBOURHOODS
The city of Mississauga is made up of 22 different neighbourhoods that offer a range of housing styles, prices and features that draw buyers from all walks of life.
Whether you are looking for a family-friendly subdivision or an urban downtown condo, Mississauga’s real estate landscape features a wide variety of options.
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Churchill Meadows:
A mainly suburban, residential neighbourhood in the westernmost area of the city, Churchill Meadows is home to roughly 40,500 residents.
Churchill Meadows was considered part of Milton until it was officially declared part of Mississauga during its incorporation in 1974.
The neighbourhood is bordered to the west by Hwy 407, to the north by Britannia Road, to the east by Winston Churchill Blvd., and to the south by the 403.
There is a mix of real estate housing styles available in Churchill Meadows, from detached single-family to semi-detached, townhomes and condominiums. The average list price for homes for sale in Churchill Meadows is approximately 969K as of 2020.
The neighbourhood enjoys several small and large parks that are dotted throughout and have recently attracted a large number of young families to the area.
Streetsville:
Dubbed “The Village in the City”, Streetsville is a notable community located in the northwestern corner of Mississauga along the Credit River.
Home to roughly 47,000 residents, Streetsville is a charming community that has retained much of its historic feel, featuring the city’s largest amount of historic buildings. Originally incorporated as an independent town in 1962, Streetsville was absorbed into Mississauga during its municipal reconfiguration in 1972.
Real estate within Streetsville is an eclectic mix of detached, semi-detached, townhomes and condominiums. The average listing price for homes for sale in Streetsville in 2020 is just over the 1 million dollar mark with options falling above and below.
Streetsville is one of Mississauga’s largest and most identifiable communities. Residents of the area routinely enjoy over 300 restaurants, pubs, bistros, shops and cafes. Numerous activities and events are hosted at all times during the year promoting a strong sense of community.
Port Credit:
Considered one of Mississauga’s most sought after areas, Port Credit is located in the south-central area, along the shores of Lake Ontario.
Port Credit was considered an independent town until it was officially added to the city of Mississauga in 1974. Dubbed the “Village on the Lake”, Port Credit offers residents prime access to the shoreline.
The neighbourhood is bounded by the Canadian National Railway to the north, Seneca Avenue to the east and Shawnmarr Road to the West.
Real estate in Port Credit consists of an eclectic mix of single-detached homes, semi-detached homes, condominiums and townhomes. The styles are mixed between mid-century homes and post-war suburban-style properties. On the high end of the spectrum, the average price for a listed property in Port Credit is $1.3 million.
Residents of the area enjoy all the events, festivals, activities and more that the shoreline has to offer. Scenic trails and lookout points, restaurants, cafes and shops are all within the neighbourhood and can be accessed from most areas on foot.
EXCELLENT EDUCATION
For many, education options are an important factor when moving to or within a city. Ensuring that your child has access to well-rated schools and education can greatly influence where you’ll end up. The schools located in the city of Mississauga strive to provide every opportunity for children of all ages to exceed academically while recognizing their individuality.
Four school districts operate the publicly funded schools within the city of Mississauga. The Peel District School Board, English language public schools, Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board, English language Catholic schools, Conseil Scolaire Viamonde, French-language public schools and Conseil Scolaire de District Catholique Centre-Sud, French-language Catholic schools.
Along with the schools within the publicly funded school boards, there are several private education schools in Mississauga as well.
AMENITIES
The city of Mississauga offers residents ample opportunity for use of community amenities. Filled with Cultural centres, Art Galleries, Library and Community centres, Mississauga strives to provide a diverse selection.
Mississauga Valley Community Centre:
The city’s largest community centre, Mississauga Valley offers the use of a pool, therapy pool, ice arena, gym, fully-equipped fitness centre and a branch of the public library.
Art Gallery of Mississauga:
Located in the Mississauga Civic Centre, the Art Gallery of Mississauga holds over 500 works of art in their permanent collection by a list of regional and national artists. Offering free admission and daily tours, the gallery rotates through roughly 18 exhibits a year.
Libraries:
Mississauga is home to 18 branches of their public library system. Each branch offers a selection of courses, classes, groups, clubs and more!
THINGS TO CELEBRATE
Residents of Mississauga never miss an opportunity to celebrate, so much so that they have a designated “Celebration Square” in the heart of the city that holds several events, celebrations and festivals throughout the year.
Held at the Civic Square, the city hosts “My Mississauga”, which features different summer festivities. Among annual events such as Canada Day, attendees can enjoy festivals such as seniors day’s, family day’s, vintage car days, among many more.
The city also hosts the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, New Years Eve Bash and the Mississauga Rotary Ribfest.
Carassauga is a yearly festival of cultures that is held in mid-may. There are also cultural specific events such as Fiesta Ng Kalayaan (Philippines), Viet Summerfest (Vietnam), Muslimfest (Mississauga’s Muslim community), and Indian Festival Diwali and Mosaic, which is the largest South Asian multi-disciplinary arts festival in North America.
RESTAURANTS GALORE
Mississauga enjoys a diverse and variety-filled restaurant and dining scene. No matter what you are in the mood for, there are a handful of options that are sure to satisfy any craving! Here are just a few of the must-try restaurants in the city.
Piatto
Enjoy classic Italian meals from age-old recipes! Fresh ingredients and a varied menu are complemented by the extensive wine list. Located in the heart of Erindale Village, Piatto’s is a must-visit.
La Castile
Awarded “Best Steak”, La Castile has been a staple in the Mississauga dining scene since it originally opened in 1971. Known for its surf n’ turf, patrons return time and time for the unparalleled dining and warm ambience.
Raw Aura Organic Cuisine
Specializing in 100% raw, organic, gluten-free, vegan meals, Raw Aura Organic Cuisine offers everything from pizza to miso soup! Serving local and fair trade ingredients whenever possible, Raw Aura does offer “warmed up” options for the chilly fall and winter months.
Lionheart British Pub and Restaurant
Enjoy upscale bar bites and British fare at Lionheart British Pub and Restaurant. Not only do they offer a tasty menu, but they also have a wide choice of options for brews as well! Stop by on the weekend for some live music or catch the game on several screens throughout the restaurant.
Peter’s on Eglinton Restaurant and Deli
Serving up American style comfort dishes, Peter’s on Eglinton Restaurant and Deli is a family-owned establishment that offers a retro eat-in dining room. Located in the Dixie neighbourhood, Peter’s enjoys weekly repeat customers and a family-like atmosphere.
There are so many reasons why Mississauga has become one of the sought after areas in the GTA, with this guide highlighting a handful! If Mississauga sounds like the perfect city for your next home, contact our team today to begin your search!
