Introduction
For many families and individuals priced out of Toronto proper or seeking more space, better schools, and a quieter pace of life, the suburbs of the Greater Toronto Area offer compelling alternatives. In 2026, several 905-area communities stand out for their combination of affordability (relative to Toronto), quality of life, and access to the broader GTA employment base.
Oakville
Oakville is consistently ranked among Canada’s best places to live and is widely considered the premier Toronto suburb. Excellent schools, beautiful older neighbourhoods, a charming town centre, strong community amenities, and access to GO Transit service to downtown Toronto make Oakville exceptionally desirable. The trade-off is that Oakville has become very expensive, with average detached home prices well above $1.5 million.
Mississauga
Mississauga, Canada’s sixth-largest city, offers a diverse range of neighbourhoods and housing options at prices generally lower than Toronto proper. Port Credit, Streetsville, and Clarkson are particularly popular for their walkable village atmospheres, lake access (Port Credit), and GO Transit connections. Mississauga has a strong economy in its own right, with major corporate headquarters clustered around the Airport Road and Hurontario corridors.
Burlington
Burlington offers the best of both worlds: access to both Toronto and Hamilton employment markets, beautiful Lake Ontario waterfront, excellent schools, a revitalized downtown, and strong community parks and trail networks. Prices, while elevated, are generally lower than Oakville, and Burlington offers a genuine small-city feel with big-city accessibility.
Markham
Markham is the most multicultural of Toronto’s suburban cities, with a large and established East and South Asian community. The city offers excellent schools, strong employment (it is home to major technology company campuses), diverse food and retail options, and a range of housing types. Unionville, Markham’s historic village, is a particularly charming community. Markham is well-served by GO Transit and the York Region transit network.
Ajax and Pickering
East GTA communities like Ajax and Pickering offer some of the region’s more affordable entry points into suburban homeownership while still providing access to Toronto via the Lakeshore East GO line. Newer housing stock, family-oriented communities, and growing local amenities make these communities worth considering for buyers seeking the most house for their dollar in the GTA.
