Milton vs. Brampton: Which City Is Right For you?

Finding the right city for your life is not always easy. There are many amazing cities in the Ontario area and Mississauga and Brampton are two on that list. Both are growing and have a lot to offer. To help you make the best decision, here is some information about both and you can then make an informed decision for you and your family. 

Mississauga, a large Canadian city next to Toronto on Lake Ontario is a unique place to live. This area consistently ranks as a top metroplex to live in and it’s not hard to see why. The area is clean, friendly, has a thriving downtown and is home to some of the best universities, colleges, trade schools, and primary schools in the country. 

Brampton has grown into a dynamic and thriving metropolis with a rich past and promising future. It has grown from a small population of 500 in 1853 to 656,480 in 2021, making it Canada's ninth biggest city. It is also the fastest-growing city in Canada with a diversified economy, Brampton residents enjoy a high quality of life. 

Due to the high costs of living in the immediate Toronto area, Mississauga and Brampton have become hotspots for younger couples and families hoping to purchase a home. Even though these two cities are close in location, they have their own pros and cons, their own personality, and their own benefits to life there. 

Mississauga Overview 

Mississauga, a diverse city in Canada, is growing rapidly. According to Statistics Canada, Mississauga has a population of 734,000 people. 

The city has an excellent education system, a multicultural and safe community, and is close to Toronto. Property taxes and noise from the local airport are high, although the cost of housing is moderately high. Mississauga, Ontario, is a moderately expensive place to live, but in other respects (such as employment and healthcare), it is better than Brampton. 

In some instances, Brampton may hold its own quite well. 

Brampton Overview 

Brampton has expanded, grown, and strengthened some of Southern Ontario's most important industries. Starting as a small village with only a few occupants, it has evolved into one of the most populous cities in Southern Ontario. 

Brampton's population increased from 50 residents in 1853 to 523,911 in 2011, making it the ninth-largest city in Canada. The province of Ontario has designated it as an urban growth area, and its population is expected to reach 725,000 by 2031. 

Residents of Brampton enjoy a high-quality lifestyle in addition to a well-developed economic foundation. The comforts of a large city are combined with a more traditional lifestyle in this city. In 2007, the World Health Organization declared it a Safe Community, making it the first city in the GTA and one of only ten in North America. 

Mississauga Vs Brampton: Real Estate 

The first major area to compare in these two Canadian cities will be real estate. As you will notice, real estate is fairly similar between these two regions. Most first-time homebuyers to the area will be looking for a condo or townhome, which can be found in both cities for around $500k. The semi-detached sector of housing was around $800k for the year. 

With similar pricing, what will you get in each city? 

Pros and Cons of Mississauga: 

• Convenience to other parts of the city – as part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Mississauga offers a picturesque, nostalgic feel while being close to the lively downtown area of Toronto. You can easily drive to downtown, not during rush hour, for work, shopping, or nightlife. 
• Strong sense of community – Mississauga has several amazing neighborhoods and communities. There is a multi-cultural atmosphere that is welcoming. 
• Plenty of job opportunities – with a low cost of living yet a strong job market, residents have the best of both worlds. If you have the skills, you’ll find a job. 
• World-class healthcare - Trillium Health Partners is a premier hospital with a proven track record of excellence in patient care, financial responsibility, and performance. Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital, and Queensway Health Centre are the three major campuses of the hospital. You will find the greatest quality of treatment at affordable prices for the Mississauga community. 
• Foggy days – the one drawback of life in Mississauga is the foggy weather. Due to the proximity to Lake Ontario, there is a lot of fog in the spring and autumn. You will notice the fog in real estate communities around the lake. 

Pros and Cons of Brampton: 

• Large city with small town feel – a low cost of living is appealing for potential home buyers to this area. The cost is much less than life in Toronto and it is only thirty minutes away. In fact, everything is more affordable than the city life and even less than Mississauga. You will get more house for your money as well as higher quality of life with less expensive shopping options, restaurants, utilities, and entertainment. 
• Famous parks - known as “The Flower City of Canada,” Brampton has parks and nature preserves scattered throughout. From hiking trails to famous parks, outdoor life in this city is thriving. 
• Fast growing – this means that your real estate purchase right now will be a smart investment. Housing needs will increase and building process can be slow. After you’ve made a purchase, renting it out could be lucrative in the future. 
• Cultural diversity – with a young median age, there is a sense of excitement and liveliness in the city as well as the construction of new places. It is a great place for those just starting their adult life. 
• Higher unemployment – one of the drawbacks of life in Brampton is a lack of employment. If you have a unique skillset, you might find a job but otherwise, you may be searching for a while. The job market is rebounding, albeit slowly. 
• Lack of Healthcare – patients from Brampton frequently travel to Mississauga and other nearby cities for healthcare services because of the lack of facilities here. Long wait times at the city's only hospital are the result of its large population. That's why the government recently announced the construction of a second hospital in Brampton, which will open soon. 

Schools 

Making the move to a new city has a lot of considerations. If you are a parent or caregiver, you will want to make sure the schools are right for your child. 

Both cities have excellent schools with solid academics and a wide selection of after school activities to keep children of all ages busy and having fun. 

Mississauga 

Mississauga is served by many public, private, and religious schools. As you search for the right area for your family, keep in mind that the neighborhood and street decide the public or Catholic school your child will attend, with a few exceptions. 

You will find many excellent schools in Mississauga including Tecumseh Plum Tree, Forest Ave, John Fraser, Woodlands, Cawthra Park, and Lorne Park. These are the highest rated schools that focus on university prep and high-achieving career paths. 

There are also several universities in the Mississauga such as: the University of Toronto Mississauga Campus, the University of Guelph and McMaster. University aged children could attend a highly rated school and be close to home, saving money and hassle. 

Brampton 

Brampton is also served by public, private, and religious schools. In order to attend these schools, you must live in that area, so it is important to find both the school and neighborhood where you’d like to live. 

You will find several excellent schools in Brampton including Great Lakes, Springbrook, Churchville, Ray Lawson, and Castlemore. Each offers strong academics as well as a variety of extracurricular options for all ages and interests. 

With the fast growth in Brampton, the schools are trying to keep up with the demand. 

Traffic and Driving 

Traffic is a significant problem in both Mississauga and Brampton. Mostly because both cities are large and continue to grow exponentially. Infrastructure will always struggle to keep up with fast population growth. 

Mississauga does have some travel benefits such as easy access to major highways so you can get where you need to be quickly. 

You will also have easy access to the airport and downtown Toronto. Whatever is happening on the 401 will affect your drive in any part of the GTA. 

Brampton has some of the worst and most dangerous driving conditions in all of Ontario. It is due to the combination of abnormally high number of traffic infractions, ongoing road constructions, and a significant number of hazardous roads and intersections. Drivers in Brampton pay some of the highest auto insurance premiums in the country. 

Safety 

While no city can guarantee safety, there are key indicators you can review to see which city might suit your needs better. 

Both cities are proud of their diversity and rank low on the data for hate crimes. This is a strong indicator of a growing, strong community. The usual crimes such as car and home break-ins ranked in the middle while along with other more serious crimes. This translates to higher property crime and less violent crime. They are both safter than Toronto and both are a smart choice for a move. 

Demographics 

These two are not that different but they do have some differences that could sway you on your final decision. 

Mississauga has the feel of a large suburb with a lot of older professionals who wanted to move out of the city and have a beautiful home in a thriving community. There are many chain stores and newer buildings. The downtown area was created to be a city center, but it was built recently. Residents here want the relaxed lifestyle with the hustle and bustle of the city close by. 

The corporations in Mississauga area plenty. It is home to companies including Oracle, Abbott Labs, Office Depot, Pepsi, FedEx, Whirlpool, and Wal-Mart, just to name a few. 

Brampton has a more unique feel with a younger demographic. The employment in this area is more manufacturing and labor jobs but the cost of living makes it possible for residents to have a high quality of life. Some of the companies who hire in Brampton include Sun Chemical Limited, Hunter Douglas Canada, The Clorox Company of Canada, Maple Lodge Farms, and many other manufacturing companies. 

Younger families and younger people tend to live here as it is a dynamic city. For those just starting off in the workforce, it is a smart fit. There is room to grow while you learn at a top company. After work, go for a hike or run. It is an ideal region for those who love spending tie in the outdoors. 

As you can see, neither city has the clear advantage when it comes to demographics. It comes down to what you want and need in life. You have the choice when it comes to these two amazing cities. When it comes time to make that decision, choosing a real estate agent who knows the area is the best course of action. They have information about each city, each neighbourhood and can match you to the one that will be best for you.