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If you're considering moving to the Greater Toronto Area but haven't decided on where you want to settle, Brampton could be the right choice for you.
It's no secret that finding affordable housing in the GTA is a challenge. But if your heart is set on living close to Toronto, Brampton is among the most cost-effective options and shares a border with Ontario's capital.
Should you decide to buy a home in Brampton, you'll need the help of a realtor and a real estate lawyer in Brampton. Local professionals know the city inside out, can provide valuable insights about living there and know the nuances of making a Brampton real estate transaction as seamless as possible.
Keep reading for information on what life is like in Brampton.
Cost of Living
Like almost everywhere else, Brampton's cost of living has been steadily increasing. Cost of living calculations typically include:
- Rent or the cost to purchase real estate
- Grocery prices
- Childcare costs
- Transportation costs
- Utilities
- Food and entertainment expenses
Currently, the cost of living in Brampton is approximately 5% cheaper than in Toronto (not including rent). Rent is almost 20% less in Brampton than in Toronto. Check out the link above for the latest numbers and an itemized breakdown of typical household expenses and their average prices in Brampton.
Employment
Two of Brampton's biggest employers are Loblaw and Daimler Chrysler, who have their head offices there. Other major corporations with headquarters in Brampton include the Canadian Tire Corp., Maple Lodge Farms and Rogers Communications.
The top five industries for employment in Brampton are:
- Food services
- Retail trade
- Health care
- Manufacturing
- Science and tech services
Over 80% of businesses in Brampton are small companies with less than 50 employees.
Transportation
Brampton Transit provides public transportation mainly around the city with some bus routes that travel to neighbouring cities like Mississauga and Toronto. However, if you plan on commuting to Toronto for work, GO trains and buses are the best options. GO trains running from downtown Brampton can get to Toronto's Union Station in about 45 minutes.
Unfortunately, driving in Brampton is expensive, as car insurance rates in Brampton are consistently the highest in all of Canada.
Quality of Life
Brampton has an excellent mix of city and suburban living. There are parks and nature trails throughout the city, with ChinguacousyTrail and Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park being among the most well-known.
For arts and culture lovers, one of the main attractions in Brampton is the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives. It offers exhibitions, educational programs and community projects. If you're into theatre and live performances, there's The Rose and the Lester B. Pearson Theatre downtown. And for something a little different, there's Vibrant Brampton, the city's annual South Asian festival.
Diversity
Brampton is one of Canada's most diverse cities and is among those with the highest immigrant populations. It's also home to events like Pride and National Indigenous People's Day.
Published by Alison Lurie
a year ago 
