Moving from Toronto to GTA West
Find your fit beyond the city.
Maybe you want a yard, a bigger kitchen or a quieter street. Maybe your family is growing or the way you work has changed. Whatever is behind the move, this page helps you compare Oakville, Mississauga, Milton and Burlington and plan a smooth move from Toronto.
Tarlika Sehgal, REALTOR®, SRS, ABR
eXp Realty Of Canada, Inc., Brokerage
Where are you in your move?
Start with the option that sounds most like you.
Why Toronto buyers look west
Every move has its own reasons, but these come up in almost every conversation.
Space
In many neighbourhoods, your budget can stretch to a larger home, a yard or a newer build.
Community
Established neighbourhoods, local main streets and a strong focus on schools and parks.
Nature
Lake Ontario waterfront, ravine trails and the Niagara Escarpment are all close by.
Connection
GO Transit and major highways keep Toronto within reach for work, family and friends.
Compare Oakville, Mississauga, Milton and Burlington
Each city has a different feel. Here is a quick guide to help you narrow your search.
Oakville
Feel: A lakeside town with a historic downtown and a strong reputation for schools.
Homes: Mostly detached homes and townhomes, with condos in areas like Uptown Core, Bronte and Kerr Village.
Getting to Toronto: Oakville GO and Bronte GO on the Lakeshore West line, plus the QEW, 403 and 407.
Often a fit for: Families focused on schools and lake access.
Mississauga
Feel: A large city with its own downtown, plus lakeside villages like Port Credit and Streetsville.
Homes: The widest range, from City Centre condos to established detached neighbourhoods.
Getting to Toronto: The Lakeshore West and Milton GO lines, MiWay transit and the QEW, 403 and 401.
Often a fit for: Buyers who want big-city amenities close to Toronto.
Milton
Feel: A fast-growing town at the foot of the Niagara Escarpment, with conservation areas and a historic main street.
Homes: Mostly newer freehold townhomes and detached homes.
Getting to Toronto: The Milton GO line, plus the 401 and 407.
Often a fit for: Young families looking for newer homes and more space.
Burlington
Feel: A lakeside city with a walkable downtown, a waterfront park and escarpment trails.
Homes: Established neighbourhoods south of the QEW and newer communities to the north.
Getting to Toronto: Aldershot, Burlington and Appleby GO stations on the Lakeshore West line, plus the QEW, 403 and 407.
Often a fit for: Buyers who want lake living at a slower pace.
What changes financially when you leave Toronto
Price is only part of the picture. These differences can add up.
No Toronto land transfer tax
When you buy in Oakville, Mississauga, Milton or Burlington, you pay Ontario's land transfer tax only, not the extra Toronto municipal land transfer tax.
Property taxes vary
Each city sets its own rate, and a lower price does not always mean a lower tax bill. Compare the actual annual tax on every home you consider.
Commuting costs
If you will still work in Toronto, budget for GO fares, gas, parking or 407 tolls.
Selling your Toronto home
Plan for commission, legal fees and moving costs. Buying and selling at the same time may also mean bridge financing or carefully timed closings.
An honest note on prices: In some areas your budget will buy noticeably more space. In others, such as parts of Oakville, prices are similar to or higher than many Toronto neighbourhoods. We compare real listings so you know exactly what your budget buys.
How a move from Toronto works, step by step
Moving cities means coordinating more moving parts. Here is how we will keep it organized.
Set your priorities
We talk about commute, schools, space, budget and timing, and which of those matter most to you.
Value your Toronto home
A clear evaluation shows your equity, which sets the budget for your next home.
Talk to your lender
Get pre-approved and ask about bridge financing in case your purchase closes before your sale.
Explore neighbourhoods
We tour areas together on a weekday and a weekend. Try your commute at rush hour before you commit.
Buy and sell in the right order
Some clients buy first, some sell first and some line up both closings on the same day. We choose what fits your finances and comfort level.
Coordinate the move
Book movers, register your children for school and arrange utilities and insurance for your new home.
Settle in
Update your address, find your local services and start enjoying your new neighbourhood. I stay in touch after closing to help with anything that comes up.
Schools, hospitals and services
The basics to know as you compare areas.
Public schools
Halton District School Board serves Oakville, Milton and Burlington. Peel District School Board serves Mississauga.
Catholic schools
Halton Catholic District School Board serves Oakville, Milton and Burlington. Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board serves Mississauga.
French-language schools
Conseil scolaire Viamonde and Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir serve families across the region.
Hospitals
Oakville Trafalgar Memorial and Milton District hospitals, Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, and Trillium Health Partners' Mississauga Hospital and Credit Valley Hospital.
School boundaries can change. Always confirm a home's assigned schools directly with the school board before you buy.
After you move: a quick checklist
Why work with Tarlika
A move from Toronto is two big transactions and one big life change. You deserve one person who keeps it all coordinated and tells you the truth about each area, including the trade-offs.
As a TRREB member with the Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) and Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) designations, I can sell your Toronto home and help you buy in GTA West, so both sides of your move are planned together.
Before real estate, I spent more than 25 years in business, including work with financial institutions and running a franchise with The Second Cup. That background helps me plan timelines, budgets and negotiations with care.
What I coordinate for you
Helpful resources
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to live in GTA West than in Toronto?
It depends on the area and the home. In many neighbourhoods your budget buys more space or a newer home, but parts of Oakville and Mississauga cost as much as many Toronto areas. Property taxes and commuting costs also differ, so compare your total monthly costs, not just prices.
Do I pay the Toronto land transfer tax if I buy in Oakville or Mississauga?
No. The Toronto municipal land transfer tax applies only to purchases within the City of Toronto. When you buy in GTA West, you pay Ontario's land transfer tax only.
How long is the commute to downtown Toronto?
It depends on where you live, how you travel and the time of day. Many commuters use GO Transit's Lakeshore West or Milton lines, while drivers use the QEW, 403, 401 or 407. Test your commute at rush hour before you buy.
Should I sell my Toronto home before I buy?
Selling first gives you a firm budget. Buying first lets you move once without rushing but may mean carrying two homes for a while or using bridge financing. We plan the timing with your lender before you list.
Can you sell my Toronto home and help me buy in GTA West?
Yes. As a TRREB member, I can list your Toronto home and help you buy in Oakville, Mississauga, Milton or Burlington, so one person coordinates both sides of your move.
I'm moving from outside Ontario. Can you help?
Yes. I can tour homes with you by video, coordinate showings and connect you with local lenders and lawyers. If you are not yet a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, special rules and taxes can apply, so speak with a real estate lawyer before you make an offer.
Ready to plan your move?
No pressure and no obligation. Just a clear plan for leaving Toronto and finding the right home in GTA West.
Tarlika Sehgal, REALTOR®, SRS, ABR
eXp Realty Of Canada, Inc., Brokerage
This page is general information and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with a brokerage.