The Communities of
Oakville is a collection of affluent lifestyle focused suburban communities
Oakville has always been a pretty town, with lots of charm, beautiful homes, excellent schools, and offers quiet family living. As prices of homes continue to rise all across Mississauga, I have moved more and more families to Oakville in search of this lifestyle. Though Oakville is not a cheap place to live, there are still quality pockets that are more affordable than the more desirable areas of Mississauga. And most importantly, no matter where you choose to live in Oakville, ALL of the public secondary schools are in the top 20% of schools in Ontario, with Oakville Trafalgar in the top 1% of all schools in Ontario. Can Oakville do no wrong? My buyers say no.
Old Oakville
Charm, Style and Prestige
Home Prices: Very High
This area has it all – along with the price tag. Moving from Mississauga to Olde Oakville will not save you a dime; you move here because you want to be near the lake, in a new-build custom home that pays homage to the past, on wide, quiet streets with no sidewalks and local traffic only. You want to be close to the Lakeshore Village boutique shopping as well as have easy access to Toronto. With excellent parks, schools and amenities, bring your chequebook and get ready to fall in love.
Morrison
Only gets better with age
Prices: High to Very High
Morrison is an older neighbourhood established in the late 70’s and 80’s that is full of charm. Here you will find wider lots, mature trees and many 2 storey, 4-bed homes. Since lots are relatively more generous than in newer areas, the homes feel quietly elegant, tucked away from the street under a canopy of tall trees. Closer to the highway, there is also a mix of older homes with brand new custom builds, as these smaller houses get torn down and rebuilt. There is true pride of ownership in this little south-east nook of Oakville.
West Oak Trails & Westmount
Modern Family Living
Home Prices: Moderate to High
West Oak Trails is one of the most desirable areas of Oakville due to its newer home designs, excellent park and trail system, newer schools and access to amenities. The village is filled with families and has a wide range of housing, from town homes to executive million dollar homes. This is modern suburban family living at it’s best.
Ford
Secluded Elegance
Prices: High
This area has a mix of many home styles, with one consistent high price. There are older areas from the early 70’s with decent size homes with large lots, to newer 80’s subdivisions east of Ford drive, where many homes are larger on smaller lots. And then south of Lakeshore – executive homes with Lake Ontario for a backyard. Though the area is somewhat secluded with less amenities, the people who live here, like it that way. Quiet living at its finest.
River Oaks
Quiet Family Living
Prices: Moderate to High
River Oaks is one of my favourite “older” neighbourhoods, meaning it’s older than 10 years. Homes that are built in the 1980’s and 90’s are still relatively new, but for a town that will continue to boast new-builds for decades to come, these older homes face some stiff competition. This area has been up-kept well, and there is much pride of ownership. Ideal for families, there is a range of housing for the first time home buyer to the large family. If you are willing to do a little cosmetic updating, this area is worth a look.
Joshua Creek
Upscale in the East
Prices: High
Joshua Creek is a perfect example of Oakville’s ability to provide the upper middle class the ideal suburban lifestyle. Much like every subdivision built after the year 2000, the detached homes are big, architecturally impressive, though they tend to dominate the view as trees are still immature. Due to the excellent schools, there has been a large influx of new Canadians who highly value their children’s education; this demand has pushed prices up very high very quickly.
Glen Abbey
Living Large – Suburban Style
Prices: High
With the Famous Glen Abbey Golf Course, Glen Abbey is a very large subdivision built in the 80’s and 90’s, designed for the upper class executive who wants a show home. Be careful, some areas of Glen Abbey have not maintained their grand impression, and the homes and curb appeal have started to fall into disrepair. With the age and size of the area, this is inevitable, so doing your research is imperative to getting the right home for you.
Kerr Village
Oakville’s Village in the City
Prices: Moderate to High
This is the central area of South Oakville between Dorval & Trafalgar. Kerr Village has been revitalized in recent years, as an expansion to the ever trendy boutique shopping district along Lakeshore and Trafalgar. The commercial success has inched its way north along Kerr street and has brought new growth and demand to the area. The homes in this area are a wide mix, from century homes to in-fills and new builds. There is a high proportion of rentals in Kerr Village, but due to such high demand for lakeside living and ever rising land value, this area will continue to develop.
Southwest Oakville
Renovation Paradise
Prices: Moderate to Very High
This is an extremely large portion of Oakville that sits along the lake which stretches from 3rd line to Dorval. It was built mostly in the late 50’s and 60’s, with newer pockets closer to 3rd line. Many of these homes are quite small by today’s standards, but sit on respectable size lots, hence many have been fully renovated or demolished to make way for a custom build home. These areas lack the modern amenities that newer subdivisions boast, such as integrated pathways & green spaces, but with its proximity to the lake, it will continue to attract renovators for years to come.
Falgarwood
1970’s Revival
Prices: Affordable to High
Falgarwood is a modest 1970’s development that fell out of favour once the newer, grander areas of Glen Abbey and River Oaks were built. There is a much larger mix of housing, including large condo complexes that aren’t as visually appealing compared to most of Oakville. However, this area is coming back into view for the younger family looking for more affordable options. This area has good access to Toronto via Highway or GO Train, and this quiet area is well kept, with mature trees and green space.
Palermo
The New ‘Old’ Village
Prices: Moderate to High
Palermo Has a long history dating back to 1805 and wasn’t amalgamated with the Town of Oakville until 1965. It is a very small area of homes between Bronte Provincial Park and Bronte Road, just south of Dundas. To look at the development of homes, you might never guess it’s history, given that most homes are only 10 years old. Much of the architecture pay homage to its village roots, and also includes unique house designs including large 2-car homes that are linked.
Bronte
Lakeside Living
Prices: High to Very High
Bronte was founded in 1834 and began as a small fishing village. Today, there is a wide mix of housing, from historic and period homes, custom builds, 1980’s suburban, and new-build executive homes. Though close to the lake, Bronte’s appeal faded over time, but is experiencing a regeneration thanks to the newly built Lakeshore Woods subdivision and the luxury Bluwater Condo development. Bronte offers relatively affordable, as well as premium priced options for living near the lake.
Wedgewood Creek
Uptown 80’s Suburban
Prices: Moderate to High
This area is in a state of flux, where the east end is a lovely, well kept family neighbourhood with access to excellent schools. However closer to Trafalgar, the homes are feeling somewhat bland; certainly lacking the grand and elegant feeling that is so apparent elsewhere in the city. This already small area can be further divided in half, and it is very important to do your research to ensure you end up in the right home for you.
College Park
A Diamond in the Rough?
Prices: Moderate to High
Though considered one of the less desirable areas of Oakville, it is important to consider this relative to the proper criteria. Would I recommend College Park over Gage Street in Hamilton or Malton? Absolutely. There is no definitively bad area of Oakville. This area was build for the more modest family, in the late 50’s and 60’s where practicality won the day. If you want to live in Oakville to gain access to all the amenities that Oakville has to offer, this area offers a more affordable option.
Clearwiew
Enjoy Mississauga Amenities with Oakville Schools
Prices: High
This is a small area that feels largely cut off from the rest of Oakville, south of the QEW along Winston Churchill Blvd. If you didn’t know it, you would think it’s part of Mississauga, as it has a strong 1980’s subdivision feel, much like Central Erin Mills. The homes are large, however it lacks the curb appeal charm that Oakville has come to be known for. Due to its age, cosmetic upgrades would benefit these homes as well. It is easier to go into Mississauga for shopping and entertainment, so you might find you’re not exactly living the “Oakville Dream” if you choose Clearview.
Uptown Core
Prices: Moderate to High
Uptown Core is a newer development located in North Oakville.
