8/10
Overall Score
6.5/10
School Ranking Score
8.5/10
Family Friendly Score
6/10
Relative Affordability Score
Active Outdoor Lifestyle
Walking Distance to Port Credit
Lakefront Parks of Port Credit
8/10
Overall Score
Mineola Overview
Looking for a luxury home in a quiet setting that’s close to everything you could possible need? Then Mineola is the place for you. Located south of the QEW, just north of Port Credit, Mineola is the hottest destination for wealthy families in Mississauga. Developed mostly between 1940-1960, this neighbourhood is quiet and very exclusive. Mineola West is private enclave, tucked away in a peaceful wooded corner beside the river; it is unlike any other area of the West GTA. East Mineola was built more like a suburban subdivision, and though not quite as prestigious as Mineola West, it’s location is still in very high demand and allows the residents to enjoy all the amenities that Mineola has to offer.
Mineola Real Estate Info
There are two distinct areas of Mineola, Mineola East and Mineola West. The west is a small enclave that hugs the east side of the Credit River. This area is characterized by trees, trees and more trees. Quiet and exclusive, if you are looking for a stately castle in a wooded setting, Mineola West is for you. Prices average between $2 to $3 million dollars and up for custom builds.
In Mineola East there is more of a mix. You will find custom build homes, as well family suburban homes the further east towards Cawthra road. More affordable (when compared to Mineola West) this area has some smaller lots, fewer trees and standard, builder designed streets. Due to its location, prices are still high, but achievable for upwardly mobile families, and also attractive to investors looking to do renovations.
Your Typical Neighbour in Mineola
Generally speaking, you will find 2 major types of neighbour in Mineola. First are long time residents who have lived there for decades. Unlike the majority of Mississauga, Mineola is predominantly long time residents, with less visible minorities then most other areas in the city. The second type is wealthy families. Along with house prices, the average income in Mineola is significantly higher than the city of Mississauga average. Homes are very well kept and curb appeal is important. Your neighbours also know they live in Mineola so if you are looking for prestige, you’re in good company.
Score Factor 1: Housing Characteristics
Mineola has a very high percentage of detached single family homes. Regardless of what type of house you are looking for, you’ll pay a premium in Mineola. Below are the general categories of homes you will encounter while looking for a home in Mineola.
Mineola West
- There are many styles, although French country with modern materials is popular among the recent builds
- These aren’t the biggest custom homes in the city, you will find bigger along Mississauga Road and in Gordon Woods, but the location of Mineola has very high value
- There was much effort made to build around the old trees, giving the area a mature look a feel despite the newness of the homes
- Most lots are very private and some are up to 200 feet deep
- A favorite destination of high end buyers from Toronto looking for a special home in the ‘burbs’. With the Port Credit GO Train, there is quick access to downtown Toronto
Mineola East
- There’s more of a mix of housing styles and price points in Mineola East, however you can still find many multi million dollar custom homes in this area
- Due to the age, the lot sizes are still large, the trees are nice, but it certainly doesn’t look like a wooded forest like Mineola West
- Mineola East is a great opportunity to buy a family home in Mineola without the extremely high price of Mineola West (though still very expensive for the size of home you are getting because it its location)
Small Cottage Style Homes
- Mineola still has a number of smaller homes and cottages spread out through the neighbourhood
- These are a favourite of investors and developers
- Lot value- when you buy these homes you are buying the lot. When these homes sell usually the bulldozer is not far behind, especially if they’re in Mineola West
Score Factor 2: Community Vibe & Amenities
Pro’s:
- You can walk to Port Credit and take advantage of shops, restaurants and lifestyle and go home to your quiet and private home
- Port Credit Go Train means you can be in downtown Toronto in 20 minutes for work or a night on the town
Con’s:
- A portion of Mineola flanks the railroad tracks in the south and the QEW in the north, which is less desirable and does not hold the same value
Port Credit & Lakeview Amenities
The fact of the matter is that Mineola doesn’t have very many amenities. The neighbourhood is a perfect example of a traditional suburban luxury community where there is a real feeling of exclusion from the rest of the city. The streets are very quiet, and many homes are set far back from the road with large backyards.
This set up works because you can travel just south of the railroad tracks and be on Port Credit, where you have shops, restaurants and a vibrant village lifestyle. If you travel further east on Lakeshore you can get to Lakeview, which is another area close to Mineola with amenities.
Port Credit
Lakefront Urban Living
Home Prices: High
With a history of over 300 years, Port Credit is by far the oldest village in Mississauga. Remaining an independent town until it amalgamated with the city of Mississauga in 1974, Port Credit has maintained it’s distinct character as a small urban village which is different from the majority of Mississauga’s other, more suburban neighbourhoods.
Lakeview
Waterfront Revival
Home Prices: Moderate to High
Lakeview is an up and coming popular destination for people who like close access to lake Ontario and downtown Toronto. Lakeview is undergoing a waterfront development plan that will continue to drive interest to this village within the city. Many of the homes in Lakeview are traditional post war cottage homes on generous sized square lots; perfect for renovators and people looking to customize their home.
Score Factor 3: Quality & Ranking of Schools
Pro’s:
- Kenollie public school, located in Mineola West is one of the best in all of Mississauga. EQAO scores are significantly higher in this school than city averages
- Mineola Public school is also an above average grade school.
- Both Catholic Grade schools, St. Dominic & St. Timothy are excellent schools that score well on EQAO
Score Factor 4: Overall Affordability & Value
Affordability:
Mineola is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in all of Mississauga, as the average family does not have $2 million plus to spend. However this is part of the attraction; if you do have this kind of money to spend, there is an elite and exclusive feeling that is only available to the few.
Value:
Though the price is high, the value is higher. This is one of the most prestigious areas west of Toronto, let alone Mississauga. The area is comparable to Eastlake in Oakville, but with the bonus of being much closer to Toronto and Mineola is tucked along the credit river in a way that few are even aware of the area, giving it an exclusive and private feel. The character homes, the winding streets, the mature trees and proximity to the lakeshore all offer a wonderful environment to live. The only reason Mineola did not receive top marks is because the schools are not top ranking, but many families in the area send their children to private school. The lifestyle of Mineola is definitely reserved for an elite few.
Mineola Articles
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