Are you looking for a more affordable and less crowded place to live? Burlington might be a perfect fit for you. It is located on the shores of Lake Ontario. Its beautiful natural surroundings, vibrant community, and excellent amenities offer a high quality of life. In the heart of the Niagara Peninsula and Golden Horseshoe region, Burlington is perfectly situated, only 60 kilometers from Toronto and a part of the Hamilton metropolitan area. In this guide, we will learn about the benefits of living in Burlington, Ontario.
Canada is recognized as one of the best places to live and work. It is known for its extraordinary cultural, economic, and geographical diversity. The province in which you choose to live plays an important role in your financial success upon arrival. Although Toronto frequently takes center stage, Burlington, Ontario, is a hidden gem that presents many advantages to prospective newcomers.
If you’re thinking about relocating to Canada, Burlington is a great option. Its robust economy, varied employment opportunities, and reasonably priced housing make it a desirable destination for recent immigrants.
An overview of Burlington, Ontario
Burlington is famous for its stunning natural surroundings, waterfront access, and excellent infrastructure. The city offers excellent growth prospects due to its diverse economy, convenient location between Toronto and Hamilton, and close proximity to the US border. There are several highly sought-after neighborhoods within the city.
Resonance Consultancy named Burlington one of Canada’s 25 Best Small Cities in 2022. The city did especially well in the safety category, which is a crucial consideration for many people when making a move. Additionally, Burlington was recognized by Maclean’s Magazine as Canada’s Best Community and Best Community for Families in 2019, taking into account many factors such as the local economy, transportation alternatives, crime statistics, facilities, and cultural activities.
After becoming a hamlet in 1874, Burlington became a city in 1974 when its population topped 100,000. The population is almost twice as large now.
Burlington has 186,948 residents according to the 2021 Census, a 2% increase from 2016. Situated as the 28th most populous city, it’s an excellent choice for newcomers looking for a more intimate setting.
Career opportunities in Burlington, Ontario
The economy of Burlington is also quite diversified and neither dependent on a single industry, and with important sectors including agriculture, manufactures, transportation, inter alia, due to geography. Burlington which belongs to the Manitoba province of Canada is home to 13,000 More companies in 85, 000 more people find work there. There are career options in the areas such as advanced manufacturing, software development, professional and technical services, clean technology, food, and beverage, information, and communication technologies (ICT) besides logistics. Among the large employers are Boehringer Ingelheim, Cogeco, EMC Corporation Canada, Evertz Microsystems, Sofina Foods Inc. and Deloitte.
If you’re new to the job market the Burlington Economic Development Centre is joining forces with the Canadian governments Global Skills Strategy (GSS) to bring in talent from overseas. They provide options for obtaining work permits for skilled persons. If you’re looking for job openings it’s a good idea to check out the websites of companies or reach out to local recruitment agencies such as Randstad Canada, Elby Professional Recruitment Inc. and AppleOne Employment Services for support.
Understanding the Housing Market of Burlington
The high cost of housing in Burlington, Ontario, is a reflection of the city’s appeal. Burlington, one of the most expensive cities in the province for both real estate and rentals, is following the pattern set by neighboring communities like Oakville, St. Catharines, and the Niagara region. Aldershot, Alton Village, Brant Hills, Dynes, Headon Forest, Longmoor, Palmer, Plains, and Tansley are just a few of the communities you can explore in the real estate market.
Burlington is a very expensive city to rent in, with average monthly prices for a one-bedroom apartment starting at $1,500, $2,349 for a two-bedroom apartment, and $2,260 for a three-bedroom apartment. Through Rentals for Newcomers, prospective tenants can look for available properties and current rental rates. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have renter’s insurance because landlords won’t cover tenants and property owners could demand proof as part of the rental agreement. Depending on location, size, and features, the average cost of a house in Burlington can reach roughly $1,245,837 as of July 2022. The average cost of a townhouse is around $831,000, and the average cost of a condo is about $628,000.
Exploring Roads, Traffic, and Public Transit Services
Situated along a significant transportation corridor, Burlington, Ontario is accessible via a number of important routes, such as the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), Highway 403, and Highway 407 ETR. The region’s heavy commuter population might cause delays on the route. Winter driving conditions might also be difficult. Every driver in Ontario must obtain a current driver’s license, and they can begin the graduated licensing program at age 16.
There is a reliable public transportation system in Burlington for people who would rather not drive. Getting about the city is made simple by Burlington Transit’s bus services. Three commuter GO Train stations are also present, giving locals easy access to the Greater Toronto Area.
Community Support for Immigrants
The Halton Region provides access to community help for newcomers to Burlington. Immigrant empowerment in the area is the goal of the Halton Newcomer Strategy Steering Committee. The Centre for Skills Development and Refugees and Citizenship Canada can provide further assistance.
The Centre for Skills Development offers the LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) program at two Burlington locations on Appleby Line and South Service Road. Through this program, new immigrants can also obtain language instruction. Local credit unions and banks offer initiatives to assist newcomers with personal finance, including opening bank accounts, obtaining credit cards, and applying for mortgages. Just stop by a nearby branch to get going.
Education System of Burlington
Children and adults can choose from a variety of educational opportunities in Burlington, including public, private, French, vocational, and post-secondary schools. The Halton Catholic District School Board oversees Catholic schools, while the Halton District School Board oversees public schools for elementary and high school education. There are ten private schools, six public high schools, fourteen Catholic elementary schools, three Catholic high schools, and 29 public primary schools in the city.
There are fewer opportunities for post-secondary education in Burlington. The Oxford College of Arts, Business, and Technology and the McMaster University DeGroote School of Business are located there. On the other hand, inhabitants have many local possibilities for higher education because they live close to larger cities with prestigious schools and universities.
Medical Care in Burlington, Ontario
The primary medical facility in Burlington is Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital. If a resident does not have a family doctor, they can also visit walk-in clinics for non-urgent care. Hospitals in adjacent cities also offer more medical choices. Residents should dial 9-1-1, the emergency number used throughout Canada, in urgent situations.
Residents of Ontario are eligible for healthcare coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP); to use these services, you must apply for an OHIP card. People can acquire extra health insurance coverage to cover costs not covered by OHIP, such as prescription medicines. Also, a lot of companies include healthcare benefits in their packages for employees. Residents can use the Halton Region website to obtain a list of family doctors in Burlington who are accepting new patients and make direct contact with their clinics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, living in Burlington, Ontario, offers a balanced lifestyle with a mix of urban convenience and natural beauty. Its proximity to Toronto, strong job market, excellent schools, and welcoming community make it a great choice for newcomers to Canada. Whether you’re seeking career opportunities, family-friendly amenities, or a peaceful lakeside environment, Burlington provides a high quality of life, making it an ideal place to settle and thrive in Ontario.