Why Burlington, Ontario Is an Exceptional Place to Live

Nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario and backed by the Niagara Escarpment, Burlington strikes a compelling balance between natural beauty, urban convenience, and community spirit. Whether you're relocating for family, work, or lifestyle, here are the top 10 reasons Burlington deserves your attention — with a few local gems you won’t want to miss.

1. Consistently High Quality-of-Life Rankings

Burlington has been repeatedly recognized in national ranking reports:

• It was recently named the 5th best place to live in Canada, according to sources including MovingWaldo, MoneySense, Maclean’s, and The Globe and Mail. 

• The city also touts a high “happiness” score on Point2Homes, taking into account economy, real estate, location, and community environment.

• According to Burlington’s own data, 95% of residents rate their quality of life as “Good” or “Excellent.”

• In the 2023 community survey, 79% of respondents rated Burlington’s quality of life as “very good” or “excellent,” and 81% were at least somewhat satisfied with city services.

Those are strong signals that people here genuinely enjoy living in Burlington.

2. Safe, Livable, and Family-Friendly

Burlington boasts a strong livability score and lower-than-average crime:

• According to AreaVibes, Burlington scores 81/100 on its livability index.

• Crime in Burlington is about 10% lower than the Ontario average.

• The city is often described as family-friendly, with parks, trails, and amenities geared toward all ages.

For families or those seeking a stable, secure environment, Burlington checks many boxes.

3. Great Location & Commute Options

Burlington’s geographical position is a real advantage:

• It sits between Toronto and Hamilton, offering access to both job markets, cultural centres, and airports.

• The city is part of the Greater Toronto Area and the Golden Horseshoe and benefits from major highways and transit corridors.

• For commuters, that means you can live in a more peaceful setting while still having access to urban centres.

4. Abundant Green Space & Natural Beauty

From waterfront trails to escarpment views, Burlington is rich in nature:

• The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) spans Burlington and Hamilton and is one of the region’s foremost horticultural and conservation sites.

• Spencer Smith Park, located downtown on the lake, is a signature gathering place with paths, a beach, festivals, and lakefront views.

• More than half the city’s land area is designated as greenbelt or protected space — blending growth with ecological stewardship.

Photo: Mac's Aerial Photography

5. A Vibrant Downtown & Cultural Scene

Downtown Burlington is dynamic, walkable, and full of character:

• The Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) is a LEED Gold–certified venue in the core.

• The Art Gallery of Burlington, located on the waterfront, houses one of the largest collections of contemporary ceramics in Canada. 

• Festivals and events, such as the Sound of Music Festival, grace Spencer Smith Park and the downtown precinct. 

Downtown’s cafés, shops, galleries, and walkability make it an inviting hub for residents and visitors alike.

6. Strong Local Economy, Education & Workforce

Burlington’s economic outlook and talent base are important draws:

• Over 67% of residents hold post-secondary credentials.

• Employers in Burlington benefit from a skilled workforce and attractive quality of life — helping retain and attract talent.

• The real estate market tends to reflect the demand for places that balance lifestyle and accessibility.

7. Excellent Retail, Amenities & Services

You’ll find what you need — close by:

• Mapleview Centre is Burlington’s major shopping mall, with more than 180 stores.

• Parks, recreation centres, trails, and sports facilities are abundant across neighbourhoods.

• The city generally receives good marks in its own surveys for parks, trails, and recreation services.

8. Neighbourhood Diversity & Community Feel

Burlington has a mix of neighbourhoods, from quiet family zones to more urban, dense areas. Some highlights:

• Roseland is one of these mature, well-established enclaves near the lake and community amenities.

• In Roseland, residents enjoy proximity to both greenspace and lakefront access, with a sense of calm and local identity.

• Across Burlington, neighbours tend to be active and civically engaged — multiple community groups, festivals, and volunteer organizations are common.

9. Roseland Park Country Club & Roseland Tennis

For tennis lovers (or those seeking a social, active club atmosphere), Roseland Park Country Club (often just “Roseland”) is a real gem in Burlington
If tennis, social clubs, and community amenities are important, Roseland adds a special dimension to living in Burlington.

10. Balanced Lifestyle — Urban Perks, Suburban Calm

One of Burlington’s strongest selling points is the balance:

• You get many of the urban perks — cultural venues, dining, transit access — without the density stress of a major city.

• At the same time, you get more green, more quiet, more space for families, and a slower pace in many neighbourhoods.

• For those who work in Toronto, Hamilton, or in the GTA, Burlington offers a more relaxed base while keeping key access intact.

Some Tips & Considerations

• Housing affordability & supply: As with many desirable places, housing is in demand; prospective buyers or renters should plan ahead.

• Transit & infrastructure: While the city offers transit and road corridors, some residents note challenges around transit convenience and traffic.

• Neighbourhood fit matters: Each area in Burlington has its own feel (lakefront vs mid-city vs escarpment side), so match your priorities (schools, green space, walkability) to the right zone.