THE BASICS
Once a quiet town, Brampton is now the 11th largest city in Canada and the 3rd largest in the GTA. The seat of the Peel Region government, the community is roughly bisected by highway 410, with old “Brampton” to the west and old “Bramalea” to the east.The community is a short 18 km drive from Toronto Pearson Airport, and a 42 km drive from downtown Toronto. Though it is served by three GO Stations and its own transit system, it is frequently cited by locals as a hard place to enjoy without a car. Once in their cars, or on their bikes (weather permitting), since cycling is very popular in the GTA, residents are able to enjoy a high quality of life with all the conveniences of an urban centre at their disposal. A clean, well-kept, and safe community, Brampton was the first city in the GTA to be designated an International Safe Community by the World Health Organization. With over 6,000 acres of green space, the city provides access to a wide variety of outdoor activities, as well as a great number of shopping malls, libraries, hospitals, schools, and places of worship. Brampton also has a lively theatre scene and is a popular destination for golfers, brimming with 7 beautiful courses.
Tip: If you are a golfer who is scoping out prospective neighbourhoods to move to, there is some fine golfing available in the Castlemore area of town, as well as some fairly large, beautiful and meticulously maintained houses.
THE PEOPLE
Historically known as the “Flower Capital of Canada,” Brampton is now rich in bloom with a rapidly increasing, young, and diverse population. One of the youngest communities in the GTA, the median age of Brampton residents is 33.7, compared with 37.5 years across the GTA and 39.5 years across Canada. Ranked the fifth largest population of visible minorities in Canada, roughly 57% of Brampton’s population is composed of visible minorities, South Asians alone accounting for 31.69% of the population in the city’s 2006 Census. Part of Canada’s “economic engine”, the GTA, Brampton attracts residents to its diversified local economy with many employment opportunities within the city and close by. Manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing and retail trade were the 3 largest industries based on employment in 2006.
Tip: The upshot of Brampton’s wholesome, “small big town” feel is a somewhat lacking nightlife, which subsists in spite of their youthful population. Many young people here take a 20 minute drive to Mississauga when they want to put some “yay” in their GTA.
HOMES
Though slightly less expensive than Toronto, homes here are still fairly pricy. The most popular type of housing is Brampton is detached family homes, which average $402, 361 (compared to the average detached home in Toronto: $597, 963). For many who live here, its convenient location, abundant green space, low crime rates and according safe neighbourhoods make the price of living in such a big city well worth it.
One of the highlights of Brampton is its bustling downtown hub, a good real estate area to target for those looking for an authentic, 100+ year old Edwardian or Victorian Home. Many of these heritage homes may prove a disappointment, however, if you are expecting large bedrooms and bathrooms, as older parts of town are generally smaller. If you are looking for a newer home, don’t fear; Brampton has a very active real estate market, with many new subdivisions to choose from, and more springing up all the time.
Tip: Though most communities here are very family friendly and safe, the most unsafe areas in Brampton are generally thought to be near or north of Queens and Kennedy (However, there are many areas downtown that are perfectly safe!).
One Final Tip: Servicing a city with the 2nd fasted growing population in Canada, and an evidently lively real estate industry, its no surprise that Brampton movers are kept very busy year round, so be sure to book your Brampton movers well in advance!
