You want to move to Mississauga? Consider these 4 neighbourhoods
Mississauga, just west of Toronto, has a larger population than well known cities like Vancouver, Washington, and Denver. In 2014, Mississauga’s mayor, Hurricane Hazel McCallion, finished her career as the world’s oldest mayor. It’s also a multicultural hub with almost 50% of the city’s population made up of immigrants. The city is also one of the largest employment clusters in the GTA and is also home to the Canadian branch of some well known companies such as Madel, Hershey, Kelloggs, and Whirlpool.
Square One
Square One is the home to the largest shopping center in Ontario and also the second largest in all of Canada, just behind the infamous West Edmonton Mall. The neighbourhood is also filled with many entertainment venues, most notably the Celebration Square, which hosts exciting annual events throughout the year such as Ribfest, Ukrainian Festival, Iftar during Ramadan, Mississauga Halal Food Festival, Mississauga Polish Day, movie nights, farmers markets, as well as viewings of major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup and the NBA Finals. Square One will also be the home to some exciting developments, such as The Square One District, a huge 37-tower mixed-use development, adding around 18,000 residential units and thousands of square feet of new retail and entertainment spaces–all anchored by the existing Square One complex. Along with the residential and commercial development, Square One is home to the Art Gallery of Mississauga, the beloved Mississauga Public Library, City Hall, and the Hazel McCallion campus of Sheridan College. You just can’t go wrong with this area, especially if you’re looking for the urban city vibes of downtown Toronto.
Erindale
Although Port Credit and Square One are easily two of the most recognizable neighbourhoods in Mississauga, Erindale is an incredible neighbourhood that sometimes doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. It is home to the only university in the city, University of Toronto Mississauga, the 2nd largest division of the University of Toronto, which consistently ranks as one of the top universities in the world. The campus is situated on 225 acres of protected greenbelt along the Credit River, making it one of the more beautiful campuses in Ontario, if not one of the biggest. Apart from the university, Erindale is also known for the rows of multi-million dollar mansions along Mississauga Road. Take a drive down this curvy, single-lane road and you’ll be shocked by some of the most stunning houses you’ll see along the way. If driving isn’t your thing, Erindale also has some great hiking trails including one that goes through an abandoned hydroelectric power dam!
Port Credit
If the hustle and bustle of a downtown life is not what you’re looking for, there is no better place than Port Credit, also referred to as Mississauga’s “Village on the Lake”. Located in the south-central part of the city, this distinct neighbourhood has some of the most charming views of Lake Ontario and the marinas. Port Credit was an incorporated town until 1974, when it merged with the city of Mississauga–this is why you notice that most homes and retail stores in this area are architecturally different. It is also home to several festivals and events, such as the Waterfront Festival, The Port Credit In-Water Boat Show, and the South Side Shuffle Annual Blues & Jazz Festival. The best part of Port Credit, however, is arguably its endless dining and leisure options. Grab a bite to eat right by the lake or bring a kayak and explore the breathtaking views of the lakefront! Commuting is very convenient in this area with the presence of the Port Credit GO train station, the soon to be Hurontario LRT, and quick access to the Queen Elizabeth Way highway.
Streetsville
One of the most unique things about Mississauga is that you can find all types of neighbourhoods in terms of how the buildings are designed and laid out. Streetsville is unique because of its “small town” charm, retained by the presence of the largest number of historical buildings in the city. As you may have already noticed, many neighbourhoods are home to various festivals throughout the year and Streetsville is no exception. Some of these include the Bread & Honey Festival, the Santa Claus Parade, Canada Day festivities, and a Christmas market known as “Christmas in the Village”. One fact that you probably didn’t know is that the first location (and arguably the best) of Osmow’s, one of the largest Middle Eastern restaurant franchises in the country, is right here in Streetsville! If European style streets and a small town vibe are what you’re looking for, look no further than Streetsville.
Mississauga has plenty to offer in whichever type of neighbourhood you’re looking for, but keep in mind that this is a fast growing city with skyrocketing housing prices. In December, 2021, the average price for homes sold in the city was a record $1,092,000, a gain of 25.2% from December, 2020, so locals are quickly getting priced out of this rapidly growing city. Nevertheless, Mississauga has established itself as a major contributor to not only Ontario’s economy, but Canada’s as well. Along with that, Mississauga is one of the best cities in the country for its quality of life, home to 3 major hospitals, over 250 public schools, 489 public parks, and low crime rates. If you do get a chance to make Mississauga your new home, you will not regret it.
