Thinking of moving to Oakville? The city ranked Canada’s number one place to live in 2018. Oakville was also named the best place for new Canadians, the third best place to retire, and the fifth-best place to raise a family. Situated in the GTA, Oakville allows access to Toronto’s active job market while still offering the benefits of a smaller suburb. With a population of just over 200,00, Oakville manages to retain a small community feel.
Downtown Area
Downtown Oakville has a quaint feel but over 400 businesses, such as trendy eateries and bars, charming shops and high-end boutiques. Many events happen throughout the year, such as A Taste of Downtown Oakville, an annual Sidewalk Sale, and Midnight Madness. You will find lush parks, trails, and bike paths, as well as a stunning waterfront.
Recreation
- The golfers can seek out the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, or the Glenn Abbey Golf Course, which has hosted 31 Canadian Open Championships.
- If you are interested in theatre, dance, music, or comedy, visit the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, one of the independent galleries, or the Oakville Museum.
- Annual festivals include the Oakville Jazz Festival, Kerrfest(an outdoor music festival), and the Love & Arts Festival.
- Along the lakeshore, you will find the Oakville Harbour and the Oakville Yacht Club with award-winning restaurants, fine art shops, antique stores and more.
- For those in search of nature, Oakville has over 2400 acres of park space and over 140 km of trails, including Bronte Creek Provincial Park.
Schools
Oakville has some of the highest-ranking schools in the area, with a mix of public and private schools, and options for religious, French Immersion, and alternative schools. The city has some of the highest rates of private schools to student population ratios in Canada. It is home to Appleby College, one of the best private schools in the country. If you are looking for post-secondary education, you will find Sheridan College, home to 16,000 full-time students, and 35,000 continuing education students.
Fun Fact
The entire parcel of land, now known as the town of Oakville, was bought at an auction for approximately $4,116 in 1827 by Oakville’s founder, William Chisholm.