Moving to Canada offers exciting opportunities and a new way of life. But, it’s a big decision that involves exploring where to live and work in Canada. Brampton, Ontario is one of many cities to consider. It is a popular location for new immigrants because of its vibrant multiculturism. However, it’s vital to research the city before you make your final decision about where to live.
Learning about the housing market, local economy, career options, and what the city offers will ensure you make the best decision for you and your family. This overview will give you a taste of what you can expect living in Brampton!
Where is Brampton, Ontario Located?
Brampton, Ontario is located in the Regional Municipality (RM) of Peel. The RM includes the cities of Mississauga and Brampton, and the Town of Caledon. The region is also part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and is 40 km from the City of Toronto. Brampton is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada.
Historically inhabited by indigenous peoples, it was named after the Town of Brampton, England, and incorporated as a town in 1873. It became a city in 1974. Today, it is one of the most diverse cities in Canada.
How Many People Live in Brampton, Ontario?
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The city has a population of close to 700,000. It is the 9th largest city in Canada, the 4th largest in Ontario, and the 3rd largest within the GTA. 52% of the city’s population were born outside of Canada, making Brampton the fourth-largest visible minority population in the country.
How to Continue Your Career and Find a Job in Brampton
Discover more about the economic landscape, top industries, and how to continue your career in Brampton.
Brampton’s Local Economy
Brampton’s proximity to Pearson International Airport, major highways, and corporations attract many people and businesses to the region. It has become a destination for corporate head offices, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and factories. It is a prime location along the supply chain in the province. High growth is expected in the city until 2041.
The top industries in Brampton are:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Supply chain and logistics
- Information and communication technologies
- Innovation and technology
- Food and beverage
- Health and life sciences
- Business services.
Major Employers in Brampton
Brampton is home to major employers across many industries. It is home to more than 100 Biotech firms. And it’s located in the centre of the Toronto-Waterloo Innovation Corridor, the second-largest tech cluster in North America outside of Silicon Valley. Some of the top employers include:
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- Amazon
- Dynacare
- Coca-Cola Bottling Ltd.
- Maple Lodge Farms Ltd.
- CN Rail
- Paramount Fine Foods
- Rogers.
Career Pathways in Brampton
Brampton is building an Innovation District. This is an ecosystem to connect talent, educators, investors, and entrepreneurs with high-growth organizations. The City of Brampton is also strengthening its labour force in its key industries.
Careers in manufacturing, construction, food & beverage, healthcare, life science, logistics, and information technology offer diverse opportunities. Check out how to continue your Career Pathway for more than 25 occupations in Canada.
You can contact local recruiters when you arrive in Canada. Some top recruiting firms are Advantage Group, IS2, Robert Half, Randstad Canada, and HCR Personnel Solutions, Inc.
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The Brampton Housing Market
Brampton continues to grow and expand, offering newcomers more diverse housing options. Whether you are looking for a detached home, condo, or townhouse, you can find it in one of the city’s neighbourhoods.
Most newcomers arrange for short-term accommodation before arriving in Canada, and then search for permanent rental accommodation when they arrive in Canada. Buying a home in Canada remains an important dream for newcomers to grow roots, and build equity in Canada. However, it’s wise to rent a home before jumping into homeownership.
Is Housing Expensive in Brampton, Ontario?
Housing prices are rising in Brampton, like all other cities in the province. But it is more affordable than others in the Greater Toronto Area. This makes it a more attractive city for newcomers wanting to buy homes.
The location you choose to live will determine how much you pay for housing. The most expensive neighbourhoods are Toronto Gore, Huttonville, Vales of Castlemore, and Brampton West. Some of the most affordable areas are Bramalea, Sandringham-Wellington, and Heart Lake.
Finding a Place to Rent in Brampton
Rental prices vary based on the type of housing you require, location, and vacancy rates in Brampton.
| NUMBER OF BEDROOMS | AVERAGE RENT (As of October, 2024) |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,595 |
| 1-Bedroom | $1,838 |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,342 |
| 3-Bedroom | $3,069 |
Use Rentals for Newcomers to search for available rental units in Brampton. Here, you can also find current rental prices in Brampton.
Also, consider buying renters’ insurance if you are renting an apartment. Most property owners will require it as part of your lease agreement. In Canada, your property owner’s insurance does not protect the tenant. You will need renters’ insurance to protect your family, belongings, and finances. Get more information about renting a home: Renting in Canada: What Newcomers Need to Know
Buying a Home in Brampton
Brampton’s benchmark home price as of September 2024 saw a year-over-year price drop of 5.9% to $984,000.
Homebuying Stats:
AVERAGE BRAMPTON HOME SOLD PRICE: $1,035,184 (Down 0.6 COMPARED TO LAST YEAR).
| TYPE OF HOUSE | AVERAGE PRICE (UP OR DOWN) YEAR-OVER-YEAR |
|---|---|
| Detached Home | Down 1.8% to $1.9 M |
| Semi-Detached Home | Price unchanged at $932k |
| Condo Townhouse | Down 2.6% to 675k |
| Condo Apartment | Down 3.8% to 521k |
Buying a home in Brampton is expensive. But, prices are coming down. Read more about the latest housing stats and trends in Canada for newcomers here.
Find out more about buying your first home in Canada: First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips
Driving & Public Transit in Brampton
Driving in Brampton, Ontario
This is a big part of life for Brampton residents. The city is surrounded by several major highways including Highway 410 which runs through the middle of the city. Other Highways include 401, Highway 10, Highway 7, and Highway 407 ETR, which is a toll road.
Brampton has some of the highest auto insurance rates in the province. The region is known for a high car accident rate. To save on auto insurance, drive safely and keep a clean driving record.
Get more information about driving in Canada:
Driving in Canada: 10 Essential Facts to Know
Driving Test in Canada: A Full Guide
Getting Your Drivers License in Ontario
Brampton Public Transit
Brampton Transit is one of the fastest-growing transit providers in Canada. Residents use Zum bus rapid transit to connect to attractions and destinations in Brampton and connect to public transit systems such as York Regional Transit and MiWay (Mississauga Transit). If you work in Toronto, it’s a quick and easy commute on the GO train or other areas across the GTA.
Using public transit offers an affordable option to owning and operating a car. And, you can avoid the busy roads and highways that can be quite congested.
Community Support for Newcomers
As a home to many immigrants, Brampton offers a range of newcomer services. So, you can get support to find work, look for housing, enhance your language skills, and much more. Free newcomer services can help you adapt to your new community faster and more easily.
The Newcomer Settlement Program through the Brampton Multicultural Centre, The Newcomer Centre of Peel (NCP), and Immigration Peel are great resources to help you adapt to your new community. Learn more about Services in Canada to Help Newcomers Settle.
Language Support in Brampton
Newcomers can access language support services at the Brampton Library, or take language classes through Settlement.org, Immigration Peel, and other community groups. Settlement workers can help you with jobs, housing and schools, health care, banking, and more!
Personal Finance & Banking
Setting yourself up for financial success is vital before and after you arrive in Canada. All local banks in Brampton have programs to help newcomers. You can open personal and business bank accounts and apply for other financial products. Banks can assist you with getting a credit card, opening a line of credit, and applying for a mortgage. Visit a local bank branch to start the process.
Get more banking tips for newcomers:
Top 10 Financial Steps to Take Before You Leave for Canada
Move to Canada | Transferring Cash & Valuables
Open a Bank Account Before Arriving in Canada
Brampton’s Education System
Brampton offers top-notch education for children and adults. There are two main school boards in the area. However, one thing that Brampton lacks is a post-secondary institution. But, you can access colleges and universities throughout the GTA.
Parents have access to many preschool and daycare options. There are before and after school programs, and private, public, and community childcare programs across the city.
Elementary and High School Education
The Peel District School Board runs 122 public schools in Brampton. The Peel School Board has We Welcome the World Centres to help you register your children in school, and access other helpful services.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board runs 44 Catholic elementary and middle schools and nine high schools. Their Newcomer Centres can provide a smooth entry into the school community.
If you prefer, you can enroll your children in a private school in Brampton. However, you pay tuition fees if your children attend a private school.
Post Secondary Institutions
The city has two post-secondary institutions – Algoma University at Brampton and Sheridan College. There are also private colleges such as TriOS College, SDI College, Medix College, and Evergreen College.
Read more about education in Canada:
Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System
Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers
Where to Get Medical Care in Brampton, Ontario
William Osler Health System’s Brampton Civic Hospital and Peel Memorial Hospital are the two major hospitals in the city. However, there are plans to expand facilities in the city.
The city has hundreds of smaller medical and dental clinics that operate in Brampton. You can pay for additional health insurance plans for prescription drugs and services that the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover. Some people have third-party health insurance through their employer benefits packages.
In case of an emergency call 9-1-1. This number is the same no matter where you live in Canada.
How to Find a Family Doctor in Brampton
Finding a family doctor is crucial to ensure your health and wellness. There are two ways to look for a doctor in Brampton: through Health Care Connect or The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
Read more about the steps to access free health care in Canada.
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What is Day-to-Day Life Like in Brampton?
Things to Do in Brampton
Brampton is a great place to call home with many recreation facilities, museums, cultural centres, and exciting events happening all year.
Public Spaces & Attractions
The city has several unique attractions. Some of the most popular are the Peel Art Gallery, Artway Gallery, Great War Flying Museum, and many others. If you’re into the arts, The Rose and Lester B. Pearson Theatre holds multicultural productions throughout the year.
Restaurants & Nightlife
Brampton is known for its culinary experience from around the world. You’ll discover diverse cultural restaurants throughout the city. Check out the Brampton Food Guide to learn about the hidden gems and abundance of diverse foods!
Nature & Natural Landscapes
Some of the top outdoor attractions include Gage Park, Claireville Conservation Area, Heart Lake Conservation Area, and Professor’s Lake.
Sporting Events & Concerts
Garden Square is a great place to see local music artists, live entertainment, cultural events, and much more. The city is home to several minor league sports teams. The most notable is the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League
Culture & Diversity In Brampton
Diversity
Diversity is the top reason people choose Brampton as their new home when they come to Canada. There are over 300,000 immigrants in the city. Over 80.6% (523,850 people) report as a visible minority. In total, over 250 cultures are speaking 171 languages!
Based on the 2021 Census, the top three visible minorities were South Asian (340,815) Black (85,305), and Filipino (21,060). This is followed by European (26%), Black (13.9%), Filipino (3.4%), Latin American (2.4%), East Asian (1.7%), and Southeast Asian (1.4%).
The most common languages spoken in the city are English (95.1%), Punjabi (24.0%), Hindi (11.4%), Urdu (5.4%), and French (5.2%).
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Places of Worship
As a diverse city, many religions are represented with the largest being Catholic and Protestant. Other religions include Sikhism, Hinduism, and Islam. The city has one of the largest Hindu and Sikh populations in the country. Check here to find Hindu places of worship or Sikh Temples.
The Weather in Brampton
Brampton has a continental climate that is like the rest of Southern Ontario. The average temperature ranges from -9.4° C in January to as high as 27.1° C in July.
The city enjoys four seasons. You can expect sunny and humid days during the summer, rain in the fall and spring, and cold and snow in the Winter.
Common Questions Immigrants Ask About Living in Brampton
Is Brampton Cheaper than Toronto?
Yes. Brampton is more affordable than Toronto, but not by much. Real estate prices continue to rise and Brampton is expensive. However, there are affordable areas within the city.
Is it Better to Live in Brampton or Mississauga?
With the cities close together, it is common for immigrants to consider both. These neighbouring cities are similar in size and population. When choosing between the two, you might consider your housing choices, lifestyle preferences, and the type of community you want to live in. However, both are excellent choices for newcomers.
What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Brampton?
Brampton is a dynamic, diverse, and fast-growing city. It offers great amenities for newcomers and provides a healthy job market and affordable housing. Some downsides include a lack of post-secondary schools and traffic congestion on city roads and surrounding highways. But, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of living in Brampton when deciding which city to live in Canada.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle successfully!
