Why You Should Consider Moving To Vaughan Ontario
As a lifelong resident of Vaughan, I’m amazed by how this community has evolved from a quiet collection of rural townships into one of Canada’s most dynamic cities. Vaughan is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada with a population of more than 344,412 people and 240,100 jobs in 2022, and there are compelling reasons why so many families are choosing to call this place home.
The numbers tell an incredible story of growth and opportunity. Through 2051, Vaughan will become home to 228,800 more people, bringing the total expected population to 570,400 people. This isn’t just growth for growth’s sake – it represents families and individuals recognizing what I’ve known my whole life: Vaughan offers something truly special in the Greater Toronto Area.
Having helped hundreds of families make the transition from Toronto to Vaughan, or relocate here from other parts of Canada and the world, I’ve seen firsthand why people choose our community. Whether you’re a young family looking for space to grow, professionals seeking a better work-life balance, or empty nesters wanting suburban tranquility with urban convenience, here are the top reasons why Vaughan should be on your list.
1. Unbeatable Location and Transportation Access
Prime Position in the GTA
Located just 25–35 minutes from downtown Toronto, Vaughan offers a calm escape from the hustle while keeping you close to major job centers and cultural hotspots. This proximity is what initially draws many families here – you can have your suburban dream while maintaining access to everything Toronto offers.
What makes our location even more valuable is the infrastructure that supports it. Highways 400, 407, and 7 make driving across the GTA convenient, and I’ve watched clients who were initially concerned about commuting discover just how accessible the rest of the region really is.
Revolutionary Transit Connections
The game-changer for our community has been the subway extension. Vaughan became the first city outside of Toronto to get a TTC subway station, making commuting simple and fast. The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre station has transformed how my clients think about living here – you can literally be in downtown Toronto in under an hour without touching a highway.
Beyond the subway, we have comprehensive public transit through York Region Transit and GO Transit at Maple GO Station. York Region Transit (YRT) & Viva Buses cover local routes and rapid transit, helping residents get around the city efficiently. This multi-modal transportation network means families have options, whether they prefer to drive or use public transit.
2. Exceptional Family-Friendly Environment and Amenities
Designed with Families in Mind
Vaughan is first and foremost a family-friendly city, and this shows in every aspect of community planning. Safe streets, great schools, community centers, and spacious parks are just a few reasons why young families are flocking here. I’ve watched neighborhoods develop with families at the center of the design philosophy.
The recreational opportunities here are second to none. 10 community centres, a popular community theatre, an award-winning golf course and ski hill rank as just a few of the most popular choices for residents looking to get active and engage with other community members. What I love about these facilities is how they bring our diverse community together – you’ll see families from every background enjoying the same spaces and programs.
World-Class Education Options
With access to some of the very best in both public and private schooling sectors, Vaughan offers families a wide range of options when it comes to education at all levels. Schools like Michael Cranny Public School and Mackenzie Glen Public School consistently rank among the top in the province, giving parents confidence in their children’s educational foundation.
The diversity of educational options reflects our community’s commitment to meeting every family’s needs. Whether you’re looking for French immersion, gifted programs, or specialized curricula, Vaughan has educational opportunities that rival anywhere in the GTA.
3. Thriving Economy and Employment Opportunities
Major Employment Hub
Trailing Toronto and Mississauga for the top spot, Vaughan takes the still-impressive third spot as one of the Greater Toronto Area’s largest employment centres – and ranks as the largest contributor of York Region’s economy. What this means for families is that many of my clients can both live and work in Vaughan, eliminating long commutes entirely.
The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre continues to attract businesses and create local employment opportunities. Within the Greater Toronto Area, Vaughan is the third-largest employment center, after Toronto and Mississauga. With a real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $20.6 billion in 2018, it is the largest contributor (35%) to York Region’s economy.
Diverse Business Landscape
In 2018, the city was home to 12,105 businesses employing more than 222,000 people. Between 2008 and 2018, Vaughan’s average annual employment growth was 3.2% and its business growth was 2.9%, exceeding provincial and national rates. This economic vitality creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals alike, while providing the tax base that supports our excellent municipal services.
4. Rich Cultural Diversity and Community Life
Multicultural Mosaic
Vaughan is renowned for its multicultural character, with over one-third of its population identifying as visible minorities. What makes this special is how these different communities have created a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Italian Community: Approximately 30%–31% of Vaughan’s population is of Italian descent, making it one of the largest Italian communities in Canada, while we also have Russian Community: Around 8% of Vaughan’s population identifies as Russian and a Jewish Community: Vaughan is home to a thriving Jewish community, making up 4%–5% of the population.
This diversity isn’t just demographic – it’s cultural richness that shows up in our restaurants, festivals, and community events. From authentic Italian trattorias in Woodbridge to diverse cultural celebrations throughout the year, families here are exposed to the world while maintaining that close-knit community feeling.
Strong Sense of Community
Despite our rapid growth, Vaughan has maintained its community-oriented character. The city also fosters a strong sense of community, with social events like cultural festivals, fairs, and local markets bringing people together throughout the year. I’ve seen new residents quickly feel at home because of how welcoming our established community members are.
5. Outstanding Recreation and Lifestyle Amenities
Abundant Green Space and Recreation
The city maintains over 1000 hectares of park lands, boulevards and open spaces and offers an impressive array of recreational amenities. Whether your family loves hiking at Boyd Conservation Area, exploring the Kortright Centre for Conservation, or enjoying the premiere North Maple Regional Park, there’s always somewhere beautiful to spend time outdoors.
What sets Vaughan apart is how accessible these amenities are. Living in Vaughan puts you close to many of the province’s prime attractions, including Canada’s Wonderland, the McMichael Art Gallery, Boyd Conservation Park, and LEGOland Discovery Centre in the Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre. Having Canada’s Wonderland practically in your backyard means families have year-round entertainment options.
Shopping and Entertainment
Vaughan Mills, one of Canada’s largest shopping centers, offers everything from luxury brands to outlets. Beyond shopping, our restaurant scene reflects our cultural diversity – you can find everything from casual family dining to upscale establishments, all within our community.
If golf is your game, Vaughan has two of the best golf courses in Canada: the exclusive National Golf Club and the public-access Copper Creek golf course. These recreational options mean families can pursue their interests without having to travel far from home.
6. Smart Investment and Growth Potential
Strong Real Estate Market
From a real estate perspective, Vaughan represents both lifestyle and investment value. The continued population growth, economic development, and infrastructure improvements create a market where property values have shown consistent appreciation over the long term.
The composite price of Vaughan homes in June 2022 was $1,491,900. This compares to Toronto’s average of $1,184,500. The primary reason for this disparity is that single detached homes represent close to 63% of all dwelling types in Vaughan compared to only 23% in Toronto. What this means is that families get more space and value for their investment.
Future Development and Infrastructure
Additionally, businesses in the city will also offer 111,400 more jobs, bringing the total employment figure to approximately 351,500 jobs. This expected growth will account for almost one-third of the region’s growth over the next three decades. This planned growth means families moving here now are positioning themselves in a community with a bright future.
The continued development of the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, new healthcare facilities like the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, and ongoing infrastructure improvements all point to a community that’s investing in its future. When I help families choose Vaughan, they’re not just buying a home – they’re investing in a lifestyle that will continue to improve over time.
Whether you’re drawn by the family-friendly environment, the economic opportunities, the cultural richness, or the strategic location, Vaughan offers a unique combination of benefits that’s hard to find elsewhere in the GTA. As someone who’s watched this community grow and thrive, I can honestly say there’s never been a better time to consider making Vaughan your home.
If you’re thinking about joining our growing community, I’d love to help you discover what neighbourhood might be the perfect fit for your family’s needs and lifestyle. From the historic charm of Kleinburg to the modern amenities of the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, there’s a place here where every family can truly belong and thrive.
