Possible move to Toronto - neighbourhood advice!

[OrdinarySoup]

Well actually it would be Mississauga. DH's job (fingers crossed) would be in the city centre but as we have a 2 year old daughter and a dog we'd ideally like somewhere with some space and other families. I'm just curious to see what areas people might suggest for moving to initially?? It's very weird going from knowing bits about almost every city in the UK (or someone who does!) and starting from scratch and having no clue. We'd be able to pick DH's colleagues' brains, but thought I'd give the lovely MNers a try too!

Agree DH's colleagues are your best bet; also try talking to/e-mailing a local realtor. My parents moved to a job in Mississauga way back in 1979 and ended up choosing to live in Oakville - they're still there, with a swimming pool in their back yard, and within walking distance of Lake Ontario, a public outdoor pool, and 2 playgrounds. Several of the local schools had quite good reputations at the time.
Good luck!

british expats is your best bet, i've heard Oakville is lovely, but expensive :)

Fab - thanks, Ladies.

So he will be working in downtown Mississauga? It's not the most inspiring place. I would look at Oakville (fabulous town) or some of the western neighbourhoods of Toronto (if you're an urbanite). Possibly also Burlington if he doesn't mind a commute.

We (dh, me and toddler ds) moved to Toronto from uk back in august. Dh works downtown and we live in east York very close to the subway line. It's about a 45 min commute door to door for dh. Toronto is really made up of lots of little neighbourhoods and I think it's great for families (I didn't expect it before the move!).

We have a house with a garden and loads of facilities nearby such as a free swimming pool, wading pool, a splashpad, a very kid friendly library, 2 parks, an ice rink and 2 farmers markets may- nov.

It's more expensive renting a house downtown but we save by not needing a car.

The actual subway ride down to union station is only 20 mins at most and while we could get a cheaper place out along the go train line, oakville, Ajax etc etc, I don't think these suburban areas offer as much to do and a car becomes crucial. Car insurance is outrageous here!

A handy site for looking for places to rent is Padmapper.

Hope your move goes well, btw I can recommend a company called gb liners if you're looking to ship any belongings over.

I live in Oakville. I emigrated here from the UK with my parents when I was a tween. Great place to grow up and now I'm raising my own family here. Easy commute into the city and great for kids and dogs.
Lots and lots of Brits here so you'd feel right at home .

Take a look at MLS.ca for housing info.
and the Town of Oakville's website has lots of information too.

Clarkson/Loren park or port credit are are right by the lake and al

That's brilliant - thank you so much all of you. Lots to follow up on. We still haven't had the final OK yet - it's all subject to company re-organisation but DH is being sent relocation stuff from his HR team so it's looking positive. Kind of wish the decision was made though as the longer it goes on the more I keep thinking about what we'd be leaving behind instead of being excited at a massive adventure!