Along with natural outdoor beauty, Ontario is rich in culture and history. The province’s strong economic growth, low crime rates, relatively modest cost of living, affordable daycare and a high percentage of families with children, which have lead to many great towns and cities to settle down and start a life. Here are some of best places in Ontario to raise a family.
Burlington
Located on the banks of Lake Ontario, just a few GO Train stops from Toronto’s downtown, Burlington’s low crime rate and affordable daycare costs have made it a perfect city to raise a family. Although the city is no longer used as a commercial port, its shoreline still gets a lot of use. Recreational sailors dock their skiffs at the 215 marina in LaSalle Park and enjoy excellent waterways in the shadows of the Skyway Bridge.
Average cost of daycare per month: $1,222
Percentage of families with kids: 54.1%
Average household income: $85,434
Crime rate per 1,000,000: 2,339.0
Oakville
Defined by its love of culture and the arts Oakville is known for its festivals which include a jazz, Love of the Arts and a Waterfront festival that all run throughout the year. Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oakville’s streets come alive in an event called 
“Summer Culture Connection” which see farmer’s markets and local entertainment take over. The laid back and relaxed feel of the city gives off a small town vibe with big city enlightenment.
Average cost of daycare per month: $1,222
Percentage of families with kids: 62.8%
Average household income: $105,139
Crime rate per 1,000,000: 2,339.0
Ottawa
Located on the banks of the Ottawa river 
opposite Gatineau, Quebec the city was originally founded in 1826 as Bytown but was later incorporated under the name Ottawa in 1855. The city’s economy is largely driven by the high-tech industry and public service industries as it is our national capital and home to the federal government.
Average cost of daycare per month: $1,222
Percentage of families with kids: 54.1%
Average household income: $86,443
Crime rate per 1,000,000: 4,127.5
Milton
Located about 40 km west of the Toronto downtown core Milton is on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail. Known for its abundance of green space the city has numerous recr
eational parks, campgrounds and hiking trails. As one of the fastest growing municipalities in Canada, increasing in population size by 56.5% between the 2006 and 2011, the city has been attracting families that have a love for the outdoors. The high percentage of families with children means that your kids will have no problem making friends.
Average cost of daycare per month: $1,222
Percentage of families with kids: 64.5%
Average household income: $107,300
Crime rate per 1,000,000: 2,339.0
Halton Hills
Only incorporated in 1974, the city of Halton Hills is an amalgamation of the towns of Georgetown and Acton. With a population of only 60,000 people it is a very tight-knit community with a strong sense of nature conservation with many of the natural features protected by the Conservation of Halton, Credit Valley Conservation and Grand River Conservation Authority. The abundance of green space and a high percentage of families with kids means that your neighbourhood will be friendly and the crime rate will remain low.
Average cost of daycare per month: $1,222
Percentage of families with kids: 62.6%
Average household income: $99,121
Crime rate per 1,000,000: 2,339
