Mississauga, a thriving city just west of Toronto, is more than just a commuter town. With a population of over 825,000 as of 2025, it’s the seventh-largest city in Canada and continues to attract newcomers from all over the world.
Whether you’re planning to start a family, switch careers, or just need a fresh start, living in Mississauga might just be the move that changes everything.
A City That’s More Than Just a Suburb
While many still think of Mississauga as Toronto’s quieter cousin, it’s grown into a metropolis in its own right. It’s home to more than 88,000 businesses, including major players in technology, manufacturing, and finance.
Mississauga also has its own skyline, buzzing downtown core, and cultural hubs. And yet, you still get the space, peace, and neighborhood feel that urban Toronto sometimes lacks.
Diversity You Can Feel
Mississauga is one of the most multicultural cities in Canada. According to the 2021 Census, over 57% of residents are immigrants, representing more than 150 countries. The most spoken languages after English include Punjabi, Urdu, Mandarin, Arabic, and Tagalog.
This multicultural makeup is reflected in everything, from schools and festivals to restaurants and local markets. Living in Mississauga means you’re surrounded by a world of culture without ever needing to leave the city.
Safe and Family-Friendly
One of the strongest selling points? Safety. According to Numbeo, Mississauga has a crime index of 34.42, which is considered low, and a safety index of 65.58, meaning most residents feel secure.
Combine that with excellent public schools, well-maintained parks, and a strong community spirit, and it’s no surprise that Mississauga ranks as one of the best places in Ontario to raise a family.
Housing in Mississauga
Let’s talk about real estate. Yes, Mississauga isn’t the most affordable city in Canada, but it’s a value compared to nearby Toronto.
As of early 2025:
- The average home price in Mississauga is approximately $1.04 million.
- The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is about $2,200/month, while a 2-bedroom sits around $2,700/month.
Neighborhoods like Port Credit and Lorne Park offer luxury and lakeside living, while areas like Cooksville and Malton provide more budget-friendly options.
A Commuter’s Dream
If you work in Toronto, don’t write Mississauga off. It’s a commuter-friendly city with well-integrated transit systems:
- GO Transit trains take just 30 minutes to Union Station.
- MiWay buses operate over 90 routes across the city.
- Access to highways 401, 403, 410, and QEW makes driving convenient too.
The upcoming Hurontario LRT, expected to be completed by 2025, will drastically improve north-south connectivity along Hurontario Street.
Great Schools, From Kindergarten to College
Families love the education options here. Mississauga is served by:
- Peel District School Board (public, non-religious)
- Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
- Numerous private and international schools
The University of Toronto Mississauga campus is one of three U of T campuses and serves more than 14,000 students. The city also has access to Sheridan College and Humber College, offering a wide range of programs.
Green Spaces and Nature All Around
Mississauga offers a surprising amount of green. The city boasts over 500 parks and 400 km of multi-use trails. Popular green spots include:
- Erindale Park – great for hiking and picnics.
- Jack Darling Memorial Park – located right on the lake.
- Riverwood Conservancy – a haven for wildlife and walkers alike.
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll never feel boxed in.
A Growing Job Market
Mississauga isn’t just a place to live, it’s a place to build a career. The city is home to:
- Over 75 Fortune 500 Canadian headquarters
- Strong sectors in life sciences, aerospace, IT, finance, and advanced manufacturing
- Major employers like PepsiCo, Walmart Canada, Microsoft, FedEx, and GlaxoSmithKline
As of early 2025, the city’s unemployment rate stands at around 6.2%, slightly lower than the national average.
Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment Galore
If you love shopping, you’ll love Square One Shopping Centre, Canada’s second-largest mall, with over 360 stores and services.
Dining is equally diverse. Explore flavors from around the world at:
- La Castile for fine dining steaks.
- Nirvana for authentic Indian cuisine.
- El Mariachi Tacos & Churros for local Mexican street food.
Living in Mississauga means your taste buds will never get bored.
Reliable Healthcare and Services
Healthcare is top-notch here. Mississauga is served by Trillium Health Partners, which includes:
- Mississauga Hospital
- Credit Valley Hospital
Both facilities provide emergency care, maternity wards, cancer centers, and other specialties. There are also dozens of walk-in clinics, dental offices, and therapy centers across the city.
A Place to Put Down Roots
With all it offers, diverse communities, safety, parks, jobs, schools, and transit, it’s no wonder people settle here long-term. In fact, over 70% of Mississauga residents have lived in the city for more than 5 years, with many calling it home for life.
Whether you’re a young professional, a new immigrant, or a retiree looking for calm with convenience, living in Mississauga supports your next chapter.
Community Events and Cultural Happenings
Mississauga offers a jam-packed cultural calendar, including:
- Canada Day Celebrations at Celebration Square (over 100,000 attendees annually)
- Carassauga Festival – one of Canada’s largest multicultural festivals
- Mississauga Waterfront Festival – live music, food, and vendors by the lake
You’ll also find regular farmer’s markets, art exhibits, film festivals, and live theatre shows, many hosted right at the Living Arts Centre downtown.
Transit, Trails, and Biking
Mississauga is working to improve walkability and green transport options. As of 2025:
- Over 50 km of dedicated bike lanes are in place
- The Hurontario LRT will soon link Port Credit to Brampton
- MiWay buses serve over 48 million riders per year
Living in Mississauga means access to options that help reduce your carbon footprint while still getting you where you need to go.
Pros and Cons of Living in Mississauga
Pros:
- Ranked among Canada’s top 10 safest cities
- Home to over 150 nationalities
- Affordable (compared to Toronto) real estate
- Excellent schools and healthcare
- Expanding job market
Cons:
- Real estate prices rising quickly
- Traffic congestion in high-density areas
- Limited nightlife options compared to downtown Toronto
For most residents, though, the benefits of living in Mississauga far outweigh the drawbacks.
Is Mississauga a Good Place to Live?
Mississauga offers the perfect balance of big-city access and small-town comfort. Whether you’re moving for a job, school, or simply a better quality of life, it checks nearly every box. It’s safe, welcoming, diverse, and full of opportunity.
If you’re ready to start your next chapter, don’t go it alone, connect with experienced Mississauga movers to make your transition smooth and stress-free. With years of experience and a strong reputation among locals, we specialize in residential, commercial, and long-distance moves. We are known for our friendly, professional staff, punctual service, and careful attention to clients’ belongings.
You May Also Wish To Read
Wilmot Orchards first in region to protect farmland for 999 years
Lights Out Uxbridge urges action on artificial light at night
Wanted sex assault suspect held; police look for more victims
Work starts on Newcastle rink, Bowmanville skating trail next