Vaughan

 

Known as “The City Above Toronto,” Vaughan is quickly growing in popularity among residents who seek a more modern, urban scene. Home to a diverse and multicultural population, Vaughan is incredibly welcoming and is constantly drawing in new residents who want a city feel with classic amenities. Major neighborhoods include Kleinburg, Maple, Woodbridge, and Thornhill, all of which feature beautiful homes and friendly neighbors. 

 

Each neighborhood here has its own distinct feel. Maple, for instance, is a quaint yet established community that offers low-key living and luxurious amenities. Kleinburg, on the other hand, is just as luxurious but has more crowds because of its historic main street and fabulous restaurants. Every neighborhood has its own vibe, presenting potential residents with a vast array of options.

 

Vaughan hasn’t always been one of Canada’s quickest-growing cities. First incorporated as a township in 1850, much of Vaughan was farm territory that had incredibly rich land and soil. The population then was just over 6,000 residents. Nowadays, the area has blossomed into a hip metropolitan area with just over 320,000 residents and a wide variety of living options to choose from.

Vaughan and the surrounding areas allow residents to live an on-the-go life. With an abundance of incredible shops, local restaurants, and stores, residents are empowered to embrace a city-like lifestyle where everything they could ever need is just a quick walk away. This also allows residents to stay active, as the area is extremely walkable!

 

Vaughan is a fantastic place for families to settle down and begin building their lives. The area has vibrant, energetic neighborhoods that allow for plenty of social interaction among neighbors. Modern amenities such as pedestrian paths and dependable public transportation also contribute to this lively atmosphere.

Vaughan and its neighborhoods offer some of the finest restaurants, bars, and cafes for locals to enjoy.

 

One sweet spot to visit is Cookie Crumble Cafe in Kleinburg. This cafe is a local favorite because of its handmade bakery treats and fresh-prepped meals. Along with classic breakfast and lunch dishes, Cookie Crumble offers fresh pies, gourmet coffee drinks, and an array of delicious desserts. This is the perfect casual spot to visit with family or friends while enjoying a sweet treat. 

 

Another hotspot to visit is Belsito Trattoria. This contemporary restaurant serves up savory Italian dishes that are guaranteed to leave guests satisfied. This charming spot offers traditional fare with a modern twist — be sure to try their risotto al limone, pizza Siciliana or the salmone croccante paired with a crisp glass of wine for a unique meal. This spot is always sure to be a hit for a special occasion or date night out. Make reservations in advance!

 

Besides lovely restaurants and cafes, Vaughan and its neighborhoods also offers convenient shopping for residents to explore. Vaughan Mills is one of the most popular shopping centers in the area, and for good reason. They offer big-name fashion retailers such as Victoria's Secret, Kate Spade, Saks and Lululemon, among others. They have beauty shops like Sephora and The Body Shop, and there are even stores like Best Buy and Toys R Us here along with plenty of grab-and-go food options.

There are tons of recreational activities within Vaughan and its surrounding areas for residents to enjoy. Boyd Conservation Park is one local spot that residents love to visit. This park is a lovely place to temporarily get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With hiking trails, sports fields, and tons of green space, this is a fantastic location to picnic or visit with friends. If you tend to enjoy the energy of busy places, be sure to visit nearby downtown Toronto, which has tons of luxury shopping, electric nightlife, and exquisite restaurants with fine dining.

There is plenty of strong public and private schooling options in Vaughan for parents and students to consider. The Toronto Waldorf School puts an emphasis on academics and rigorous curricula, and students here are thoroughly prepared for university life and future success. There are also very impressive public institutions here, and many of them produce test scores 26% higher than the national average.

 

Private schools in Toronto and King City offer shuttle service for enrolled students in certain Vaughan neighborhoods.