Mississauga, ON
Renting Guide
Where your home is your castle
Mississauga is an interesting place. While it is a city with a lot to offer, it doesn’t have a lot of cohesiveness. That is because everything is spread out, breaking any sense of community. Maybe this is the reason that locals often are not tied to the city. It is not really their home – just a place where housing costs less than in Toronto proper. That said, you will find everything you need to keep your life running smoothly in Mississauga. Plus, you really can save on rent. Be prepared to spend time commuting in and out of Toronto though, as there is a lot more to see and do there.
Housing Market
Recently, housing in Mississauga had a little dip in price, but now it is rebounding higher than ever. For the right price, you can get almost anything you want. For gorgeous condo and apartment buildings, there are the towers by Square One. For houses, there are places sprinkled throughout the city, giving you your pick of neighbourhoods. The only challenges are the prices – and the fact that places get snapped up quickly in the most desirable parts of the city, such as by the highways or GO stations. This can make finding a place exactly where you want to live quite challenging.
Typical housing type:
Detached, contemporary homes.
Average Rent
Avg. rent by housing size:
Bach/studio: $1,888
1-bedroom: $1,688
2-bedroom: $1,700
3-bedroom: $2,029
Avg. rent compared to other Canadian cities:
Mississauga is 8% higher than the Canadian average
Apartment Hunting
Searching for rentals in Mississauga can be a frustrating experience. While there are plenty of studios, 1-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms, and 3-bedrooms, it can be hard to find options in the most desirable areas. On top of that, the prices in these areas are often sky-high. That said, the amenities are great, and can include pools, balconies, in-suite laundry and dishwashers. Want an all-inclusive unit? Get away from the highways, GO Stations and Square One. Once you get into the less in-demand areas, you not only have a chance at getting your utilities included, but you can find apartments that are pet-friendly too!
Side note:
Mississauga is pretty spread out, so it is important to have a car to really get around. If you don’t have a car, be cautious about the neighbourhoods you look at, as you may find yourself having a lengthy commute. We strongly advise taking transit in neighbourhood several times before commiting to the area if you are not moving with a vehicle.
Residents
Mississauga’s residents tend to work and play in Toronto, but want more space than they can afford in the big city. Unfortunately, that means a lot of Mississauga-ites haven’t really chosen the city. They sort of got stuck with it due to their budgets. That can create some resentment in the area’s many families and students. The city is diverse, with a large South Asian population, as well as a strong Chinese community. There are many languages spoken in the area, with residents being proud of their cultures.
Perfect for: Students at local schools and families who like to do their own things.
Not-so-perfect for: Singles and anyone who is big on community.
Life & Style
Life in Mississauga is lived at home or on the road. Everyone drives everywhere – and are often on the move, getting from one place to the next. Because of this, there is a sense that no one in the city really gets to know one another, undermining any sense of community. But if you are willing to make your own community or are not really a community person to begin with, Mississauga could be the perfect fit. You certainly will be able to do your own thing without anyone trying to interrupt it.
Neighbourhood
Mississauga has a strong transit system heading into and out of Toronto, but the service within town is not always the best. There are also several major highways that cut through the city, including the 401, 403, and 410. The city has a scenic waterfront area in the south, as well as the University of Toronto Mississauga campus. Close to campus is Credit Valley Hospital. If you are looking for restaurants and charm, Streetsville is the place to go. For shopping and fun, though, hit Square One Mall and Playdium – a huge arcade perfect for kids and adults. Head to the northeast to find Pearson Airport, as well as a number of large conference centres.
Landmarks:
Celebration Square
City Hall
Credit River
Port Credit Lighthouse
Playdium
Square One
Absolute World Towers
Leslie Log House
Benares Historic House
Streetsville
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