NEIGHBOURHOOD GUIDE
Living in Downtown Burlington
There's something about an early morning walk along the water in downtown Burlington… the lake on one side, Brant Street slowly waking up on the other and a coffee in hand before the day really gets going.
AT A GLANCE
Location
Lake Ontario north to about Prospect Street, from Maple Avenue to Martha Street, with Brant Street at its heart.
Homes
Condos, townhomes and character homes. Condos range from the high $500,000s to over $2 million.
Best for
Downsizers, professionals, GO commuters and first-time condo buyers.
LIFE DOWNTOWN
What it's like to live downtown.
Downtown Burlington is one of the most walkable places in the city. Coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, City Hall, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre and Joseph Brant Hospital are all close by, and Spencer Smith Park and the Brant Street Pier are right at the bottom of the street.
Summer brings Canada's Largest Ribfest and music in the park, and the rest of the year has its own charm, a little quieter and cozier with the lake always close by. Getting around is easy too. Burlington GO is a short drive or bus ride up Brant Street, and the QEW and 403 are only minutes away.
THE HOMES
More variety than people expect.
Condo towers along the lakeshore and around Brant Street, many with lake views, sit alongside townhomes, low-rise buildings and character homes on tree-lined streets like Elizabeth, Caroline and Brock, some dating back to the 1800s.
Condos here range from the high $500,000s to well over $2 million depending on the building, size and view. Every building has its own personality, so if you're comparing options, I'm always happy to walk you through the differences.
MY LOCAL FAVOURITES
Where you'll find me downtown.
Coffee: locally roasted Tamp Coffee Co., Mai CàPhê and its rooftop patio, gelato at Centro Noca, something sweet at Lola Café by Buvette, lake views at Pearle's Café, Lakeshore Coffee House and Tribecca Coffee by the water and Italian pastries at Bocconcino.
Restaurants: Spencer's at the Waterfront and Isabelle at the Pearle for a special night out, Prime Steak & Raw Bar, the patio at 400 Brant Kitchen & Bar, wood-fired pizza at The Martini House, a glass of wine at Buvette, Culaccino, The Mule, Rayhoon, Nisi Greek Taverna and downtown staples Pepperwood Bistro and Paradiso.
Parks, walks and shops: Spencer Smith Park, sunsets on the Brant Street Pier and the Waterfront Trail to Beachway Park, plus ROAM, Pure Boutique, Meg's Octopus Garden, Centro Garden, Woven and the little shops of Village Square.
DOWNTOWN BURLINGTON FAQ
Your questions, answered.
Is Downtown Burlington walkable?
Yes. It's one of the most walkable areas in Burlington, with shops, restaurants, parks, the waterfront and everyday services all within a few blocks.
What types of homes are in Downtown Burlington?
Mostly condos and townhomes in the core, with detached character homes on the tree-lined residential streets around it, some dating back to the 1800s.
How much do condos cost in Downtown Burlington?
Recent condo listings range from the high $500,000s to over $2 million, depending on the building, size and view. Prices change with the market, so reach out for a current snapshot.
How far is Downtown Burlington from the GO train?
Burlington GO on the Lakeshore West line is about 2 km north of the lake, a short drive or bus ride up Brant Street.
Is Downtown Burlington a good fit for downsizers?
It's one of the most popular choices for downsizers, thanks to lock-and-leave condo living and having the lake, the hospital, the arts and great restaurants close by.
