Perched right at the north-west tip of the GTA, the community of Georgetown is a quiet haven for those seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, but still wanting to be within reach of major highways and population centers.

Unlike cities throughout the rest of the GTA, and with a population just under 45,000, Georgetown is flanked on all sides by either protected countryside or farmland. This gives residents a sense of being set apart, while still having easy access to the nearby cities of Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton, as well as both the 401 and 407 highways.

More and more, families are forgoing raising their families in larger cities and looking even beyond the usual suburbs for a slower pace of living; somewhere their kids can play outside without worry, and where they can experience nature and all it has to offer. So, let’s dive into the myriad of reasons that families are flocking to Georgetown, Halton Hills—voted the third happiest city in Canada (May 2023, To Do Canada)!

Things to do in Georgetown

Despite the small-town feel of Georgetown, there is plenty to do and see here, from hiking trails to the trendy downtown strip!

Georgetown boasts a whopping 32 playgrounds, 2 indoor public pools, 2 dog parks, 9 sports fields, 2 splash pads, a sprawling community center with a skatepark and pool, a state-of-the-art sportsplex with 4 rinks (including 2 NHL size pads), Dominion Gardens botanical garden, Helsons Art Gallery, public library, John Elliot live performance theatre, and too many trails to count! 

Residents who grew up here all have fond memories of their childhoods spent exploring the Hungry Hollow Ravine—a 300-acre ravine which bisects the town from east to west. Several residential neighbourhoods have premium lots which back onto the ravine, and there are more than 15 access points to the 7km of trails within.

In addition to Hungry Hollow Ravine, residents have access to over 30km of trails throughout the area, including the Black Creek Trail (1.6km), the Chris Walker Trail (6.6km), and the Gellert Trail (3.5km) just to name a few, and of course, a section of the popular Bruce Trail runs right through Halton Hills, just a few minutes’ drive from the center of Georgetown. 

If you’re after a day of shopping, there is plenty to peruse along the trendy downtown strip of Main Street. Foodies will love sampling gourmet items at the Mill Street Cheese Shoppe, and vintage hunters can spend hours sifting through treasures at The Way We Were consignment.

Plant lovers can satisfy their green thumb at Foliage plant shop, and FoodStuffs offers a wide selection of natural food and health products. Spend the afternoon pampering yourself at Mink or Salon Estilo, then treat yourself to a sweet treat and coffee at Heathers Bakery or the Silvercreek Socialhouse.

The Georgetown mall also has a great mix of major retailers and small shops, without the overwhelming traffic and congestion of larger regional malls. If you don’t find what you’re looking for there, the Toronto Premium Outlets feature over 130 stores and are just a quick 10 minute drive up Trafalgar. If you’re looking to spend a day browsing art and antiques, then head a few minutes down the road to the community of Glen Williams and explore the Williams Mill Art Galleries and Glass Studios, and Beaumont Mill Antiques.

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Wellness in Georgetown

The Georgetown Hospital serves as the area’s central location for emergency services and healthcare, as part of Halton Healthcare serving both Halton and Peel regions. There are also several walk-in clinics, pharmacies, and family practices throughout Georgetown, alongside naturopaths, yoga studios, dental offices, massage therapists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, hearing clinics, and even a specialized migraine clinic.

Perhaps the most unique wellness feature that Georgetown offers is simply being surrounded by nature. Just a short walk, or a quick drive takes you into the tranquility of the forests and the fields, making it a perfect place for nurturing both your mental and physical wellbeing at once.  

Homes in Georgetown

When compared to the rest of the GTA, homes in Georgetown are often priced lower, while offering more space with larger lots. According to statistics from the Toronto Real Estate Board for 2023, the average price in Georgetown for a detached 2-storey was $1,337,206, a detached bungalow was $984,615, a semi-detached was $953,400, and a townhouse was $916,202.

The caveat to this is that there are fewer options for those seeking a condo or new build. While there are pockets in Georgetown offering condos, as well as being developed for new residential neighbourhoods, sprawl isn’t as prevalent here as the rest of the GTA, and the vast majority of homes are detached and older builds. However, it stands to reason that most families moving to Georgetown come for this very reason—more space and lower population density.

Schools in Georgetown

Georgetown offers a diverse educational landscape including 1 private school, 11 public schools, and 6 catholic schools. Schools in Georgetown offer a verity of programs including French Immersion (FI), Alternative Education (AE), and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programs (IB). 

List of Public Schools in Georgetown:

  • Pineview Public School
  • Harrison Public School
  • Silver Creek Public School
  • Gary Allan Learning Centre (AE)
  • George Kennedy Public School (FI)
  • Georgetown District High School (IB, FI)
  • Park Public School
  • Ethel Gardiner Public School
  • Stewarttown Middle School
  • Centennial Public School (FI)
  • Joseph Gibbons Public School
  • List of Catholic Schools in Georgetown:
  • St Francis of Assisi Elementary School
  • St Brigid Catholic Elementary School (FI)
  • Holy Cross Catholic School
  • Christ the King Catholic Secondary School (FI)
  • ÉÉC du Sacré-Coeur-Georgetown
  • St Catherine of Alexandria Elementary School (FI)
  • List of Private Schools in Georgetown:
  • Halton Hills Christian School

Lifestyle in Georgetown

Living in Georgetown is unique from the rest of the GTA where fast city living, limitless amenities, and streets buzzing with people are the norm. Despite being only minutes from Brampton, Mississauga, Milton, and the 400 series highways—things in Georgetown move at a quieter pace.

While you may still hear buzzing outside, it’s more likely to be the sound of pollinators flitting through the neighbourhoods flower gardens (yes, it’s really quiet enough most days to hear the birds and the bugs), homeowners mowing their lawns, or possibly the sound of the senior couple on their porch next door sharing news with friends and neighbours as they pass, walking dogs and children. 

Of course, all the essentials can be found locally, from home goods to pet supplies, but if you’re looking for 5-star Asian Fusion dining… well you’ll need to head out of town for that. But part of the charm of Georgetown are all the mom-and-pop shops and small-town eateries where quality and customer service are still the name of the game.

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A few big box stores exist such as Walmart, Canadian Tire, and most major grocery chains, but Georgetown’s specialty shops offer amazing wares that you’ll never find on those corporate shelves, and often with a level of personal service unmatched at large chains!

Don’t be fooled, small town doesn’t mean small culture, as Georgetown has plenty to offer! Theatre lovers can take in a live show at the John Elliot Theater, and fine art enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the changing exhibitions at Helson Art Gallery.

Those looking for inspiration may find it in places where the likes of the Group of Seven and Lucy Maude Montgomery (author of Anne of Green Gables) did, just on the outskirts of Georgetown in the neighbouring communities of Glen Williams and Norval. Perhaps, once inspiration hits, you’ll take in a pottery or glass blowing class?

Weekends here are often spent enjoying the outdoors, exploring conservation areas, or visiting parks. Throughout the summer the downtown strip is brimming with local farmers, vendors, and performers as the Georgetown Famer’s Market rolls through, and did we mention the momentous annual Canada Day celebration in Glen Williams includes a rubber duck race?

Spend an afternoon on a farm picking flowers, fruit, or vegetables, or go for a horseback trail ride—Georgetown and its surrounding areas offer an abundance of ways to enjoy the outdoors, helping families replace screen time with sunshine! 

Overall, families that enjoy spending quality time outdoors exploring and taking in the local culture will find that life in Georgetown fits the bill quite well, while still providing easy access to amenities either locally or just a short trip away in the nearby cities of Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton.

While the types of homes here might not be as diverse, the lots are typically larger and prices lower than in the majority of the GTA, leaving you the ability to create your dream home. There are great schools offering a selection of programs to suit your children’s needs, and local specialty shops offer unique products as well as small-town customer service. 

If your family is considering making the move to Georgetown, we are the team to help make it happen! With extensive local knowledge, and with our own roots set deep in the community, we would love to welcome you as neighbours! 

Do you have questions about moving to Georgetown? You call us directly at 905-873-9944 or email info@lisahartsink.com, we’re always happy to help!