Life in Milton for Immigrants – what to expect
Whether you’re new to Canada or simply looking for a place to call home in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), or you’re already living in Toronto and wondering how life in Milton for immigrants is like. Then this article is for you.
Milton is one of the ideal place you should live in, that is, if you’re considering to move to Toronto.
Even though Milton is mostly known as a more rural area of the GTA, there are no shortages of conveniences either.
From green environments, to shopping areas, standard schools, beautiful parks, and transportation.
The services of Milton have kept up with the town’s rapid growth–as such, makes life in Milton for immigrants a fulfilling experience.
Asides this, the Milton Historical Society provides a key link between past and present events and houses local history and tradition.
These and many more are the reasons you should consider making Milton your new home.
Interested already? Read on to discover more about your prospective new abode.
Where is Milton Located
The town of Milton is located in the South Western part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)— right in the center of the Golden Horseshoe region of southern Ontario.
It is one of the four main areas that make up the Regional Municipality of Halton, (including Burlington, Oakville, and Halton Hills).
Interestingly, the town of Milton is the third largest community in the Halton area.
Notably, Milton settles on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment; a UNESCO world biosphere reserve and the Bruce Trail.
As reported in the 2016 Canadian census, Milton is ahead of Halton Hills with a total population of 101,715.
However, even though Milton is smaller than both Burlington and Oakville, it still boasts of about about 19% of Halton’s total population.
So, don’t let Milton’s seemingly small population discourage you.
Now more than ever, this town is brewing excitement, great schools, fastest growing population, and lots of outdoor events.
Thus making life in Milton for immigrants an awesome experience.
Population of Milton
Interestingly, Milton has been referred to as one of the fastest growing communities in Canada.
Between 2006 and 2011, there was a 56% increase in population of people living in Milton at the time.
Similarly, the 2016 population census of Milton, showed a whooping 34% increase in the population of residents—from 75, 880 in 2011 to 101, 718 in 2016.
Thus, this makes Milton one of the fastest growing town in GTR with an estimated growth of over 228,000 by 2031.
Cost of living in Milton
Are you planning to live in Milton? If yes, go ahead. The cost of living is fairly moderate.
In fact, the biggest financial bonus for anyone living in Milton is affordability of home.
The average price of purchasing a property in Milton is from $700, 000 and upward as compared to 1,000,000 and upward in Vancouver.
Also, a decent one-bathroom apartment-style condos is around $400,000. Same thing with a detached home near the million dollar mark, and townhouses or semi-detached houses.
Again, Milton has an impressively low 3.4% residential property tax when compared to other cities in the GTA.
Which makes the cost of living more affordable than the surrounding larger cities.
In contrast, residential property tax in Oakville is at 3.9%, Mississauga at 4.5%, and Brampton at 5.2% which is higher than in Milton.
These figures are basically average, and depending on your taste, expectations and the location, you can expect to pay more.
Additionally, household utilities are quite reasonably priced and generally charged per month.
Groceries and eating out, however, are at or above the national average.
In a 2019 report, the average household income was $111,875.
Surprisingly the unemployment rate was as low as 5.7%, and the crime rate per 100,000 residents was low, at 2,133.
Moreover, If you currently live in Milton and you’re looking to sell, research shows that you can do that in just eight days.
This is because of the high influx of people wanting to settle in Milton.
Weather in Milton
The weather in Milton is classified as a humid continental climate in the Koppen climate classification system.
Basically, the town has 4 distinct seasons and year round precipitation with warm, rainy summers coupled with cool nights and long, cold, and snowy winters.
Most times, the precipitation level is approximately 89% while the humidity could reach as high as 81%.
The climate is cold and temperate, with a significant rainfall. Even in the driest month, there is a lot of rainfall in Milton.
Also, the average annual temperature is 8.4 °C- 47.2 °F in Milton, while the annual rainfall is 920 mm | 36.2 inch.
Precipitation is the lowest in February, with an average of 59 mm – 2.3 inch. Most of the precipitation here falls in June, averaging 93 mm – 3.7 inch.
At an average temperature of 21.7 °C | 71.0 °F, July is the hottest month of the year.
While January is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging -5.2 °C – 22.6 °F.
Between the driest and wettest months, the difference in precipitation is 34 mm – 1 inch. Throughout the year, temperatures vary by 26.9 °C | 48.4 °F.
Similarly, the month with the highest relative humidity is November (76.30 %). While the month with the lowest relative humidity is April (63.72 %).
The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (11.70 days) and February (8.50 days), is the month with the lowest number of rainy days.
Summer starts in Milton at the end of June and ends in September, with July having the highest daily hours of sunshine.
Even though, January has the lowest number of daily hours of sunshine in Milton, around 2592.13 hours of sunshine are counted in Milton in a year.
While an average of 85.07 hours of sunshine are counted per month.
How multicultural is Milton
Milton is highly multicultural and diverse in its population. It comprise of different ethnic nationality.
Majorly, about 60%(98.2%) of the population in Milton uses English as their mother tongue.
The next most common language is Urdu accounting for about 8.0%(11.2%) of the population, French 8.2% , and Arabic at 2.9%.
The rest are Spanish 2.5%, Polish 1.9%, Punjabi 1.9%, Tagalog Filipino 1.7%, Portuguese 1.4%, French ,1.4%, Mandarin 1.1%, and Italian being the least at 1.0%.
Similarly, the 2011 population census indicated that the largest religion in Milton is Christianity with (64.9%). Of these, Catholics are the largest group with (36.4%).
This is followed by different Protestant denominations accounting for about (19.2%), unspecified Christians (7.5%), and Orthodox at (1.8%).
Apart from the Christian faith, there are several other religious practices.
These are; Islam accounting for about (9.3%), Hinduism (2.9%), Sikhism (1.9%), and Buddhism (0.6%).
However, 19.5% of the population reported no religious affiliation.
Schools in Milton
The small town of Milton surprisingly, has many great private and public elementary schools.
This includes both English and French immersion elementary schools as well as good secondary schools.
As a result, it has attracted many young families to buy properties in the area. Equally promising a great life in Milton for immigrants and their families.
Additionally, the schools provide a great mix of educational programs, extracurricular activities, and other community programs.
Milton also has a wide range of educational options— Montessori, preschools, kindergarten, foster schools, boarding and day schools.
The city also boast of many top secondary schools such as St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School, Bishop P.F. Reding Catholic Secondary School, Craig Kielburger Secondary School and Milton District High School.
However, there are no full-scale post-secondary institutions in Milton as at now, but Wilfrid Laurier University is planing to have a campus in Milton in the nearest future.
On the other hand, if you want to start a post-secondary institution, there are nearest available campuses at Sheridan College in Oakville and McMaster University in Hamilton.
Or you could equally attend the University of Toronto, since it has a close proximity.
Life in Norfolk County for ImmigrantsTransit in Milton
Whether you are moving to Milton from a nearby town, or maybe you’re just immigrating to Milton from your home town.
Either way, Milton is significantly close to Toronto, meaning commuting to work or completing your city-wide errands and festivities won’t be a stress.
Availability of bus transit responsible for the public transit within Milton is a plus.
Thirteen (13) bus routes are operated through down town including the specialized Industrial routes for employees and Secondary School connections for students.
Similarly, it might interest you to know that Milton transit also connects to the GO Transit network with service to the Milton GO Station and fare integrations options.
The same thing is applied to farther daily commutes. Milton is included in the convenient GO Transit networks that connects many of the communities in the GTA.
Offcourse, the fact that both GO Train and GO Bus visits Milton and go all the way to Union Station is an advantage.
This is because both routes will take just over an hour to complete the journey into Toronto.
So, whether you want to experience your dose of city life, sports, games, work, school or even concerts, you’re covered.
Toronto is easily accessible and thanks to direct access to the 401, 407, and a variety of other smaller highways.
Dining out and nightlife in Milton
Indeed, one of the many fun things you will enjoy in Milton is dining out and nightlife.
Even though when moving to a new town, finding a suitable dining-out and family night staple can be a daunting task.
Thankfully, the city of Milton has a variety of top-tier restaurants to suit your culinary cravings.
Notably, Milton has quite a number of excellent restaurants.
On Google Map, some of the top-rated restaurants in the region, such as EddieO’s PourHouse & Kitchen, Ivy Arms , Symposium Cafe Restaurant and Lounge, have well over four stars.
So, anytime you want either Chinese, Italian, Indian, or any other ethnic cuisine. Milton will satisfy your need at a very fair price.
How to immigrate to Milton
Do you want to immigrate to Milton? Then the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) is the best option for you.
Normally, different Provinces have the option to submit candidates for permanent residency under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
These immigrants will be required to live and work in the provinces for a minimum of two years before they are allowed to move to another province.
To begin, you need to create an express entry profile with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and you will be included to the express entry pool.
If you’re among the lucky ones to be selected. Congratulations! You will be sent an Invitation-to-Apply(ITA).
Once you receive your ITA you’re free to apply for permanent residency in Milton, Ontario.
Fun things to do in Milton
There are a lot of fun things to do in Milton such as attending the Downtown Milton Street Festival and the Milton Farmers’ Market.
Certainly, its a home to a few scenic parks for your leisure time. Above all, it really is a great place for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milton a fantastic location to call home?
Milton is one of Ontario’s nicest and most secure cities. In fact, based on safety, schools, and childcare costs, Milton was rated one of Canada’s top ten locations to raise a family in 2016.
Is Milton a good place to live in 2023?
Milton, Ontario is one of the greatest areas to live in the GTA if you enjoy outdoor activities. Milton, with its stunning vistas, trails, parks, and family-friendly attractions, has something for everyone in every season.
Conclusion
So, whether you’re moving for a job, to start fresh as an immigrants, or to grow your family, Milton is one of the best places to live in Canada.
