In August 2019, Burlington, Ontario was officially named the best community in Canada by Maclean’s magazine. Out of 415 communities ranked, Burlington secured the top position both overall and as the best place to raise a family.

What Made Burlington Shine? The Maclean’s Ranking Criteria

Maclean’s evaluated each community across ten categories that reflect quality of life:

1. Wealth & Economy – Income levels, employment, business growth

2. Affordability – Housing costs relative to earnings

3. Health – Access to healthcare and health outcomes

4. Climate – Local weather and suitability for year-round outdoor living

5. Crime – Low crime rates and public safety

6. Commute – Transportation options and ease of travel

7. Taxes – Local tax burden

8. Demographics – Population growth and age balance

9. Culture – Arts, events, and community engagement

10. Amenities & Community – Parks, recreation, and neighbourhood cohesion

Each city was scored per category and aggregated to produce a final ranking.

Why Burlington Excelled

Burlington placed in the top 25% of communities in six of the ten categories. It stood out for its strong local economy, accessible healthcare, family-friendly neighbourhoods, balanced climate, and low crime rates. Nestled between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, and enjoying GO Train access to Toronto and Hamilton, Burlington offered both natural beauty and excellent connectivity.

The city’s thriving mix of industries—including pharmaceuticals, tech, and media—has supported job growth and economic stability. Residents benefit from a vibrant downtown area, recreation infrastructure like parks and trails, and a strong sense of community.

The Best Place for Families

Burlington also earned the designation of Canada’s Best Place to Raise a Family, thanks to top-rated schools, ample childcare and recreational options, and neighbourhoods that are safe, walkable, and welcoming. Community programs—from festivals to sports leagues—help to foster engagement across all age groups.

Where Burlington Has Ranked Since

• In 2023 and 2024, Burlington was ranked the 5th best place to live in Canada by MovingWaldo. The ranking considered community services, transit, housing, and overall livability. Burlington was the highest-ranked city in Ontario on the list.

• The Globe and Mail also ranked Burlington 5th in its Most Livable Cities in Canada list. The city scored high for raising children, welcoming newcomers, and being a great place for retirement.

• Point2 and MovingWaldo also placed Burlington among the top cities in the country for work-life balance and overall liveability.

• MoneySense consistently recognized Burlington as the top mid-sized city in Canada in previous years, citing strong performance across categories like safety, income, affordability, transit, weather, and healthcare.

• Burlington was also listed among Canada’s best small and mid-sized cities by global rankings, which praised its green space, safety, quality weather, and access to outdoor recreation.

What the Rankings Mean

Maclean’s 2019 ranking reflected Burlington’s balanced excellence across critical dimensions of livability. More recent recognitions from other respected sources confirm that Burlington continues to offer one of the highest qualities of life in Canada. With a strong economy, welcoming neighbourhoods, abundant natural beauty, and top-tier amenities, Burlington remains a shining example of what makes a community truly great.