Moving to Vaughan: Pros, Cons, and Practical Tips

Thinking about moving to Vaughan?

Whether you’re relocating for work, raising a family, or just looking for a fresh environment, Vaughan is a top contender. Known for its balance of suburban charm and city convenience, Vaughan offers everything from high-quality schools and green spaces to thriving business hubs and diverse dining.

Why Vaughan Is One of Ontario’s Most Livable Cities

Located in York Region, Vaughan is part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Over the last two decades, it has transformed from a quiet suburb into a booming city known for its:

Excellent public infrastructure
Rapid economic development
Low crime rate
Rich cultural diversity
World-class shopping and entertainment

According to Statistics Canada, Vaughan is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Yet despite its growth, it maintains a sense of community and family-focused living, offering the best of both worlds.

Nestled just north of Toronto, Vaughan has grown into one of Ontario’s most dynamic cities, making it an ideal destination for newcomers. If you’re planning your move, this complete guide walks you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right neighborhood to hiring the best moving company in Vaughan.

The Ultimate Moving Checklist for Your Move to Vaughan

Planning a move can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be. To help you stay organized and reduce stress, we’ve included a detailed, printable and digital checklist covering every stage of your relocation—from 8 weeks out to moving day.

Don’t miss it → Get the Moving Checklist

Here’s a quick preview of what’s inside:

8 Weeks Before Moving: Sort, declutter, and begin researching moving companies
4 Weeks Out: Notify utilities, update address, gather packing materials
2 Weeks Before: Start packing room by room, label boxes, confirm movers
Moving Day: Final walkthrough, essentials bag, handover checklist

This checklist is especially helpful if you’re hiring a moving company in Vaughan — and want to make sure nothing is forgotten during your transition.

Is Vaughan a Good Place to Live?

In one word: Absolutely.

Vaughan consistently ranks high in quality-of-life studies. Here’s why:

Strong Local Economy
Vaughan boasts a robust and diverse economy. It’s home to over 12,000 businesses and is particularly strong in industries like logistics, construction, tech, finance, and professional services.
Family-Friendly Environment
Vaughan was designed with families in mind. Safe streets, great schools, community centers, and spacious parks are just a few reasons why young families are flocking here.
Proximity to Toronto
Located just 25–35 minutes from downtown Toronto, Vaughan offers a calm escape from the hustle while keeping you close to major job centers and cultural hotspots.

Top Vaughan Neighborhoods to Consider

Vaughan is made up of several vibrant communities, each with its own unique vibe. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular:

Maple

Great for families and close to Canada’s Wonderland and Maple GO Station. Offers parks, schools, and newer subdivisions.

Woodbridge

Known for its strong Italian heritage and local restaurants. Offers a mix of historic charm and modern living.

Kleinburg

A picturesque village famous for the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Upscale, peaceful, and surrounded by nature.

Thornhill

Offers excellent schools and is close to North York and Markham. Ideal for commuters and multicultural families.

Vellore Village

A newer development area with shopping centers, schools, and easy highway access. A great mix of affordability and accessibility.

Reliable Transportation in Vaughan

One of Vaughan’s strongest features is its transportation system. Whether you drive or rely on public transit, getting around is easy:

TTC Subway – Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC): Vaughan became the first city outside of Toronto to get a TTC subway station, making commuting simple and fast.

York Region Transit (YRT) & Viva Buses: These services cover local routes and rapid transit, helping residents get around the city efficiently.
GO Transit: Maple GO Station connects to Union Station for longer commutes.
Major Highways: Highways 400, 407, and 7 make driving across the GTA convenient.
Bike Paths & Trails: Vaughan is continuously investing in active transportation with dedicated cycling infrastructure.

Job Opportunities in Vaughan

Economic Highlights:

2nd largest employment center in the York Region
Over 250,000 jobs within city limits
Strong growth in small- and medium-sized businesses

Major Employers:

KPMG Vaughan Campus
UPS Distribution Hub
Magna International
SmartCentres
City of Vaughan

Many professionals commute to nearby tech hubs or Toronto’s financial district, but more people are now choosing to work in Vaughan thanks to its growing commercial and industrial zones.

Embracing Vaughan’s Diverse Culture

Vaughan reflects the diversity of Canada at its best:

Over 45% of the population identifies with a visible minority group
Languages spoken include Italian, Russian, Mandarin, Punjabi, Farsi, and Tagalog
Multicultural centers and festivals encourage connection and inclusion
Diverse food scene with cuisine from nearly every continent

Whether you’re new to Canada or have been here for years, you’ll find a community and culture you can relate to in Vaughan.

Traffic & Commuting: What to Expect

Vaughan has seen major improvements in recent years, especially with the extension of the subway line. That said, traffic congestion during rush hours is still common, especially:

Along Highway 400 and 407
On arterial roads like Rutherford, Jane, and Weston
Near school zones during drop-off and pick-up times

If traffic is a concern, choose a home near a transit corridor or GO station to simplify your commute.

Healthcare in Vaughan

Health and wellness services in Vaughan are world-class:

Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital

Canada’s first smart hospital
24/7 emergency care
Advanced surgical and diagnostic technologies

Other Healthcare Services:

Dozens of walk-in clinics and urgent care centers
Multilingual family physicians
Mental health counseling services
Dental, physio, and chiropractic care in every neighborhood

Residents benefit from shorter wait times and easy access to primary and specialized care.

Things to Do on the Weekends

Living in Vaughan means your weekends will never be dull. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, foodie, or nature lover — there’s something here for everyone.

Canada’s Wonderland: One of North America’s largest amusement parks is right in your backyard.

Vaughan Mills: Home to over 200 stores including luxury brands, outlets, and an indoor aquarium.

McMichael Canadian Art Collection: Located in Kleinburg, this gallery features works by the Group of Seven and Indigenous artists.

Boyd Conservation Park: Perfect for hiking, birdwatching, or family picnics in the summer.

Vaughan International Film Festival: A growing cultural event that attracts global talent and film lovers.

Global Cuisine: Explore authentic Italian pasta in Woodbridge, Persian kababs in Thornhill, dim sum in Maple, or vegan eats near VMC.

Cost of Living in Vaughan

While Vaughan is not the cheapest city in Ontario, it offers strong value for money when compared to downtown Toronto.

Expense Categories:

1-bedroom apartment (rent) – Approximate Monthly Cost: $2,000–$2,300
Family-sized home (mortgage) – Approximate Monthly Cost: $3,500–$4,500+
Transit pass (YRT + TTC) – Approximate Monthly Cost: $150–$200
Groceries (family of 4) – Approximate Monthly Cost: $800–$1,000

The Best Moving Companies in Vaughan

Your transition to Vaughan deserves expert help. Choosing the best moving company in Vaughan ensures your move is stress-free, safe, and timely.

What to Look for:

Licensed, bonded, and insured
Transparent quotes with no hidden fees
Knowledge of Vaughan’s condo/apartment regulations
Friendly, efficient movers with solid reviews

Top-Rated Moving Companies in Vaughan

Company	Why They Stand Out
S.B Movers 🔥	Excellent reviews, fast replies, professional handling, fair pricing, locally trusted
Angel Movers & Storage	Great for full-service + storage, award-winning
Relocation Engineers	Transparent pricing, reliable for long-distance
Rent‑A‑Son	Big team, fully bonded/insured, great for large jobs
Elite GTA Movers	Fast response, flexible scheduling
Around Town Moving	Great for small/local jobs, budget-friendly

Tips Before Moving to Vaughan

Visit neighborhoods in person and walk around
Compare public vs. private school options
Register for healthcare and update your OHIP card
Get familiar with garbage/recycling rules
Update your address with CRA, banks, and insurance providers
Register your vehicle and get a Vaughan parking permit if needed
Join community Facebook or WhatsApp groups for local advice

Make Vaughan Your New Home

If you’re searching for a place that offers safety, opportunity, diversity, and quality of life, moving to Vaughan might just be the best decision you’ll ever make.

From its strong economy and family-oriented communities to rich cultural experiences and modern infrastructure, Vaughan is not just a place to live, it’s a place to thrive.

Need help moving to Vaughan? Contact one of the recommended movers today, or give us a call at (647) 969-2070 to get started on the next exciting chapter of your life.