Families Return to Suburbs: Post-Pandemic Housing Shifts in the GTA

From core to comfort  - discover why GTA families are choosing suburban living in 2025 with broko.ai

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how Canadian families view home. As remote work became the norm and lifestyle needs evolved, thousands began seeking space, affordability, and community connection  - driving a mass return to suburban living across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Even in 2025, the trend remains strong. Families are leaving the high costs and congestion of downtown cores in favour of the more balanced lifestyle offered by GTA suburbs like Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Ajax, Whitby, and more.

In this blog, we break down:

• The key reasons families are moving to suburbs post-pandemic
• How commuting and hybrid work influence location choice
• What suburban amenities matter most in 2025
• Where you can find family-focused communities using broko.ai
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Why Are Families Choosing Suburbs in 2025?

1. More Space, Indoors and Out

After years of remote work, online school, and limited travel, families crave space. Suburban homes offer larger living areas, private backyards, and dedicated home offices that are increasingly important in a hybrid work world.

With broko.ai, you can filter for lot size, square footage, and detached homes  - ideal for growing families.

2. Affordability Without Compromise

Downtown Toronto homes remain some of the most expensive in the country. In contrast, suburban towns offer more space per dollar.

For example:

• Toronto (2025): Avg detached home = $1.6M
• Whitby: Avg detached home = ~$1.1M
• Milton: Spacious 3BR townhomes under $950K

broko.ai helps buyers compare affordability across suburbs in real time.

3. School Access and Family-Friendly Infrastructure

Suburbs like Oakville, Burlington, and Markham boast some of the best-rated public and Catholic schools in Ontario. Families prioritize:

• Top EQAO-rated schools
• Access to playgrounds, community centres
• Safe neighbourhoods

Search homes near high-ranking schools with broko.ai’s integrated school zone filters.

4. Green Space and Quality of Life

During the pandemic, proximity to parks and trails became critical. Suburbs offer:

• Easier access to nature (ravines, conservation areas)
• Less noise pollution
• Safer walking/biking paths for kids

Use broko.ai to discover homes near parks, trails, and protected green zones.

5. Hybrid Work Reduces Daily Commutes

With more companies supporting remote or hybrid schedules, living 60–90 minutes from downtown isn’t the dealbreaker it once was. Families now value community and comfort over commute time.

Filter for homes with home office potential or near GO stations on broko.ai.
 

Where Are Families Moving? Top GTA Suburbs in 2025

📍 Milton

• New schools, parks, and master-planned communities
• Rapid transit improvements coming
• Broko.ai shows average price drops of 2% YoY

📍 Whitby & Ajax

• Family homes under $1M
• High-performing public schools
• Waterfront trails and growing community hubs

📍 Oakville

• Luxury feel with family infrastructure
• Top-rated schools and cultural centres
• Explore Oakville listings on broko.ai

📍 Burlington

• Access to nature + big-city proximity
• Modern townhomes perfect for families

📍 Caledon & Halton Hills

• Rural-suburban hybrids for outdoor-loving families
• Spacious lots and newer developments

broko.ai lets families compare suburb features  - from walkability to school proximity to average household size.
 

What Amenities Do Today’s Families Want?

Modern family homebuyers prioritize more than just square footage. Through data tracked on broko.ai, here’s what’s trending:

• Dedicated home office or flex rooms
• Finished basements for playrooms or guest suites
• Safe, quiet neighbourhoods with low crime rates
• Access to daycare and after-school programs
• Nearby grocery, medical, and family dining options

All of these can be filtered during your home search  - broko.ai puts lifestyle match first.
 

The Broko.ai Advantage for Family Homebuyers

Broko.ai is more than a listing site. It’s an AI-driven real estate engine built for modern buyers. For families, this means:

• 📍 Searching by proximity to schools, transit, parks
• 💸 Comparing affordability between Toronto and suburbs
• 🧠 AI insights that rank neighbourhoods by lifestyle preferences
• 🏡 Tracking new listings in family-safe communities

Whether you're a first-time buyer, upsizing for kids, or relocating from the core, broko.ai helps you find a home where your whole family can thrive.
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Final Word: The Suburban Shift is Here to Stay

Post-pandemic life continues to influence how and where Canadian families choose to live. In 2025, the shift from core to comfort is unmistakable  - and the suburbs are rising to meet the moment.

With more space, stronger community ties, and access to top schools and green spaces, the GTA’s suburban towns have never been more appealing.

Let broko.ai guide you to the perfect family-friendly home  - in the neighbourhood where your next chapter begins.