Living in Brampton myself for the past 10 years, I can probably say without hesitation that it is one of the best places to live in. This said, like in every city, there as a few pockets that you may want to avoid.

Brampton is one of the fastest growing cities and there is a large Indian community presence (except in the City Council...thanks to toooooo many Indians contesting against each other). Buying indian groceries and other stuff is no problem here. Compared to Mississauga, where all roads lead to one major mall....SQUARE ONE..(no I am not ignoring Sherdian or Erin centre Malls) Brampton has Shoppers World, Bramalea City Centre and Trinity Commons, besides lots of strip malls that reduce congestion of one particular area.

It is a great city to live in if you have kids as there are lots of parks. It is said that if you start walking in a Park from one end of Brampton, you can reach the other end of Brampton without ever stepping your foot on any major Road. This was true a few years ago when Brampton hadn't expanded as it is today. Besides neighbourhood parks, the City spends lots of money in family recreation activities. City holds winter and summer festivals in the Chinguacousy Park, where there is a petting zoo for the kids too. Fireworks are held three times a year drawing crowds from Georgetown and Mississauga as well.

Brampton is 150 old city and certain areas have homes that are over 100 years old. I once saw a 115 year old home with 13 fireplaces (as they did not have gas furnaces that long ago). The new owners of this home had tough time replacing roof shingles as old ones were made of wood and despite the age would not come off easily. Driving through Downtown Brampton (Queen/Main), you will enjoy the beauty and greenery, plus the old historical structures. The city has three libraries that offer tonnes of books, magazines, videos and DVDs etc in several Indian languages for us to borrow and enjoy at home.

Coming to price, yes Brampton is cheaper compared to other neighbouring grown cities. This is mainly as the City lacked in infrastucture in the past. If you drive through the city now, you will find lots of city roads being upgraded and expanded. Hwy 410 is also being extended. New GO station opened at Bovaird/Creditview as wll. City Transit service is gettinga boost.....It is only a matter of time that prices will start escalating.

One more thing that I hear from clients is that Brampton has higher taxes compared to its neighbouring cities. This is true. However it may be of interest to the buyers that due to the lower cost price your monthly out go will still be less.

Interested in knowing more about Brampton, click the following link
http://www.city.brampton.on.ca/

or call me for 1st hand experience...

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rajeev Narula, Broker, REALTOR®
ACE TEAM REALTY INC., Brokerage
10 Kingsbridge Garden Circle, Suite 704
(Opp Square One - HWY10/403)
Mississauga, ON L5R 3K6
Bus: 1-888-355-3155 Ext. 300
Fax: 1-888-443-3155
Email:
Web: http://www.RAJEEV.ca" rel="nofollow">LINK

Thanks Everybody for your valuable inputs.

Rajeev, you mentioned in your reply that "there are few pockets that you may want to avoid".....can you pls let me know, which are these areas in Brampton? I don't want to move unknowingly to the "troubled" area of Brampton!

I read somewhere that Castlemore is a good area....where is it exactly? Is it Dixie and North of Highway 7 or Is it East end of Brampton -- Gore / Hwy 27 in that area?

Is Springdale and Castlemore ---the same area?

Thanks.

Hi Canozind,

Everyone has their own opinion in regards to the neighbourhoods we live in or wish to live in. This opinion is formed after taking factors like affordability, present circumstances, work location, kids' education etc. into consideration. Lest someone feel offended by my opinion about the pockets to be avoided, I will gladly share this opinion with you in our private conversation.

Regarding the confusion about the area names, area North of Hwy 7 & East of Dixie is Springdale and extends East to Airport Rd., beyond which Vales of Castlemore begins and goes as far as to the Brampton's East boundary. Vales of Castlemore, of late has experienced an upswing in prices and certain areas have huge homes. You can find all kinds of homes in this region and further expansion North of Sandalwood parkway off Airport Rd. will ensure that the area will flourish in the future in terms of R.E. Investment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rajeev Narula, Broker, REALTOR®
ACE TEAM REALTY INC., Brokerage
10 Kingsbridge Garden Circle, Suite 704
(Opp Square One - HWY10/403)
Mississauga, ON L5R 3K6
Bus: 1-888-355-3155 Ext. 300
Fax: 1-888-443-3155
Email:
Web: http://www.RAJEEV.ca" rel="nofollow">LINK