Top Bedroom Communities

Les meilleures villes résidentielles au Canada : où vivre près des grandes villes

When planning a move, one of the biggest decisions isn’t just what house to buy or rent — it’s where to live. For many Canadians, bedroom communities (suburbs and towns just outside major cities) offer the perfect mix of affordability, lifestyle, and access to big-city opportunities.

Whether you’re relocating across provinces or moving within Canada, these communities often provide more space, family-friendly amenities, and a stronger sense of community and place — all while keeping you close to work and urban amenities.

At Atlas Van Lines Canada, we’ve been helping Canadians move for over 60 years. Our network of Trusted Agents spans coast to coast, giving you both the national reach and the local insight you need to make the right choice.

Bedroom Communities: A Wider Definition

What is the meaning of the term bedroom community? 

When people talk about “bedroom communities,” they usually mean suburbs or nearby towns where many residents commute into the city for work.

Defined by easy access to major cities, a valid synonym is a commuter town, though this term can sometimes imply a greater distance.

What’s the difference between a bedroom community and a suburb?

Generally, all bedroom communities are considered suburbs, but not all suburbs are bedroom communities. While both connote residential areas, bedroom communities typically do not carry a strong economic base that can support significant  employment. 

Considering bedroom communities vs suburbs, residents looking for self-contained combinations of living, working, and amenities will have more luck in some suburbs than bedroom communities which are dependent on the metropolitan core.

How close does a town have to be to be considered a bedroom community?

For bedroom community status, it must be legitimately adjacent; residents can generally expect a commuting time within an hour, likely 30-60 minutes. Some closer areas can still be considered bedroom communities, while those exceeding an hour are generally considered exurbs, less densely populated areas outside suburbs.

What Makes a Great Bedroom Community?

The best bedroom towns combine:

• Affordability: Housing prices that are often lower than the urban core
• Lifestyle: More space, parks, schools, and recreational opportunities
• Community: Smaller, close-knit neighbourhoods
• Proximity: Easy access to the city without the pace and cost of downtown living

Table des matières

Jump ahead to your region:

• Toronto Bedroom Communities
• Vancouver Bedroom Communities
• Calgary Bedroom Communities
• Ottawa Bedroom Communities
• Halifax Bedroom Communities
• Winnipeg Bedroom Communities
• Montreal Bedroom Communities

Top Bedroom Communities Across Canada

Here are examples of bedroom communities, each with their own feel and lifestyle options; some are small towns with rich local cultural scenes, some focus on family like, and some are more rural, taking advantage of being further away from the city to be further into nature.

Bedroom Communities Outside Toronto

• Oakville
  • Commute: ~30 minutes by GO Train
  • Highlights: Lakeshore parks, top schools, thriving arts scene
  • Why move here: One of the GTA’s most desirable suburbs, combining urban amenities with small-town charm.
• Milton
  • Commute: ~45 minutes by car
  • Highlights: Newer housing, family-friendly, access to the Niagara Escarpment
  • Why move here: One of Canada’s fastest-growing towns, ideal for young families.
• Whitby
  • Commute: ~45 minutes by GO Train
  • Highlights: Lake Ontario shoreline, community feel, good schools
  • Why move here: Balance of affordability and access to Toronto.
• Newmarket
  • Commute: ~50 minutes by car
  • Highlights: Historic downtown, trails, growing amenities
  • Why move here: Affordable compared to Toronto, but still highly connected.

Bedroom Communities Outside Vancouver

• Surrey
  • Commute: ~40 minutes by SkyTrain
  • Highlights: Diverse culture, growing city within Metro Vancouver
  • Why move here: More affordable than Vancouver proper, with strong community development.
• Langley
  • Commute: ~50 minutes by car
  • Highlights: Family-oriented, wineries, equestrian culture
  • Why move here: Suburban lifestyle with strong community roots.
• Coquitlam
  • Commute: ~35 minutes by SkyTrain
  • Highlights: Scenic parks, schools, retail hubs
  • Why move here: Balance of affordability and proximity to Vancouver.
• Maple Ridge
  • Commute: ~1 hour by car or West Coast Express
  • Highlights: Outdoor living, trails, mountain views
  • Why move here: Affordable option with access to nature.

Bedroom Communities Outside Calgary

• Airdrie
  • Commute: ~30 minutes by car
  • Highlights: Family-friendly, growing amenities
  • Why move here: Affordable housing and close proximity to Calgary.
• Okotoks
  • Commute: ~40 minutes by car
  • Highlights: Scenic Sheep River Valley, small-town feel
  • Why move here: Perfect for families looking for space and nature.
• Cochrane
  • Commute: ~35 minutes by car
  • Highlights: Mountain views, western charm
  • Why move here: Ideal for those who love the outdoors but want access to the city.

Bedroom Communities Outside Ottawa

• Kanata
  • Commute: ~25 minutes by car
  • Highlights: Tech hub, schools, shopping
  • Why move here: Perfect for tech professionals and families.
• Orleans
  • Commute: ~30 minutes by car
  • Highlights: Multicultural, parks, and family amenities
  • Why move here: Growing suburb with strong community ties.
• Barrhaven
  • Commute: ~30 minutes by car
  • Highlights: Family neighbourhoods, new housing
  • Why move here: Affordable option for families moving to Ottawa.

Bedroom Communities Outside Halifax

• Dartmouth
  • Commute: ~15 minutes by car
  • Highlights: Waterfront, strong community vibe
  • Why move here: Affordable and growing arts scene.
• Bedford
  • Commute: ~20 minutes by car
  • Highlights: Family-oriented, schools, shopping centres
  • Why move here: One of Halifax’s most popular suburbs for families.

Bedroom Communities Outside Winnipeg

• Steinbach
  • Commute: ~45 minutes by car
  • Highlights: Affordable housing, growing population
  • Why move here: Strong economy and family-friendly environment.
• Selkirk
  • Commute: ~40 minutes by car
  • Highlights: River city with historic character
  • Why move here: Small-town feel with access to Winnipeg jobs.

Bedroom Communities Outside Montreal

• Laval
  • Commute: ~30 minutes by Metro
  • Highlights: Large suburb with shopping and entertainment
  • Why move here: Strong amenities and close proximity to Montreal.
• Longueuil
  • Commute: ~20 minutes by Metro
  • Highlights: Affordable housing, riverfront views
  • Why move here: Easy commute with lower cost of living.
• Brossard
  • Commute: ~25 minutes by car
  • Highlights: Multicultural community, retail hubs
  • Why move here: Affordable, family-friendly alternative to downtown.

Why Choose Atlas for Your Move?

Whether you’re moving into the city core or settling just outside in one of Canada’s best bedroom communities, Atlas Van Lines Canada has the experience and network to help you move with confidence.

• Plus de 60 ans d'expérience en déménagement longue distance et transfrontalier
• Trusted local Atlas Agents in every major Canadian market
• Real-time tracking and secured, containerized transport
• Transparent, all-inclusive pricing
• Personalized support every step of the way

La satisfaction client est primordiale. Chez Atlas, nous pensons que l'important n'est pas la destination, mais les personnes avec qui vous voyagez.

Ready to Move to One of Canada’s Best Bedroom Communities?

Atlas Van Lines and our trusted Agents are here to make your long-distance move simple, stress-free, and successful.

Start your personalized estimate today at atlasvanlines.ca/estimation