Safest Burlington Neighbourhood for Families to Live In
Families across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are seeking a city with more green space, better schools, and a calm community atmosphere, without sacrificing the conveniences of city life. Burlington, a beautiful town within the GTA, stands out as a vibrant and highly desirable place to live.
The good news is that Burlington checks most of those boxes. The city scores an
exceptional 81/100 in livability ratings, and crime rates here are 10% lower than the Ontario average, making it an ideal place for families to relocate. In fact,
Maclean's Magazine named Burlington the 'Best Community in Canada' and the 'Best place to raise a family' in 2019, further highlighting its reputation as a top choice for families.
In this guide, we’re going to walk through:
- 5 of the safest Burlington neighbourhoods where families want to live
- How to find the best community for families, including top-rated schools and local amenities
- What makes these areas feel secure (spoiler: it’s about parks, schools, and neighbours who care)?
- Why safety should matter when you’re house hunting?
- How can you make any home feel even safer with the right security setup?
The Top 5 Safest Neighbourhoods in Burlington
When families search for the best neighbourhoods in Burlington, they’re usually looking for more than just low crime stats. Most people want:
- Parks and trails where kids can actually play outside
- Good schools within walking or biking distance, including top-rated Burlington schools
- Access to excellent schools in Burlington for all ages and needs
- Friendly streets where people know each other
- Enough local shops and services that you’re not always in the car
After reviewing safety data, livability scores, and local real estate guides, five communities stand out as the most notable. They are
Roseland, Millcroft, Headon Forest, Alton Village, and The Orchard. Each is an excellent neighbourhood in Burlington, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and strong community appeal. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Roseland
Roseland is one of those Burlington neighbourhoods people dream about. This older neighbourhood features historic homes, mature landscaping, and a well-established sense of community. The neighbourhood has it all, from tree-lined streets and larger lots to beautiful character homes just a short walk from Lake Ontario.
Why families love living in Roseland:
- You’re steps away from Spencer Smith Park and the waterfront for weekend walks, bike rides, and summer picnics
- Schools like John T. Tuck Public School are well-regarded and close by
- The quiet residential streets naturally encourage neighbours to look out for each other
- Burlington Mall is conveniently located nearby, offering Roseland residents a central shopping destination and easy access to a variety of stores and amenities.
Roseland consistently appears on lists of Burlington’s best neighbourhoods because it strikes a perfect balance between lifestyle, location, and safety.
Millcroft
Right in the middle sits an 18-hole golf club, surrounded by executive homes, townhouses, and family-sized properties that people work hard to get into. The area also features modern homes with contemporary design and amenities, making it especially appealing to families and professionals.
What makes Millcroft both safe and livable:
- You've got top-rated schools like Charles R. Beaudoin Elementary right in the neighbourhood
- Multiple parks where kids can safely walk or bike with their friends
- Well-maintained streets that keep people outside, where they can see what's going on
- That strong "neighbours actually know each other" feeling you get from seeing familiar faces at the golf course, playgrounds, and local shops.
Because many Millcroft homes back onto beautiful, open green space, many residents install rear-yard cameras and motion-activated lighting. They'll also set up front-door video doorbells and monitored alarms just to cover all the bases.
Image Source:
Shutterstock
Headon Forest
Headon Forest sits in north-central Burlington and has this reputation for being quiet, mature, and really family-focused. Most of the homes went up in the 1980s and 1990s, so you’re getting spacious properties on generous lots.
Why Headon Forest keeps making these lists:
- Tree-lined streets and sidewalks that are perfect for evening walks and kids playing outside
- Several parks and schools you can actually walk to
- Quick access to Highway 407 and Upper Middle Road for commuters, but it doesn't feel like you're living next to a highway.
Headon Forest appears on numerous “best Burlington neighbourhoods for families” lists due to its schools, parks, and noticeably lower crime rate compared to busier GTA areas.
Alton Village
If you’re drawn to newer homes and more modern layouts, Alton Village is worth a serious look. It’s one of Burlington’s newer master-planned communities, and everything about it was designed with families in mind.
What makes Alton Village stand out:
- Contemporary homes with attached garages and those open-concept layouts everyone wants now
- Excellent schools nearby, plus easy access to Haber Recreation Centre and Norton Community Park
- Parks, splash pads, and trails are woven right through the community, and you're close to Bronte Creek Provincial Park when you want bigger outdoor adventures.
Alton Village attracts many first-time buyers and young families, so safety is typically a top priority.
The Orchard
Rounding out our list is The Orchard, another walkable and family-friendly neighbourhood in northeast Burlington. It has a nice mix of detached homes and townhouses, which makes it popular with young families and those looking to move up.
Why The Orchard feels both safe and welcoming:
- Streets that were actually designed for walking and biking, with parks and playgrounds scattered throughout
- You're close to Bronte Creek Provincial Park for trails, picnic areas, and year-round outdoor fun
- Good access to schools, shops, and services without that crowded, hectic feeling
Like the other safe Burlington neighbourhoods we've covered, The Orchard benefits from active neighbours, strong school communities, and a lot of people enjoying the area outside.
Image Source: Shutterstock
Other Safe Burlington Neighbourhoods Worth Exploring
These five aren't the only safe or family-friendly spots in Burlington. They're just some of the most consistent standouts. Depending on your budget and what kind of lifestyle you're after, you might also want to check out:
- Maple area: Renowned for its residential appeal, the Maple area boasts beautiful homes, cultural attractions, natural scenery, and proximity to Lake Ontario, making it an ideal destination for families, professionals, and retirees.
- Brant Hills & Elizabeth Gardens: Established areas with good schools, including the reputable Corpus Christi Catholic school serving the community, lovely parks, and tight-knit communities
- Downtown Burlington: More of an urban feel with condos, restaurants, and Spencer Smith Park practically in your backyard
Wherever you end up, Burlington's overall safety profile provides a solid foundation for your future endeavours. You can always add a layer of protection for your home and family.
Neighbourhood Amenities
One of the biggest draws of living in Burlington is the incredible variety of local amenities available in every neighbourhood. Residents enjoy easy access to a wide range of amenities, including scenic parks, community centres, cultural hotspots, and shopping destinations. The Burlington Performing Arts Centre brings world-class entertainment to the heart of downtown Burlington. At the same time, the Royal Botanical Gardens offers a peaceful retreat with its lush gardens and walking trails.
Local Restaurants and Community
Burlington’s food scene is as diverse and welcoming as its neighbourhoods. From cozy cafes and family-run diners to trendy bistros and waterfront patios, there’s no shortage of local restaurants to explore. Downtown Burlington is primarily known for its vibrant community atmosphere, where you can enjoy a wide range of dining options, from gourmet cuisine to casual bites.

Many neighbourhoods in Burlington also host food-focused events and farmers’ markets, making it easy to support local businesses and enjoy fresh, delicious meals close to home.
Image Source:
Shutterstock
What Actually Makes These Burlington Neighbourhoods Safe?
When you look across these communities, a few things keep coming up:
Green space and parks everywhere. Burlington has an incredible variety of parks, trails, and waterfront spaces. From small neighbourhood playgrounds to the Waterfront Trail, all this green space keeps streets active and well-used.
Good schools and kid-friendly activities. Neighbourhoods with strong schools, recreational centres, and sports facilities naturally attract families who are invested in the area and in looking out for each other. Many Burlington schools score above the provincial average, highlighting the high academic standards and quality education available to local families.
Walkability and visibility. Sidewalks, trails, and well-lit streets make it easy for people to walk their dogs, push strollers, and enjoy the park. This kind of everyday activity is a quiet but powerful safety feature.
Engaged communities. Whether it’s school councils or neighbourhood Facebook groups, residents in these areas tend to share information, keep an eye out for anything unusual, and look after one another’s children. Community hubs, such as the Burlington Public Library, serve as central resources, supporting local engagement and providing valuable amenities for residents.

Proactive home security. In many Burlington neighbourhoods, it’s pretty standard to see home security cameras, alarm signs, and video doorbells. Visible security discourages opportunistic crime and gives residents better visibility into what’s happening on their street.
Image Source:
Shutterstock
Why Safety Matters When Choosing Your Neighbourhood
Even in a city that’s already pretty safe, your choice of neighbourhood can have a tangible impact on your daily life..
Protecting Your Property
Living in a place with well-lit streets, active neighbours, and lower crime naturally reduces your risk of break-ins, vandalism, and theft. Adding a
monitored security system on top of that, especially if you've got a detached home with a garage or you're backing onto open space, just adds another layer of protection.
Peace of Mind for Your Family
For parents, safety isn't just about looking at crime statistics. It's about:
- Actually feeling okay with your kids walking to school or the park
- Knowing your older kids can bike to a friend's house without you panicking
- Being able to step out for the evening while a babysitter is home
Choosing a safe, family-oriented neighbourhood and then adding things like
indoor/outdoor cameras,
video doorbells, and 24/7 monitoring helps you actually relax and enjoy your home instead of constantly worrying.
Freedom to Enjoy Your Neighbourhood
When a community feels safe, you're way more likely to:

- Actually use the waterfront, trails, and local parks
- Show up for outdoor events and festivals
- Support the local shops, cafés, and restaurants
The more people are outside and active, the more natural watching happens. And that makes the whole area feel safer for everyone.
What to Look for in a Safe Neighbourhood?
Whether you’re leaning toward Roseland, Millcroft, Alton Village, or somewhere closer to downtown Burlington, here are some helpful things to look for:
- Access to emergency services. Being reasonably close to fire stations, police, and medical care means faster response times in the event of an emergency. For extra peace of mind, consider 24/7 monitored home security. Trained operators can escalate alarms even when you’re asleep or away from your phone.
- Visible security cameras around. Neighbourhoods where lots of homes have security cameras and video doorbells tend to see less opportunistic crime. Visible cameras make would-be intruders think twice, and recorded footage can be invaluable if something actually happens.
- Good lighting and clear sightlines. Look for well-lit streets, clear views around parks and bus stops, and front porches that actually face the street. These features make it easier for neighbours to see what’s going on.
- Green space and community hubs. Parks, schoolyards, and community centres bring people together and keep public areas busy and active.
- An engaged, welcoming community. A good mix of ages and backgrounds, combined with regular friendly interaction, creates neighbourhoods where people actually know each other. People are also more likely to notice and speak up about anything unusual.
Keep Your Burlington Home Safe With PasWord Protection
If you think that one of Burlington's neighbourhoods is for you, or if you're upgrading a home in a busier part of the city, your next question is probably pretty simple: If one of Burlington's neighbourhoods has caught your interest, or if you're planning home upgrades in a more bustling area of the city, the simple question you'll likely ask next is: how do I make my home more secure.
Whether in a rural or urban setting, the core question is: what is the best way to enhance home security? That's precisely where we come in.
PasWord Protection has been helping homeowners and businesses across Southern Ontario protect what matters most for over 60 years. We design custom systems tailored to your specific home, daily routine, and budget.
We can help you put together a layered home security setup that includes:
- Smart home security systems with intrusion alarms, sensors, and control panels
- Indoor and outdoor security cameras covering your driveway, backyard, and main entry points
- Video doorbells so you can manage visitors and deliveries from anywhere
- Environmental hazard detection for smoke, carbon monoxide, and flooding
- 24/7 professional monitoring, which means alarms get investigated and escalated even when you're not watching your phone
Whether you're settling into Roseland, Millcroft, Headon Forest, Alton Village, The Orchard, downtown Burlington, or any other neighbourhood, you deserve to actually feel safe at home.
Ready to make your Burlington home even safer?
Contact us today for a
free security consultation. Let us help you reduce crime in your neighbourhood!
Key Takeaways
- Burlington is a safe, family-oriented city with excellent schools, parks, and community facilities, making it a wise long-term choice for raising children.
- Neighbourhoods such as Roseland, Millcroft, Headon Forest, Alton Village, and The Orchard stand out for their low crime rates, walkability, and friendly, active neighbours.
- By adding comprehensive home security features, such as cameras, lighting, alarms, and 24/7 monitoring, you can elevate the safety of your Burlington home, where you feel truly secure and at ease.
