Toronto’s subway and streetcar lines link up with GO trains and dozens of local bus systems, which means you can live in a quieter suburb outside of the city and still be at Union Station in time for your morning coffee. The TTC alone carries more than a million riders on a typical business day, proof that you don’t need a car to move through the city efficiently.
But here’s the challenge: With so many cities, towns and neighbourhoods to choose from, narrowing down where to live can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve pulled together some of the best options for people who want reliable transit, affordable housing and easy access to groceries, shops and attractions.
These are our top picks for car-free living, followed by other strong contenders worth a look.
Top transit-friendly picks
These five spots stand out for affordability, liveability and transit access.
1. Toronto – Yonge and Eglinton
- Average rent: One-bedroom apartments often exceed $2,300 per month
- Average home price: Approximately $1.1 million for a condo; higher for detached homes
- Transit access: Direct subway access via Line 1, with a 20-minute commute to Union Station
- Local transit: Multiple TTC bus and streetcar routes connect the neighbourhood to other parts of the city
- Amenities: Walkable streets lined with shops, restaurants and cafes
- Community vibe: Vibrant nightlife and cultural venues within walking distance
2. Milton
- Average rent: Around $2,000 for a one-bedroom, lower than Toronto’s core
- Average home price: About $950,000, with townhouses often more affordable
- Transit access: GO train service with a 70-minute commute to Union Station
- Local transit: Milton Transit buses provide local service across the town
- Family-friendly: Excellent schools, playgrounds and community parks
3. Whitby
- Average rent: Approximately $1,800 for a one-bedroom near the GO line
- Average home price: Around $870,000, with condos and semis offering entry-level options
- Transit access: GO train service with just over an hour commute to Union Station
- Local transit: Durham Region Transit buses cover the town and connect to GO stations
- Community vibe: Quiet streets, schools and outdoor spaces ideal for families
4. Ajax
- Average rent: Roughly $1,900 for a one-bedroom apartment
- Average home price: Approximately $880,000, with newer developments near the lakeshore
- Transit access: GO train service with a 45–55 minute commute to Union Station
- Local transit: Durham Region Transit buses serve the town and link to Ajax GO Station
- Amenities: Walkable main streets with cafes, restaurants and community events
5. Ottawa – Centretown
- Average rent: About $1,700 for a one-bedroom, below Toronto averages
- Average home price: Approximately $650,000, with condos and townhomes available at lower prices
- Transit access: Frequent OC Transpo buses and O-Train service with a 15–20 minute commute to government and business districts
- Local transit: Comprehensive OC Transpo network, including bus rapid transit (BRT) lines connecting the neighbourhood to other areas
- Community vibe: Thriving arts, nightlife, restaurants and cultural events within walking distance
Other strong options
Not every great pick made the top five. Burlington, Mississauga, Pickering, Bowmanville and Oshawa all offer GO train connections with varied price points. Barrie provides lakeside affordability, with one-bedroom units averaging about $1,800 and a 90-minute GO ride to Toronto.
Further afield, Kingston, Waterloo Region, Hamilton, Guelph, London and St. Catharines have walkable downtowns, reliable local transit and access to shopping, schools and recreation.
In Northern Ontario, Sudbury (Donovan, South End) and Thunder Bay (Northwood, Westfort) provide bus networks and walkable neighbourhoods, though long-distance commuting is more limited.
Where to look
Car-free living starts with proximity to reliable transit. Even if you work from home or are mostly a homebody, being able to leave your place without a car can be a challenge in areas that aren’t commuter friendly.
In Toronto, neighbourhoods like Riverside, Leslieville, the Danforth and Yonge and Eglinton put groceries, restaurants and subway stations within easy walking distance, making errands and commuting simple.
Suburbs with strong GO train connections — Milton, Whitby, Ajax, Bowmanville, Oshawa and Barrie — offer a balance of affordability and convenience. Commutes range from about 45 minutes in Ajax to roughly 90 minutes from Barrie, making daily travel manageable without a car.
Keep an eye on upcoming projects that will reshape the transit landscape. Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown, not yet open (we’re told any time now! But they’ve been saying that for years…), will add a rapid east-west route across midtown. GO train expansions and new BRT routes will also improve access and could influence housing demand. Considering these timelines can help you choose a neighbourhood that will remain convenient for years to come.
Cost of living and housing
Money plays a big role in the car-free equation. In Toronto, one-bedroom apartments often top $2,000, with areas like Yonge and Eglinton on the higher end. Suburbs and nearby towns generally deliver more affordable options with dependable transit.
Places like Milton, Whitby and Ajax combine lower housing costs with local transit and GO access, while Barrie and Oshawa offer affordability without giving up walkability or essential services. Outside the GTA, Ottawa, Kingston, Waterloo Region and Hamilton strike a balance of cost and convenience.
According to CMHC, Ontario’s average vacancy rate for purpose-built rentals rose to 2.2% in 2024 from 1.5% the year before. That has eased some pressure, but supply remains tight.
For anyone avoiding car ownership, picking a spot near transit not only saves time but also $8,000 to $12,000 a year in car-related expenses — from insurance to maintenance, not including car payments and parking.
Liveable neighbourhoods for car-free residents
Living without a car doesn’t mean cutting corners on lifestyle. The best neighbourhoods mix transit access with daily amenities, so you don’t have to trade convenience for affordability. Toronto areas like Riverside, Leslieville and the Danforth offer vibrant restaurant scenes a short walk from subway and bus stations.
In the suburbs, Milton, Whitby, Ajax and Barrie blend commuter access with local shopping, parks and family-friendly services. Transit also extends your evenings and weekends — whether that means late-night buses in Toronto or weekend GO trains for day trips.
Outside the GTHA, Ottawa and Kingston provide downtowns where groceries, cafes and cultural life are all within walking distance. Green space and waterfronts in Ottawa, Hamilton and Toronto add balance, offering quick access to trails and outdoor escapes.
Bottom line
Car-free living in Ontario isn’t just possible, it can be enjoyable. Focus on neighbourhoods with dependable local transit or strong regional rail connections. Factor in rent ranges, commute times, vacancy rates and upcoming transit projects, and you’ll find that daily life without a car can be affordable, convenient and full of options.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.