A million dollars sounds like a big number, and in some parts of the Greater Toronto Area, it still is, while in some others parts, it doesn’t go as far as people expect. That same number can feel either surprisingly solid… or just enough.
Oakville, Milton, and Burlington are close to each other, so it makes sense people compare them, but the moment you start looking at actual homes, it stops feeling like an easy comparison. The lots are different, the streets have their own vibe, and each neighbourhood just feels… well, different.
Oakville: Established, Polished, and Still Competitive
In Oakville, a million dollars still gets you into a pretty established neighbourhood, one where you’ll enjoy tree-lined streets, older homes with nice yards that actually feel lived in, and schools that families specifically move for.
Most homes in this price range are detached or semi-detached, usually with three or four bedrooms. A lot of them have been updated little by little over the years—renovated kitchens, finished basements, and backyards that actually get used by kids or pets. They might not be brand-new, but that’s part of their charm.
However, you’re not just paying for the house, as you’re also paying for proximity to the lake, for walkable pockets near downtown Oakville, and for a neighbourhood where most amenities are already built out and functioning smoothly.
Some buyers walk through Oakville and immediately feel comfortable, while others notice the lot sizes aren’t as large as they expected for the price, and both reactions are fair.
Oakville holds value well, and that part hasn’t really changed, but you’re buying lifestyle stability as much as square footage.
Milton: More Space, More Newnes
Milton feels different the moment you drive into it.
There’s more active construction, newer subdivisions, and homes that still have that “recent build” energy.
With about a million dollars, you’ll usually get more space here than in Oakville. Four-bedroom detached homes are pretty common, basements are often unfinished but ready for whatever you want to do, and the yards usually feel a bit roomier too.
For families who want space first and foremost, Milton tends to deliver.
Space is one of the major parts of the appeal, sure. However, Milton’s rapid growth has shaped the place in noticeable ways; new schools open, roads expand, transit improves gradually, and amenities catch up.
Some people love being part of a growing area, while others may just prefer somewhere that already feels settled.
Milton works especially well for buyers who think long term and do not mind newer neighbourhoods where the trees are still catching up.
Burlington: Somewhere in the Middle
Burlington often lands somewhere between the two.
It has established neighbourhoods, but it also has newer pockets. It feels suburban, but not isolated. You’re still close enough to get into Hamilton or Toronto without too much hassle.
For a million bucks, you could land an updated detached home in the middle of town, or a newer one on the edges. Three or four bedrooms is pretty standard, with functional layouts, family-friendly streets, and then there’s the waterfront.
Being near Lake Ontario, trails, and green space really matters here, more than any listing photo can show. A lot of folks who move to Burlington are often surprised at just how much they end up using the parks and trails. It’s not flashy, but more of a steady, comfortable kind of place. Some buyers come thinking about value, and before they know it, they’ve fallen for the lifestyle.
So Where Does $1 Million Go the Furthest?
That depends on what “furthest” means to you.
If it means established prestige and long-term consistency, Oakville makes a strong case, if it means more interior space and newer builds, Milton tends to offer that breathing room, and if it means balance, waterfront access, and a steady community feel, Burlington often stands out.
The important part is seeing recent sold data, not just active listings. What homes actually closed at this price point tells you more than asking prices ever will. The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board publishes updated data that can help ground your expectations in reality, and sometimes, the real decision comes down to something less measurable. How the street feels at 7 p.m, whether the commute feels manageable, and if the neighbourhood matches your stage of life, because at $1 million, you are not just buying walls and square footage, you are choosing where daily life happens.