Recommend good real estate in Oakville/Milton areas
Mar 9th 2011, 12:03 pm
#31
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 481
Re: Recommend good real estate in Oakville/Milton areas
We have lived in Burlington for six years, very family orientated, love it...
Realtors we have used in the past, who I would recommend highly;
Dave Cole
http://www.royallepage.ca/davecole
and Glenn Martin (He was excellent in our house selling negotiations, actually got us more money than we would have thought)
http://www.onsalehomes.com/aboutus
A nice place though with a villagy feel would also be Waterdown.
If you want any more info PM me...
Realtors we have used in the past, who I would recommend highly;
Dave Cole
http://www.royallepage.ca/davecole
and Glenn Martin (He was excellent in our house selling negotiations, actually got us more money than we would have thought)
http://www.onsalehomes.com/aboutus
A nice place though with a villagy feel would also be Waterdown.
If you want any more info PM me...
Mar 9th 2011, 1:01 pm
#32
Magnificently Withering
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Oakville, ON
Posts: 6,891
Re: Recommend good real estate in Oakville/Milton areas
The Oakville Soccer club is huge. They run a full programme of both house league (recreational) and representative (competitive) soccer for all age groups, starting at Under 4 level for the house leagues. The season runs from May to mid-July for outdoor, and as Dollface mentioned, there's an indoor winter league system too. The club is one of the largest in the country, adn has excellent new-ish facilities at Pine Glen & Third Line in northwest Oakville. Registration for the summer season is open now, but tends to fill up fast so it may already be too late to get a place for this season. www.oakvillesoccer.ca will have details, but since it's their busiest time of year trying to arrange the summer leagues, volunteer coaches, etc, I'm not too surprised they haven't got round to replying to you yet.
For swimming, we've had enormous success with the programmes run by the town's own parks & rec department. Our two eldest (now 7 and 4) have learned through the graduated classes from the earliest preschool to confident and reasonably competent swimming. Class sizes are small (instructor:student ratio is about 1:3 on average) and remarkably good value for money. There are huge numbers of courses for all sorts of things run through the town: take a look at http://www.oakville.ca/progbrochure.htm for more details. My OH is just finishing up a digital photography course; our eldest is about to start after-school skateboarding lessons - there's no shortage of activities! I've had mixed reports about the Oakville Swim Academy. My own view, not from any personal experience, is that it would have to be really good to be worth the money, and I can't see that it is.
Can't speak directly about drama or (instrumental) music, but I do know there's an excellent children's choir www.oakvillechildrenschoir.org if that floats your boat.
For babysitters/childminders, do you mean on an occasional basis, or a regular before/after school care programme? For occasional babysitters, before in-laws moved within striking distance, we used a system managed by Sheridan College, which has an early-childhood education programme, that matched up babysitters in their programme with local parents needing babysitting. Most schools will have some form of preschool and afterschool club, several of which are run by the YMCA. Ask other parents at the bus-stop or school gate - or see which of your neighbours has likely-looking teenagers in need of an extra few bucks!
Hope that helps
For swimming, we've had enormous success with the programmes run by the town's own parks & rec department. Our two eldest (now 7 and 4) have learned through the graduated classes from the earliest preschool to confident and reasonably competent swimming. Class sizes are small (instructor:student ratio is about 1:3 on average) and remarkably good value for money. There are huge numbers of courses for all sorts of things run through the town: take a look at http://www.oakville.ca/progbrochure.htm for more details. My OH is just finishing up a digital photography course; our eldest is about to start after-school skateboarding lessons - there's no shortage of activities! I've had mixed reports about the Oakville Swim Academy. My own view, not from any personal experience, is that it would have to be really good to be worth the money, and I can't see that it is.
Can't speak directly about drama or (instrumental) music, but I do know there's an excellent children's choir www.oakvillechildrenschoir.org if that floats your boat.
For babysitters/childminders, do you mean on an occasional basis, or a regular before/after school care programme? For occasional babysitters, before in-laws moved within striking distance, we used a system managed by Sheridan College, which has an early-childhood education programme, that matched up babysitters in their programme with local parents needing babysitting. Most schools will have some form of preschool and afterschool club, several of which are run by the YMCA. Ask other parents at the bus-stop or school gate - or see which of your neighbours has likely-looking teenagers in need of an extra few bucks!
Hope that helps
Thanks all for the lovely replies.
To those living in Oakville/Milton areas who have younge children, please can you recommend a good soccer club, swimm school, drama school, piano and guitar teacher.
I've heard of Oakville Soccer club and I've tried contacting them but haven't had a reply back.
I also found the Oakville Swim Academy's website and it looks very nice but wonder if anyone has had any experience with them.
Also, does anyone use babysitters/childminders outside their children's school and if so how do you find them? This is one of my main concerns as we'll be moving to a place where we'll have no friends initiallly and we may well need childcare support outside the school.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
To those living in Oakville/Milton areas who have younge children, please can you recommend a good soccer club, swimm school, drama school, piano and guitar teacher.
I've heard of Oakville Soccer club and I've tried contacting them but haven't had a reply back.
I also found the Oakville Swim Academy's website and it looks very nice but wonder if anyone has had any experience with them.
Also, does anyone use babysitters/childminders outside their children's school and if so how do you find them? This is one of my main concerns as we'll be moving to a place where we'll have no friends initiallly and we may well need childcare support outside the school.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Mar 9th 2011, 7:06 pm
#33
forever blowing bubbles
Joined: Feb 2011
Location: cambridge ontario
Posts: 343
Re: Recommend good real estate in Oakville/Milton areas
Yes, Milton has lots of parks and green space - dogs are supposed to be kept on leases in most of them (generally ones with children's playgrounds), but Milton does have at least one big leash-free park for dogs to play and run, which is fenced to protect them from cars, etc.
Shops: depends what you're looking for. There are half a dozen supermarkets, lots of pharmacies, etc., a big Home Depot, a Best Buy, some furniture stores, a golf store, lots of take out foods and restaurants, and lots of coffee shops (Starbucks/Tim Hortons/one-off places). As far as clothing goes, there isn't a ton, but I don't buy clothes very often, and only a couple of places carry my size, so I do most of my clothes shopping at a mall in Mississauga (about 15 minutes away).
Libraries - yes, several. I think there are 2 or 3 now. I borrow books electronically and read them on my e-reader, never even have to set foot in the physical building (although the one nearest to me is brand new and very nice).
Shops: depends what you're looking for. There are half a dozen supermarkets, lots of pharmacies, etc., a big Home Depot, a Best Buy, some furniture stores, a golf store, lots of take out foods and restaurants, and lots of coffee shops (Starbucks/Tim Hortons/one-off places). As far as clothing goes, there isn't a ton, but I don't buy clothes very often, and only a couple of places carry my size, so I do most of my clothes shopping at a mall in Mississauga (about 15 minutes away).
Libraries - yes, several. I think there are 2 or 3 now. I borrow books electronically and read them on my e-reader, never even have to set foot in the physical building (although the one nearest to me is brand new and very nice).
Mar 9th 2011, 7:10 pm
#34
Banned
Joined: Dec 2010
Location: Durham Region Extension
Posts: 3,342
Re: Recommend good real estate in Oakville/Milton areas
I am told that you are not allowed to park on the street in Milton, that can be an issue when you have guests
Mar 9th 2011, 7:11 pm
#35
Assimilated Pauper
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: Ontario
Posts: 40,018
Re: Recommend good real estate in Oakville/Milton areas
That's pretty much my view of Mississauga too.
Mar 9th 2011, 8:29 pm
#36
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 55
Re: Recommend good real estate in Oakville/Milton areas
We don't have kids, but live between two elementary schools and have lots of neighbours with kids. You don't mention the ages of your kids, but Milton has a ton of organised kids sports - Milton Magic soccer, Milton Marlins for competitive swimming, there are 2 or three music schools (School of Rock and Guitar World come to mind, both teach all instruments). Drama is often offered within schools, or as an after school club.
Can't help with before/after school care - most of the kids around us are either old enough to babysit other kids (12 and up) or are too young for school. Again, this will all depend on the age of your kid about whether you want them going to a daycare after school or whether you sign them up for at-school activities. Keep in mind that if your child is in Junior or Senior kindergarten, they may only be in school for either half days or every other day.
Can't help with before/after school care - most of the kids around us are either old enough to babysit other kids (12 and up) or are too young for school. Again, this will all depend on the age of your kid about whether you want them going to a daycare after school or whether you sign them up for at-school activities. Keep in mind that if your child is in Junior or Senior kindergarten, they may only be in school for either half days or every other day.
Many thanks for the reply. My kids are 5 and 8. My 5 year old will be going to Grade 1 and the school we're looking at offers before/after school club, however I'm thinking of childcare outside the school if need be.
T4T
Mar 9th 2011, 8:33 pm
#37
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 55
Re: Recommend good real estate in Oakville/Milton areas
The Oakville Soccer club is huge. They run a full programme of both house league (recreational) and representative (competitive) soccer for all age groups, starting at Under 4 level for the house leagues. The season runs from May to mid-July for outdoor, and as Dollface mentioned, there's an indoor winter league system too. The club is one of the largest in the country, adn has excellent new-ish facilities at Pine Glen & Third Line in northwest Oakville. Registration for the summer season is open now, but tends to fill up fast so it may already be too late to get a place for this season. www.oakvillesoccer.ca will have details, but since it's their busiest time of year trying to arrange the summer leagues, volunteer coaches, etc, I'm not too surprised they haven't got round to replying to you yet.
For swimming, we've had enormous success with the programmes run by the town's own parks & rec department. Our two eldest (now 7 and 4) have learned through the graduated classes from the earliest preschool to confident and reasonably competent swimming. Class sizes are small (instructor:student ratio is about 1:3 on average) and remarkably good value for money. There are huge numbers of courses for all sorts of things run through the town: take a look at http://www.oakville.ca/progbrochure.htm for more details. My OH is just finishing up a digital photography course; our eldest is about to start after-school skateboarding lessons - there's no shortage of activities! I've had mixed reports about the Oakville Swim Academy. My own view, not from any personal experience, is that it would have to be really good to be worth the money, and I can't see that it is.
Can't speak directly about drama or (instrumental) music, but I do know there's an excellent children's choir www.oakvillechildrenschoir.org if that floats your boat.
For babysitters/childminders, do you mean on an occasional basis, or a regular before/after school care programme? For occasional babysitters, before in-laws moved within striking distance, we used a system managed by Sheridan College, which has an early-childhood education programme, that matched up babysitters in their programme with local parents needing babysitting. Most schools will have some form of preschool and afterschool club, several of which are run by the YMCA. Ask other parents at the bus-stop or school gate - or see which of your neighbours has likely-looking teenagers in need of an extra few bucks!
Hope that helps
For swimming, we've had enormous success with the programmes run by the town's own parks & rec department. Our two eldest (now 7 and 4) have learned through the graduated classes from the earliest preschool to confident and reasonably competent swimming. Class sizes are small (instructor:student ratio is about 1:3 on average) and remarkably good value for money. There are huge numbers of courses for all sorts of things run through the town: take a look at http://www.oakville.ca/progbrochure.htm for more details. My OH is just finishing up a digital photography course; our eldest is about to start after-school skateboarding lessons - there's no shortage of activities! I've had mixed reports about the Oakville Swim Academy. My own view, not from any personal experience, is that it would have to be really good to be worth the money, and I can't see that it is.
Can't speak directly about drama or (instrumental) music, but I do know there's an excellent children's choir www.oakvillechildrenschoir.org if that floats your boat.
For babysitters/childminders, do you mean on an occasional basis, or a regular before/after school care programme? For occasional babysitters, before in-laws moved within striking distance, we used a system managed by Sheridan College, which has an early-childhood education programme, that matched up babysitters in their programme with local parents needing babysitting. Most schools will have some form of preschool and afterschool club, several of which are run by the YMCA. Ask other parents at the bus-stop or school gate - or see which of your neighbours has likely-looking teenagers in need of an extra few bucks!
Hope that helps
Hi Oakvillian
Many thanks for the info about the children's choir and swimming lesson. I'll looking into both of them.
As if by magic, I got a reply from Oakville Soccer club. Looking forward to visitng their club.
Thanks also for the info about Sheridan College, I'll contact them and find out.
Yes, you're right, there's so much for everyone to do. Can't wait to move!
T4T
Mar 9th 2011, 10:31 pm
#38
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: Milton, Ontario
Posts: 1,215
Re: Recommend good real estate in Oakville/Milton areas
Not quite accurate. Some streets (especially the residential ones in the newer areas) have 3 hour parking limits. If you are having guests stay longer, you can apply online for a parking consideration for 24 hours, and you can get 18 of those per plate per year, which is more than ample for most people. Plus they only have a couple of people patrolling the entire city, so the chances of getting a ticket is rare (in 5 years, neither we or any guests have been ticketed).
Mar 10th 2011, 12:08 am
#39
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11,272
Re: Recommend good real estate in Oakville/Milton areas
I was in Milton last Friday. It was subsequently pointed out to me that I drove through at a little over twice the speed limit (55mph in a 40kph zone). I find it's that kind of place, I go faster and faster trying to escape and find myself going around and around the identical streets wondering if I should not just kill myself there and then rather than endure another moment.
That's pretty much my view of Mississauga too.
That's pretty much my view of Mississauga too.
Mar 10th 2011, 12:21 am
#40
Assimilated Pauper
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: Ontario
Posts: 40,018
Re: Recommend good real estate in Oakville/Milton areas
I suppose you care enough to comment. I imagine the rest of the world is divided into people who hate suburbs and those who don't notice where they live. I assume the former have their prejudices confirmed, the latter don't know what I'm on about. I don't imagine anyone, except yourself, pays much attention.
Mar 10th 2011, 5:46 am
#41
half a century
Joined: Mar 2008
Location: Sarf Lundun to East Van :)
Posts: 10,222
Mar 10th 2011, 5:04 pm
#42
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 135
Re: Recommend good real estate in Oakville/Milton areas
Burlington is i think slightly cheaper and we are looking at renting for our first year (rentals are so expensive and no fully furnished) If anyone has any links for rentals it would be appreciated.
I would definatley be up for a get together once we have arrived in early June!
Mar 10th 2011, 5:43 pm
#43
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11,272
Re: Recommend good real estate in Oakville/Milton areas
I suppose you care enough to comment. I imagine the rest of the world is divided into people who hate suburbs and those who don't notice where they live. I assume the former have their prejudices confirmed, the latter don't know what I'm on about. I don't imagine anyone, except yourself, pays much attention.
Mar 10th 2011, 5:46 pm
#44
Assimilated Pauper
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: Ontario
Posts: 40,018
Re: Recommend good real estate in Oakville/Milton areas
I'm not. I'm famously easy going, stable and relaxed.
Mar 10th 2011, 5:48 pm
#45
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11,272
Re: Recommend good real estate in Oakville/Milton areas
Stable??