Best Neighbourhoods in Oakville for Renting

Oakville has quickly become one of the most desirable places to live in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). With its scenic waterfront, strong schools, family-friendly communities, and convenient access to both Toronto and Hamilton, it’s no surprise that renters are increasingly looking at Oakville as their home of choice.

But which neighbourhood is right for you? That depends on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. Below, we explore some of the best neighbourhoods in Oakville for renting—each offering something unique for singles, families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Uptown Core

If you’re looking for modern living with excellent access to amenities, Uptown Core should be on your radar. This neighbourhood is filled with newer condos and townhouses, shopping plazas, restaurants, and good transit connections. It’s ideal for young professionals or couples who want convenience at their doorstep.

Transit Advantage: Uptown Core is well served by Oakville Transit buses and has quick access to the 403 and QEW, making it easy to reach Oakville GO Station or drive into Toronto.

Schools:

While there isn’t a top-ranked elementary school exactly inside Uptown Core listed among the very highest in recent rankings, Uptown Core benefits from being near several strong school zones.
For example, Pilgrim Wood Public School (in Glen Abbey) is frequently ranked among the top public elementary schools in Oakville, with a Fraser ranking around 9.1, offering a solid option for families.
Secondary school options include Iroquois Ridge High School (FI) which is highly rated (~8.8) among public secondary schools.

Bronte Village

For those who love the water, Bronte Village offers lakeside charm with access to trails, marinas, and a vibrant waterfront community. The neighbourhood has a mix of housing options, from condos to townhomes, and the views alone make it highly attractive.

Transit Advantage: Bronte GO Station is minutes away, with regular trains heading into Toronto. Plus, highway access via the QEW makes driving into the city straightforward.

Schools:

Elementary options: there are public and Catholic schools nearby, many with good reputations.
Secondary: Abbey Park High School (public) is a strong high school in the area, often appearing among the top high schools in Oakville (~8.5-9.0 rating).

Old Oakville (Downtown)

If walkability and character are important, Old Oakville is the place to be. With historic homes, boutique shops, fine dining, and a charming downtown core, this neighbourhood blends history with modern convenience. Rentals here can be expensive, but you’ll enjoy a unique lifestyle in one of Oakville’s most sought-after areas.

Transit Advantage: Oakville GO Station is just around the corner, providing frequent trains to Union Station in under 40 minutes. Highway access is also excellent, with both the QEW and 403 nearby.

Schools:

New Central Public School (JK-6, regular English track) in Old Oakville is highly rated (recently pushed into top 5 in elementary rankings) with Grade 3 & Grade 6 test scores well above provincial average.
Another excellent option: E.J. James Public School (French Immersion, Grades 2-8) also ranks very high among elementary schools.
High school: Oakville Trafalgar High School (public, 9-12) serves much of this area and has a Fraser ranking around 9+ in recent assessments.

Glen Abbey

Known for its family-friendly vibe, Glen Abbey is a well-established community with excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Homes here are typically larger, with plenty of green space, making it perfect for families.

Transit Advantage: Glen Abbey sits close to the QEW and Dorval Drive, giving renters good highway access. It’s also a short drive to Bronte or Oakville GO stations for downtown commuters.

Schools:

Pilgrim Wood Public School (elementary, JK-8) in Glen Abbey offers both English and French Immersion and is highly rated (~9.0+).
For secondary, Abbey Park High School (~8.5-9.0) is nearby and well regarded.

Joshua Creek

For those seeking upscale living, Joshua Creek is an attractive option. It’s known for newer, modern homes, quiet streets, and highly rated schools. This neighbourhood is more expensive, but it delivers a peaceful suburban feel with easy highway access.

Transit Advantage: Joshua Creek renters enjoy very quick access to both the 403 and QEW, making it an ideal choice for drivers commuting into Mississauga or Toronto. Oakville GO Station is also within a 10-15 minute drive.

Schools:

Elementary: Joshua Creek Public School is among the top public elementary schools in Oakville with strong recent scores.
Also, Munn’s Public School (French Immersion) serves Joshua Creek / East Oakville and is highly rated.

West Oak Trails

A newer and growing community, West Oak Trails is designed with families in mind. It offers parks, trails, and plenty of green spaces. With modern infrastructure and ongoing development, it’s a great choice for those who want a balance of affordability and lifestyle.

Transit Advantage: Close to Bronte GO Station and Highway 407, West Oak Trails gives commuters flexible options whether driving or taking the train.

Schools:

Top-ranked elementary: Forest Trail Public School (French Immersion only, Grades 2-8) is in West Oak Trails and consistently ranks at or near the #1 spot in Oakville elementary school rankings.
For secondary: Garth Webb Secondary is located within this area, and is well-regarded.

River Oaks

If you want a quieter, leafy community with good value, River Oaks might be the right fit. It has a mix of older and newer properties, offering rental options for a variety of budgets.

Transit Advantage: River Oaks renters benefit from direct access to the 403 and Dundas Street, with Oakville GO Station reachable in 10-15 minutes.

Schools:

Elementary: River Oaks has public schools with moderate to good ratings; for instance, River Oaks Public School has a Fraser ranking around 7.0.
Secondary: In Catholic stream, Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School is in River Oaks, well-known and respected.

College Park

College Park is one of Oakville’s more affordable neighbourhoods. It offers a mix of housing types and good transit connections, making it attractive for students, young professionals, or anyone looking for value without sacrificing access to amenities.

Transit Advantage: This neighbourhood has easy access to Oakville GO Station and several Oakville Transit routes, making car-free commuting realistic.

Schools:

Elementary: Sunningdale Public School (English track) is strong (Fraser ranking ~9.2).
Also, Munn’s Public School (FI) which serves parts of East Oakville / Joshua Creek / College Park is highly ranked (~9.2).
Secondary: Public secondary options include Gaétan Gervais (~8.7) and White Oaks (~7.9) depending on catchment.

Clearview

For renters who want a quieter suburban feel at a more reasonable price, Clearview is a great pick. It offers a balance of affordability, decent schools, and a strong community vibe.

Transit Advantage: A major advantage of Clearview is its proximity to Clarkson GO Station. This station offers plenty of parking and features an express train that gets you to Union Station in just 20 minutes — a huge plus for downtown Toronto commuters. Clearview also provides easy access to the QEW for drivers.

Schools:

James W. Hill Public School (JK-8, public, French Immersion offered) has a Fraser Ranking of about 7.7.
Oakville Trafalgar High School (public, 9-12) serves Clearview; recent rating ~ 8.6.
Clarkson Secondary School (FI) is also nearby (Grade 9-12) with a rating ~ 7.1.
Catholic options: St. Luke Catholic Elementary School (FI) is very strong in the area (~9.9) and St. Vincent Catholic Elementary (~9.5) are among the top elementary schools.

Final Thoughts

Oakville truly has something for everyone—from lakeside luxury in Bronte Village to affordable convenience in College Park. When choosing the best neighbourhood for renting, think about your commute, lifestyle needs, budget, and schooling. Whether you’re a young professional looking for condo living or a family searching for a quiet community, Oakville’s neighbourhoods offer plenty of options.

If you’re planning to rent in Oakville in 2025 and beyond, exploring these neighbourhoods will give you a strong head start in finding the perfect place to call home.