Introduction
Lying between Cawthra Road and Macdonald Cartier Freeway in the eastern and northern parameters, loosely demarcated by Eglinton Avenue West, the Centennial Park greens and Etobicoke Creek in the east, and firmly bordered by Dundas Street East in the south, Dixie is a sprawling swath of predominantly industrial and commercial real estate, that is also known as the Bloor-Dixie neighbourhood in Mississauga.
Lifestyle
The Dixie neighbourhood presents a mix of commercial establishments along Dixie Road and Eglinton Avenue West, and newcomer housing settlements in the interior parts of the neighbourhood represented by small clusters of rental buildings and townhouse complexes. Sporadic occurrences of detached and semi-detached housing can be spotted along the Burnhamthorpe extension, which impart a more residential and family flavour to this largely industrial piece of land.
The Vibe
The vibe in this neighbourhood is particularly mercantile with expansive strip malls, sprawling business centres, trade facilities and commercial enterprises to support the surrounding community. While nearly completely developed, significant portions are constantly under construction, as the area continues to grow as a business hub for Mississauga in general.
Meet the Neighbours
Residents of Dixie fall within the low to middle income categories, with new immigrant families, single parents and seniors hailing mostly from Sri Lankan and Polish communities. While this lends a colourful and diasporic vibe to the area, it is also a deterrent to outsiders who rely on media reports of frequent instances of crime in the area.
In the Area
Due to its “new immigrant” flavour, Dixie is home to a plethora of employment training centres, language assimilation schools and settlement centres such as the Dixie-Bloor Neighbourhood Centre. Large industrial areas, auto shops, daily amenities, retail conveniences and ethnic eateries are always a short distance away on account of its prevailing commercial nature.
24 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Due to its “new immigrant” flavour, Dixie is home to a plethora of employment training centres, language assimilation schools and settlement centres such as the Dixie-Bloor Neighbourhood Centre. Large industrial areas, auto shops, daily amenities, retail conveniences and ethnic eateries are always a short distance away on account of its prevailing commercial nature.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
In the past the Dixie neighbourhood has earned a bad rep for being “ghetto-like”. As undeserved as this label is, it does colour the imagination of those who are new to the area or simply passing by. Folks here are warm, tolerant, kind, humble and down-to-earth. They are hard workers and value their new life in a city that is their gateway to the rest of Canada.
Dollars & Sense
Rental housing in Dixie is affordable, while detached home and commercial space purchases may be on the higher end of the pricing spectrum. Those living in this area live on a budget, as they struggle to “make it” in the country of their new home. There are pockets of poverty and homelessness in the area, which goes against the overall luxurious grain of life in Mississauga.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Dunwynn Centre
The Dunwynn Centre has lots to do with a shopping, dining and fitness centre and is a very busy hot spot on weekdays and weekends for locals and office goers.
more infoLac Vien
This Vietnamese restaurant serves up delicious, hot and very generously proportioned dishes with a smile and a healthy dose of authenticity that is sure to satisfy your vietnamese cravings in the most delicious way.
more infoBurnhamthorpe Community Centre
This neighbourhood community centre offers indoor and outdoor facilities for basketball, volleyball, tennis and other sporting and cultural/social activities. With so much to offer, the Burnhamthorpe Community Centre is always buzzing.
more infoPlanet Bowl
Planet Bowl was the official bowling venue for the 2015 Panam Games, and this is a favourite hangout for all ages that offers a great atmosphere alongside some really stellar bowling facilities.
more infoDixie Curling Club
The Dixie Curling Club is a non-profit curling community that is over 50 years old and offers curling classes and other recreational activities to local residents who are interested in this cold weather sport.
more info