Rural Oakville is best understood as a rural or low-density community within Oakville, rather than as a tightly defined urban neighbourhood. This is a lower-density market area where larger lots, open land, conservation space or country roads may be more prominent than a conventional suburban street grid. Daily errands and commuting tend to be more car-oriented, while schools, shops and recreation can be spread across a wider geographic area. Oakville combines established neighbourhoods, newer growth communities, employment areas, parks and trails, with the Lake Ontario waterfront contributing strongly to the town's overall character.