Canada has many gorgeous provinces with amazing cities, and among them, Ontario is likely the prettiest. In case you are looking to move to this lovely province and change your environment, we are going to list you some of the best places to live in Ontario nowadays.
Ontario is well-known for its beautiful cities, landscapes, wildlife, and diverse culture. As such, it is suitable for living, especially if you plan to create a family and make it your home. In this article, we will walk you through some of the best places you can move to in Ontario and the advantages that come with it. So, without further redo, let us get into it.
1. Toronto – Population: 2.93 Million
Toronto is, without a shred of doubt, one of the most popular cities in Ontario province. It is also the province’s capital and one of the best locations to live in. Located along Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore, this city has the largest population in Canada and is often referred to as New York North.
This city offers you so many options in terms of business, culture, and entertainment as it provides its residents with just about anything they need. It is famous for its multiculturalism, public transportation system (subway, busses, and streetcars), and gorgeous waterfront area.
Moreover, Toronto is known as one of the world’s economic giants since it is Canada’s banking / financial capital and home to numerous private IT companies. There is also so much that this city can offer in terms of sport, art, nightlife, etc., that you will instantly fall in love with it.
2. Ottawa – Population: 994.800
Ottawa, the official capital of Canada, is a thriving and busy city that is a pillar of the Canadian economy and has high-income rates. It is one of the best cities in Ontario province to live in if you are a business person that looks to expand and take your enterprise to the next level.
What is even better about this city is the fact that both housing costs and crime rates are very low. However, the cost of living is still more expensive when compared to other big cities in Canada, such as Edmonton and Montreal.
The city is suburban and radiates a family-oriented atmosphere, which is why it often gets the rep of being a boring city, especially when compared with Toronto. However, if you are looking to start a family and expand your business, Ottawa is an absolute gem and a great place to live in.
3. Waterloo – Population: 113.500
Waterloo is a city in the south of Ontario, and it is a famous student location as it houses two significant universities. It has an international feel and is a great place to live in, especially for young people. More than 20% of city residents are oversea students, refugees, and migrants.
If affordability and cost of living are some of your primary concerns when moving to Ontario, then Waterloo might be the city that you are looking for. The city is within easy commuting distance to Toronto, but the houses are much more affordable.
However, there are fewer work opportunities in Waterloo when compared to the big cities. On the other hand, both the manufacturing and tech industries are thriving in this city, so jobs are not that hard to find. There are also plenty of parks, conservation areas, and art galleries that will keep you occupied and entertained. Moreover, being a student city, Waterloo offers excellent nightlife, with 26 bars and venues downtown alone.
4. Thunder Bay – Population: 110.150
This riverside city lies along the huge freshwater Lake Superior in northwestern Ontario, and it is the sunniest city in entire Eastern Canada. Over the course of years, it became one of the favorite locations to live in Ontario since the employment is really good while living costs are much lower than in some bigger Ontario cities.
Thunder Bay has a strong art and sports scene, while it is also a paradise for all outdoor lovers out there. There are plenty of outdoor activities you can enjoy in this city, including an extensive hiking trail network.
The downsides of Thunder Bay are that it is not as safe as other cities in the province, and the nightlife is not as rich as it is in some other cities. However, if you enjoy the quiet life and like spending time in nature, Thunder Bay is one of the best cities in Ontario province.
5. Hamilton: Population: 762.808
Hamilton is one of the leading industrial centers in Canada. This city is also considered a financial hub and the center of an extensive fruit-growing district. It is a beautiful city located on the Niagara Escarpment near natural landscapes, waterfalls, and lovely sceneries.
Moreover, Hamilton lies in close proximity to highways, making it easy to commute to other cities, and it is strategically located between Toronto and New York. This offers a nice opportunity to explore the cultures of two countries in a matter of minutes at a low cost.
In addition to lovely neighborhoods and amazing landscapes, Hamilton has all you require for a nice life – a medical university, museums, a high employment rate, and much more you can enjoy.
6. Oakville – Population: 213.759
Located on Lake Ontario, between Toronto and Hamilton, Oakville is part of the Greater Toronto Area, which is one of the most populated areas in Canada. If you require an environment that offers a great ambiance and peace, then Oakville might be precisely what you are looking for.
The city offers a wide variety of recreational areas and green spaces that you can enjoy with your family and friends. It is also highly praised for its sporting population and activities since you can enjoy hockey, canoeing, skating, lacrosse, soccer, and many more. It is also the home of the prestigious Glen Abbey Golf Course.
Oakville is a great place to live in due to its incredible economy, safety, and access to health and educational services. The great thing about this city is the fact that you can easily access Toronto’s job market while keeping the benefits of living outside the city.
7. Stratford – Population: 32.700
Stratford is a city on the Avon River well known for its connection to the arts. It is located only 40 km west of Kitchener / Waterloo and 50 km northeast of London, Ontario. The city is also famous for holding various festivals and events throughout the year and as the birthplace of Justin Bieber.
Stratford is a great place to live in due to its affordable cost of living and low property prices, as the median home value is roughly $277.000. There are also countless job opportunities in this area, and the city itself is a very safe place to live in since the crime rate is below average.
The city has over 115 acres of formal parkland and 60 acres of natural areas, while two of the four theaters are located within the parkland. The waterfront is an excellent place to enjoy sports activities, walking, jogging, or cycling. This city offers the comforts of urban living and a small-town feeling, making it a great place to make your home.
8. St. Catharines – Population: 140.370
St. Catharines is the largest city in Canada’s Niagara region and one of the largest urban areas in the Ontario province. Commonly known as the Garden City, it is located in close proximity to Niagara Falls and Canada’s border with the United States.
Given the fact that Niagara Penninsula has the highest number of vineyards in Ontario, the city hosts Canada’s largest wine festival. In case you enjoy golf, there are numerous internationally renowned golf courses near the city.
St. Catherines is a city that has an excellent strategical location, opportunities for various recreational activities, and wonderful sceneries and landscapes, making it a great place to make your home. It is a thriving city with the perfect balance of city and greenspace.
9. Niagara-on-the-Lake – Population: 17.511
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a town in southern Ontario, located on the shores of Lake Ontario near the Niagara River. It is a lovely place to live; however, the home prices in this town continue to climb over the years, but well-sized properties are still affordable for most families.
Numerous residences are surrounded by parks, tree-lined streets, and lots of green surfaces, making it a great place to start your family and build your home around it. If a country-style lifestyle is something that you are after, this city is a great choice for you.
Moreover, Niagara-on-the-Lake is also in close proximity to city amenities, so you will not lack some urban-style life if you start missing it since this town is just an hour-and-a-half drive from Canada’s largest city.
10. Collingwood – Population: 21.793
Collingwood is a great place to make your home in case you are tired of the traffic congestion and the busy life of the city. It is a small town in Ontario, Canada, north of Toronto, and it is a gateway to the Blue Mountain ski resort, making it a great location for winter sports lovers.
This town is also a great place for various outdoor activities such as recreational hiking, fishing, cycling, kayaking, skiing, or snowshoeing. Collingwood also hosts many events throughout the year, among which one of the biggest is the world’s largest Elvis festival.
You can also go golfing, horseback riding, fishing, rock climbing, and dog sledding, as they are just a few activities that are popular for residents of Collingwood. It is a peaceful town that is perfect for starting a family and making it your home.
Final Words
Moving to a new city or town is a significant change in everyone’s life, so choosing the right location requires adequate research to ensure you understand every aspect that your new home will bring. We hope you liked our list and that it will help you find the perfect place to move in and start a new life.