10 Best Places To Live In Ontario

Ontario is one of Canada’s famous provinces. It doesn’t matter if you are a single person, a couple, or a family; the province has a lot to offer everyone. The province is widely known for its natural diversity, including its beautiful provincial parks and vast forests.

Ontario is also home to the famous Niagara Falls as well as four of the five Great Lakes. The province attracts tons of tourists and immigrants from all over the world each year.

Besides the wonderful attractions the province offers, it also provides a great combination of large cities, each with its unique job opportunities and superb natural attractions that include dozens of protected areas.

Methodology

Ontario has a total of 52 cities. In order to help choose which of Ontario’s cities makes it to our top list of the best place to live and work in Canada. In this article, we’ll use a set of criteria to reveal the 10 best places to live in Ontario and what makes these cities stand out from the rest.

We’ll examine the population, average property tax, and median house price. This will help you analyze and choose what city suits you most.

Why Ontario?

Accounting for 38.3% of Canada’s population, Ontario has a population of over 14 million people and is home to some of Canada’s most famous cities. The province and its cities are known for their high quality of life.

The province has cities that fit into everyone’s lifestyle and budget. The crime rate and unemployment in most Ontario cities are also relatively low compared to other Canadian provinces. Ontario is also Canada’s largest economy contributing up to 38% of Canada’s GDP. 

How Expensive is Living in Ontario?

Ontario is one of Canada’s most expensive provinces. The average cost of living in Ontario is CAD 2,014, which is 1.17 times higher than the average Canadian. The average salary for Ontario is CAD 3,484.

10 Best Places to Live in Ontario, Canada

When it comes to Ontario’s cities, each has its opportunities and offers its residents the best based on the budget and lifestyle of its residents. So then, here is our list of the top 10 best places to live in Ontario;

  1. Toronto
  2. Ottawa
  3. Oakville
  4. Burlington
  5. Hamilton
  6. Kingston
  7. Barrie
  8. Guelph
  9. Thunder Bay
  10. London

1. Toronto 

Toronto is Ontario’s capital city and the largest city in the province. The city is diverse, ranking it amongst the ten best places to live in Ontario and Canada. It is a great city for families because it is diverse and has a stable economy.

Population for 2022

  • Toronto has a population of 2.93 million 

Average cost of living

Average property tax

Median house price

Average rent price

Average population change over 5 years

  • Toronto’s population grew by 2.3%, totaling 62,785 residents from 2016 to 2021. The city now has a 0.46 annual growth rate.

Best neighborhoods in Toronto

Kensington Market

  • This neighborhood is one of Toronto’s oldest and most famous.
  • It’s an iconic and multicultural neighborhood with streets filled with bookstores, cafes, bars, fresh food outlets, and thrift shops.

West Queen West

  • A few years ago, this neighborhood made it into vogue’s list of coolest neighborhoods. Why? It has everything for everyone.
  • This neighborhood is the perfect leisure hub, from facilities to entertainment centers to art galleries and boutiques.

Davisville Village/St. Clair

  • This neighborhood is trendy amongst families and professionals mostly because it is quiet, peaceful and affordable.
  • With friendly residents, this neighborhood can’t help but give you that home feeling.

Pros and Cons of Living in Toronto

Pros:

  • High standard of living 
  • Job opportunities 
  • Safe 
  • Multicultural/Diverse 
  • Beautiful

Cons:

  • Expensive 
  • Overcrowded 
  • Bad weather 

2. Ottawa 

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. The city is an urban environment with many employment opportunities across all sectors.

The city boasts a high quality of life as well as a variety of attractions. Besides having a stable economy, the city’s educational and healthcare systems are top-notch. This makes Ottawa easily ranked amongst Ontario’s ten best places to live.

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Population for 2022

  • Ottawa has a population of 1.4 million 

Average cost of living

Average property tax

Median house price

Average rent price

Average population change over 5 years

  • Ottawa’s population grew by 8.9%, totaling 83,206 residents from 2016 to 2021. The city now has a 1.07% annual growth rate.

Best neighborhoods in Ottawa

The Glebe

  • This neighborhood has several historic homes on its streets. It’s the perfect environment for an active family or individual. The neighborhood covers all the bases with varieties of shops and restaurants, a theatre and an annual festival.

Sandy Hill

  • The street is an attractive site from its downtown location. Each street provides easy walking access to restaurants, shops, eateries and bars.
  • The street is a complete mix of the wealthy, the working class, immigrants and students.

Davisville Vista

  • This neighborhood is popular amongst families. It has a gorgeous building with some dating back to the 60s.
  • The streets have several parks, schools and churches. Its residents also have a fostered sense of community.

Pros and Cons of Living in Ottawa

Pros:

  • High standard of living 
  • High employment rate
  • Low crime rate 
  • Ideal for immigrant families

Cons:

  • Expensive 
  • Unpopular nightlife experience
  • Hot summers and long winters

3. Oakville

Oakville is a suburban city close to Toronto. The city is very diverse, making it perfect for raising families. The city is famous for its safety, pure nature, abundant parks, and green spaces. It is no surprise that some workers in Toronto live in Oakville to escape Toronto’s bustling nature.

Population for 2022

  • Oakville has a population of 213,759

Average cost of living

Average property tax

Median house price

Average rent price

Average population change over 5 years

  • Oakville’s population grew by 10.3%, totaling 19,927 residents from 2016 to 2021. The city now has a 2.06 annual growth rate.

Best neighborhoods in Oakville

Bronte

  • This Oakville neighborhood is residing right on the harbor. It is perfect for families and individuals who enjoy the cool atmosphere that comes with marine life.
  • Boating, fishing and other marine activities are usually common in this neighborhood.

Old Oakville

  • This neighborhood, also called “Downtown,” is one of Oakville’s urban-style neighborhoods.
  • This neighborhood is known for its picturesque and historical look, as well as its shopping, dining, and nightlife lifestyle.
  • Old Oakville is also close to Toronto, making it easier for commuters to drop by the city.

Glen Abbey

  • If you’re a huge golf fan, then glen abbey is the place for you.
  • The neighborhood is home to golf courses and it’s no surprise that your apartment might be near one.
  • This neighborhood is popular amongst families and professionals mostly because its quiet, peaceful and affordable.

Pros and Cons of Living in Oakville

Pros:

  • High standard of living 
  • Job opportunities 
  • Safe 
  • Multicultural/Diverse 
  • Affordable 

Cons:

  • Expensive 
  • Poor nightlife 

4. Burlington 

Burlington is a splendid location for families and individuals who love wide spaces. The city is a 45 to 60 minutes drive from Toronto.

Commuters can explore Toronto’s employment opportunities. The city is full of quiet neighborhoods. 

The city also has very low crime and unemployment rates compared to most Ontario cities. These reasons put Burlington in our top ten places to live in Ontario.

Population for 2022

  • Burlington has a population of 205,960 

Average cost of living

Average property tax

Median house price

Average rent price

Average population change over 5 years

  • Burlington’s population grew by 2%, totaling 3,634 residents from 2016 to 2021. The city now has a 0.4% annual growth rate.

Best neighborhoods in Burlington 

Pinedale

  • Pinedale is one of Burlington’s finest towns.
  • It’s also a stone’s throw away from Oakville, making it all the more convenient.
  • Transportation in and around this neighborhood isn’t a problem, as it helps residents tackle the daily hassles of park n’ ride.

Alton Village

  • This neighborhood is simply perfect for families.
  • The neighborhood has nearby highways perfect for commuters, parks, courts and fields for kids and athletes.
  • The neighborhood also has a recreational center, a gym and a public library.

Roseland

  • Roseland is one of Burlington’s oldest neighborhoods.
  • The neighborhood is great for families with kids, as there are two top-rated elementary schools for each age and grade.
  • The neighborhood also has parks and outdoor recreational areas. 

Pros and Cons of Living in Burlington 

Pros:

  • High standard of living 
  • Affordable housing 
  • Good choice for hikers 
  • Large spaces and huge parklands
  • Ideal for immigrant families
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Cons:

  • Unpopular nightlife experience
  • It does not have many amenities
  • Hot, humid summers and long dry winters

5. Hamilton   

Hamilton is one of Canada’s top industrial centers. The city is filled with natural landscapes, lookouts, waterfalls and trails. The city is conveniently located near major highways, which makes it easy to commute to nearby major cities. Hamilton is also very diverse and is one of the best places to raise families. The city is famous for being a financial hub with many employment opportunities in its various industries. These reasons put Hamilton in our top best place to live in Ontario.

Population for 2022

  • Hamilton has a population of 569,353

Average cost of living

Average property tax

Median house price

Average rent price

Average population change over 5 years

  • Hamilton’s population grew by 6%, with a total of 32,436 residents from 2016 to 2021. The city now has a 1.2% annual growth rate. 

Best neighborhoods in the Hamilton 

Ancaster: this neighborhood is one of the oldest settlements in Hamilton and Ontario. It’s a quaint and quiet neighborhood with nearby amenities for its residents. The neighborhood is filled with charm, character, and a great sense of community.

Corktown

  • Corktown, another of Hamilton’s oldest neighborhoods, is full of character and history.
  • Corktown has everything from transit to parks, shopping malls, and restaurants.
  • The neighborhood is ideal for families and young professionals.

Durand

  • Durand is located close to downtown and is rich in history.
  • The neighborhood has well-built and affordable homes.
  • It also offers many events for its local residents.   

Pros and Cons of Living in Hamilton

Pros:

  • High standard of living 
  • Job opportunities 
  • Safe 
  • Multicultural/Diverse 
  • Affordable 

Cons:

  • Expensive 
  • Poor nightlife 
  • Fewer schools 

6. Kingston 

Kingston, often called the limestone city, is one of Ontario’s small towns with the features of any other big city. The town is ideal for families and individuals who love friendly neighborhoods. The city has vibrant cultural communities and many walking trails, parks, and restaurants. Kingston has lots of interests in arts, music and theatre, as well as great food scenes with dozens of farmer’s markets, craft breweries, and wineries. These reasons put Kingston in our top ten places to live in Ontario.

Population for 2022

  • Kingston has a population of 136,685 

Average cost of living

The average cost of living in Kingston is CAD 1,143.54

Average property tax

Median house price

Average rent price

Average population change over 5 years

  • Kingston’s population grew by 7%, totaling 8,687 residents from 2016 to 2021. The city now has a 1.4% annual growth rate.

Best neighborhoods Kingston

Reddendale

  • Reddendale is one of Kingston’s finest towns.
  • The neighborhood has several parks, recreational areas, restaurants, and coffee shops. Ideal for families  

Henderson Place

  • This neighborhood is simply perfect for families with kids.
  • The neighborhood has several schools within walking distance, parks, restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops.

Auden Park

  • This neighborhood is home to lots of families.
  • Auden park has several parks and amenities needed to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants.

Pros and Cons of Living in Kingston

Pros:

  • Affordable housing 
  • Lots of scenery and history   
  • Great access to lots of islands
  • Large spaces and huge parklands
  • Ideal for immigrant families

Cons:

  • High taxes
  • Slightly higher crime rate than in some Ontario cities
  • Long dry winters

7. Barrie

Barrie is a great town for outdoor lovers. The city is small but has all the amenities needed for a high quality of life. Barrie is known for its affordable housing, central location, and the top-notch healthcare system. 

The city also has very low crime and unemployment rates compared to most Ontario cities. These reasons put Barrie in our top ten best places to live in Ontario.

Population for 2022

  • Barrie has a population of 153,356 

Average cost of living

Average property tax

Median house price

Average rent price

Average population change over 5 years

  • Barrie’s population grew by 4.5%, totaling 6,395 residents from 2016 to 2021. The city now has a 0.9% annual growth rate.

Best neighborhoods in the Barrie

Inshore

  • This is one of Barrie’s most highly sought-after neighborhoods.
  • The town has quite a number of parks and playgrounds as well as excellent schools and trail systems.
  • The town also has excellent restaurants and eateries.

Sunnidale

  • This neighborhood is simply perfect for families with kids.
  • There are several schools within walking distance, parks, streams, forests, and a playground.

Holly

  • Holly is one of Barrie’s most desirable neighborhoods with a fast-growing population of residents.
  • It’s almost like your typical Barrie neighborhood with parklands, brick bungalows and a great sense of community.

Pros and Cons of Living in Barrie

Pros:

  • High standard of living 
  • Affordable housing 
  • Good choice for hikers 
  • Large spaces and huge parklands
  • Ideal for immigrant families
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Cons:

  • Unpopular nightlife experience
  • Does not have many amenities
  • Hot, humid summers and long dry winters

8. Guelph 

Guelph is located in the southwestern part of Ontario and is commonly known as “The Royal City.”  Its proximity to Toronto and waterloo makes it gain a little attention from both cities, making it the ideal destination for people who don’t always want to be caught up in the bustling cities.

The city is just perfect for raising a family. It’s one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities and boasts very low crime and unemployment rates and a diverse population. These reasons put Guelph in our top ten best places to live in Ontario.

Population for 2022

  • Guelph has a population of 135,474

Average cost of living

Average property tax

Median house price

Average rent price

Average population change over 5 years

  • Guelph’s population grew by 9.1%, totaling 11,946 residents from 2016 to 2021. The city now has a 1.82% annual growth rate.

Best neighborhoods in Guelph

Hanlon Creek

  • This neighborhood is perfect for families with kids.
  • The neighborhood is home to some of Guelph’s top-performing public schools.
  • The neighborhood also has playgrounds, banks, grocery stores and hardware stores within walking distance.

Waverly

  • One of Guelph’s oldest neighborhoods with rich history and a mix of old and new homes.
  • The neighborhood is home to parks, recreation centers, and amazing public schools.

Westminster Woods

  • The neighborhood is filled with many new homes, a catholic church, a little league star baseball team, and a St Paul’s Catholic School, perfect for a working-class family.

Pros and Cons of Living in Guelph 

Pros:

  • Diverse population
  • Clean environment
  • Large spaces and huge parklands
  • Low crime rate

Cons:

  • Local transportation for commute isn’t always reliable
  • Does not have many amenities
  • Hot, humid summers and dry winters

9. Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is easily one of Canada’s most affordable cities. If you are a fan of green spaces and adventure, then this city is the place for you. The city also has a high employment level, great healthcare and transportation systems, and low housing costs.

Population for 2022

  • Thunder Bay has a population of 110,172

Average cost of living

Average property tax

The average property tax in Thunder Bay is 1.59%

Median house price

Average rent price

Average population change over 5 years

  • Thunder Bay’s population grew by 0.9%, totaling 934 residents from 2016 to 2021. The city now has a 0.18% annual growth rate.

Best neighborhoods in Thunder Bay

River Terrace

  • The River Terrace neighborhood is a favorite neighborhood for most residents in thunder bay.
  • The neighborhood is in close proximity to the hospital, university and college and is super central to all amenities.

Mariday Park

  • This neighborhood is mostly filled with old well-tended and refurbished homes.
  • Some parts of the neighborhood allow you to get a view of the lake and, like every other neighborhood, it is home to shops, recreation centers, and several amenities.

Grandview

  • Grandview is another fantastic neighborhood in thunder bay.
  • Although the neighborhood is old, it is family-oriented and has lovely well-built homes—home to shops, recreation centers, and several amenities.

Pros and Cons of Living in Thunder Bay

Pros:

  • High standard of living 
  • Affordable housing 
  • Good choice for people who enjoy nature’s benefits

Cons:

  • Unpopular nightlife experience
  • Does not have many amenities
  • High crime rate 
  • Freezing winters

10. London

London also called “The Forest City,” is one of Ontario’s largest cities. The city has an abundance of green spaces and pathways. The city is widely known as an excellent place for higher education, technology, manufacturing, and medical research. 

The city is one of the ideal cities for young professionals and families and a great place for retired professionals. The city is at a prime location at the US-Canada border and is affordable. These reasons put London in our top ten places to live in Ontario.

Population for 2022

  • London has a population of 422,324 

Average cost of living

Average property tax: London has an average property tax of 1.38%

Median house price

Average rent price

Average population change over 5 years

  • London’s population grew by 10%, totaling 38,502 residents from 2016 to 2021. The city now has a 2% annual growth rate.

Best neighborhoods in London 

Byron

  • Although slightly expensive is one of London’s finest neighborhoods.
  • The neighborhood is home to many great schools and has many green spaces.

River Bend

  • This neighborhood is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in London.
  • Besides being bordered by the Thames River, the neighborhood also has a lot of golf courses, community social clubs, and great schools.

Summerside

  • This is one of London’s newest neighborhoods.
  • Most residents are single families. The neighborhood is home to commercial plazas.
  • The neighborhood has a lot of outdoor spaces.

Pros and Cons of Living in London

Pros:

  • High standard of living 
  • Affordable housing 
  • Good choice for hikers 
  • Large spaces and huge parklands

Cons:

  • Unpopular nightlife experience
  • Slightly expensive
  • Hot, humid summers and long dry winters

Conclusion

Moving to a new city can sometimes be challenging, so it’s always important to research what cities best suit your needs, lifestyle and commute. Ontario is a big province with some popular cities. However, popularity isn’t all there is in finding a place to settle. 

Not all cities may be conducive for everyone and researching to decide which city to move to may be difficult. However, after going through this article where we’ve listed the ten best places to live in Ontario, hopefully, you get closer to what you want.

Frequently Asked Questions On Best Places To Live In Ontario

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Henry

I share a passion for travel, education, and helping others achieve their dreams of studying and living abroad. However, after realizing the lack of information about the benefits of travel, how to study abroad, work abroad, immigration and scholarships. I decided to start Travull.com to help others learn about these opportunities.

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