Ontario is an incredibly appealing place to live in Canada, excelling in diversity, quality of life, and economic opportunities. Boasting both popular metropolitan areas such as Toronto and Ottawa as well as small towns and rural areas such as Collingwood and Muskoka. Continue reading to learn about the best places to live in Ontario and discover the pros and cons of moving to the metropolitan, suburban, or rural areas of Ontario.

Important Considerations for Moving in Ontario

If you’re purchasing a home in Ontario that requires plumbing, electrical, or aesthetic upgrades, consider professional home renovation services. Nick’s Developments offers home renovations with full gutting, demolition and regular inspections for quality control. We have specialized experience in new home builds and design and build projects. Moving is easier when you have a home that actually feels like home. Our team collaborates with each client to create a personalized design that prioritizes your needs and wants. Here are some key factors to consider before deciding to move to one of the best places to live in Ontario.

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Housing Market Trends: The current housing market, price trends, and the market projections.
Job Market Insights: The prominent industries, major employers, and the economic stability.
Education System: The quality of the schools and access to higher education.
Healthcare Facilities: Proximity to hospitals, clinics, and specialist services or support.
Climate and Weather: The climate including average temperatures and frequency storms or other challenging weather conditions.
Community and Culture: The social setting, diversity, and cultural attractions.
Recreational Activities: Access to and amount of outdoor activities, parks, and local events.

How To Choose the Best Place to Live in Ontario

Making the decision to move is never an easy choice. Whether you’re still searching for the best place to live in Ontario for families, or searching for the best places to live in Ontario for young adults, here are some factors to consider:

Living Costs: Living costs to think about include housing costs, gas prices, utilities costs, food prices, and taxes. If you’re moving from another province or country, the change in cost of living can vary from a minor to a major adjustment.
Employment Opportunities: Job availability depends on the industry you work in. In Ontario, the top employment sectors are manufacturing, finance, and real estate. The location you choose, whether metropolitan or rural, will also affect job opportunities.
Quality of Life: Your quality of life is influenced by multiple factors, such as accessibility, amenities, healthcare, safety and security, education systems, and more. It’s important to determine which aspects will have the biggest impact on you.
Transportation and Accessibility: Cities and suburban areas typically have better transportation systems and accessibility, including car services, buses, streetcars, and trains. Rural communities often have limited transportation and accessibility options.

Best Places To Live In Ontario – Major Cities

Toronto

Toronto is regarded as the most diverse city, not just in Canada but worldwide. Toronto is home to more than 250 ethnicities and over 190 spoken languages.

Toronto is an economic powerhouse, generating 50% of Ontario’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Other great regions in the GTA include Etobicoke, North York, and Vaughan.

Stats

Population	Median Household Income (After-Tax)	Average Home Price
3,025,647	$84,000	$1,173,781

Pros and Cons

The pros of living in Toronto include:

Job opportunities in a wide range of industries for people with varying degrees of experience and education.
Multiple art galleries, museums, attractions, festivals, and exhibitions.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is a leading transportation system in North America with services such as streetcars, buses, and the GO train.

The cons of living in Toronto include:

Toronto is one of the top three most expensive places to live in Ontario.
Traffic is frustrating in Toronto because of the large population and number of commuters.

Lifestyle

Toronto has many locations for entertainment, dining, or both. The city has a lively nightlife, including clubs, concerts, and street fairs. Toronto also hosts a variety of parades as well as cultural and historical events to celebrate its diversity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Toronto is perfect for individuals seeking a vibrant city lifestyle. It’s a desirable location for people with a high household income, offering plenty of professional opportunities and a variety of activities.

Ottawa

Ottawa is Canada capital city and a major hub for politics, education, and technology. Ottawa is home to Canada’s parliament buildings, as well as many other historical and cultural attractions.

Additionally, Ottawa ranks as the second cleanest city in Canada and the third cleanest city in the world.

Stats

Population	Median Household Income (After-Tax)	Average Home Price
1,452,000	$88,000	$686,535

Pros and Cons

Some of the many pros of living in Ottawa include:

Ottawa is a top-ranked city for quality of life and the number one place for Canadian newcomers to live.
Ottawa’s bilingualism policy allows citizens equally access information and services in both English and French.
For a metropolitan area, Ottawa has a large selection of green spaces, including parks, rivers, trails for outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and leisurely strolls.

A few of the cons to living in Ottawa are:

Ottawa experiences very cold winters with high snowfall and low temperatures.
The job market in Ottawa is widely government-oriented, with the greatest employer being the federal government.

Lifestyle

Ottawa is one of the best places to live in Ontario for families. There are plenty of cultural venues to discover, including theatres, festivals, and art galleries. The city has an array of outdoor activities as well, such as walking tours, ziplining, ecological reserves, and kayaking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ottawa is one of the best places to live for government employees, families, and tech professionals. The city’s historical and cultural presence also makes it an excellent environment for educational and personal development.

Best Places To Live In Ontario – Mid-Sized Cities

The following are the greatest mid-sized cities in Ontario to reside in:

Hamilton

Hamilton is the 10^th largest Canadian city. It has a notable reputation for its involvement in the iron and steel industries. Many new local performers, artists, and art businesses are thriving in Hamilton’s growing arts scene.

Stats

Population	Median Household Income (After-Tax)	Average Home Price
787,000	$80,000	$849,900

Pros and Cons

The pros of living in Hamilton are:

The cost of living in Hamilton is approximately 25% less than Toronto.
Hamilton is immersed in nature, with over 156 waterfalls just outside the city’s boundaries, numerous hiking trails, and conservation areas.
Hamilton has a large student population and high-ranking schools, such as Mohawk College and McMaster University.

The following are a few of the cons to living in Hamilton:

Hamilton’s large industrial industry has a negative impact on the city’s air quality and aesthetics.
There is limited public transportation, causing residents to rely on personal vehicles or walking.

Lifestyle

Hamilton has a vibrant cultural scene and abundant natural beauty, making it an appealing choice for big and families considering a move to Ontario. While the nightlife in Hamilton isn’t too exciting, there are various restaurants and bars that provide entertainment, in addition to great food and drinks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, living in Hamilton is an attractive prospect for people and families looking for a balanced lifestyle. Hamilton successfully blends a small-town atmosphere with a modern city infrastructure.

Kitchener-Waterloo

The region of Kitchener-Waterloo is one of the best places to live in Southern Ontario. The city has two universities and one college. This contributes to its dense student population.

In contrast to tourist towns, Kitchener experiences an increase in population throughout the fall and a decrease in the summer.

Stats

Population	Median Household Income (After-Tax)	Average Home Price
593,000	$81,000	$790,945

Pros and Cons

Here are some pros of residing in Kitchener-Waterloo:

Kitchener-Waterloo has a diverse job market, primarily in the manufacturing industry, including the automotive, food processing, robotics, and aerospace sectors.
The city is vibrant and full of culturally significant attractions and events.
The education institutions are some of the finest in Ontario.

The following are a couple cons to living in Kitchener-Waterloo:

Urban sprawl may be expanding Kitchener-Waterloo but it brings along disadvantages, such as worsening pollution, increased traffic, and higher energy consumption.
Compared to small towns, Kitchener-Waterloo has a substantially higher cost of living averaging $3,696 per month for a single person.

Lifestyle

Kitchen-Waterloo is home to the world’s largest Oktoberfest. As a university city, Kitchener-Waterloo has a great nightlife. You can find several pubs, restaurants, and clubs. Kitchener’s startup scene and tech hub support company growth and access to top tech talent, fostering a culture of innovation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kitchener-Waterloo is the ideal home for young adults, post-secondary school students, and technology enthusiasts. If you’re a one-person household and are searching for a safe place to live, Kitchener-Waterloo is an ideal choice.

Best Places To Live In Ontario – Smaller Towns And Rural Areas

The following are the best small towns and rural areas in Ontario to live in:

Collingwood

Collingwood is an extremely beautiful town surrounded by gorgeous mountains, forests, and beaches. There are year-round outdoor activities to participate in, as well as artistic events such as concerts, theatre productions, and art exhibits.

Stats

Population	Median Household Income (After-Tax)	Average Home Price
26,819	$72,500	$767,167

Pros and Cons

Here are the pros of living in Collingwood:

Blue Mountain is a summer and winter resort filled with outdoor adventure that’s merely 8-24 minutes from Collingwood, depending your exact location.
Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the winter and ziplining, hiking, and treetop trekking in the summer.
As a major tourist community, the weekends are typically packed with exciting events.

The cons to living in Collingwood include:

The economy in Collingwood is seasonal as it relies on the income from tourists in summer and winter months.
Jobs revolve around tourism, offering opportunities in resorts, restaurants, and recreational venues.

Lifestyle

Collingwood offers activities for all nature lovers as it’s filled with fun and adventure. Skiing, cycling, hiking, and water sports are common everyday activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Collingwood is among the best places to live in Ontario for retirees. It’s the perfect location for people who love the outdoors and are interest in a leisurely lifestyle.

Muskoka Region

The primary appeal of the Muskoka region is its combination of cottage country and luxury living. Homes are commonly built on or near the water and adopt a cottage style architecture.

The combination of the natural surroundings and comfortable lifestyle makes living in Muskoka one of the best places to live on the water in Ontario.

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Stats

Population	Median Household Income (After-Tax)	Average Home Price
73,076	$77,000	$957,211

Pros and Cons

Pros of living in Muskoka include:

Forests, lakes, and rivers add to the natural beauty of Muskoka’s scenic landscape.
Muskoka offers a laid-back lifestyle perfect for older individuals.
The Muskoka region has affordable housing options without compromises to housing conditions.

Cons of living in Muskoka include:

Waterfront properties can be expensive.
Muskoka has a seasonal population with half as many full-time residents as there are part-time residents.

Lifestyle

Living in the Muskoka region is enhanced through outdoor recreation, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and paddle boarding. Wake up to stunning sunrises and wildlife sightings with a waterfront property.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Muskoka region may appeal to affluent individuals or older individuals seeking a sense of tranquility in their daily lives.

Up-and-Coming Areas

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The following are the finest up-and-coming areas in Ontario to move to:

Barrie

Barrie is a wonderful place to start and expand your family. There are parks, museums, and outdoor activities for all ages.

The city is growing at an exponential rate, receiving millions in funding to not only build more homes but to design and construct them faster. This growth brings forth additional jobs, amenities, and transportation systems.

Stats

Population	Median Household Income (After-Tax)	Average Home Price
164,578	85,000	$630,000

Pros and Cons

The pros of living in Barrie are:

Barrie is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Canada, ensuring a promising future for its development and expansion.
Housing prices are and continue to drop in Barrie with plans for additional affordable housing developments in the works.

The cons of moving to Barrie are:

Highway 400 can become fairly congested, especially on weekends, causing traffic jams and delays.
Barrie is still developing its amenities, leading to people commuting to work and longer drives for shopping and personal care.

Lifestyle

The elementary and secondary school are excellent in Barrie, establishing the city as a family-friendly place to live and grow. You can part take in the numerous community events that take place in Barrie including, family funfests, music performances, theatre productions and more.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Barrie is among the best places to live in Ontario for young families. Additionally, the GO transit system and short distance from Highway 400 makes Barrie ideal for people commuting to and from work in cities such as Toronto.

Orillia

Orillia consists of a tight community with a population under 40,000. The majority of people living in Orillia are 54.

The area attracts tourists and boaters as it’s home to gorgeous waterfront parks and beaches.

Stats

Population	Median Household Income (After-Tax)	Average Home Price
33,411	$63,200	$699,675

Pros and Cons

Pros of moving to Orilla include:

Orillia has an amazing arts district with numerous galleries and theatres.
The cost-of-living In Orillia is low compared to other cities and suburban areas.
There are well-established retirement communities and active senior’s clubs.

Some of the cons to living in Orilla are:

The job market in Orilla is limited. Main industries include government services, tourism, manufacturing, and customer service.
Small populations have downsides such as less accessibility, higher transportation costs, and fewer educational prospects.

Lifestyle

Indulge in lakeside activities and events, enjoy the local festivals, and take in the lovely scenery. Orilla is a very liveable city with a little something for everyone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, moving to Orillia is suitable for retirees or people in search of a quieter and more relaxed lifestyle.

Tips for Moving to Ontario

The following tips can help you plan your move to Ontario:

Planning Your Move

Budgeting: Establish a realistic budget that accommodates your needs and wants.
Finding a home: Search the real estate market to find a home that fits your lifestyle, the size of your family, and your personal preferences.
Securing a job: Ensure your new residence is within a reasonable distance of your employment place or employment opportunities.

Adjusting to Life in Ontario

Weather: The weather in Ontario can vary from one region to another, but you can expect to experience snowfall and freezing temperatures in the winter months regardless.
Cultural differences: Moving to Ontario from another province or country can present a range of cultural differences. Familiarizing yourself with these beforehand can help adjust more easily to the changes.
Making connections: Connecting with friends, family, or persons with similar interests can ease the transition of a move to a new city, town, province, or country.

Next Steps: Renovating or Building a Custom Home in Ontario?

Determining the most suitable metropolitan, suburban, or rural area for you is just the first part of a major move. The next step, once you’ve discovered the best place to live in Ontario, involves finding or building the home you’ll move into. Contact Nick’s Development for more information on whether a renovation or custom home build is right for you.