Five of the (Arguably) Best Cities to Live in Ontario

Does the Ontario real estate market offer some of the best cities to live and work? Most definitely. In fact, the province has a little bit of everything: big cities, small towns, and areas in between. The province remains one of the most desired places to live in Canada today. It’s where millions of people, including those from across the globe, come to plant new roots. But whether you have just arrived in this great country or are looking to relocate somewhere else in the Ontario housing market, let’s take a look at some of the top cities.

The Best Cities to Live in Ontario

We’ll preface this by saying our list is open to interpretation, but here are the five best cities to choose from in the Ontario real estate market today:

#1 Toronto

Toronto is Ontario’s capital and Canada’s largest city. Toronto is known for its cosmopolitan feel. It has a strong economic presence in Ontario, a thriving arts culture, a range of restaurants offering worldwide cuisines, and extensive shopping malls. In addition, this city has some of the best universities in the country, many beaches, recreational activities, parks, castles, and museums.

With its multicultural environment and many job opportunities, Toronto is very popular among students, young adults, single people, and young couples. The city has an extensive public transportation system. One thing to remember is that the cost of living in Toronto can be high, with high rents and expensive real estate. Toronto is a true metropolis and is popular among tourists from all over the world. The traffic can be a bit of a headache for people, but those who become accustomed to life in Toronto feel entirely at home.

#2 Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital of Canada. It is the fourth largest city in Ontario and offers its residents a high quality of life and a strong economy. The city is known for its museums, galleries, theatres, and numerous outdoor activities. It is an immaculate and safe city. The crime rate is meagre, and the standard of living is relatively high. Ottawa has many parks, recreational activities, cultural events, and festivals. The cost of living in Ottawa is comparatively lower when compared to Toronto or Vancouver. The city also has an excellent public transportation system. Some of the best schools and universities in Canada are located in Ottawa. Compared to other cities in Ontario, the unemployment rate is much lower in Ottawa as it has a diverse set of industries. Ottawa is also an important city for politicians and policymakers.

#3 Hamilton

Hamilton is located on the west end of Lake Ontario. This city also has a vibrant arts culture and is popular for its natural surroundings. Compared to Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver, Hamilton is relatively more affordable in terms of housing. The city also offers excellent schools and a thriving economy. It is a relatively newer city than Toronto but still has a strong sense of community and a small-town-like feel. Several parks, hiking trails, and outdoor recreational activities exist for people in Hamilton. The city has a better cost of living than Toronto and Ottawa, and housing prices are much lower here than in other areas of Ontario. Like other cities, Hamilton also has excellent schools and a solid public transportation system. Finally, with a population of around 500,000 residents, Hamilton experiences less traffic than cities like Toronto or Vancouver.

#4 Waterloo

Waterloo is located in southwestern Ontario and boasts a thriving tech industry. Ontario’s two most reputable universities are located in Waterloo; hence, this city has a highly educated population. Waterloo offers a high quality of life with numerous parks, green spaces, galleries, theatres, excellent healthcare facilities, a low crime rate, and clean and charming streets. The cost of living is not cheap, but neither is it unreasonable, and the city has an excellent public transportation system. Waterloo is especially popular among young professionals as they can work in Toronto and still be able to purchase a home in Waterloo without spending a fortune. Waterloo is ideal for those who do not like the hustle and bustle of a city like Toronto and for families who would prefer to raise their children in a quieter setting.

#5 Kingston

Kingston is known for its beautiful architecture and rich cultural heritage and boasts some of Ontario’s best schools and universities. There is a strong sense of community, numerous parks and hiking trails, and several outdoor recreational options. There are museums and galleries, friendly neighbourhoods, and relatively cheaper housing. Kingston also has a solid public transportation system. The city suits families and students because of its safe streets, low crime rate, beautiful architecture, and high-quality educational institutions. Kingston is also popular among tourists and provides significant opportunities for local retailers and small businesses.

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