What are the best cities to live in Ontario?

Are you interested in moving to Ontario? If so, you have a huge and diverse province to explore! Ontario is one of Canada's most populous provinces and is home to some of its most colorful cities. You'll find breathtaking backdrops, bustling urban centers, and plenty of great homes to move into.

Whether you're a first-time buyer moving to Canada for the first time or someone looking to relocate to a new city, we have you covered. In this guide, we'll give you a breakdown of some of Ontario's best places to live.

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A brief overview

Ontario is a fantastic place to live and work. It borders the United States and the Great Lakes, offering everything from quaint towns to huge metropolitan areas. It's home to the nation's capital and is known for its many job opportunities and great quality of life. It's no wonder why people from around the globe flock to the province. If you're looking for a great place to relocate, here are some cities to consider.

Toronto

We can't mention Ontario without talking about Toronto! Toronto is the most populated city in all of Canada, and it has a strong economic presence in the province and country.

There are many great neighborhoods to discover. From the historic roots of the Distillery District to the more suburban vibes of Scarborough, North York, and Etobicoke, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a young single or have a family, you can find a great place to live in Toronto.

Housing prices are high in Toronto, but the broader Greater Toronto Area (GTA) offers choices for budget-minded buyers. No matter where you live, you benefit from Toronto's cultural flare and easy accessibility to all the amenities you could ever want.

Ottawa

Ottawa is the political epicenter of Canada. It's the capital city. Like Toronto, it's a sprawling urban city full of great amenities. Many people love Ottawa because of its thriving arts, culture, and history. Others enjoy its proximity to nature and tons of outdoor activities.

Whatever you prefer, there's something for everyone.

The cost of living is much lower in Ottawa than in Toronto, but you don't have to sacrifice your lifestyle. The quality of life in this city is great, thanks to a strong public transportation system, top-tier schools, and a thriving economy.

Mississauga

This city neighbors Toronto in the southwest and sits on Lake Ontario. It's the third-biggest municipality in Ontario, offering a nice balance between the hustle and bustle of big-city living and the quaint surroundings of suburbia.

Like other cities in Ontario, Mississauga has a strong economy with plenty of opportunities for job-seekers in many industries. It's a leader in Canada's manufacturing industry and has an impressive automotive and aerospace scene.

There are many eclectic neighborhoods to call home, each is close to nature, and community activities.

Hamilton

Next up, we have Hamilton. Also known as “The Steel City,” Hamilton is a port city on the western shores of Lake Ontario. It's close to Mississauga and Toronto but has a unique identity.

Recent revitalization efforts in Hamilton have created a thriving downtown core. You'll find everything from quaint shops to boisterous breweries. If you're a fan of all things nature, you'll love Hamilton.

There are over 150 waterfalls thanks to Hamilton's location on the Niagara Escarpment. Countless trails and outdoor activities await.

London

London is a smaller city in southwestern Ontario. It sits north of Lake Erie.

London is known as “The Forest City.” Spend a day there, and you'll see why. It's an outdoor lover's dream! In addition to sprawling parks and forests, London has countless outdoor activities to explore. There are many trails, fishing spots, and hiking paths to discover. Plus, as Canada’s first and only UNESCO City of Music, London proudly hosts lively music events and annual festivities.

This city is quickly gaining a reputation for its growing business opportunities. Many companies in tech, health care, and more call London their home.

Barrie

Barrie is a city within Simcoe County on the shores of Lake Simcoe’s Kempenfelt Bay. It's about 90 kilometers north of Toronto. What sets Barrie apart is its accessibility to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), offering a high quality of life alongside considerably more affordable housing costs compared to Toronto.

More importantly, its location makes it an exciting place for business. Several large companies have their headquarters in Simcoe County, making it a great place for students and job-seekers. Pair that with the beautiful backdrop and year-round activities; Barrie is a great place to call home.

Kitchener-Waterloo

Kitchener-Waterloo is one of Canada's biggest tech hubs! In addition to having great job opportunities, Waterloo is home to the prestigious University of Waterloo. As a result, it's developed a reputation for being a highly educated part of the country.

Of course, there's a lot to love about Kitchener-Waterloo beyond jobs and education. The cities boast several breathtaking green spaces, amazing healthcare facilities, and plenty of fun things to do, including a vibrant array of annual festivals.

The cost of living is cheaper than in Toronto. As a result, it's become a favorite for young professionals. However, many families love Waterloo because it offers a quieter lifestyle than bigger cities without sacrificing access to amenities.

Burlington

Burlington is another beautiful Canadian city on the shores of Lake Ontario. It's a picturesque place to live, giving you easy access to many outdoor activities and the beautiful Niagara Escarpment.

The downtown area gets considerable attention. It's a vibrant place to explore, with several shops, great restaurants, and culture-filled museums. Many say that Burlington offers the perfect mix of city and nature.

The neighborhoods are diverse, too. You can live in more urban areas or quiet communities.

Oakville

Oakville is one of the best cities to live in Ontario. It’s a stunning lakefront city that combines peace and luxury. Renowned for its lively downtown, great schools, and an array of shops and dining spots, Oakville embodies a captivating lifestyle. Its close proximity to Toronto ensures convenient access to job opportunities and the bustling city life while enjoying serene lakeside living.

Living in Oakville comes with fantastic amenities like golf courses, beautiful parks, and marinas that provide access to Lake Ontario, ensuring there's always something exciting to explore.

Kingston

One thing that makes Kingston stand out is its impressive architecture. There's a lot to see when driving through the city, and the area has a rich heritage you'll observe everywhere. Kingston is on Lake Ontario and sits at the mouth of the Cataraqui and St. Lawrence Rivers. As a result, outdoor fun is a part of Kingston living.

The city does a fine job of preserving nature and making the beauty of Canada accessible to the masses. However, you still get the perks of more urban living. That includes a strong public transportation system, great schools, and more.

Guelph

Also known as “The Royal City,” Guelph is a charming place in southwestern Ontario, that sits between Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, and Toronto. Guelph has an undeniable small-town feel. There's a strong sense of community despite a population of over 144,000.

Guelph is quickly becoming the go-to place for families. There's a high employment rate and a more affordable cost of living. As a mid-sized city, Guelph is still growing. However, you can see the area's rich history wherever you look.

Regarding real estate, there's a mix of suburban communities, trendier downtown neighborhoods, and homes close to all the nature you want to see.

Factors to consider when relocating or moving to a new city

As you can see, there's no shortage of great cities to call home in Ontario. When deciding where to move, consider your needs, budget, and lifestyle.

The cost of living varies throughout Ontario. You'll find multimillion-dollar homes in Toronto and more affordable homes in places like Guelph. The beauty of Ontario is that there's something for everyone, and you can find amazing homes regardless of your budget.

Think about the life you want to live and how these cities can impact your future. While all municipalities in Ontario have many job opportunities, some cater more to specific industries. Several cities focus on education, offering several universities for students and professionals. Others are more industrial.

Take these factors into account and pay some of these cities a visit. You'll undoubtedly fall in love with each one. But keeping your lifestyle needs and budget in mind will make narrowing down your options much easier.

Learn more about Canadian real estate with Nobul

When you're ready to take the plunge and buy a home, turn to Nobul. Nobul is a platform that helps home buyers like you connect with experienced real estate agents in Ontario and beyond. Create your account, answer a few questions, and connect with agents who can help you get into your dream home.

Compare profiles and read reviews to find an agent that meets your needs to a tee. Even if you're not ready to buy, check out the Nobul website to learn more about Canadian real estate. Check out neighborhood guides and view listings to see what's available.

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