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List of Best Places To Live In Ontario

August 20, 2024 •

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Are you wondering if you can find the best place to live in Ontario, Canada? With a quality of life index of 159.68, Ontario stands out as a place that accepts all. The province is known for its warm, multi-ethnic communities and world-class technological system. Ontario is the second-largest province in the nation, with a reservoir of natural beauty. Let’s explore the best places to live in Ontario.

Top 10 Best Places To Live In Ontario

Ontario has established a prominent reputation in Canada with its exceptional infrastructure, automobile manufacturing industry, and cutting-edge technology. The province is celebrated for its vibrant lifestyle and appreciation of diversity, hosting festivals such as the Caribbean Carnival, Oktoberfest, and the Canadian Aboriginal Festival. Here are the top 10 places to consider for your next home in Ontario.

City	Population	Avg. Income (/year)	Universities	Quality of Life Index
Ottawa	1,450,000+	CA$64,900 – CA$70,000	University of Ottawa, Carleton University	181.35
Toronto	6,430,000+	CA$57,500 – CA$65,000	University of Toronto, Northeastern University	177.68
Waterloo	132,000+	CA$69,000 – CA$80,000	University of Waterloo, Conrad Grebel University College	177.99
Oakville	240,000+	CA$52,500 – CA$65,000	Global University Canada, Evergreen College	193.04
Kingston	600,000+	CA$45,750 – CA$55,500	Kingston University, St. Lawrence College, Kingston Business School	192.89
Guelph	152,000+	CA$55,200 – CA$60,000	University of Guelph, Summit College	186.95
Thunder Bay	113,000+	CA$51,000 – CA$55,000	Lakehead University, Confederation College	82
Burlington	200,000+	CA$41,518 – CA$45,000	University of Vermont, Champlain College	193.54
Hamilton	787,000+	CA$50,932 – CA$55,540	McMaster University, Mohawk College	172.13
Markham	368,000+	CA$63,673 – CA$70,000	York University, Seneca College	181.14

Detailed Understanding Of Best Places To Live In Ontario

Ontario province has a diverse lifestyles, from bustling urban centres to serene rural communities. Economic opportunities, education, healthcare, quality of life, and natural beauty significantly influence a region’s desirability. Check the several cities here:

1. Ottawa

Ottawa is renowned for its exceptional art and culture, inspiring people to pursue their dreams. Known as one of the best places to live in Ontario, Canada, it offers a variety of job opportunities. The city has a high standard of living, allowing residents to enjoy a culturally diverse and rich heritage. Additionally, Ottawa’s top-tier educational system and world-class universities further enhance its appeal as one of Ontario’s best places to live.

Cost of Living: CA$2,859/person
Quality of Life: 181.35
Known For: Economic Opportunities & Lifestyle
Tourist Attractions: Canadian War Museum, Rideau Canal, Canadian Museum of History

2. Toronto

Located in Southern Ontario, Toronto is the largest city in Canada. It is well-known for its list of opportunities available to its residents, making it one of Ontario’s top places to live. Toronto offers more than just career and educational prospects; the city is also home to attractions like the Royal Ontario Museum, lively festivals, and varied culinary experiences, making it a thrilling place to reside. Although living costs are high, Toronto’s unique offerings distinguish it from other Canadian cities.

Cost of Living: CA$4,425/person
Quality of Life: 177.68
Known For: Education and Entertainment
Tourist Attractions: CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

3. Waterloo

Known as the Silicon Valley of Canada, Waterloo is one of Ontario’s top places to live. The city is a centre of creativity and innovation, attracting some of the brightest minds from around the globe. Shoppers will appreciate the variety in Waterloo, including SmartCentres Waterloo, St. Jacob’s Market, Waterloo Town Square, and Conestoga Mall, as well as diverse options at The Boardwalk and UpTown.

Residents can enjoy outdoor spaces like Waterloo Park and Bechtel Park, as well as recreational facilities such as RIM Park. Additionally, Waterloo’s top-tier educational system equips students with the skills they need to launch successful careers.

Cost of Living: CA$2,000/person
Quality of Life: 177.99
Known For: Outstanding Educational System
Tourist Attractions: Waterloo Park, Laurel Creek Conservation, Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

4. Oakville

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Oakville is regarded as one of the best places to live in Ontario, primarily due to its low cost of living. The town is known for its safety, high quality of life, and dedication to clean living.

Oakville offers excellent education, a vibrant cultural scene, and upscale neighbourhoods like Millionaire’s Row and Old Oakville. It is a hub for performing arts and numerous galleries, making it a perfect place for modern art enthusiasts. Its proximity to Toronto makes Oakville ideal for students seeking housing in Ontario.

Cost of Living: CA$1,351/person
Quality of Life: 193.04
Known For: Cost of Living
Tourist Attractions: Lion’s Valley Park, Bronte Heritage Park, Gairloch Gardens

5. Kingston

Nicknamed the Limestone City, Kingston is regarded as one of Ontario’s top places to live. The city features many attractions, including museums, historical sites, art galleries, and theatres like the Grand Theatre and Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts.

Residents can partake in festivals, sports events at Leon’s Centre, and various outdoor activities. Kingston’s beautiful limestone buildings contribute to its charm, and many prime locations offer stunning waterfront views that captivate both residents and visitors. There’s truly something for everyone in Kingston.

Cost of Living: CA$2,580/person
Quality of Life: 192.89
Known For: Culture and Food
Tourist Attractions: Fort Henry National Historic Site, Lake Ontario Park, Lemoine Point Conservation Area

6. Guelph

Guelph is conveniently located near major cities such as Toronto, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Cambridge, making it appealing for business and leisure. As one of Ontario’s best places to live, it boasts excellent connectivity via Highway 401 and public transit.

Key attractions include the Guelph Lake Conservation Area, the historic downtown, the River Run Centre, and the Art Gallery of Guelph. For those pursuing education in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and engineering, Guelph stands out as a desirable place to live in Ontario.

Cost of Living: CA$2,850/person
Quality of Life: 186.95
Known For: Economic Growth and Education
Tourist Attractions: Riverside Park, Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate

7. Thunder Bay

Featuring beautiful lakes and pristine landscapes, Thunder Bay is one of the best and most affordable places to live in Ontario. Renowned for its scenic beauty, short commute, and family-friendly environment, it is an ideal place to settle.

The stunning waterfront is perfect for swimming and kayaking, while Marina Park hosts lively events with food trucks and vendors. The low cost of living significantly contributes to its appeal as one of Ontario, Canada’s best places to live.

Cost of Living: CA$2,385/person
Quality of Life: 82
Known For: Affordable Living
Tourist Attractions: Fort William Historical Park, Hillcrest Park, Mount McKay

8. Burlington

Burlington is ranked as the most livable city in Ontario and the 5th in Canada by the Globe and Mail, establishing it as one of the top places to live in Ontario. The evaluation considered factors such as economy, safety, and housing costs, with Burlington excelling in areas like raising children, attracting young professionals, and being a retirement destination.

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, Burlington offers trendy restaurants, bars, art galleries, and vintage shops. Its proximity to Toronto allows students to enjoy the benefits of a smaller, close-knit community while still having access to all the amenities of a major city.

Cost of Living: CA$3,454/person
Quality of Life: 193.54
Known For: Public Art, Vibrant Culture, Active Living
Tourist Attractions: Burlington Waterfront Trail, Royal Botanical Gardens, Mapleview Shopping Center

9. Hamilton

Hamilton, a popular Ontario destination, is a bustling port city on Lake Ontario’s western shore. Renowned for its steel and manufacturing roots, the city is now a dynamic hub for tech, education, and services.

Home to McMaster University, a Canadian top-tier institution, Hamilton blends urban energy with stunning natural beauty. With the Bruce Trail nearby and the expansive Royal Botanical Gardens as a crown jewel, it offers a unique outdoor experience.

Cost of Living: CA$3,232/person
Quality of Life: 172.13
Known For: Industrial Heritage
Tourist Attractions: Dundurn Castle, Bayfront Park, Waterfalls of Hamilton

10. Markham

Markham, a thriving Ontario community, attracts 80,000 annual visitors to its popular agricultural fair. Offering a mix of old and new, the city boasts historic charm with modern amenities.

Residents enjoy outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and many dining options. As a tech powerhouse and an essential part of Ontario’s innovation landscape, Markham is a dynamic place to live and work.

Cost of Living: CA$3,787/person
Quality of Life: 181.14
Known For: Cultural Diversity
Tourist Attractions: Markham Museum, Varley Art Gallery, Pomona Mills Park

Ontario offers various living environments, from bustling urban centres to serene natural landscapes. Each city provides unique advantages, such as job opportunities, educational excellence, cultural richness, and affordability. Consider your lifestyle preferences and needs when choosing the best place to live in Ontario.