Best places to live in Canada for Families
Written by: Neelam Shahzadi
Reviewed by: Majid Hussain
Canada ranks as one of the best places to live in the world. There is free universal healthcare for all residents, high average salaries, and world-class education from elementary schools to higher education institutes. Even most large cities are among the best places for families to live in Canada, and to top it all off, there is stunning scenery wherever you go.
With so much to choose from, deciding where to settle with your family cannot be easy. Important factors to consider when moving with a family include the cost of living and property prices, whether renting or buying, availability of jobs in your field, and access to schools and childcare facilities.
To help you get started, we have compiled a list of the best places to live in Canada for families.
Best places to live in Canada for families
When deciding on the best place for families to live, several criteria should be considered. These include safety, affordability, access to good schools, and a strong job market. While some locations may have high property prices, they often offer other benefits such as lower bills, groceries, and higher salaries.
London, Ontario
London is ideal for families, as it offers good schools and a wide range of recreational activities throughout the year. The city is home to excellent hospitals and higher education institutions.
As of November 2023, the average cost of a house in London is $602,630. With a population of 404,699, the city offers plenty of job opportunities, ranging from entry-level to high-paying senior positions. Given the city’s numerous universities and hospitals, the education and healthcare sectors are among the main employers in London.
Milton, Ontario
Milton is located on the commuter belt of Toronto, making it a popular choice for families who prefer a quieter environment. Although living in Milton comes with a large price tag, with the average house costing $1,026,447 in August 2023, the suburb is known for its excellent public schools, ample green space, and friendly locals. It is a safe and peaceful area to raise children, with a population of 110,128.
Guelph, Ontario
Guelph is ideal for families seeking a blend of urban and rural life. Some areas offer a relaxed, small-town ambience, while downtown provides all the amenities one would expect to find in a larger city. Guelph has a population of 135,474.
Guelph has excellent public schools for families with young children. In contrast, young adults and older children can take advantage of the area’s great colleges and universities. Guelph is home to some of the best job opportunities in Canada.
The education sector is one of the major employers in the city. You can still find many affordable homes below the million-dollar mark, with the average house price in Guelph at $819,771.
Saint John, New Brunswick
Saint John is a beautiful port city located on the Atlantic Ocean and a popular choice for many newcomers to Canada. Compared to some of the other cities on the list of best places to live in Canada for families, Saint John has affordable real estate, with the average house costing around $275,984 as of November 2023.
Saint John has a population of 70,785, making it a smaller city, but it is equipped with all the necessary amenities. Schools in Saint John are of high quality, and there are plenty of activities to keep your children entertained during their free time.
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto is the most populated city in Canada and has expensive real estate, with the average house price being $1,134,615 as of November 2023. However, the city is still a great place to raise children, and more affordable homes can be found in less popular areas.
The city is safe, and there is always something to do to entertain children. Toronto boasts excellent schools for young children and some of the best universities in the country. In addition, the job opportunities in Toronto are some of Canada’s best, with high average salaries.
Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, with over 1.3 million residents, and it is the second largest city on our list of the best places to live in Canada for families. Whilst Calgary has excellent schools, many of them, especially those in popular neighbourhoods, are overcrowded. Due to the city’s popularity with newcomers, the education system has not been able to provide enough new school places.
Calgary’s average household income is among the highest in Canada, and the city has a strong economy with plenty of job opportunities, particularly in the oil and gas industries. Additionally, Calgary is close to three national parks with stunning scenery and nature to explore during your family’s free time. As of October 2023, the average house cost in Calgary is $545,746.
Edmonton, Alberta
Although Calgary is a larger city in Alberta, Edmonton is the province’s capital. As of October 2023, the average cost of a home in Edmonton is $396,550. Edmonton is a very diverse city, with over 60% of the population coming from different countries, making it an ideal location for families seeking a multicultural community.
The education system in Edmonton is excellent, and it is less crowded than in Calgary. The city is also home to the University of Alberta, one of the best universities in Canada.
The city is home to the largest shopping mall in North America, the Edmonton West Mall. This mall has several cinemas, a water park, a bowling alley, and a vast selection of shops and restaurants to entertain you and your family for days.
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa, the capital of Canada, offers plenty of job opportunities in federal government offices and other sectors like retail, tourism, education, and technology. It is Canada’s sixth largest metropolitan city, yet property prices are still reasonable, especially compared to Toronto. As of November 2023, the average cost of a home in Ottawa was $635,574.
Ottawa is a safe city with a low crime rate, making it ideal for raising a family. The city has excellent schools for children from the youngest to the oldest in the family, and its residents are some of the most educated in Canada. Ottawa has the highest percentage of university graduates in the country.
St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John’s is considered one of the best places for families to live in Canada. However, it has a higher cost of groceries and household bills than many other places. This cost is compensated by the lower cost of property and the city’s high quality of life. As of October 2023, the average house cost in St. John’s was $333,700.
The city is the oldest founded by the English in North America and has a population of 113,948. It is well-equipped with all the amenities you might need and has one of Canada’s best public school systems.
Burlington, Ontario
Burlington is an excellent choice for families due to its proximity to Toronto, which provides additional job opportunities, amenities, and excellent higher education institutes. The city has a well-developed public transit system, a low crime rate, and a strong economy.
a high employment rate, all contributing to a high quality of life. However, the average house price in Burlington is $1,158,261 as of November 2023.
Located in the central region of Ontario, Burlington is home to 205,960 people and boasts breathtaking natural scenery, making it a desirable place to live and explore. The city is highly family-friendly, with a significant percentage of families among its population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alberta, New Brunswick and Ontario are among Canada’s best provinces for families. However, Alberta tops our list because of the affordable cost of living, high average household income, and education opportunities.
Quebec and New Brunswick have the lowest cost of living in Canada. The cities with the cheapest cost of living are Sherbrooke, QC, Quebec City, QC, and Saint John, NB.
Raising children in Canada is noticeably different from the United States, mainly because the universal healthcare system in Canada covers hospital and medical costs. Additionally, many parts of Canada have lower crime rates than the United States. University fees are also generally lower in Canada than in the States.
Conclusion
Canada offers diverse cities perfect for families, each with unique benefits. From London’s educational opportunities to Calgary’s strong economy and Saint John’s affordable living, there is a perfect spot for every family looking to call Canada their home. London, Milton, and Guelph are the top choices among the best places to live in Canada for families.
Wondering how to get your house in Canada? Fret not, as Legend Properties is here to help you with its experts who have the inside knowledge of Canada’s real estate market. We offer you the best option depending on your requirements. So, for what are you waiting? Contact us!
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