Best Places to Live in Ontario, Canada: 2023 Top Cities

Ontario is a great place to live, but many different factors come into play when deciding where you should live in the province and what city has the best amenities.

It’s difficult to decide which city has the best features for your lifestyle without a little research.

We’ve done all of the hard work for you by digging through various data sets in order to find out the best places in Ontario that offer an amazing quality of life with low crime rates, high availability of jobs and education opportunities, and a great urban lifestyle.

The Best Cities to Live in Ontario: Shortlist

​​Ontario is a vast province with plenty of wonderful places to live. If you’re having trouble deciding on where to settle down, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

In this post, we will outline the best places to live in Ontario for families, young professionals, and everyone in between. So, whether you’re just starting out your family or looking for a change of scenery, read on for the top places to live in Ontario!

Best Places to Live in Ontario for Families

The top five cities in Ontario for families are:

1. Toronto
2. Ottawa
3. Mississauga
4. Brampton
5. Vaughan

Best Places to Live in Ontario for Young People

Here are five of the best places for young families in Ontario:

1. Markham
2. Vaughan
3. Richmond Hill
4. Oakville
5. Burlington

These cities offer everything a family could want, from great schools to plenty of activities and amenities. Families will feel right at home in these bustling communities.

Best Places to Live in Ontario for Young Professionals

The best places to live in Ontario for young professionals are:

1. Toronto
2. Ottawa
3. Mississauga
4. Kitchener-Waterloo
5. Brampton

These cities offer plenty of job opportunities and lively nightlife. Young professionals will feel right at home in these vibrant communities.

Best Places to Live in Ontario for Singles

Here are the best ten places to live in Ontario for singles:

1. Toronto
2. Ottawa
3. Hamilton
4. London
5. Kitchener
6. Windsor
7. Barrie
8. St. Catharines
9. Oshawa
10. Kingston

Best Places to Live in Ontario for Retirees

For retirees, here are seven of the best places to live in Ontario:

1. Collingwood
2. Sauble Beach
3. Thornbury
4. Niagara-on-the-Lake
5. Midland
6. Huntsville
7. Orillia

Best Places to Live in Ontario for Everyone

And finally, the Best Places to Live in Ontario are:

1. Toronto
2. Ottawa
3. Mississauga
4. Brampton
5. Kitchener-Waterloo
6. Markham
7. Vaughan
8. Richmond Hill
9. Aurora
10. Newmarket
11. Barrie
12. Owen Sound

These cities offer a little bit of everything, from amazing restaurants and shopping to stunning nature trails. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find the perfect place to call home in one of these incredible communities.

The Overall Best Places to Live In Ontario, Canada

There are many different places to live in Ontario, Canada. Each has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks that you should consider before making a decision.

Here is a list of the overall best places to live in Ontario, based on various factors such as cost of living, job opportunities and overall quality of life.

1. Toronto
2. Waterloo
3. Burlington
4. Guelph
5. Oakville
6. Kingston
7. Barrie
8. Thunder Bay
9. Cobourg
10. Halton Hills
11. Bracebridge
12. Vaughan
13. Stratford
14. Ottawa

Let’s dive in!

1. Toronto

Toronto is first on the list of best places to live in Ontario. It is the capital of Ontario and has a population of over 2.9 million residents. Toronto is the most populated city in Canada and has a wide variety of attractions. 

Toronto is a very popular destination for people who are looking to live in Ontario. The low unemployment rate, high average income, and diverse culture make Toronto an attractive place to settle down.

Toronto is also home to some of the world’s top universities and colleges, making it an excellent place for students. People who live in Toronto enjoy the city’s unique culture, which includes its diversity of people and food.

2. Waterloo

Waterloo is a city located in Southern Ontario. It has a population of over 140,000 and is home to many companies as well as Waterloo Regional Transit Commission (WRTC).

It is one of the best places to live in Ontario because it has a greener and more sustainable environment, as well as an overall high standard of living. It’s also home to 25% of immigrants, which allows for diversity and cultural exchange with other people.

Moreover, Waterloo is a budget-friendly city close to Toronto. It offers affordable living that makes it easy for students and young professionals to live their dream lifestyle without breaking the bank in order to pay rent or mortgage payments.

Furthermore, if you’re looking for a city with great cultural activities and nightlife, then this may not be your best choice as there are no places of interest nearby.

It offers many benefits, including good universities and Colleges that attract diverse students from across the world to study there as well as many employers looking for qualified graduates.

The city of Waterloo has high employment opportunities for the manufacturing and tech industry, along with an affordable cost of living. This makes it one of the best places to live in Canada because of its livability, safety, and affordability.

3. Burlington

Burlington is a great city to live in for the following reasons:

1. It has a low crime rate, which means you won’t have to worry about being robbed or hurt while walking around town.
2. The high quality of life and amenities make this area very desirable.
3. There are many educational opportunities close by as well as cultural events that happen throughout the year.

The city of Burlington is 45-60 minutes from Toronto. In the Burlington, Ontario area, there are plenty of places to live with a good location and amazing natural scenery. It also has nice neighbourhoods that can accommodate families.

Although Burlington is affordable housing, it’s just not the type of affordable housing that many people are used to. It has only a 3% vacancy rate. This makes Burlington an attractive place for both renters and homeowners who want their money back after they’ve invested in property there.

It also boasts an abundance of restaurants, parks and cultural events, as well as garden spots like Switzer Brook Garden Centre, which has been around since 1980 with over 50 acres filled with flowers and trees.

The city also boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, including the Burlington Arts Centre, which was founded in 1919 with an important mandate to preserve local artists’ work while promoting new ones.

Furthermore, Burlington is a growing city in Canada. It has attracted businesses from across the country and all around the globe. The vitality of this community has increased as its population grows; it’s now become one of Ontario’s most attractive places to live or visit.

4. Guelph

Guelph is a city in Ontario, Canada. It has the fifth-largest population of any municipality in Canada, and it’s one of only three municipalities that have more than 100,000 people living within its borders.

The most recent census revealed that Guelph had 135,474 people residing there, which made it the second-largest community by this count after Toronto, with 2 million residents.

This number also makes Guelph larger than all but six American cities and five Canadian provinces, including Vancouver, Edmonton, Montreal and Toronto.

It’s one of the best places to live because it has low unemployment and affordable housing. It also has plenty of amenities that make a living here fun and easy, such as restaurants and parks.

The city is located in the Southwestern area of Ontario, and it’s home to many different universities, such as:

• The University of Guelph,
• Wilfrid Laurier University,
• Trent University and
• St Mary’s College. 

It also boasts Canada’s first university hospital: Royal Victoria Hospital, which can be found in downtown Guelph along with other hospitals like Lawson Health Research Institute (the largest medical research facility in North America).

Additionally, Guelph is also home to many businesses such as Honda Canada and Nuuvera.

5. Oakville

Oakville is a suburb of Toronto, and it has the highest average household income in Ontario. Oakville also has a high-quality education system with more than 170 schools and colleges. With gas prices low, property taxes are still affordable in this area.

There are plenty of great places to live in Oakville, including neighbourhoods like Fairview and Glen Abbey, which have award-winning parks, trails, golf courses and recreation centres for everyone.

Oakville is a good place to live because it is a small town with affordable housing and many amenities. It has a two-bedroom house price of $1,500, while the median income in Oakville is about $50,000.

The city also has great schools, transportation, shopping centers and parks that are perfect for families to enjoy together.

6. Kingston

Kingston is a small town, but it has the characteristics of a big city. Kingston is known for its close proximity to Lake Ontario and the Thousand Islands region. The downtown area includes shops, restaurants, and historic architecture. Kingston also offers great public schools that are highly ranked by many organizations.

Kingston has a population of 136,685, which is the highest number in Ontario. It also ranks 8th on Mercer’s Quality of Life Survey and 10th on Forbes’ Best Places to Live list.

Kingston offers attractive features like low crime rates, ample natural beauty such as Lake Ontario, and great school ratings, among others.

It is perfect for anyone who wants to raise a family. It has plenty of parks and recreational areas, as well as many schools, sports facilities and green spaces. The place isn’t only ideal for families or retirees; it also suits those working in the medical industry because there are several clinics in the area providing various services.

7. Barrie

There are many great places to live in Ontario. One of them is Barrie.

Barrie is a city with every amenity you need to live a happy and fulfilled life. It has great schools, parks, shops and restaurants, making it the perfect place for families or those looking to start their career in a new town.

Barrie is a city with many natural resources and has an abundance of sports, activities, and nature. It also has a variety of food options that work well for all people in the area.

Pros:

Barrie has a central location with multiple ski hills and close proximity to Toronto.

It also offers various opportunities for cottages if someone wants something different or affordable than an apartment building lifestyle.

Cons:

In terms of job opportunities, Barrie is a city with a small population and few jobs. Most people work at the university or in government services like health care.

8. Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay, Ontario, is a beautiful city on the shores of Lake Superior. It has great amenities like an airport, and it’s close to other cities in Canada, such as Toronto and Winnipeg.

Thunder Bay, is a rural area in Canada that has lots of natural beauty and also offers plenty of things to do. People who enjoy fishing, hunting, or hiking will love this place because there are many opportunities for these activities near the community.

It’s not only one of the best places to live in Ontario, but it ranks as one of the top 10 cities worldwide with an amazing quality-of-life score!

Thunder Bay has reasonable housing prices compared to other cities in Ontario like Ottawa. However, it is a city that has high crime rates and cold weather in winter.

9. Cobourg

Cobourg is a small town in Ontario that sits along the shores of Lake Ontario. It has a population of about 26,000 and offers many opportunities for those who are interested in growing their career or expanding their lifestyle.

The population boom has increased the number of jobs and services available to residents, but not without its problems.

This city’s low cost of living makes it attractive for newcomers as they can afford to buy more expensive homes while still earning enough money from their job; however, Cobourg does have some disadvantages, such as unreliable internet connections and limited public transportation routes.

Cobourg has an average house price of $257,000. This makes it affordable for people to live there and commute home from work. It’s also close enough to Toronto, where residents can easily make the trip by car or public transportation.

10. Halton Hills

Halton Hills is located in Ontario, Canada. It is a small town with a population of approximately 60,000 people.

Halton Hills offers some great benefits for those who live there, including beautiful natural scenery, public parks and outdoor activities like hiking and camping. The cost of living in this area is considerably lower than in the rest of Canada.

Halton Hills is a great place to live because it’s affordable and has an active community. It also offers many amenities, including public transit, parks, and recreation facilities.

This area of Ontario consists of two cities: Oakville on the west and Milton on the east side.

Halton Hills was ranked as one of Canada’s best places for young families by MoneySense Magazine.

Halton Hills is considered one of the best places to live in Ontario and Canada. The city is a small community that offers many amenities, including excellent schools, beaches for swimming, easy access to major highways, and close proximity to Toronto.

It has much natural beauty and an active agricultural community. With its close proximity to Toronto, Halton Hills provides a convenient lifestyle with all the amenities.

In addition, residents have easy access through public transit options such as GO trains or buses that connect them quickly downtown and elsewhere around southern Ontario.

11. Bracebridge

Bracebridge is a small town located near the shores of Lake Joseph. This beautiful little town offers many outdoor activities, such as canoeing and kayaking on Lake Joseph. The Blue Mountain Wild Forest trails are also nearby for those who want to explore the Canadian wilderness.

In addition, Bracebridge has great restaurants with locally sourced ingredients, including Scenic Joe’s Restaurant.

Bracebridge is a great place to live due to its small-town charm and the nearby outdoor activities. It’s also close enough for people that are in Toronto or Ottawa, so they don’t have to make too many commutes.

It’s a safe town with an unemployment rate of 3%, which makes it easy for young professionals without children who might be struggling with paying rent on their own to afford someplace nice here.

Bracebridge is a beautiful town in Ontario that overlooks the Muskoka River, which has been designated as one of Canada’s 10 most endangered waterways.

The town was built around this waterfall and boasts natural beauty and convenience to its residents who are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of big-city life.

Despite being an up-and-coming tourist destination, there are still many reasons to visit Bracebridge in the summer. This town is a perfect example of what makes Ontario such a phenomenal place for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Known as Santa’s Summer Home, it’s no wonder that this area has become popular with tourists from all over the world!

Bracebridge has been named one of the best places to live. Its 45th parallel location makes it halfway between North Pole and Equator, so it enjoys an ideal climate during all seasons. This resort town has around 3,000 people, but there are plenty of activities for those who want to stay busy when they’re not exploring this beautiful area.

It offers skiing at Blackcomb Mountain with its proximity to Vancouver and Calgary, as well as great hiking and hiking that runs through the beautiful forests of Muskoka.

Bracebridge is also a great place to start a family with its population size and diverse cultural activities, including the annual Canada Day festival in July, which celebrates Canadian culture by hosting parades, food fairs and fireworks displays.

12. Vaughan

Vaughan is a suburb of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. The city is located centrally between Toronto and Muskoka. It has excellent schools, low crime rates and high social mobility for its residents.

Vaughan is a great place to live because it has lots of fun things to do. Vaughan has 6 kilometres of trails, forests and wildlife, picnicking areas and leisurely family trail walks. In addition, there are laser tag or indoor mini-golf games as well as Jungleland playgrounds for the kids!

It has recently been attracting more and more people. The subway station at the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre brings it even closer to downtown Toronto, making living there easier than ever before.

It’s also cheaper than other places in the city thanks to its lower crime rate and affordability that are not found anywhere else like this nearby location makes possible.

13. Stratford

Stratford is a quiet little town in Ontario, Canada. It has plenty of parks and a good school system for kids.

There are many things to do in Stratford. It has the Stratford Festival, which attracts tourists from all over the world every year. This festival features plays and musicals by Shakespearean artists that are both popular and well-received worldwide.

Along with this event, it also boasts of an amazing wine region as well as other events like big sporting competitions such as hockey games or soccer matches hosted at two major stadiums nearby where you can see live sports for free!

14. Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, and it has a population that exceeds 1 million people. It is located in the province of Ontario. The region around Ottawa consists primarily of small towns and villages.

Ottawa was established in 1827 as a result of an act passed by Parliament to create “the seat of government for all civil matters.”

Pros:

Ottawa has many pros, the most important of which are its low crime rates, high employment rate, and great healthcare services such as CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) and The Ottawa Hospital.

It’s known for its low cost of living and high-quality education system. The education system here is impressive, with over 80% graduation rate for students who come from elementary to university level.

Cons:

The downside to this city is that there are not many exciting nightlife venues, and the winters can be very long. In addition to these issues, summers can also get hot, and housing prices tend to be higher than in other cities like Edmonton or Montreal.

But if you’re looking for an affordable place with good schools, then Ottawa might just be your perfect match!

Vital Information about the Best Places in Ontario to Live

Factors to consider before moving to Ontario

Before considering moving to Ontario, there are a few factors you should take into account.

First, you’ll want to make sure you have a job lined up, as the cost of living in Ontario can be high.

Additionally, you’ll want to research the different cities and towns in Ontario to find the best place for you to live. Some factors you may want to consider include the quality of life, the climate, and the availability of jobs.

Cost of living in Ontario

The cost of living in Ontario varies depending on the city or town you live in. Toronto, for example, is more expensive than most other cities in Ontario. However, there are also many smaller towns that are more affordable. Make sure you research the cost of living in different areas before making a decision about where to live.

Job opportunities in Ontario

Ontario is a great place to find a job, with many opportunities in both the public and private sectors. If you’re looking for a job in your field, Ontario is a great place to start your search. In addition, the province’s economy is strong, making it a great place to find work.

Quality of life in Ontario

Ontario is a beautiful province with a wide variety of landscapes and climates. From the beaches of Toronto to the forests of Northern Ontario, there’s something for everyone in Ontario.

In addition, the province has a high quality of life, with excellent healthcare and education systems. Whether you’re looking for big-city excitement or rural peace and quiet, Ontario has something to offer you.

If you’re considering moving to Ontario, these are some of the factors you’ll want to take into account. Make sure you do your research and find the best place for you to live. Ontario has something to offer everyone, so don’t hesitate to explore this great province.

FAQs on the Best Places to Live in Ontario

Final Thoughts: Best Places to Live in Ontario

So there you have it – the best places to live in Ontario! If you’re looking for a great place to call home, these cities are definitely worth considering.

There are many great places to live in Ontario, and the best place for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. No matter where you decide to call home, Ontario has something to offer everyone.

Which city is best for me? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best city for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, some of the best cities in Ontario include Toronto, Ottawa, and Waterloo. Make sure you research different cities to find the best fit for you.

We hope this post has helped you decide on where to live in Ontario. As you can see, there are many great places to choose from. No matter what your needs or wants may be, you are sure to find the perfect community to call home. So take your time and find the community that’s perfect for you. Happy settling down!

AUTHOR

Charee Oisamoje is the founder of CanadaWiz. She leads the editorial team, which is comprised of subject matter experts that aim to create well-researched, highly detailed content related to studying, working, immigrating, and settling/living in Canada as a newcomer.

Charee's personal experiences as a Canadian immigrant and her professional competencies make her uniquely qualified on the subject matter.

With extensive educational credentials, she is an expert at collecting details, verifying facts, and making complex subjects easy to understand. MBA in Finance MScIB CCEA (#CCG 271) CPA Candidate ✔️CIP ✔️BSc Accounting

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