Ontario is Canada’s most affluent province, famous for its natural beauties, education and job opportunities. There are more than fifty cities and almost a hundred towns to choose from, so choosing the best places to live in Ontario is no easy task. But, you’re not alone in this since Ontario is the most popular and the fastest growing part of the Great White North with a large number of people coming to live here each year.
Ontario is the most populous province of the country. It is conveniently located in the central part between Manitoba and Quebec, and it borders five US states (Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania) through numerous waterways. It’s home to more than 250,000 lakes and both the national capital Ottawa and the business centre of the country Toronto are situated here. Apart from these, it boasts a large number of rural areas as well as towns and cities. So, no matter what your relocating motives are, you can’t go wrong if you choose to relocate to the province of the lakes.
How to Move to Ontario?
Ontario contributes to around 40% of the national GDP and this province has the highest hourly rates as well as a large number of job vacancies. The high-tech, finance, and education industries are booming here, but newcomers can also find work in other sectors, which is why Ontario is called the province of opportunity. Thus it comes as no surprise that it had the highest number of incomers in 2020 in the country.
To immigrate to Canada, you’ve got various options. For permanent residency you can apply for Express Entry or the federal Provincial Nominee Program, if you are a skilled worker and your skills are in demand here. If you’re moving to another country for love, you could also try the family sponsorship program. And if you plan on relocating temporarily, you should check out the various work permits, student visas, or other documents needed to travel abroad on the Government site. This is a great starting point if you’re moving to Canada since it contains all vital info as well as FAQ. And the good news is that you can apply for most of these things online, so you’ll avoid part of the moving stress.
Where Is the Most Affordable Place to Live in Ontario?
When you’re moving overseas, the first thing you think about is the living standard. And truth to tell, Ontario is not considered to be a cheap province if you look at the average cost of living in Canada. But, the great thing is that many factors come into play here, so you can still live in A Place to Grow, to use an old nickname, and save money. As in every country, big cities are generally much more costly than small ones and there are more and less sought-after areas which also have an impact on the prices. Besides, one’s priorities determine what kind of place they want to call their new home while living overseas and it always involves a certain trade-off between affordability and our desires. If you want to have a look at an extensive list of the cheapest places in Ontario, watch the following video.
Places for Families
If you’re looking for the best places to live abroad with family, you’ve come to the right spot. Ontario boasts some of the most exquisite schools nationwide as well as greenery and opportunities for the little ones to grow and socialize. Since its bordering Quebec, many schools offer immersive courses in French, which is excellent if you’d like your kid to be an erudite and get help in breaking the language barrier from an early age. Besides, there are many expat communities, so you needn’t worry you won’t find more American families to share your experiences and fun times with. Read on to find out what are the three most amazing places to raise a family.
Windsor Has the Best Connection to the US
Windsor is one of the best places to live abroad if you’ve got kids. It’s got both the small town charm and the feel of the metropolis since it is quite diverse with people from all over the globe living in it. The awesome thing is that there are so many things to do here; you can have food tours with your children and get inspiration for cooking in one of the amazing restaurants or you could enjoy nature in a plethora of public gardens. The city is not short in museums either, so make sure not to miss visiting some of them on a rainy afternoon. And if you’re moving with dogs, the four-legged family member will be delighted too since the city is full of animal lovers. Finally, even if you get homesick, the Detroit cityline is always visible and you can be back in the US in only 20 minutes if you use the Detroit-Windsor Ferry.
Vaughan Is Full of Fun
Vaughan is not only a great place for entrepreneurs and one of the fastest growing Canadian towns, but it is also home to the country’s biggest theme park – the Wonderland. Kids and parents can have fun galore here, including events, rides, meeting cartoon characters and bathing in summer. But the city offers much more, including unmatched schooling facilities, health institutions and green spaces. It is also very close to Toronto and you can access the Big Smoke in less than 30 minutes by bus or car. So, if you’re indecisive or you’d like to know what living in Toronto is like without paying the higher rent, this option is perfect for the best of both worlds.
Toronto Has the Lowest Property Tax in Canada
Though the cost of living in the capital of the province is among the highest in the country, it’s got the lowest property taxes. And that’s great if you consider opening a family business since this city is globally known for welcoming enthusiasts who dream big. Besides, the majority of jobs in Canada are to be found here so you won’t be twiddling your thumbs if you decide on moving to Toronto is for you. There’ll also be plenty of opportunities for learning a language abroad since your kids will meet people from every continent in Toronto’s progressive schooling system. And when it comes to free time, the city is unrivaled and you’ll have a problem deciding where to start.
Best Places to Live in Ontario for Students
Canada is one of the best countries to live in if you’re a student or you’re looking for advancement and education opportunities. Canadian Universities are the best on the continent, if you exclude the Ivy League, and they’re unique in that they encourage the student initiative to the highest degree.
Besides, the student life is packed with networking events, parties, and cultural growth and these get a new meaning in one of the friendliest countries in the world since the country is famous for its worship of multiculturalism. Thus it’s safe to say that Canada offers a comprehensive and deep studying experience in all aspects. Let’s look at some of the great places to finish school in.
Experience Is Everything in Waterloo
If you’re looking for affordable student housing and great Uni life, Waterloo has all you need. Home to two acclaimed national universities, the Waterloo Uni and the Wilfrid Laurier Uni, it’s a place where people are buzzing with energy. Though many families live here too, the young give it this optimistic everything’s-possible aura. And if you opt for living here, you don’t have to worry you’ll be sitting and studying isolated and bored. Waterloo is all about experience and many sport clubs, innovation hubs and cultural spots all over the city are there to prove it and help you learn how to live in another country.
Peterborough Offers Excellent Employment Opportunities
Located on the shore of Otonabee River in Central Ontario, the city is home to many families and students alike. The prices of housing are more affordable than in the rest of the province and there are many entertainment opportunities, festivals and heritage sites. The place is home to the famous Trent University, and many international students choose it for its excellent reputation of incorporating students into the city’s strong job market. And if learning how to live abroad gets too much, you can always escape into its natural oases of rivers and biking trails.
Raise the Roof in Hamilton
Hamilton is popular for its lower rent prices, breath-taking nature and a hip and vibrant lifestyle. Considerably large with a population of over half a million residents, but still smaller than Toronto, it’s the perfect in between. The downtown is home to many outstanding galleries, stores, restaurants and unique concepts as well as concert venues and clubs. It is also a spot where students can attend the country’s leading research Uni – McMaster – and delve into their field even before obtaining a degree. And, there are mesmerizing beaches and waterfalls to complement your moving overseas experience.
Ottawa and Oakville Have It All
If you were wondering – where is the best place to live in Southern Ontario, you must have come across these two. The nation’s capital and Canada’s most famous retreat are a great choice for all kinds of people who dream of moving to Ontario since they are both unique in more ways than one.
The Nation’s Capital Is a Guide to the Whole Country
If you’re an avid traveler and wind up in Ottawa during your moving across the world adventure, you’ll get to feel why this city differs from other world capitals. Its historic spirit, eclectic architecture and a mixture of the old and the new, make it truly exceptional. If you’re moving to Canada with pets, prepare to experience second to none pet-friendly public parks and natural getaways. Besides, if you want your kids to grow up here, you can rest assured they’ll have access to top-notch educational facilities. And, finally it is only here that you’ll come full circle and truly get to understand the multitude of the Canadian experience.
Best Place to Retire Is Oakville
We finish our list with a favorite spot for people who want to enjoy their retirement after having led a successful career life – the beautiful Oakville. Reminiscent of the Lake District in England, which was the inspiration of the most famous poets of romanticism, Oakville is also a dream-like riverside place of peace and serenity, where natural beauty dominates the cityscape. You won’t find it hard to learn how to keep in touch with friends here since they’ll all want to visit. And though the house prices can get quite high, there’s also a lot of affordable housing within walking distance of the lakes.
Where Is the Best Place to Live in Ontario?
Finally, Ontario abounds in places full of opportunities. And finding the best places to live in Ontario Canada is not easy because there’s a lot of candidates. If you’re planning to move overseas, don’t hesitate, but start looking for reliable international movers as soon as possible. Arrange your international moving services, as well as packing services, but also a custom crating for your valuables and oversized freight if you need it. You can also consider renting a storage unit, and overseas vehicle shipping. Don’t wait and schedule your free survey as soon as possible. The province won’t let you down and it’ll give you not only job opportunities galore, but also a chance to get to know the true Canada.
