The Best Canadian Cities to Live In
About 82% of Canadians live in the urban environment. Cities and towns have proven to be a preferred destination because of the close proximity to better services such as healthcare, education, and improved infrastructure. However, Canadians and other residents seeking to migrate to urban environments may still have a problem determining which city or town to migrate to. The following are the best cities to live in Canada according to according to Moneysense. The factors used to determine the suitability of a city include economy, wealth and income, taxes, home affordability, transport, crime level, accessibility to health services, art, and community, and the weather.
10. Halton Hills - Ontario
The town of Halton Hills lies at the northwestern corner of the Greater Toronto Area. It has a population of about 66,000. One of the appealing features about Halton Hills is the conserved environment. The Niagara escarpment that was designated as a World Biosphere Reserve in 1990 runs across the town .The average income of $108,410 is higher than the national average but the unemployment rate of 5.7% is also higher than the national average of 5.1%. Transportation is offered by a bus and rail system.
9. Saint-Lambert - Quebec
The city of Saint-Lambert is located 11 miles from Montreal across the southern shore of the St Lawrence River. It is primarily residential but is supplemented by a few commercial institutions that stimulate the economy of the city. It is among the wealthiest cities in Quebec with a reputation of prestige. The city is served by a transit bus and rail system managed by Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL). Several health care and educational institutions are within the reach of the community. The unemployment rate stands at 4.9% while the average household income is $83,626.
8. Westmount - Quebec
Westmount is an inner-city wealthy suburb of Montreal. It has a population of around 15,000. It mainly consists of residential buildings occupied by Quebec's political and business elites. A decade ago, the average age of the community was between 70 and 80 but the young generation is finding its way into the enclave. Although the average income is $75,848, a majority of the residents own houses. The community is located within Montreal and benefits from its proximity.
7. Canmore - Alberta
Canmore is located 50 miles west of Calgary and borders Banff National Park. The town offers an outdoor lifestyle with picturesque scenery. Canmore is a perfect place to start a family because of the available social amenities and the friendly environment. The unemployment rate in the town is 5.1% while the average income is $75,848. The cost of property in the town is raising significantly, as property investors rush to meet the demand for real estate.
6. Milton - Ontario
The town of Milton is located in Southern Ontario and is part of the Greater Toronto Area. It is home to about 121,000 people. Between 2001 and 2011 it was the fastest growing town in the country, a situation that led to rapid expansion of infrastructure and public amenities. A commuter train and a bus corridor are the primary public transport services. The environment is a blend of urban and rural, a feature that attracts people to settle in the town.
5. Lacombe - Alberta
The city of Lacombe is located 16 miles north of the Albertan city of Red Deer. It lies at the point where the rolling countryside of Central Alberta meets the prairies to create a picturesque environment. The city is served by an airport, road, and rail. It is home to about 14,000 people. The attractive environment is among the major reason why people migrate to Lacombe. The unemployment rate is about 4.9% while the average household income is $97,800. Property tax is significantly higher at 76.6%.
4. Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville - Quebec
Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville is a suburban town of the city of Montreal in the southwestern part of the Quebec. The city has a population of about 27,000. Most of the people who live in the town work in the city of Montreal. Property tax in the town is 18.8% which is significantly lower compared to that of Ottawa. The town is served by a metropolitan rail and bus system that transport commuters to and from Montreal.
3. Russell - Ontario
Russell is a community on the outskirts of Ottawa. It is a suburban area of about 17,000 people. Russell is a great place away from the hustle and bustle of the city. About 50% of the people are Anglophone while the remaining 50% are Francophone. A majority of the people living in the town work for the federal government and most of them commute to Ottawa. The average income is $112,644 which is significantly higher compared to the national average of about $70,300. An average family home costs between $350,000 to $360,000. A small population means that health and transport services are of high standard because of low congestion.
2. Ottawa - Ontario
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada and it is located in the southeastern part of the province. Ottawa has an urban population of about a million and a metropolitan population of about 1.4 million. The city's status as the capital has elevated it to the second most preferred place to live in the country. The unemployment rate is about 5.1% and the average household income is $93,975. Transport infrastructure and health services are among the best while crime levels are lower compared to other major cities in the country.
1. Oakville - Ontario
Oakville, Ontario was ranked as the best place to live in Canada. The town is located in the southern part of Ontario roughly between Toronto and Hamilton. It falls under the Greater Toronto metropolitan area. The suburban town has a population of about 194,000 and a population density of 3,404/sq mi making it one of the most densely populated places in the country. Oakville has a good transport, health, and education system. The crime level is also low.
