The 9 best places to live in Canada, according to local real estate experts

Here are the top 9 best places to live in Canada and some inside information about the housing market.

Canada's excellent quality of life makes it one of the most popular countries for immigrants from all over the world. The world's second-largest country after Russia has a lot to offer newcomers. Universal healthcare, excellent schools, cultural diversity and a strong economy are just some of the reasons why around 500,000 people immigrate each year. But Canada is also a stunningly beautiful place. From rugged coastlines dotted with islands to national parks, glacial lakes and snowy landscapes, this country is a treasure trove of memorable sights and landmarks.

Here, we've compiled the nine best places to live in Canada, according to local real estate agents.

Related: 21 of Canada's most beautiful places, including picturesque islands and remote mountains

Toronto

Toronto may be Canada's most populous city, but thanks to its many neighborhoods and 1,500 parks (yes, that last zero is not a typo), each with its own unique character and feel, Toronto offers residents the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Recreational opportunities are abundant but lacking. An overwhelming sense of a big city, said Jessica England, a sales representative at Bosley Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International. “In addition to the diversity of our neighborhoods, Toronto also boasts cultural diversity, which contributes to our culinary, entertainment, and ever-expanding vibrancy,” England added. “During the summer, there are endless opportunities to participate in the Street Festival, which celebrates the many small neighborhoods that make up the great city of Toronto.”

The city was ranked ninth in this year's ranking of the world's best places to live, receiving perfect scores in the stability, health care and education categories. “Some of the city's most popular upscale neighborhoods include Rosedale, Forest Hill, Yorkville, Lawrence Park, Bridle Path, and The Annex. Rosedale is home to grand homes, tree-lined streets, and large residential neighborhoods. One of Toronto's most exclusive neighbourhoods, characterized by its tranquil atmosphere. It's known for its historic mansions and elegant architecture,” explained Ellie Davis, senior vice president of sales at Sotheby's International Realty Canada in Toronto.

edmonton

Alberta's capital city is located on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, and many riverside neighborhoods are surrounded by greenery and peaceful scenery. The city also attracts a lot of young people in their 20s and 30s due to its strong job market, affordable cost of living, and affordable real estate.

“Edmonton's current real estate market is balanced and affordable. The average price for a single-family home in August 2023 was just $495,005,” Rimrock Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International said Robbie Halabi, founder and real estate agent. travel + leisure. ”Crestwood, Glenora, Laurier Heights, Parkview to name a few. [neighborhoods], all feature at least a few streets with large mature trees, beautiful streetscapes, and coveted river valley backyards. ” Due to the city's construction boom, buyers can find many contemporary homes with large windows, open floor plans, and modern aesthetics.

Ottawa

“Canada's capital has shaken off its roots as a government city to become a fast-growing metropolis. It has a population of just over 1 million people, but a large number of people, strengthened by two rivers and the famous Rideau Canal, a World Heritage Site. We preserve green space.” Randy Oichle, president and broker at Innovation Realty Ltd., says the city embraces both English and French, Canada's official languages, resulting in a unique multicultural experience. It pointed out. Oickle says he recommends considering areas like Park, Glebe, Westboro and Kanata for upscale Rockcliff.

calgary

The gateway to the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Calgary provides easy access to one of Canada's most scenic regions, approximately 1 hour from Nakiska Ski Area and 1.5 hours from spectacular Banff. “There are many public art facilities and venues as well as parks and recreational facilities. The downtown core is also very picturesque because two rivers, the Bow River and the Elbow River, meet in the center. '' said CIR Realty agent Derek Timmons. I explained. Timmons added that the city is seeing an increase in new residents, especially urban residents who are moving from expensive markets like Vancouver and Toronto in search of affordable housing. He noted that the average price of a single-family home in Calgary is about 2.9 times lower than a single-family home in Vancouver.

“Some of Calgary's most established and popular upscale neighborhoods include Mount Royal, Elbow Park, Lakeview, and Britannia. These neighborhoods are known for their upscale neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and proximity to downtown. ” said salesperson Renata Reed. added the senior vice president of sales for Sotheby's International Realty Canada in Calgary.

Vancouver

“Vancouver is famous for its stunning natural scenery, with mountains, ocean and forests all within a short distance. The relatively mild winters and warm summers are a big draw for many,” McDonald Realty/Luxury Sarah Fakari of Portfolio International told T. +L. This multicultural city is a hub for a variety of industries, including technology, film, tourism, and natural resources, and attracts many young professionals from across North America and around the world. It ranks highest among Canadian cities in the annual World Livability Index, and ranks fifth for health care and education with a perfect rating. However, its real estate market is notoriously expensive.

“Vancouver has a reputation for being one of the most sought-after real estate markets in Canada, and prices reflect that. The base price for a single-family home in the city is $2,018,500, compared to $2,634,000 in the city.” Kevin O said. Mr. Toole, a managing broker with Sotheby's International Realty Canada in Vancouver, added that the standard price for condos in the city is $811,000.

victoria

What is life like in Victoria? “Inclusive community culture, close-knit neighborhoods, the natural beauty of the Pacific West Coast, a warm climate, and top-class schools all offer a great distance from the frenetic pace of large metropolitan centers, such as Vancouver or Seattle. It's in a location with easy access to,” said Carla Priddy of McDonald Realty. British Columbia's capital city is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is full of charming neighborhoods like Fairfield, which is worth a visit, with its historic homes and waterfronts of James Bay, Cadboro Bay, and Cordova Bay.

kelowna

“Kelowna is a wonderful place to live, with plenty of activities for people to enjoy, including boating on Okanagan Lake, wine tasting, biking, hiking, skiing the Big White, and world-class farm-to-table cuisine.” said Justin O. Connor, senior vice president of sales at Sotheby's International Realty Canada in Kelowna. He added that the city's growing student population has made Kelowna a more vibrant and pleasant place to live. In fact, it's currently one of Canada's fastest-growing cities, with an average age of 42.5 years, which has steadily declined since 2016, when many young people started moving here. “Pandosea Village, located on Okanagan Lake south of downtown Kelowna, is a popular area for singles and couples alike. This walkable neighborhood is vibrant and growing. Homes are located on the beautiful lakefront. They range from homes to quaint parkland condos and townhomes,” explained Doris Maria Bregolis of McDonald Realty Interiors/Luxury Portfolio International. She added that her families are drawn to quiet neighborhoods like Glenmore, Upper and Lower Mission and Lake Shannon in West Kelowna.

montreal

With its unique European feel, world-class culture and design scene, top-notch restaurants, and diverse neighborhoods, no city is as charming and vibrant as Montreal. Richard Church, head of brokerage at M Immobilier/Luxury Portfolio International, says access to outdoor recreation is also a big benefit of living here. And he's not just referring to Mount Royal Park, the city's namesake.

“I can think of few other cities where you can sit at your desk in the heart of downtown and be at world-class ski resorts within an hour. Want to go to Vermont or New York? That’s less than 30 minutes away. Yes! Cottage country? Go to the Eastern Townships or Laurentian and within an hour you'll be on one of the most pristine lakes in the country,” Church added. And with so many beautiful regions, even he has a hard time choosing a favorite. “My all-time favorites are the Southwest, Le Plateau, Westmount and Old Montreal neighborhoods,” he says, noting that Plateau duplex homes with exterior spiral staircases are the most popular. It pointed out.

halifax

Nova Scotia is known for its beautiful coastal scenery, and Halifax is no exception. However, the state's capital offers residents all the amenities and benefits of a city, including top-notch entertainment and sports. Halifax is also a booming business hub. “We have built companies and startups alike working on cutting-edge technologies in aerospace, information technology, marine science, medical research, and more,” said Domus Realty owner and real estate agent Dawn Dauphine. ” he said. As of 2022, Halifax is Canada's second fastest growing city, with a population of over 480,000 people.

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