Why Canada is One of the Best Countries to Call Home
If you’ve been Googling “best places to live in Canada 2025” or “where should I buy a home in Ontario,” you’re not alone. Canada consistently ranks high for quality of life, affordability, natural beauty, and opportunity. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, an investor, or just planning your next chapter, knowing the top cities and towns can give you a huge head start.
And with BlogTO recently naming Waterloo, ON as one of the Top 15 best places to live in Canada, it’s clear Ontario is making waves on the livability charts. Let’s break down the Top 25 places to live in Canada and the Top 10 in Ontario for 2025.
🌎 Top 25 Best Places to Live in Canada 2025
Big City Energy: Where Work Meets Lifestyle
Toronto, ON — Best city in Canada for career opportunities and multicultural living.
Montreal, QC — Affordable housing + rich culture = top choice for students and families.
Vancouver, BC — Best Canadian city for outdoor lovers (mountains, ocean, and mild winters).
Ottawa, ON — Canada’s capital; stable government jobs and high quality of life.
Calgary, AB — Affordable housing with strong job growth and mountain access.
Coastal & Cultural Hotspots
Quebec City, QC — Best small-city charm with European vibes.
Halifax, NS — Affordable coastal living with growing job opportunities.
Victoria, BC — Mildest climate in Canada, perfect for retirees and families.
Ontario’s Rising Stars
Hamilton, ON — Best mid-sized city for affordability and arts.
Burlington, ON — Family-friendly lakeside living.
Guelph, ON — Known for low unemployment and strong community.
Kitchener–Waterloo, ON — Tech hub and one of the best places to buy a home in Ontario (BlogTO-approved!).
Barrie & District, ON — Perfect balance between affordability and family lifestyle.
Simcoe & District, ON — More space, lower costs—great for young families.
Western Gems
Edmonton, AB — Affordable housing + cultural festivals.
Banff, AB — Best town in Canada for natural beauty (mountain paradise).
Surrey, BC — Rising real estate star with family-friendly communities.
Burnaby, BC — Urban lifestyle close to Vancouver without the price tag.
Hidden Canadian Treasures
Niagara Region, ON — Best place in Ontario for wine lovers and families.
Russell, ON — Safe, affordable, and high livability.
Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, QC — Suburban elegance near Montreal.
Winnipeg, MB — Budget-conscious city with strong arts scene.
Lunenburg, NS — East Coast small-town charm with heritage vibes.
Canmore, AB — Outdoor paradise with a cozy community feel.
Perth, ON — Underrated gem with historic character and affordability.
🏡 Top 10 Best Places to Live in Ontario 2025
When it comes to real estate, Ontario shines with a mix of urban energy, family-friendly suburbs, and charming small towns. Here are the top picks:
Toronto — Best Ontario city for careers, culture, and diversity.
Ottawa — Great for families, bilingual living, and government stability.
Guelph — Top choice for affordability, employment, and community spirit.
Kitchener–Waterloo — Tech hub, university town, and one of Canada’s fastest-growing regions.
Barrie & District — Affordable suburban lifestyle with easy Toronto access.
Simcoe & District — Best for young families seeking space and value.
Hamilton — Best mid-sized city in Ontario for arts, history, and affordability.
Burlington — Scenic lakefront living, top-rated schools, and family-friendly vibe.
Niagara Region — Scenic wine country + strong family neighborhoods.
Tillsonburg / Russell — Small-town affordability with high quality of life.
🔑 Why These Places Rank Among the Best
Affordability: Housing costs vs. income make a huge difference.
Lifestyle: Proximity to schools, transit, shopping, and nature.
Job Growth: Booming industries like tech in Waterloo, government in Ottawa, and energy in Calgary.
Community: Safe neighborhoods, family-friendly amenities, and cultural vibrancy.
👋 Thinking About Moving?
If you’re ready to explore the best places to live in Ontario or across Canada, we can help you find the perfect fit. Whether you’re eyeing a starter home in Guelph, a condo in downtown Toronto, or a family retreat in Waterloo, Magnolia Group Realty has you covered.
📲 Contact Us Today:
Charlotte Ferguson – 519-575-1804
Nathan Steffler – 226-929-6369