The best places to live in Ontario in 2025 are Toronto, Ottawa, Oakville, Burlington, and Aurora. Toronto offers unmatched job opportunities and culture, Ottawa balances government stability with lifestyle, Oakville and Burlington are family-friendly suburban hubs, and Aurora provides small-town charm near the GTA. Affordable alternatives include Windsor, Barrie, and Kitchener-Waterloo.
Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and home to more than 15 million residents. With its bustling cities, historic small towns, and scenic natural landscapes, Ontario offers something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn by career opportunities, lifestyle perks, education, or cultural richness, choosing the right city to live in can make all the difference.
Below are the top 5 best places to live in Ontario in 2025, along with notable up-and-coming communities. We’ve expanded each section to give you a more detailed look at what makes these destinations ideal places to call home.
Toronto remains the economic and cultural engine of Canada. With a population now exceeding 3 million, the city is constantly evolving and attracting people from across the globe.
Why Live in Toronto?
Diverse Job Market: Toronto is home to Bay Street (Canada’s financial hub), a booming tech sector, healthcare, education, and a thriving startup scene. Global giants like Google, Shopify, and Amazon have offices here, creating thousands of jobs.
Cultural Capital: Festivals, art galleries, theatres, and live music dominate the calendar year. Toronto hosts TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival), Caribana, and an endless array of cultural events.
Education Hub: With the University of Toronto, Ryerson (TMU), and York University, Toronto is a leading education centre in North America.
Lifestyle: Trendy neighbourhoods like Queen West, Kensington Market, and The Beaches make Toronto a blend of cosmopolitan flair and local charm.
Cost of Living
Toronto is one of the most expensive places to live in Ontario. Housing averages:
Detached homes: $1.2M+
Condos: $700K+
Rent: $2,300–$2,800/month (1-bedroom in city core)
Despite the high costs, Toronto continues to rank among the top 20 most livable cities worldwide for its greenery, safety, and long-term infrastructure planning.
2. Ottawa
The nation’s capital is far more than just politics. With a population nearing 1 million, Ottawa offers a perfect balance between government stability, tech innovation, and quality of life.
Why Live in Ottawa?
Employment Opportunities: Ottawa is known for stable government jobs, but it’s also one of Canada’s leading tech centres, with growing careers in software development, AI, and engineering.
Green City: With Gatineau Park, the Rideau Canal, and miles of cycling trails, Ottawa is ideal for outdoor lovers. Winters are cold, but skating on the Rideau is a Canadian bucket-list activity.
Education & Healthcare: The city is home to top-tier schools and universities (University of Ottawa, Carleton University), and healthcare facilities rank among the best in Ontario.
Multicultural Lifestyle: Ottawa blends bilingual culture (English and French), festivals, and arts with a family-friendly atmosphere.
Cost of Living
Average home price: $700K–$750K
Condos: $430K–$480K
Rent: $1,800–$2,100/month
Ottawa provides a more affordable alternative to Toronto while still delivering big-city benefits.
3. Oakville
Oakville, located between Toronto and Hamilton along Lake Ontario, is one of Ontario’s most desirable suburbs. With a population of around 200,000, it offers a mix of suburban peace, upscale living, and easy access to downtown Toronto.
Why Live in Oakville?
Family-Friendly: Oakville boasts some of Ontario’s highest-rated schools, making it popular with families.
Natural Beauty: Lake Ontario waterfront, Bronte Harbour, and over 200 parks provide plenty of outdoor activities.
Lifestyle Amenities: Upscale shopping districts, a thriving arts community, golf courses, and top-tier dining make it attractive for professionals and retirees alike.
Commuter Advantage: GO Transit and Highway 403 make commuting to Toronto quick and convenient.
Cost of Living
Median household income: $113,000+
Average rent: $1,900–$2,200/month
Detached homes: $1.4M+
Oakville consistently ranks as one of the best places to raise a family in Canada.
4. Burlington
Burlington, nestled between Toronto and Niagara, is known for its small-town charm and proximity to both urban centres and natural escapes.
Why Live in Burlington?
Community-Oriented: Low crime rates, strong schools, and safe neighbourhoods make Burlington ideal for families.
Access to Nature: The city sits along the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario, offering hiking trails, beaches, and parks.
Balanced Lifestyle: Burlington blends suburban living with city amenities, offering shopping, dining, and arts while remaining peaceful and family-friendly.
Transit: Easy access to Toronto via GO Transit makes it great for commuters.
Cost of Living
Average household income: $98,000
Rent: $1,760–$2,000/month
Homes: Around $1M, though still more affordable than Oakville and Toronto.
Burlington offers an excellent mix of affordability, livability, and safety.
5. Aurora
Aurora is a smaller, tight-knit community north of Toronto with fewer than 65,000 residents. Known for its preserved heritage and historic downtown, Aurora offers charm and convenience without overwhelming city noise.
Why Live in Aurora?
Historic Appeal: The town is full of preserved architecture and character. Downtown Aurora offers boutique shops, heritage buildings, and a community-focused vibe.
Community Events: Farmers’ markets, cultural festivals, and recreational programs make Aurora vibrant and connected.
Proximity to Toronto: Located just 40 minutes from Toronto, it’s a great option for commuters who want small-town living with city access.
Family Life: Aurora offers safe neighbourhoods and excellent schools, perfect for raising children.
Cost of Living
Average household income: $106,000
Rent: $1,400–$1,600/month
Homes: $1M+, but with more space than GTA core options.
Aurora is ideal for families and professionals who want affordability, heritage, and proximity to Toronto.
Honorable Mentions for 2025
While the top 5 cities dominate for lifestyle, job prospects, and family living, these notable communities are quickly gaining recognition:
Prince Edward County (PEC)
Dubbed the "Hamptons of Canada," PEC has blossomed into a luxury countryside retreat for city dwellers. With award-winning wineries, boutiques, and high-end accommodations, it’s become a cultural hotspot—though at a cost: median home prices more than doubled from ~$302 K in 2016 to over $680 K in 2024.
Kitchener–Waterloo–Cambridge (Tri-Cities)
A powerhouse of innovation, tech, and universities, the Tri-Cities stand out for their affordability and growth. Rental costs remain reasonable—one-bedroom apartments around $945/month—making it an attractive alternative to Toronto.
Windsor
With low cost of living and major development coming online (e.g., the 2025 international crossing), Windsor is rapidly evolving. Its growth prospects are bolstered by investments in infrastructure and industry—and a population tipping toward 500,000 soon.
Barrie
Ranked often among Canada’s most livable smaller cities, Barrie blends accessibility, nature, and affordability. Though some worry rising prices could change that, it remains a strong choice for families and commuters alike.
Summary Table: Best Places to Live in Ontario
City / Region
Highlights
Toronto
Economic hub, multicultural, diverse opportunities
Ottawa
Government + tech jobs, bilingual culture, affordable alternative to Toronto
Oakville
Affluent, family-friendly, lakeside charm
Burlington
Safe, balanced suburban lifestyle, great schools
Aurora
Historic, community-driven, affordable small-town life
Prince Edward County
Luxury rural lifestyle, booming real estate
Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge
Tech hub with universities and affordable rent
Windsor
Affordable, industrial growth, new international bridge
Barrie
Commuter-friendly, affordable, lakeside living
Ontario offers a wide variety of communities, each with unique benefits depending on lifestyle needs, career goals, and budget.
FAQs About Living in Ontario
Looking for answers before moving to Ontario? These frequently asked questions cover safety, cost of living, language, and more — everything you need to decide which city fits your lifestyle in 2025.
Toronto remains the top choice for career opportunities and culture, but Ottawa, Oakville, Burlington, and Aurora are excellent alternatives depending on lifestyle and budget.
Yes, Oakville is one of the best suburban cities in Canada, known for high-quality schools, family-friendly communities, and access to Toronto via GO Transit.
Kitchener, Barrie, and Milton are among the fastest-growing due to affordability, new housing developments, and proximity to the GTA.
Conclusion: Moving to Ontario
The “best place” to live in Ontario ultimately depends on your lifestyle, career, and budget. If you’re chasing career opportunities and cultural vibrancy, Toronto or Ottawa might be the right choice. If you value family life, affordability, and community, Burlington, Oakville, or Aurora could be a perfect fit. And for those seeking hidden gems with growth potential, Ontario’s smaller cities and towns offer promising opportunities in 2025.
No matter which city you choose, Ontario’s diversity ensures there’s a place that feels like home. Once you’ve decided, the next step is to prepare for your move — whether that means finding a job, securing permanent residency or citizenship if needed, or exploring your insurance and financial options. With the right planning, you can start fresh in your new city with confidence and peace of mind.
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