If you’re a new immigrant to Ontario, you’re probably in search of the perfect place to call home.
Ontario offers a diverse and inclusive community, and it’s a popular destination for those who are looking for a fresh start.
However, with so many cities and towns to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to settle.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you are looking for affordable housing, job opportunities, or a supportive community, we’ve got you covered.
So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s dive into the best places to live in Ontario for new immigrants.
Which is the best city in Ontario for an immigrant
Ontario offers a diverse range of cities, each with their unique cultures, amenities, history and opportunities.
Hamilton
Hamilton is a city located on the shores of Lake Ontario and is a hub for manufacturing, steel production, and the arts.
It is a great place for new immigrants to live in Ontario for several reasons.
Hamilton has a vibrant and diverse community with a large population of immigrants from all over the world.
This creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for new arrivals.
Furthermore, Hamilton has a strong economy with a variety of job opportunities in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education, which creates an easy path for you to find employment and support yourself and family.
In addition, Hamilton is home to many cultural and recreational amenities, such as museums, parks, and sports facilities, which can help you feel at home and integrated into your new community.
In terms of cost of living, Hamilton is generally more affordable than cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
The average cost of a house in Hamilton is $500,000, although the price can vary depending on the location and size of the property.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city typically costs between $800 and $1,200 per month.
Hamilton offers a high quality of life at a lower cost, which is attractive for new immigrants.
Kitchener-Waterloo
Kitchener-Waterloo is a region known for its thriving technology sector and high quality of life.
It’s home to many universities and startups, which is great for young professionals.
Kitchener-Waterloo is a highly desirable place to live in Ontario for its low cost of living, growing economy, low crime rate and vibrant cultural community.
Housing costs in Kitchener-Waterloo are generally low. The average cost of a house in Kitchener-Waterloo is $450,000, while the average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,000 per month.
If you are interested in job opportunities, Kitchener-Waterloo has a thriving tech industry, with companies such as Google, OpenText, and BlackBerry having a presence there.
This growing economy is attracting many new immigrants to the area, creating job opportunities and a strong labour market.
Additionally, Kitchener-Waterloo has a rich cultural community, with a diverse population that celebrates many different festivals and events throughout the year.
If you love to enjoy the outdoors, there are also many parks and recreational areas in the KW.
With its amazing public transportation system, you can move around the city seamlessly.
London
London is a city known for its strong economy, low cost of living, and diverse culture.
It’s also home to many parks, museums, and festivals.
Diverse Community: London has a large and welcoming immigrant population, which makes it easy for you to feel at home and settle in here as a newcomer.
You’ll find different attractive cultural activities here.
Quality of Life: The city offers a high quality of life, with a low crime rate, access to excellent healthcare, and a variety of recreational and cultural activities with beautiful parks and trails.
London is nicknamed the “forest city” because of its natural beauty and vegetation.
Accessible public transportation system: The London Transit Commission (LTC) provides public transportation services throughout the city, and they accommodate the needs of people with disabilities and special needs.
This includes features such as low floors and ramps for easy boarding, designated seating areas for individuals with mobility impairments, and audio announcements for visually impaired passengers.
Education: London is home to several renowned educational institutions, including Western University, Fanshawe College, and Brescia University College, making it a great place for families with children.
Employment Opportunities: The city has a diverse economy, with a strong manufacturing sector, healthcare industry, and service sector.
There are many opportunities for skilled workers to find employment in their field.
Cost of Living: London is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in Ontario, which is great if you are on a budget.
Cost of housing: The cost of housing in London varies depending on the neighbourhood and type of dwelling, but you can rent a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre for $800 to $1,300 per month
Rent for a three-bedroom house in the suburbs: $1,500 to $2,000 per month
The average cost of a single-family home: $450,000 to $500,000.
Guelph
Guelph is a small city known for its beautiful natural scenery, cultural attractions, and high quality of life.
It’s also a hub for innovation and education.
Guelph is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Ontario for new immigrants.
It offers:
Strong economy: Guelph has a strong and diverse economy, with major industries in agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.
This provides job opportunities for new immigrants and helps ensure economic stability.
Quality of life: Guelph has a high quality of life, with a lower crime rate, good schools, and a strong sense of community.
Housing is generally affordable in Guelph.
The average home price in Guelph is $600,000, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost around $1,100 per month, while a three-bedroom house in a suburban area may cost around $1,800 per month.
Access to nature: Guelph is surrounded by lush green spaces, including parks and nature reserves, offering residents a chance to enjoy the great outdoors.
St. Catharines
St. Catharines is a city located in the Niagara Region of Ontario.
St. Catharines is relatively affordable, you can find a nice apartment here without breaking the bank.
The average cost of a home in St. Catharines is approximately $400,000, which is lower than the provincial average.
Renting is also affordable, with the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from $800 to $1,000.
St. Catharines has a growing economy, with a strong presence of manufacturing and agricultural industries, which provides new immigrants with job opportunities.
The city offers a high quality of life, with a diverse community, excellent public schools, and an array of recreational activities.
St. C has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and festivals taking place throughout the year.
Convenient Location: St. Catharines is located near the US border, making it a convenient location for travel to the United States.
It is also located near the scenic Niagara Falls, which is a major tourist attraction.
Welcoming Community: The city has a welcoming community, with a strong support network for new immigrants.
There are various organisations and support groups (Niagara Regional Settlement and Integration Services) in place to help new immigrants settle into their new home, and integrate into the community.
Strong job market: St. Catharines has a strong and diversified economy with industries ranging from manufacturing, agriculture, and services.
The city is home to several major employers, such as General Motors, Procter & Gamble, and ArcelorMittal Dofasco.
This makes it easier for new immigrants to find employment in their field.
Access to education: St. Catharines has a number of high-quality education options for all ages, including public and Catholic schools, as well as colleges and universities.
This makes it a great place for families with children, as well as for individuals looking to continue their education.
Proximity to other major cities: St. Catharines is located just a short drive from Toronto and Buffalo, which is great if you want easy access to major cities while still enjoying the benefits of a smaller community.
Windsor
Windsor is a city located in southern Ontario and is known as a hub for manufacturing and the arts.
Windsor is a popular destination for new immigrants with more than 20% of its total population born outside Canada.
There numerous housing options with the average cost of a house in Windsor sitting comfortably at $300,000 CAD, which is significantly lower than the average cost of a house in Toronto, which is over $800,000 CAD.
In addition, Windsor has a strong and diverse economy, with major industries including manufacturing, automotive, and tourism.
The city also has a growing tech sector, providing opportunities for new immigrants in a variety of fields.
The quality of life is great with plenty of parks, cultural attractions, and community events taking place in the city all the time.
The city also boasts a low crime rate and a friendly community, making it a welcoming place for new immigrants to settle.
Proximity to the US: Windsor is located directly across the Detroit River from Detroit, Michigan, making it a convenient location for those who frequently travel to the United States.
Multicultural community: Windsor is a culturally diverse city, with a large immigrant population and a long history of welcoming new immigrants.
This creates a vibrant and inclusive community that is welcoming to new arrivals.
For newcomers, the Windsor Essex County Local Immigration Partnership (an initiative of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) provides a reliable network of support for newcomers in the city.
The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, the Multicultural Council of Windsor-Essex County, and the New Canadians’ Centre of Excellence Inc. among others also assist newcomers in settling in the city.
You will quickly feel at home here.
Sarnia
Sarnia is a small city located in southern Ontario with a lot to fancy.
The average price of a single-family home in Sarnia is approximately $300,000, with monthly rent for a bed apartment ranging from $700 to $1,000.
Sarnia is an attractive option for new immigrants who are looking to save money and build their financial stability.
It has a strong and diverse job market, with industries such as manufacturing, petrochemical production, and agriculture providing a significant number of job opportunities.
The unemployment rate in Sarnia is also lower compared to other cities in Ontario, making it an ideal location for new immigrants who are looking for work.
Sarnia has a great quality of life and offers a variety of amenities that are important for families and individuals.
From beautiful parks and recreational areas to excellent schools and healthcare facilities (not forgetting the excellent public transportation system), Sarnia has everything a person needs to live a happy and fulfilling life.
The city is welcoming and has a rich cultural mix, with a diverse community of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and countries.
This creates a dynamic and inclusive environment that is welcoming to everyone.
The residents are known to be always ready to lend a helping hand.
This supportive community is one of the key reasons why new immigrants feel at home in Sarnia.
Proximity to Major Cities: Sarnia is located within driving distance of major cities such as Toronto, Detroit, and London.
This is great if you want to enjoy the benefits of a small city while still having access to the amenities and attractions of larger cities.
Sudbury
Sudbury, Ontario is a city located in Northeastern Ontario.
It is the largest city in the region and the seat of the Greater Sudbury municipality.
The city has a population of approximately 161,531 people as of 2021 and is known for its rich mining history, with a history of mining operations dating back to the 1800s.
This history has shaped the city into the hub of the mining industry that it is today.
Sudbury is home to a number of institutions of higher education, including Laurentian University, Collège Boréal, and Cambrian College.
The city is also known for its many lakes, parks, and natural attractions, including Science North, which is one of the largest science centres in Canada.
In terms of economy, Sudbury is a major contributor to the Canadian economy through its mining and technology industries.
The city is home to a number of mining and technology companies, including Vale, the largest mining company in the Americas.
Additionally, the city is a major centre for research and innovation, with a number of research and innovation facilities located in the area.
Sudbury is a culturally diverse city, with a thriving arts and cultural scene, as well as a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Sudbury Multicultural and Folk Arts Association’s annual Multicultural Festival and the Northern Lights Festival Boréal.
Sudbury is a diverse city, with a large immigrant population and a strong sense of community.
This diversity has helped to create a vibrant and inclusive community, where new immigrants can easily find a place to call home.
These are the best of the many great cities in Ontario that would be great places for you as a new immigrant to call home.
Each city offers its own unique benefits, so it’s worth considering your personal priorities, such as job opportunities, cost of living, and cultural offerings, when making your decision.
