With remote work becoming more and more popular, people have more freedom to choose what city they want to live in. Potential homeowners are relishing the ability to be more preferential and find a city that perfectly suits their lifestyle and aligns with their priorities. As homeowners start searching for a new place to call home, they continuously find London, Ontario coming up again and again.
In fact, the city has been rapidly growing over the past few years as builders rush to keep up with the demand of the throes of families, retirees, and young professionals wanting to move here. Why? Not only does London give you way more bang for your buck in terms of land and house in comparison to other cities, but the Forest City has so many amenities, a tight-knit community, and incredible charm. Check out the reasons why so many people are flocking to this rapidly growing city:
Outstanding Education Options
London isn’t just a university city…it’s a post-secondary education mecca. With five university options and a show-stopping multi-campus college, this city has the best school for you right here.
For those who want the classic University experience, you’ll thrive at The University of Western Ontario. Its extensive campus offers so many amazing amenities and is well known for impressive and dedicated professors.
If you want a university education but crave smaller class sizes and a more community-oriented approach to learning, Western also has three affiliated university colleges: Huron, Kings, and Brescia. While you still have access to the amenities of the main campus, you’ll have an entirely different university experience. Each of the three has a specialized focus and come highly recommended by past students.
If you’re looking to enter the business world, Spencer Ivey School of Business is a cut above. A renowned school with a teaching style that was modelled after Harvard, students take on case-studies throughout their academics. But it’s the incredible success rate for their graduates, with almost all of them leaving school to take the business world by storm, that speaks for this school’s merits.
Is hands-on learning and a fostered intern experience more of what you’re looking for? Fanshawe College is the best option for you. From the arts and programming to technicians and business fundamentals, Fanshawe offers over 200 programs and has multiple campuses throughout the city with a ton of incredible amenities.
World-Renowned Medical Facilities
London’s world-renowned hospitals are home to some of the most highly regarded doctors and specialists. We have distinguished health care services. London has four main hospitals, each with its specialty: St. Joseph’s, and Victoria, to the University Hospital and Parkwood Institute. The health care services in London are equipped for surgical, chronic care, mental health, continuing care, and even rehabilitation services. Above all patient care is the number one concern for every health care professional. Some of the medical community’s most brilliant minds are here in London innovating the way the health care system works and moving us towards a better future.
It’s the Forest City
London’s known as the Forest City. When you live here, you’ll understand why. You never have to leave the city to feel truly immersed in nature. London has an impressive 21 Environmentally Significant Areas, giving you access to plenty of forests and nature trails to hike. Or take to the ponds and river for canoeing and fishing. Bike across the 42 KMs of paved trails that follow the Thames River with the Thames Valley Parkway. Scout out unique birds and incredible vegetation in the marshes, meadows, and ravines.
Need to get away from the sights and sounds of the city? Every neighbourhood has multiple parks with green space so that you’re never far from lush grass and shady trees. London gives you the best of both worlds: conveniences and amenities of city life combined with the beauty and nourishment of nature.
It Has Canada’s Top Neighbourhoods
If you’re looking to live in one of the best neighbourhoods in all of Canada, look no further than London, Ontario. London has been awarded multiple times over the years for having the top neighbourhoods in all of Canada through the Great Places In Canada Awards.
Woodfield – In 2016, Woodfield was awarded as the top neighbourhood of Canada, and in 2012 it was voted as the People’s Choice for the best neighbourhood. Woodfield was awarded because of its vibrant community (and a plethora of neighbourhood events), its location and walkability, as well as the stunning Victorian and historic homes that make it such a uniquely beautiful place to live.
Wortley Village – Wortley Village in Old South has been recognized many times for its quaint charm and has been compared to small villages in Europe. In 2013 it was awarded as the best neighbourhood in Canada. Because small, local businesses thrive in Wortley and the residents embody the concept of being neighbourly, it was no surprise that this walkable and bike-friendly neighbourhood won!
Old East Village – In 2014, Old East Village was nominated for the best neighbourhood in Canada award. The incredible heritage, amenities, local businesses, and inclusive community made Old East Village a fierce competitor in the runnings!
While London has plenty of incredible neighbourhoods to live in, these three are especially noteworthy as they rank among the top places to live in the entire country.
Local Businesses
One of the best reasons to move to London is the thriving economy of small, local businesses. London is bursting-at-the-seams with entrepreneurs and passionate people, working hard to bring incredible goods and services to Londoners. Not only does this network of small, local businesses mean a thriving local economy that keeps the money in the city, but it also means that London has a stronger community. Local businesses work together and collaborate. The city comes together to support the dreams of young entrepreneurs looking to bring their passions to life. London is full of locals supporting local.
In London, you can find one-of-a-kind and handmade goods with exceptional quality as well as businesses that have a strong focus on sustainability. Because small, local businesses rely so heavily on word of mouth, you’ll experience phenomenal customer service time and time again.
London is a city that supports the little guy. We’re a city where small businesses thrive and people’s dreams to have a craft brewery or tasting menu restaurant can come true. We’re a city that is full of charm because we’re a city that is full of one-of-a-kind stores and businesses. Check out some of London’s best local, small businesses.
The Downtown Core Has It All
Downtown life is one of luxury, convenience, and indulgence.
Enjoy high-end luxury, indulgent finishings, opulent lounge areas, and breathtaking rooftop terraces in the stunning high rise buildings in London’s downtown core. Enjoy show-stopping views of the cityscape while having the convenience of being just steps away from pumping nightlife and abundant entertainment options. With a myriad of transit stops that connect the downtown core to all over London, the entire city is your playground.
Downtown is brimming with small, local businesses that provide superior customer service, unique one-of-a-kind items, and handcrafted artisan goods. Check out the weekly farmer’s market at the Covent Garden Market where you can find the freshest produce, meats, and baked goods.
Richmond Row is a highlight of downtown. It’s lined with foodie-worthy restaurants, craft-beer flowing pubs, bumping clubs, and trivia night bars. Enjoy the thrill of an escape room, catch a live concert, or head to the Grand Theatre to catch a play because Richmond Row has it all.
Dundas Place is London’s first flex street and is transforming downtown London to be a community-centred location. This flexible design transforms from being a street to being a destination and then back again. It’s a place that encourages you to linger on patios, to share new experiences with others, and to come together as a community and experience our streets as a venue for events.
On top of all downtown also has Budweiser Gardens, which is an award-winning venue that seats over 10,000. It does everything from bringing you incredible concerts and events to being the home of the London Knights games.
But if you’re picturing downtown as being a concrete jungle, you’d be very wrong. London’s downtown is filled with river views and greenspace. It has five incredible parks that offer trails, playgrounds, splash pads, fields, and shady trees.
It’s A Craft Brew Haven
London is well known for its abundance of small, local, craft breweries. In fact, we have eight of them, which means that there is always a new, delicious seasonal beer to try out. Many of the breweries have crafted award-winning brews. These breweries are not just places to grab a tasty beverage. These neighbourhood breweries are places to connect, socialize, and enjoy the community. You can enjoy yoga and beer nights, or bike and beer events. Many of these breweries have even teamed up with local restaurants and offer mouth-watering dishes to pair with their beers.
If you’re not a beer lover, don’t worry! London’s still got you covered. We’ve also got two incredible local distilleries serving up craft spirits and incredible cocktails.
Summer Festival Season
When the snow finally melts and the never-ending season of winter comes to a close, London gets ready. When the sun comes out, London comes to life and seizes every little ounce of sunshine available because the summer months are the festival season for Londoners. There is always something going on during the weekends in the summer. Celebrations and festivals fill the air with tantalizing scents. Mouths water as the aroma of delicious food trucks and booths lure you in. Festivals are filled with live music, community connection, friendly faces, fun games, and handcrafted, artisan goods waiting to be purchased. Some festivals bring live events, competitions and even rides! Whenever its festival season, the city transforms into one, big, happy community.
There are so many reasons why making the move to London, Ontario is a great choice. It’s an amazing city to live in and the housing market is thriving here. It’s rapidly expanding as more and more people have realized the incredible value they can get here and how this city fits their lifestyle so perfectly. If you’re curious about moving to The Forest City, you can find more information here.