There are many reasons for moving to Canada’s best mid-sized cities instead of a larger urban area. For one, you get most of the amenities found in the largest cities in the country. On the other hand, you’ll have (somewhat) lower costs — and you’ll be able to afford more spacious living! This is especially important if you’re moving to Canada for the first time.
There are other reasons why smaller cities are becoming more popular. Besides affordability, there’s far less traffic to deal with. And that means you won’t lose hours daily to your morning commute. With all of this in mind, which mid-size cities are worth considering? We’re here to help you make an informed choice with a couple of tips!
Guelph, Ontario
If you’re looking to move to a green, eco-friendly area, Canada has few better choices than Guelph, Ontario. Just make sure to hire professionals like Centennial Moving to help you with your relocation.
But why should you consider Guelph as the next place to put down your roots? It’s an agricultural paradise, making it an obvious choice if you work in this sector. It also has plenty of job opportunities for teachers and other academic professionals.
Specifically, the city houses one of the best Canadian universities — especially when it comes to studying veterinary, agricultural, and social sciences. If you’re moving with your family, the quality of local education is yet another welcome perk of living in Guelph.
Unfortunately, the high quality of life also means the local housing market is booming. While that’s great news for real estate professionals, home buyers might not be as happy. In the past decade, home prices have skyrocketed. Still, if you can afford a decent home, moving to Guelph is definitely worth it.
Besides job and educational opportunities, the city also boasts a thriving urban scene. Plenty of cool local eateries, food festivals, and craft beer producers serve the local populace.
Kelowna, British Columbia
If you’re a nature lover, Kelowna is another excellent choice among Canada’s best mid-sized cities. In fact, it’s one of the fastest-growing communities in the entire country.
There are plenty of reasons why — from stunning landscapes and awesome weather to general safety and bountiful job opportunities. Kelowna is one of the most widely discussed cities among young professionals looking to move somewhere and start a family.
In Kelowna, agriculture is definitely still one of the lynchpins of the local economy. The town has mild winters and pleasantly warm summers. And its well-mannered weather makes it a great choice for farmers and owners of fruit orchards.
The vineyards around Kelowna are well known beyond British Columbia, producing wonderful drinks for wineries and wine lovers nationwide.
Besides sipping one of its fine wines, there are other ways to elevate your lifestyle in Kelowna. With local temperatures staying pleasant year-round, the locals enjoy outdoor activities like waterparks, hiking trails, and fun bike rides. When the weather turns colder, shopping malls, cinemas, various activity centers, and other indoor amenities always exist.
Of course, no one moves to a new city solely for the amenities. You must ensure the local job market can support your career. Luckily, Kelowna comes through in this regard as well. The city has a booming job market that’s growing at a breakneck pace.
You can find plenty of job opportunities regardless of your profession — including positions in healthcare, agriculture, tourism, etc.
Regina, Saskatchewan
Our next draft pick is Regina, Saskatchewan — and there are plenty of reasons why people decide to leave Ontario for Regina. For one, the city is home to one of Canada’s most robust local economies.
You’ll find that the local employment rate is quite high, especially in sectors like manufacturing, finance, metal fabrication, and tourism. Generally, companies operating around Regina are crucial for Saskatchewan’s mining industry. This means there’s always plenty of work in a variety of professions.
Of course, Regina isn’t all work and no play. Moving to Regina is the right call if you’re a fan of the great outdoors. The locals enjoy lots of different outdoor amenities — including picnic spots, athletic fields, and various parks.
If you want something less urban, the surrounding landscape is quite beautiful. It boasts plenty of natural sights that the locals have carefully preserved. You can visit various mountain ranges and national parks.
Local Art Scene & Infrastructure
For those more interested in the local arts and culture, you’ll find plenty of galleries and interesting exhibits. The MacKenzie Art Gallery stands out as one of the oldest art galleries in the entire province.
Lastly, folks who don’t own a car will be happy to hear that Regina has an affordable and efficient public transport system. You won’t need to pay thousands of dollars per year for a car. Instead, you can rely on the local public transport to get you from point A to point B on a budget. Plus, you can apply for a local tax subsidy for transport costs to reduce expenses even less.
Conclusion
There are plenty of options among Canada’s best mid-sized cities — but your choice will ultimately depend on your priorities. Before browsing and researching different towns, think about what matters to you the most.
For example, you might be a young professional who still values urban amenities and interesting activities. In that case, check out a city’s events, bars, and local art scene before settling down somewhere.
Alternatively, those looking for something more relaxing will prefer a community-oriented approach. Consider the local suburban neighborhoods and associations before moving. Of course, some cities give you the best of both worlds — but make sure you know what your priorities are before moving.