For anyone moving to a new, relatively unknown city, it can be challenging to know where to start when choosing your ideal neighbourhood. Are you planning a move to London, Ontario? If so, read on and find out about the best neighbourhoods in London, Ontario.
London is filled with great neighbourhoods for families, singles, students, and retirees. There are neighbourhoods for everyone, from the outdoorsy Lambeth to the lively, vibrant Masonville.
Within this article, we will delve into the top reasons to move to London and share some basic facts about the city and the best neighbourhoods in London, Ontario.
Living In London, Ontario – The Facts
London is located around 200km southwest of Toronto, with a population of around 425,000. The city is a multicultural hub where the residents collectively speak around 100 languages. The top languages besides English and French are Spanish, Chinese, Greek, Dutch, German, Korean, Arabic, Polish, Portuguese, and Italian.
London has made its mark on the world of film., The Notebook features Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, both of whom were born in London. Additionally, Jack Warner, one of the creators of Warner Bros Pictures, was born in London in 1892.
One of the most beloved activities in London, the Western Fair Farmers Market, was originally a gravesite for the church. However, between 1880 and 1886, every grave was moved to the Woodland Cemetery. So now, you can enjoy artisan wares, delicious baked goods, and farm-fresh food at this weekend market.
Is Property Expensive In London, Ontario?
According to The Canadian Real Estate Association, in July 2022, the national price average of real estate in Canada was around $630,000. In comparison, average house prices in London, Ontario, were around $445,000, according to Zolo.ca.
Of course, exact prices will depend on where you will move to – neighbourhoods such as River Bend are more expensive, while Summerside is more affordable.
Why Should I Move To London, Ontario?
London, Ontario, is a place with a little something for everyone. The city boasts affordable housing, low crime rates, and excellent health and education facilities, and it is also referred to as the “Forest City.”
For these reasons, London has been awarded the Places In Canada Award for having the top neighbourhoods in the country. One of these neighbourhoods was Woodfield, which has been voted the People’s Choice for best neighbourhood.
London is full of good craft breweries, exciting festivals, excellent restaurants, and everything else that your heart could desire.
Summerside
One of the best neighbourhoods in London, Ontario, has to be Summerside. This beautiful little area features modern homes, affordable condos, and many options for a young family.
Summerside also has a lot of recreation options, including multiple soccer fields, community churches, and parks. In addition, there are plenty of shops and restaurants and even a public French first-language high school.
Currently, a single-family home costs around $315,000, whereas condos in the neighbourhood average $225,000.
Masonville
Located around the outskirts of Western University, Masonville is a residential area where most buildings are single-family homes. Also, if you love the outdoors, you will enjoy the green space and the Medway Valley Heritage Forest.
Shopping lovers will also appreciate CF Masonville Place, a large shopping hub housing over 150 stores.
Fox Hollow
Also known as Foxfield, this neighbourhood is full of newer developments and houses. Due to it being a newer neighbourhood in London with lots happening, this is another excellent area for families.
With plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, and shops, you won’t need to stray further afield to get everything you need. There are also several good public schools in the area, green spaces and places to meet up with friends and family.
If you enjoy being outside, the Fox Field District park is excellent for biking, hiking, and walking the dog. If you’re still craving outdoor experiences, Medway Heritage Forest is the place for you.
Byron
Byron is easily one of the best neighbourhoods in London, Ontario, as it is located just south of Oakbridge, west of Westmount and close to Springbank Park and Storybook Gardens.
One of its greatest appeals is that Byron has plenty of housing options, from condos to large cul-de-sac homes. It also has excellent summer and winter activities, with skiing and snowboarding options in the colder months.
The average home in Byron costs around $315,000, but single-family homes are usually closer to $500,000. Condos in Byron are generally between $280,000 and $300,000.
Lambeth
Another choice for one of the best neighbourhoods in London, Ontario, is Lambeth, with its small-town atmosphere, vibrant community, and family-owned businesses. Located in southwest London, you will find that most houses here are single-family homes.
Families with a passion for the slopes will find a haven in Boler Mountain, both in the winter and summer. It offers skiing and snowboarding, and you can also get involved in beach volleyball, treetop adventures, and mountain biking.
There is also a sizeable provincial park called Komoka, filled with great hiking and walking trails. Lambeth Centennial Park is also a good option.
If outdoor activities aren’t your thing, there are many cute cafes and a library.
Westmount
Westmont is an excellent option for semi-detached or single homes, with newer properties constantly popping up around the neighbourhood’s edges.
If you enjoy outdoor activities, Westmount might be the best neighbourhood in London for you. There’s the Thames River, several good hiking trails, and parks like Springbank Park.
Another great all-rounder, Westmount, is perfect for young families as there are plenty of good schools in the area, such as The Jean Vanier Catholic School and Saunders Secondary School.
Oakridge Acres
Not too far from Westmount is Oakridge, a bustling neighbourhood with plenty to do.
In terms of houses, there is a mix of new detached homes, condos, 50’s ranch-style homes, and everything in between. There is a large mall, several public parks, and a decently sized library brimming with good books.
Here you will also find the Sifton Bog Environmentally Significant Area, home to over 41.6 hectares of nature and hiking trails which wind through the forest. In addition, Oakridge Optimist Park has an outdoor pool, tennis courts, playground, and arena. There is also a large 18-hole golf course.
The average price for a family home in Oakbridge is around $430,000.
River Bend
Finally, the community of River Bend is another of our picks for one of the best neighbourhoods in London, Ontario. There is a large golf community here, and the area offers plenty of beautiful nature trails – namely, Kains Woods Environmentally Significant Area, an excellent place for wildlife spotting.
There’s a winery, superstore, chain stores, plenty of options for fine dining, shopping malls, healthcare, and social clubs; this neighbourhood has everything you need.
The houses here are mainly a mix of single-family detached dwellings. A single-family home will set you back around $600,000.
Are You Planning A Move To Canada?
Are you wondering whether to make the move and have endless questions?
Do you want to know what the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa, Ontario are, how much a dental hygienist can expect to earn or the best way to transfer money from the UK to Canada
We have the answers to these and many more questions.
FAQ Best Neighbourhoods In London, Ontario
Why is London, Ontario, Called the Forest City?
London, Ontario, was originally called the Forest City because its land was once a vast thick forest. Aggressive stripping of the city’s green space took out a significant proportion of the trees, but in recent years replanting strategies have returned the city (literally) to its roots.
Is London, Ontario, Part of Toronto?
London, Ontario, is not part of the Greater Toronto Area (known as GTA). The city lies almost 200km southwest of the provincial capital and is surrounded by green space on all sides. Unlike Toronto, London doesn’t lie on Lake Ontario’s banks, but it has its own waterfront thanks to the Thames River running through its core.
Is London Ontario Very Cold?
London, Ontario, can be very cold in winter, but temperatures are not especially low for a Canadian city. The average low in January is around minus 9 Deg C, and the average high in July is around 26 Deg C. The city sees approximately 200mm of snow annually, mainly in December, January and February.
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