Are you planning a move to Ontario but looking for a quiet rural location away from the big cities? If so, you may be interested in living in Goderich.
Goderich has a rural lakeside location around 230km west of downtown Toronto. The town is a tourist destination and has the motto of “Canada’s Prettiest Town.” It is popular with families and retirees, and in 2020 Comfort Life named Goderich as one of the best towns for retirees in Ontario.
This article will give you all the key information you need about living in Goderich. In addition, we will provide you with an unbiased view of the pros and cons of living in Goderich to help you decide whether it is the place for you.
Living In Goderich, Ontario – The Facts
Here are some key facts about this small town for anyone interested in living in Goderich.
Where Is Goderich?
You will find Goderich in southwestern Ontario on the eastern shores of Lake Huron. The town lies around 230km west of downtown Toronto, although the closest cities of size are London and Kitchener. Both are around a 1.5-hour drive from the town.
The closest international airport is Waterloo International Airport, on the eastern side of Kitchener. If you are looking for a wider choice of destinations, it will take you just over 2 hours to reach Toronto Pearson International Airport.
What Is The Weather In Goderich Like?
Most of Canada experiences cold, harsh winters with pleasant, moderately hot summers. Ontario is no different, although the weather is generally a little more extreme than in other parts of Canada.
Summers in Ontario are amongst the hottest in Canada, and high humidity can make them uncomfortable. Winters are bitterly cold and often bring heavy snowfall.
The weather in Goderich is pretty typical of southern Ontario. The town has an average July high of 24 deg C, and an average January low of -17 deg C. Its average annual precipitation is approximately 930mm. About 280mm of this falls as snow in the winter.
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What Is The Cost of Living Like In Goderich?
Most immigrants find the cost of living high in Canada, and Ontario is one of the more expensive provinces. House prices in Ontario are around 30% higher than Canadian averages.
Rural areas are cheaper but still subject to high sales taxes. Sales tax is 13% on most goods compared to 5% in provinces such as Alberta. The good news is that income taxes in Ontario are lower than in most provinces.
House prices in Goderich are relatively low for Ontario; the average property price in Goderich is around 20% lower than the provincial average.
What Is The Goderich Economy Based On?
Goderich is based in Huron County, which is primarily an agricultural area. Also, salt mining has been very important to the town since 1866, when oil explorers discovered massive salt deposits. The mine is still a major employer today.
The town reports that Goderich’s economy is based on five main pillars, which are:
- Manufacturing & Industry
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Creative Economy
- Retail and Service
- Health Care
Is Goderich A Safe Place To Live?
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world to live in. Crime rates are low, and the country always features near the top of the annual Global Peace Index rankings.
Within Canada, Quebec, Ontario and the Maritime provinces have the lowest crime rates, while rates are highest in the territories.
Ontario’s crime rates are around 30% lower than national rates. While Goderich’s rates are higher than average for Ontario, they are still lower than the national averages. This means that Goderich is a safe place to live.
What Are The Schools In Goderich Like?
Canada has a strong and publicly-funded education system, which consistently ranks as one of the best in the world. The country doesn’t have a national curriculum, and the provinces/territories administer their own education systems.
Goderich’s main public elementary school is Goderich Public School which covers kindergarten to grade 6. Students then transfer to Goderich Disctirct Collegiate Institute for grades 7 to 12.
St. Mary’s Catholic School is another public elementary school in Goderich. St. Mary’s partners with a secondary school in neighbouring Clinton, St. Annes Catholic School. Both schools offer a French immersion track and, between them, provide a complete Catholic education.
What Is The Healthcare In Goderich Like?
Canada has an excellent publicly-funded healthcare system which covers “medically necessary” care. Generally, hospital and doctor visits are covered, while other types of care, such as dental, optical and prescriptions, are funded for certain groups of people.
In Canada, healthcare is administered at a provincial level, so anyone living in Goderich would be covered through Ontario Health.
You should be aware that there is currently a shortage of family doctors in Ontario, and it can be difficult to find clinics taking on new patients. This is especially true of the smaller towns and cities.
If you find yourself in this situation, we suggest you register with Health Care Connect. This government service can help to match you with doctors accepting patients in your area.
Goderich is extremely well served by Alexandra Maine & General Hospital. This facility has a 24/7 emergency department and a wide range of outpatient and inpatient services.
Pros And Cons Of Living In Goderich, Ontario
The pros and cons of living in Goderich will vary from person to person, but whatever you are looking for, these are key factors for you to consider.
Pros Of Living In Goderich
- Attractive lakefront location
- Peaceful rural location
- Great outdoor activities
- Low crime rates
- Relatively low provincial income tax
- Relatively low property prices
Cons Of Living In Goderich
- Shortage of family doctors in Ontario
- High provincial sales tax
- It may be too isolated for some.
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