[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||3px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” max_width=”100%” custom_margin=”||-24px||false|false” custom_padding=”55px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][wahi_breadcrumb _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][wahi_breadcrumb-link title=”Real Estate 101″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”link_option_url” _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjcyMiJ9fQ==@” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/wahi_breadcrumb-link][wahi_breadcrumb-link title=”Buy” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”link_option_url” _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjE2MzIifX0=@” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/wahi_breadcrumb-link][wahi_breadcrumb-link title=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIn19@” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”title” _module_preset=”default” module_text_color=”#686E6E” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/wahi_breadcrumb-link][\/wahi_breadcrumb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”16px||4px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”3.5rem” header_line_height=”4.5rem” header_font_size_tablet=”42px” header_font_size_phone=”2rem” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_line_height_tablet=”4.5rem” header_line_height_phone=”2.75rem” header_line_height_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IjxoMT4iLCJhZnRlciI6IjwvaDE+In19@[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px||1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][wahi_socialsharing _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/wahi_socialsharing][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”15px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”21px” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font_size=”1.25rem” header_3_line_height=”1.88rem” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”1.25rem” header_4_line_height=”1.88rem” text_font_size_tablet=”21px” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_font_size_tablet=”36px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Looking for the perfect family-friendly community in Canada? This guide highlights ten locations known for their excellent schools, safety, and amenities.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”21px” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font_size=”1.25rem” header_3_line_height=”1.88rem” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”1.25rem” header_4_line_height=”1.88rem” custom_margin=”||11px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”21px” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”36px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n By Josh Sherman<\/a> | 14 minute read<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_post_title title=”off” author=”off” date_format=”M j” categories=”off” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||17px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||3px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||9px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” width__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9mZWF0dXJlZF9pbWFnZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7fX0=@” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”src” _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px||29px|||” border_radii=”on|32px|32px|32px|32px” border_radii_tablet=”on|32px|32px|32px|32px” border_radii_phone=”on|0px|0px|0px|0px” border_radii_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”1.13rem” text_line_height=”1.75rem” custom_margin=”-18px||2px|||” custom_padding=”||7px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||7px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|15px||15px|false|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”1.13rem” text_font_size_phone=”0.9rem” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The best places to live in Canada for families are spread across five provinces.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px||39px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”16px||16px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”21px” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font_size=”1.25rem” header_3_line_height=”1.88rem” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”1.25rem” header_4_line_height=”1.88rem” text_font_size_tablet=”21px” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”36px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For homebuyers interested in finding the best places to live in Canada for families, the task can seem daunting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Fortunately, information has never been more accessible, allowing homebuyers to make data-driven decisions \u2014 but you have to know where to look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Wahi has a trove of real estate data, from home value estimates<\/a> to past sales data, but another valuable resource is Local Logic<\/a>, which lays claim to being the real estate industry’s largest location dataset. Pulling from a wide array of public and private sources, Local Logic rates locations (right down to the address) across a variety of categories, from the quality of public transit to the proximity to amenities including grocery stores, cafes, and retail.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#edf7f3″ custom_padding=”32px||32px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||25px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#38505b” header_2_font_size=”2.63rem” header_2_line_height=”3.75rem” max_width=”800px” module_alignment=”center” header_2_font_size_tablet=”32px” header_2_font_size_phone=”27px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_line_height_tablet=”3.75rem” header_2_line_height_phone=”32px” header_2_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”32px||47px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”11px||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”21px” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font_size=”1.25rem” header_3_line_height=”1.88rem” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”1.25rem” header_4_line_height=”1.88rem” custom_padding=”||0px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”21px” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”36px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n So how does that help identify the best places to live in Canada for families? According to Local Logic, <\/span>family-friendly places score well in five categories<\/span><\/a>: car-friendliness, crime, parks, quietness, and schools. At Wahi\u2019s request, Local Logic pulled the top 10 cities based on their performance in these categories, taking into account additional factors such as daycares and the share of households with children. Local Logic provided individual category scores, as well as an overall composite ranking out of 100%.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While the list of the best places to live in Canada for families can help homebuyers narrow their search, Provencher points out that there isn\u2019t a universal definition for family friendly. \u201cSome families really thrive in more pedestrian-friendly or transit-friendly places,\u201d notes Provencher, whose family doesn\u2019t own a car and manages just fine in Montreal on foot, bike, or public transit.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Here\u2019s a breakdown of each category, followed by the best places to live in Canada for families.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To determine car-friendliness, Local Logic analyzes the layout of the local road network. \u201cWe make complicated computations based on what the road network looks like,\u201d says Provencher. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of stuff that you can learn just by looking at the road network,\u201d she explains. For example, the presence of wide roads with medians suggests a car-centric environment, while smaller blocks in a tightly-knit grid indicate an area that\u2019s likely more walkable.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Due to data limitations, Local Logic controlled for crime after running the numbers across the other categories. \u201cWe\u2019ve ensured that certain communities that turned up [and] had very high crime rates haven\u2019t been included,\u201d Flansberry explains. (If low crime is your top priority, you may want to check out our roundup of the <\/span>15 safest cities in Canada<\/span><\/a>.)<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The number of parks, the total combined acreage of the parks, as well as their proximity to where people live all contribute to the park rating. Green amenities such as golf courses are excluded from calculations, says Provencher. \u201cThat green space needs to be a park [for consideration],\u201d she notes. \u201cIf it\u2019s a private property it doesn\u2019t count.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt takes into account the distance to some big noise sources, such as interchange noise, [or] airport noise,\u201d says Provencher of the quiet rating. Quietness could vary greatly from specific address to address, she notes. To try and control for these fluctuations, Local Logic looks at where people actually live within a geographic zone. \u201cBecause we have the score for every house in the city, the way that we weight it is by population,\u201d she tells Wahi. \u201cSo if there\u2019s a big commercial area where nobody lives but everybody lives around it, it will rate that quiet [higher].\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The school rating is calculated based on a given location\u2019s proximity to schools \u2014 or \u201chow far you have to walk,\u201d explains Provencher, who notes that Local Logic manually updates the inventory of schools. \u201cThe school scores at the moment do not take the ratings into account,\u201d she adds. This category is divided into two ratings: one for primary schools and the other for secondary schools.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Parents interested in finding out where the top schools are in their city do further research by checking resources such as the Fraser Institute\u2019s comprehensive <\/span>ranking of every public and private school in Ontario<\/span><\/a>.<\/span> \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The best places to live in Canada for families are spread across the country, appearing in seven out of 10 provinces and giving homebuyers lots of choice when it comes to family-friendly locales. \u201cWe do have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to family-friendly cities,\u201d says Flansberry.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n To be included in the ranking, cities had to have populations of at least 10,000, although most on the list were much larger. If multiple bordering cities ranked similarly, Local Logic made attempts to filter some out to ensure the widest possible range of locations were represented. \u201cThe GTA, for instance, had a couple that I tried to scatter geographically to ensure that you wouldn\u2019t get Ajax, and Whitby, and Clarington, and Oshawa, because that\u2019s in the same pocket,\u201d Flansberry explains. As a rule of thumb, if you\u2019re curious to find more of the best places to live in Canada for families, you may want to look at communities nearby the ones Local Logic has flagged.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Note that Local Logic\u2019s below list of the 10 best places to live in Canada actually includes 12 destinations due to ties in the composite score, which ranged from 78% to 84%. We\u2019ve presented the cities from west to east, beginning on Vancouver Island:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Car-Friendly Score: 4.1<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Park Score: 4.2<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Quiet Score: 4.0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Primary School Score: 4<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n High School Score: 3.5<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Composite Score: 78%<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Positioned on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Saanich borders Vancouver\u2019s capital, Victoria, and has the largest population on the island measuring nearly 32,000 square kilometres (or roughly half the size of Ireland). Outdoorsy types will likely appreciate Saanich\u2019s beaches, gardens, trails, and gardens. It\u2019s not in every community that the Pacific Ocean is your backyard. Being on an island, the city has a slower pace of life compared to the larger urban centres on this list, though meeting day-to-day needs shouldn\u2019t be an issue in this city of approximately 117,000 residents. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Car-Friendly Score: 4.2<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Park Score: 4.7<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Quiet Score: 3.8<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Primary School Score: 4.3<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n High School Score: 3.7<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Composite Score: 84%<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n To those who already live there, it probably comes as no surprise that Port Coquitlam scores the highest in the parks category of any entry on Local Logic\u2019s list of the best places to live in Canada for families. The mid-sized city, nestled in the very heart of the Greater Vancouver Area, boasts an impressive 270 hectares of parkland. Although PoCo, as it\u2019s known to locals, has a smaller population of approximately 61,000, the city is just a little over an hour from Vancouver. Meanwhile, manufacturing and the presence of a Canadian Pacific Railway yard are a boon to the local economy, <\/span>according to the Canadian Encyclopedia<\/span><\/a>. If you\u2019re set on the west coast but the idea of living on an island seems isolating, Port Coquitlam\u2019s could be a strong candidate for a new home.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Park Score: 4.7<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Quiet Score: 4.3<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Primary School Score: 4.0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n High School Score: 3.3<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Composite Score: 80%<\/b> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Car-Friendly Score: 4.0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Park Score: 4.2<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Quiet Score: 4.1<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Primary School Score: 4.2<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n High School Score: 2.7<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Composite Score: 79%<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n Often overshadowed by Calgary, Edmonton is Alberta\u2019s second most populous province. A bit more low-key than its neighbour to the southwest in terms of population (about 1 million), economy (<\/span>GDP<\/span><\/a>), and lifestyle, Edmonton is also a more affordable alternative to Cowtown. But don\u2019t mistake Edmonton for a sleepy town. It\u2019s sometimes called Canada\u2019s festival city, owing to the fact that it hosts dozens of annual events for every season, from celebrations of Francophone music and latin culture to cycling and poetry fairs. As Alberta\u2019s capital, there\u2019s a large government sector providing well-paying employment opportunities, too. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Car-Friendly Score: 4.0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Park Score: 4.2<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Quiet Score: 4.1<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Primary School Score: 4.2<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n High School Score: 2.7<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Composite Score: 79%<\/b><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Car-Friendly Score: 4.1\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n High School Score: 2.7<\/b> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Car-Friendly Score: 4.2<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Park Score: 4.0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Quiet Score: 4.2<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Primary School Score: 4.1<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n High School Score: 2.9<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n Composite Score: 80%<\/b><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Car-Friendly Score: 4.1\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Park Score: 3.8<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Quiet Score: 4.0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Primary School Score: 4.3<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n High School Score: 2.9<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n With the recent expansion of Toronto\u2019s subway system to Vaughan\u2019s new downtown, the so-called City Above Toronto has become increasingly urban over the past decade. The transformation has brought more amenities (and a lot more condos). Among the 10 best places to live in Canada for families, Vaughan is tied for first with Whitby when looking at the share of house households with children (71%). Outside of the burgeoning Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, there are large swaths of mature low-rise communities and the city maintains 1,000 hectares of parks, making it a great place for families to put down roots.\u00a0 <\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n Car-Friendly Score: 4.0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Park Score: 3.8<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Quiet Score: 4.0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Primary School Score: 4.3<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n High School Score: 2.6<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Composite Score: 79%<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n About an hour east of Toronto, Whitby began the 20th century as a town where farmers retired. Rapid post-war development changed that, as a building boom brought sprawling subdivisions, municipal infrastructure and facilities, and amenities. Today, it\u2019s a city of about 140,000, although it hasn\u2019t outgrown its suburban vibe. It\u2019s one of the <\/span>safest places to drive in Ontario<\/span><\/a> and features many quiet subdivisions. These range from older developments dating back to the \u201870s or earlier up to new-build houses and even condos, particularly near the historic downtown. One of the community\u2019s main draws, the charming core encompasses nearly 500 shops, restaurants, and other businesses. The waterfront near Port Whitby is another big attraction where you\u2019ll find lakeside parks, trails, and beaches. Whitby is part of the broader Durham region, which is known for having relatively affordable single-family homes, at least compared to many other parts of the GTA.\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Car-Friendly Score: 4.3<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Park Score: 4.4<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Quiet Score: 3.2<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Primary School Score: 4.2<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n High School Score: 3.6<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Composite Score: 78%<\/b><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” module_id=”sell-widget” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f0faf4″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” da_popup_slug=”sell-widget” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”300633″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”3″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/wahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Group-5922.png” title_text=”Group 5922″ src_last_edited=”off|desktop” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”480px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_line_height=”44px” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”270px” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”30px||10px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” header_text_align_tablet=”” header_text_align_phone=”center” header_text_align_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”30px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 800 !important;” custom_css_free_form=”#sell-widget h1{|| font-weight: 700 !important;|| font-size: 30px;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”26px” header_font=”||||||||” header_line_height=”26px” header_2_font_size=”22px” header_2_line_height=”26px” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”270px” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||30px||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment_tablet=”” module_alignment_phone=”center” module_alignment_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]Instantly track the value of your most precious asset.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”\/ca\/en\/home-estimation\/what-is-my-home-worth?check-bestimates-modal=true” button_text=”Get estimate” button_alignment_phone=”left” button_alignment_last_edited=”off|desktop” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”12px” button_border_radius=”4px” button_letter_spacing=”1px” button_font=”|700|||||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” button_text_size_tablet=”” button_text_size_phone=”13px” button_text_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight: 800 !important;” custom_css_free_form=”#sell-widget a.et_pb_button{|| font-weight: 600 !important;||}||||@media (max-width: 600px){||#sell-widget a.et_pb_button{||display: block;||text-align: center;||}||}” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”font-weight: 800 !important;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”font-weight: 800 !important;”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”29px||0px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||4px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”21px” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font_size=”1.25rem” header_3_line_height=”1.88rem” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”1.25rem” header_4_line_height=”1.88rem” text_font_size_tablet=”21px” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”36px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Car-Friendly Score: 4.3<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b> \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n High School Score: 3.3<\/b> <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n
Where does one begin? The country spans a whopping 7,560 kilometres and crosses six time zones. There are more than 5,000 municipalities in Canada<\/a>, according to Statistics Canada, and each of these towns and cities have their own distinct qualities and traits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n“We do have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to family-friendly cities.”<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
The results may surprise you. They certainly surprised Local Logic\u2019s Fran\u00e7oise Provencher, a data science manager, and Zackary Flansberry, a senior data scientist, both of whom helped put together the ranking. In particular, the pair was pleasantly surprised at how various provinces were represented, which isn\u2019t always the case. \u201cI\u2019ve done this kind of list before and sometimes they\u2019re all clustered together in one place,\u201d says Provencher. This time, \u201cthey were very well distributed,\u201d Provencher continues. \u201cThere\u2019s nice places everywhere in Canada where you can have a family in a quiet place with lots of parks,\u201d she adds.<\/span><\/p>\nCar-Friendly\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/span><\/p>\nCrime\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
Parks\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
Quiet \u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
Schools\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
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<\/span>While living near a top school is a priority for many families, Anne Alkok, Wahi\u2019s broker of record, notes that you\u2019ll typically pay a premium for real estate<\/a> in such locations. \u201cNeighbourhoods with top schools tend to be in higher demand and prices in those areas do tend to be higher,\u201d says Alkok.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Best Places to Live in Canada for Families \u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
1. Saanich, B.C. (Greater Victoria)
<\/b><\/h2>\n2. Port Coquitlam, B.C. (Greater Vancouver)<\/b>\u00a0<\/h2>\n
3. Calgary, A.B.<\/b><\/h2>\n
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<\/b>Arguing the case for Calgary as one of the best places to live in Canada for families isn\u2019t difficult. In recent years, Canadians have been choosing to relocate from other provinces to Alberta in droves \u2014 2023 was a record-breaking year for interprovincial migration to the so-called Wild Rose Country \u2014 and many of these newcomers end up in Calgary. A few forces are driving the population boom, including cheaper housing than in other major real estate markets, employment opportunities (particularly in the energy sector), and the Prairie lifestyle. As a result, Calgary\u2019s population has hurtled past the 1.3-million mark, supporting the types of restaurants, cafes, and other amenities typically associated with more cosmopolitan centres. If you\u2019re considering relocating to Calgary with your family, <\/span>Wahi recently spoke to experts<\/span><\/a> about what to expect and how to prepare. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n4. Edmonton, A.B. <\/b>\u00a0<\/h2>\n
5. Regina, Sask. <\/b>\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Saskatchewan\u2019s capital prides itself on combining big-city amenities with a friendly small-town vibe, giving families the best of both worlds. \u201cRegina is a welcoming place to call home and [an] excellent location to raise a family,\u201d according to the City of Regina\u2019s website. \u201cWith hundreds of parks and an abundance of sport and recreation facilities, arts and cultural centres, museums and performance spaces, major attractions and events all year round, there is something for everyone.\u201d Despite its family-friendly attributes, Regina has flown below the radar and hasn\u2019t experienced the explosive population growth that\u2019s taken hold of other cities in Western Canada, the <\/span>Regina & District Chamber of Commerce suggests<\/span><\/a>. The upshot is it hasn\u2019t seen continued leaps in home prices and rents, though it did experience a pandemic boost. About 225,000 people reside in Regina today. <\/span><\/b>
<\/b><\/p>\n6. Oakville, Ont. (Greater Toronto Area) <\/b>\u00a0<\/h2>\n
<\/b>Park Score: 4.6<\/b><\/p>\n
<\/b>Quiet Score: 4.0<\/b><\/p>\n
<\/b>Primary School Score: 4.1<\/b><\/p>\n
<\/b>
<\/b>Composite Score: 82%<\/b><\/p>\n
<\/span>Midway between Toronto and Niagara, Oakville is a harbourfront city with a thriving waterfront that caters to a suburban lifestyle within the GTA. It also has some of the top-rated schools in the province: Forrest Trail Public School earned a perfect 10\/10 in the Fraser Institute\u2019s Report Card on Ontario\u2019s Elementary Schools 2024. If you\u2019re eyeing the best places to live in Canada for families on a budget, though, Oakville might not be a fit. Top schools, a location near Toronto, as well as a housing inventory of large well-maintained homes and many custom builds contribute to <\/span>higher local home prices<\/span><\/a> than other parts of southern Ontario.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n7. Barrie, Ont. <\/b>\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Just north of the GTA, Barrie is a bedroom community for Canada\u2019s largest urban centre. It\u2019s also one of Canada\u2019s fastest-growing cities. Barrie\u2019s population is projected to surge by nearly 100,000 by 2041. Despite this sizable growth, it maintains the title of the safest city in Canada. In 2023, Barrie attained a Crime Severity Index score of 48.1,\u00a0 well below the national average 80.5 and the lowest of the 42 census metro areas surveyed by Statistics Canada. <\/span>Libraries, splash pads, community centres, trails, and sportsfields abound in Barrie, so there\u2019s no shortage of activities and programming geared towards families. <\/span>But don\u2019t just take our word on Barrie\u2019s status as one of the best places to live in Canada for families. A couple of years ago, the city made this ranking of the <\/span>51 most family-friendly cities in Canada<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n8. Vaughan, Ont. (Greater Toronto Area)<\/b>\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Composite Score: 80%<\/b><\/p>\n9. Whitby, Ont<\/b>. \u00a0(Greater Toronto Area)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n10. Saint-Lambert, Que. (Greater Montreal)
<\/b>\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Set on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and across from Montreal, Saint-Lambert is the smallest city out of the 10 best places to live in Canada for families. The local population falls slightly short of 23,000. The quaint downtown, dubbed the Village, functions as an old-time town square \u2014 a hub of activity. It hosts festivities and other programming throughout the year, making this Francophone city small in population but mighty in culture. Outside of the village, Saint-Lambert is overwhelmingly residential. In fact, citywide, 95% of the buildings here are residential, and more than half are single-family homes, <\/span>according to the municipality\u2019s website<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\nKnow the Value of Your Home<\/h1>\n
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11. Fredericton, N.B.
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<\/b>Park Score: 3.0<\/b><\/p>\n
<\/b>Quiet Score: 4.5<\/b><\/p>\n
<\/b>Primary School Score: 3.6<\/b><\/p>\n
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<\/b>Composite Score: 78%<\/b><\/p>\n