Chatham-Kent, Whitby and North Bay are all prime Ontario locations that renters should keep their eyes on, according to a new report.
A recent report by Point2Homes revealed the top ten renter hotspots in the province. The real estate listing site considered various factors for the list, including areas that offer affordability, walkability, and community involvement.
The report analyzes Ontario cities based on three separate categories (economy & housing, quality of life and community), and certain cities stood out compared to others for the ideal Ontario renter lifestyle.
When it comes to lower rental rates in Ontario, Chatham-Kent takes the crown, with an average of $1,099 a month and about three and a half hours from Toronto. Welland follows closely behind at $1,164 and is a little over two hours from the city, and in third, Greater Sudbury at $1,251 and around five hours north.
However, in the economy and housing category, average rent is not the only thing that matters.
Housing costs, rental availability, and unemployment rate are very important metrics in the category, and Chatham-Kent, Cambridge, and Kitchener are the top cities in the province for that reason.
All of the cities mentioned are at least one hour away from Toronto, as choosing to live in suburban communities instead of major metropolitan areas has now become an “attractive option,” Vanessa Elliston, a representative of top broker Bethany King’s real estate team, described to Now Toronto.
“We are noticing that there is a rising desire for a quieter, less crowded environment with a higher quality of life. Additionally, the rise of remote work over the last four years has reduced the necessity of being close to downtown offices, making living outside the city more feasible and attractive,” Elliston explained.
Whitby and Oshawa claimed the top two Ontario spots in the quality of life category, followed by Kitchener. Factors that make or break these listings include safety, air quality, walkability, commute time and access to nature and green spaces within this city.
Elliston says Whitby has become a popular choice for renters nowadays, offering a relaxed, suburban atmosphere. Aside from a boosted quality of life, she says convenience and especially affordability are major factors in moving to the city east of Toronto, where rent on average is $1,397 a month.
“Transportation is another strong point for Whitby. With the Whitby GO Station, residents enjoy convenient access to public transit, facilitating easy commutes to Toronto and other parts of the GTA. The town is also well-connected by major highways, making it extremely accessible for drivers,” Elliston said.
“For renters looking for a balanced lifestyle with the benefits of both suburban comfort and urban connectivity, Whitby is an ideal choice,” she added.
However, when it comes to greenness, Caledon is at the top of the list, boasting a perfect score of 100 for the urban space’s proximity to nature.
The final category in the report, community, considers factors like access to parks, museums, education, and entertainment options. These institutions promote a sense of connectedness, essential for sustaining a strong support system and empowering individuals, the report said.
The top Ontario cities in this category are North Bay, Aurora, and Kingston. Overall, Niagara Falls stands out with the highest number of museums in the province, while Markham has the most restaurants.
Elliston gave insight to the winner, North Bay (where rent averages $1,185 a month), saying the city allows residents to enjoy spacious and comfortable living arrangements without breaking the bank.
“North Bay’s convenient location and well-connected transportation network make it fairly easy for its residents to travel within the region and beyond,” she said.
“The city also offers highly ranked schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational opportunities. North Bay boasts beautiful lakes and parks, and provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, making it an appealing choice for nature enthusiasts.”
For those considering moving out of the city core, Elliston says all the top cities mentioned are great options for affordable housing, spacious living, and a higher quality of life compared to Toronto.
“These cities provide strong community amenities, excellent recreational opportunities, and a peaceful environment while maintaining good connectivity to urban centres,” she said.
“For those seeking balance, affordability, and a welcoming community, these locations are compelling alternatives to living in Toronto.
