The 8 Most Beautiful Places to Live In Ontario That Are Still Affordable

Kingston is a Canadian Town on the Shore of Lake Ontario with a large University and Hospital
© Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock.com

Written by Patrick MacFarland

Published: March 16, 2024

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The world is getting expensive. Way back when you could afford a mortgage on a decent job. Nowadays, you need a very good job that pays extremely well to get by. Millennials are struggling to buy homes. The reality is that things are just getting too expensive now. When it comes to Ontario, the province is a very sought-after one in Canada. The places in Ontario that are much more expensive are those in the bigger cities. However, there are places in Ontario that are extremely beautiful and are also affordable. This speaks volumes to those who want to buy a house to settle in and raise kids. Let’s take a look at the eight most beautiful places to live in Ontario that are still affordable.

Sudbury

Located in Northern Ontario, Sudbury has a population of 166,000.

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Because of its place in the province, Sudbury is surrounded by green and blue. Yes, that’s right, Sudbury is a place for nature lovers because of its lakes and forests throughout. If you’re into outdoor activities, this is the perfect place to raise a family. Besides that, Sudbury also has a great art scene and is quite affordable. The average home price is $465,000 and the average rent comes to about $1,295 per month.

Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste Marie Michigan and Ontario waterfront district on the St Mary's River on the border between Canada and the United States.

The third-largest city in Northern Ontario, Sault Ste. Marie has a population of 72,000.

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Just across St. Mary’s River is Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. But the beauty of Sault Ste. Marie, Canada, is just stunning. If you and your family love the outdoors, then this city is for you. The mountains, rivers, and lakes are just a hop and skip away. This town is also tranquil and perfect for retirees looking for a calmer life. The average home price is $334,000 and the average rent comes to about $1,500 per month.

Thunder Bay

Sunset over Lake Superior near Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

The second-largest city in Northern Ontario, Thunder Bay has a population of 108,000.

©Gregor McDougall/Shutterstock.com

What began as a fur trading outpost, turned into a beautiful city that has amazing forests and, of course, Lake Superior nearby. Nature lovers will love living in Thunder Bay. It’s also perfect for the entire family, especially when it comes to affordability. In terms of prices, Thunder Bay’s average home price comes to about $345,000 and the average rent price comes to about $1,485 per month.

Windsor

Windsor, Ontario's Waterfront Trail

Located in southwestern Ontario, Windsor has a population of 229,000.

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Detroit is on the other side of the Detroit River and even though Detroit is one of the most dangerous cities in the US, Windsor is a much more calm Canadian city. The average home price in Windsor is $573,000 and the average rent comes up to about $1,250 per month. Windsor is known as the “City of Roses” because of its green spaces and abundant parks. However, Windsor also is the “Automotive Capital of Canada,” contributing greatly to the Canadian auto industry.

London

Aerial of London, Ontario, Canada in spring

Located in southwestern Ontario, London has a population of 422,000.

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A healthcare and educational hub, London was named after the capital of England. Its proximity to nature and the great outdoors is one of the reasons why London’s nickname is the “Forest City.” What used to be all forest is now communities where there is a sense of community. There is also a vibrant nightlife in the city and great diversity. The average home price is about $600,000 and the average rent price is $1,650 per month.

Kingston

Sitting on the St. Lawrence River, Kingston has a population of 132,000.

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Sitting on Lake Ontario, Kingston is a city that has it all. You can enjoy fun-filled activities with the entire family in nature, both on the lake, as well as the forests nearby. It also has a great arts scene, not to mention amazing diversity. The best part of Kingston is that it is walkable and bikeable, which means you can get anywhere with great ease. The average home price is about $645,000 and the average rent price is $1,675 per month.

Barrie

Barrie Ontario from the Air

Located in central Ontario, Barrie has a population of 147,000.

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If you are a winter sports lover, then Barrie is the right city for you. You will be able to do all types of winter sports. But it also has a stunning waterfront with Kempenfelt Bay, which means you can also walk around the bay and even frolic in the water. It’s also known as one of Canada’s greatest family-friendly cities to live in. The average home price is about $774,000 and the average rent price is $2,200 per month.

Peterborough

Peterborough Little Lake

Located in Southern Ontario, Peterborough has a population of 83,000.

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Peterborough is known throughout Canada as one of the most family-friendly cities. It has a lower crime rate than other cities around its population and its schools are top-notch. Nature is nearby, which means you can plan outdoor activities that will be fun for the entire family. Furthermore, it has a great cultural scene to increase learning. The average home price is about $633,000 and the average rent price is $1,900 per month.


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About the Author

Patrick Macfarland is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering travel, geography, and history. Patrick has been writing for more than 10 years. In the past, he has been a teacher and a political candidate. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from SDSU and a Master's Degree in European Union Studies from CIFE. From San Diego, California, Patrick loves to travel and try new recipes to cook.

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