Is London, Ontario the Right Place for You? What to Know Before You Relocate

Two sentence summary:

Thinking of moving to London, Ontario? Discover why thousands of Canadians choose this vibrant, affordable city for its strong job market, family-friendly neighbourhoods, and unbeatable quality of life.

Table of contents:

Why are people moving to London, Ontario?

What is the cost of living in London vs. other Ontario cities?

What are the best neighbourhoods in London, Ontario?

What are the best neighbourhoods in London, Ontario?

What is the job market like in London, Ontario?

How do you get around London, Ontario?

What is the lifestyle, outdoor life, and family fit in London, Ontario?

10 facts about London, Ontario

How does MTS makes your London move look easy?

At a glance:

London offers big-city amenities at smaller-city prices, with housing costs roughly 25% lower than Kitchener-Waterloo and more than 40% lower than Toronto.

A diverse job market anchored by Western University, Fanshawe College, and London Health Sciences Centre makes it one of Ontario’s most stable mid-sized economies.

Families and professionals are drawn to its short commutes, excellent schools, 330 km of trails, and “15-minute city” convenience for everyday living.

You’re ready for a change, but moving to a mid-sized city like London, Ontario can raise plenty of questions. Is it truly affordable? What’s the job market like? And how does it stack up against the GTA or other Ontario cities?

Each year, roughly 4,500 to 5,500 Canadians relocate to London from other provinces, drawn by its balance of affordability, education, and opportunity. The city’s population has climbed nearly 10% since 2021, driven by newcomers seeking space, value, and strong community amenities.

But moving here isn’t without challenges. Rapid growth has pushed housing prices up, traffic is becoming heavier, and downtown revitalization is still a work in progress.

That’s why this guide exists to give you a clear, data-backed overview of life in London, from housing and neighbourhoods to jobs, schools, and local culture.

You’ll also see how MTS Moving helps families, professionals, and retirees make the transition seamlessly, with transparent pricing and reliable, in-house service from start to finish.

Why Are People Moving to London, Ontario?

People are moving to London, Ontario for its balance of affordability, opportunity, and livability. It’s a practical choice for those priced out of the GTA or looking for a smaller, more connected city with strong public services. Here are the three main reasons why…

Cost-Effective Alternative to Toronto or Kitchener-Waterloo: Living in London costs 20–25% less than in Toronto, with an average home price around $623,000 and lower rent, groceries, and childcare. You’ll find space and stability here without the high overhead of major urban centres.

Strong Education & Healthcare Sectors: London is anchored by Western University, Fanshawe College, and three major hospitals, creating steady jobs and world-class services in health, biotech, and education. These institutions attract students, professionals, and families from across Canada and beyond.

Great for Families and Remote Professionals: Designed with “15-minute city” convenience in mind, most schools, parks, and amenities are within a short drive or walk. Families benefit from safe neighbourhoods and green spaces, while remote professionals enjoy reliable internet, affordable homes, and shorter days behind the wheel.

Pro Tip: London delivers the essentials of city living: strong schools, good jobs, and culture at a fraction of GTA costs, all within a community you can actually get to know.

What is the Cost of Living in London vs. Other Ontario Cities?

London continues to offer strong value for homeowners, renters, and families, with overall living costs well below the GTA and slightly under Kitchener-Waterloo. Housing is the main driver of affordability, but lower utilities, insurance, and grocery costs also help residents stretch their budgets further.

Housing Prices and Rent

The average home price in London sits between $475,000 and $623,000 (benchmark ~$562,300 in 2025), giving buyers far more space for the dollar than in Toronto or KW. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,600/month, compared to $2,700+ in Toronto and $2,200+ in Kitchener-Waterloo.

Living Costs: Groceries, Utilities & Insurance

Day-to-day expenses remain moderate. Groceries are roughly 3–5% lower than in Toronto, utilities average $180–$210 per month, and car insurance is among Ontario’s lowest for a major city, typically $1,300–$1,500 per year.

City	Average Home Price	2-Bedroom Rent	Utilities (average/month)	Groceries	Car Insurance (Annual)
London	$475,000-$623,000	~$1,600	$180-$210	~3-5% lower than Toronto	$1,300-$1,500
Toronto	$1.1M+	$2,750-$3,500	$220-$250	baseline	$1,800-$2,200
Kitchener-Waterloo	~$753,000	$2,100-$2,300	$180-$210	~2-4% lower than GTA	$1,400-$1,700

Property Taxes and Overall Affordability

London’s property tax rate (1.676%) is higher than Toronto’s, but total costs remain lower thanks to cheaper housing. For a $500,000 property, annual taxes average around $8,300, while comparable homes in the GTA cost nearly double overall.

Overall, residents spend about $1,200–$1,400/month (single) or $3,800–$4,200/month (family) excluding rent, both below the GTA and slightly under KW.

What are the Best Neighbourhoods in London, Ontario?

Whether you’re moving for work, family, or lifestyle, London offers neighbourhoods that match nearly every stage of life. From historic charm and suburban comfort to modern convenience and urban energy. Here are four of the city’s most appealing areas for newcomers.

Old North: If you love heritage character and walkable streets, Old North might be your place. This neighbourhood blends stately century homes, mature trees, and parks like Gibbons and Doidge with a close-knit, family-friendly feel. It’s also ideal if you’re connected to Western University, located just minutes away.

Byron: Tucked along the Thames River, Byron delivers that “village in the city” atmosphere. Families love its quiet streets, top-rated schools, and access to Springbank Park and Storybook Gardens. Two of London’s best outdoor destinations. With local cafés and a relaxed suburban vibe, it’s a perfect spot to put down roots.

Masonville & Uplands: For those seeking modern homes and easy access to amenities, Masonville and Uplands are hard to beat. These north-end neighbourhoods feature newer builds, scenic parks, and top schools, all within minutes of shopping at CF Masonville Place and trails in Medway Valley Heritage Forest. They’re favourites among professionals and growing families alike.

SoHo (South of Horton): If you’re after value and a bit of edge, SoHo offers both. Once an industrial pocket, it’s now seeing major revitalization, with trendy condos, restored heritage homes, and creative studios popping up near the riverfront. Its downtown proximity, walkability, and affordability make it especially popular with first-time buyers and young professionals.

Pro Tip: London’s layout makes it easy to explore. Most areas are within a 20-minute drive of each other. Spend a weekend visiting neighbourhoods to see where you feel most at home before making the move.

What is the Job Market like in London, Ontario?

London’s economy offers a healthy balance of stability and opportunity, driven by its strong education and healthcare institutions, thriving manufacturing base, and one of Canada’s fastest-growing tech sectors. Whether you’re an academic, healthcare professional, engineer, or digital creator, there’s room to grow here.

Strong Education Sector

Education is one of London’s biggest economic engines. Western University employs over 14,500 people and contributes more than $1.6 billion to the local economy each year. It’s nationally recognized for innovation in health, business, and biotech, and anchors a large share of research activity in the region.

Fanshawe College with over 3,500 staff adds another layer of strength, specializing in trades, healthcare, business, and digital media programs. Together, Western and Fanshawe supply employers with skilled graduates, with employment rates above the provincial average.

Smaller institutions like King’s, Huron, Brescia, and Collège Boréal further enrich London’s talent pipeline, making it a city that consistently attracts and retains educated workers.

Healthcare and Advanced Manufacturing

Healthcare is another major employer. Between London Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Care, and the Children’s Hospital, more than 11,000 people work in local health and life sciences. The city is a provincial leader in medical research, innovation, and patient care.

London’s advanced manufacturing sector employs around 20,000 workers, led by companies such as General Dynamics Land Systems, 3M Canada, and Trojan Technologies. It’s also home to growing clusters in aerospace, agri-food, and green tech, supported by strong logistics infrastructure and industrial parks.

Booming Tech and Digital Media

In the last five years, London’s tech workforce surged 88.5%, the fastest growth among mid-sized Canadian cities. More than 16,000 people now work in tech-related fields, including software development, fintech, game design, and health tech.

You’ll find homegrown innovators like Digital Extremes (creator of Warframe), Big Blue Bubble, and Info-Tech Research Group anchoring a creative, well-connected ecosystem. Startups thrive here too, backed by TechAlliance, Fanshawe Innovation Village, and the city’s Quantum Technology Lab.

Pro Tip: If you’re in healthcare, tech, or skilled trades, London offers a rare mix of career stability and affordability. You can build your future here without the big-city grind.

How do you get around London, Ontario?

London is a city built for convenience. Whether you’re commuting across town, catching a train to Toronto, or crossing the border for a weekend in Detroit, everything feels within reach thanks to solid transit, easy driving routes, and growing cycling infrastructure.

Local Transit (London Transit Commission)

The London Transit Commission (LTC) runs 36 bus routes that cover the entire city, with all vehicles fully accessible and equipped with real-time tracking apps. Buses run frequently along main corridors connecting Western University, Fanshawe College, Masonville, and downtown, making it easy for students and professionals alike to get around without a car.

Accessibility is a major focus. Every route is wheelchair accessible, and the LTC also provides specialized door-to-door services for seniors and residents with mobility challenges.

Cycling and Walkability

London continues to expand its 110 km+ network of bike lanes and multi-use trails, including new links added in 2025 that strengthen the Thames Valley Parkway (TVP). The city’s Active Transportation Plan aims to make cycling, transit, and walking a bigger part of daily life, with a long-term target of 32% mode share by 2050.

Walkability varies by area, but core neighbourhoods like Old North, Wortley Village, SoHo, and downtown make car-free living easy, with shops, schools, and cafés all within walking distance.

Driving and Regional Connections

For drivers, London offers short, low-stress commutes. Most trips across the city take 15–25 minutes. Parking is easy and affordable, even near the downtown core.

Regional drives are straightforward:

Toronto: About 2 to 2.5 hours east via Highway 401 (185 km)

Detroit: Roughly 2 hours west via Highway 402 to the Windsor border crossing

VIA Rail and Highway Access

London’s VIA Rail station serves as a regional hub, offering up to 41 trains per week to Toronto, with express trips as quick as 2 hours 12 minutes. Other routes connect to Windsor, Sarnia, and cross-country lines.

The 401 corridor runs directly along London’s south edge, giving drivers fast access to Kitchener, the GTA, and Southern Ontario destinations.

Pro Tip: Many newcomers find London’s size just right. Big enough to have reliable transit and regional access, but small enough that your commute rarely takes more than 20 minutes.

What is the Lifestyle, Outdoor Life, and Family Fit in London, Ontario?

London blends big-city culture with small-city ease. Perfect for your families, professionals, and anyone who values green space and community.

Outdoor Life: With over 330 km of trails and iconic parks like Springbank and Gibbons, outdoor living is part of daily life. Storybook Gardens adds family fun year-round with rides, splash pads, and winter skating.

Schools & Healthcare: Top-ranked public, Catholic, and French Immersion schools pair with leading hospitals such as London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s, offering excellent care and education at every stage of life.

Culture & Food: From Sunfest and Rock the Park to a booming craft-beer and food scene, London delivers festivals, flavour, and friendly energy that make it feel both lively and livable.

10 Fun Facts About London, Ontario

Here are 10 surprising facts about London that reveal its mix of history, creativity, and character:

Rachel McAdams’ Hometown: The Oscar-nominated star of The Notebook and Mean Girls was born and raised in London, ON.

Wayne Gretzky’s Early Days: “The Great One” played part of his junior hockey career in London at just 15 years old with the London Knights.

Canada’s “Serial Killer Capital”: In the 1960s and 1970s, London earned an eerie reputation due to several infamous cold cases that still intrigue true-crime followers today.

Eldon House: Built in 1834, this heritage manor is London’s oldest continuously occupied residence—now preserved as a museum and city landmark.

The Forest City: With 4 million trees and over 490 parks, London lives up to its nickname, offering one of Ontario’s lushest urban canopies.

World’s First UFO Landing Pad: In 1967, London built a UFO landing pad in Victoria Park as part of Canada’s centennial celebrations. Proof of the city’s quirky civic pride.

UNESCO City of Music: London became Canada’s first UNESCO City of Music in 2021, recognized for its thriving live scene, record labels, and iconic venues.

Fanshawe College Powerhouse: With 43,000 students and 200+ programs, Fanshawe ranks among Canada’s largest colleges and is a key source of local innovation.

Wortley Village Charm: Voted “Canada’s Best Neighbourhood”, Wortley Village is prized for its walkability, historic homes, and tight-knit community feel.

Old East Village Revival: Once industrial, this district has reinvented itself with craft breweries, vintage shops, and The Market at Western Fair, one of Ontario’s top indoor food and artisan hubs.

How Does MTS Makes Your London Move Look Easy?

Moving to a new city should feel exciting, not overwhelming and with MTS Moving, it can be exactly that.

Our team specializes in long-distance relocations across Ontario and Canada, offering fixed-price quotes with no hidden fees and transparent video walk-throughs for accurate estimates. Every move is handled by in-house crews, never subcontractors, and backed by certified weight verification and full insurance coverage for total peace of mind.

With guaranteed delivery timelines and routes optimized for Ontario-to-London moves, MTS takes the guesswork out of your relocation, so you can focus on settling into your new home, not stressing about logistics.

Pro Tip: Fall is London’s busiest moving season, especially around student housing turnover. Reserve your spot early to lock in your preferred date and rate.

Why London Might Be a Smart Move

London offers the best of both worlds: big-city amenities without big-city costs. Families love the green space and top schools, professionals appreciate the short commutes and growing job market, and remote workers find a relaxed, connected community that still delivers urban comfort.

With its strong education sector, vibrant culture, and steady economy, London is one of Ontario’s most livable cities and MTS Moving is the trusted partner to help you get there smoothly, safely, and stress-free.

Ready to move to London, Ontario? Get your guaranteed, all-inclusive quote today.

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FAQs About Moving to London, Ontario

Is London, Ontario a good place to live? Yes. London consistently ranks among Ontario’s most livable mid-sized cities thanks to its balance of affordability, safety, and quality of life. With great schools, a growing job market, and plenty of parks and cultural attractions, it’s ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

How much does it cost to live in London compared to Toronto? London’s overall cost of living is 20–30% lower than Toronto’s, with housing, rent, groceries, and insurance all more affordable. The average home price in London is around $475,000–$620,000, compared to over $1.1 million in Toronto.

What are the best family neighbourhoods in London? Top-rated family areas include Byron (close to Springbank Park), Masonville/Uplands (modern, near top schools), and Old North (heritage charm and walkability). Westmount and Oakridge are also popular for their quiet streets and access to amenities.

Is London a safe city? Yes. London maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to other Ontario cities of similar size. Most neighbourhoods are safe and family-oriented, with strong community engagement and an active local police presence.

What’s the job market like in London, Ontario? London’s economy is diversified across education, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and tech. Major employers include Western University, Fanshawe College, London Health Sciences Centre, and companies like 3M Canada and Digital Extremes, making it a stable market for both professionals and skilled trades.