These are the best cities in Ontario to rent in for affordability and quality of life: report

According to a new report, Chatham-Kent, Whitby and North Bay are all top locations in Ontario for renters to keep an eye on.

A recent report from Point2Homes revealed the top ten hotspots for renters in the province. The real estate website took into account several factors for the list, including areas that are affordable, walkable and involved in the community.

The report analyzes Ontario cities across three distinct categories (economy and housing, quality of life, and community), with certain cities standing out compared to others in terms of the ideal lifestyle for Ontario renters.

When it comes to lower rents in Ontario, Chatham-Kent takes the cake, averaging $1,099 per month and about three and a half hours from Toronto. Welland follows closely behind at $1,164 and is just over two hours from the city, and in third place is Greater Sudbury at $1,251 and about five hours north.

But in the economy and housing category, average rent is not the only thing that matters.

The cost of housing, the availability of rental properties and the unemployment rate are very important indicators in this category. Chatham-Kent, Cambridge and Kitchener are the top cities in the province for this reason.

All of the cities mentioned are at least an hour’s drive from Toronto, as choosing to live in suburbs over large metropolitan areas has now become an “attractive option,” Vanessa Elliston, a representative from top real estate agent Bethany King’s brokerage team, told Now Toronto.

“We are seeing a growing need for a quieter, less congested environment with a higher quality of life. Additionally, the rise of remote working over the past four years has reduced the need to live close to downtown offices, making living outside the city more feasible and attractive,” Elliston explains.

Whitby and Oshawa claimed the top two spots in Ontario for quality of life, followed by Kitchener. Factors that make or break these listings include safety, air quality, walkability, commute time, and access to nature and green spaces in this city.

Elliston says Whitby is a popular choice for renters these days, with its relaxed, suburban vibe. In addition to an improved quality of life, she says convenience and, most importantly, affordability are key factors in moving to the city east of Toronto, where rent averages $1,397 per month.

“Transportation is another strength for Whitby. With the Whitby GO Station, residents have easy access to public transportation, making for easy commuting to Toronto and other parts of the GTA. The city is also well-connected by major freeways, making it very accessible for motorists,” 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.

When it comes to greenery, however, Caledon tops the list, with a perfect score of 100 for the proximity of its urban space to nature.

The final category in the report, community, considers factors such as access to parks, museums, education and entertainment options. These institutions foster a sense of belonging, essential for maintaining a strong support system and empowering individuals, the report says.

Ontario’s top cities in this category are North Bay, Aurora and Kingston. Overall, Niagara Falls stands out as having the highest number of museums in the province, while Markham has the most restaurants.

Elliston offered his thoughts on the winner, North Bay (where the average rent is $1,185 per month). He said the city offers residents the opportunity to enjoy spacious and comfortable living situations without breaking the bank.

“North Bay’s convenient location and well-connected public transport network make it relatively easy for residents to travel within and outside the region,” she said.

“The city also offers highly regarded schools, health care facilities and recreational opportunities. North Bay has beautiful lakes and parks and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, making it an attractive choice for nature lovers.”

For people considering moving out of the city center, Elliston says all of the top cities mentioned are great options for affordable housing, spacious living, and a higher quality of life compared to Toronto.

“These cities offer strong community amenities, excellent recreational opportunities and peaceful surroundings, while still maintaining good connectivity to urban centres,” she said.

“For those seeking balance, affordability and a welcoming community, these locations are attractive alternatives to living in Toronto.