Canada Property Guide Canada’s looking for over a million new arrivals in the next three years, in all provinces and territories. So where are the best areas to live in Canada? Will it be the bustling city of Toronto, the vast prairies of Manitoba, the mountains of Alberta or the picturesque villages of the Maritimes? Find out in Part 3 of Buying in Canada.
Where are the best areas to live in Canada?
Canada’s house prices have been famously high (albeit not to southern UK levels) for quite some time, but the market is showing signs of correction. Here are the main median prices for each province/territory as of January 2019, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association. Note that the average for the country is heavily skewed by the Greater Vancouver area!
| Province | Average House Price (February 2019) | Twelve months to February 2019 |
| Quebec | $306,177 | +4.2% |
| Nova Scotia | $234,202 | +3.8% |
| Ontario | $554,936 | +1.3% |
| Newfoundland/Labrador | $250,562 | -0.3% |
| Manitoba | $267,314 | -1.1% |
| Saskatchewan | $273,720 | -2.3% |
| Prince Edward Island | $208,971 | -3.7% |
| New Brunswick | $162,043 | -3.8% |
| Alberta | $361,333 | -5.0% |
| Canadian Average | $454,776 | -5.5% |
| British Columbia | $665,315 | -7.7% |
We’ve written extensively about many of the popular areas – here are some short overviews. Click through for further information.
British Columbia
British Columbia’s world-class quality of life has made it one of the best areas to live in Canada.
British Columbia’s capital, Vancouver, is one of the top areas for expats from around the world, especially from the UK, US and China. Its sky-high house prices are compensated by the surrounding natural beauty of the mountains and Vancouver Island. Plus, top-notch public transport, plenty of job opportunities and a strong education make it a fantastic place to move with your family.
Having strong negotiation skills will help you get as much house as possible for your dollar. Read more in our free guide: How to Negotiate Abroad.
Alberta
The dramatic landscape of the Rocky Mountains, the vast prairies and the high average earnings – around $160 a week more than the national average – are all big draws to Alberta for overseas buyers looking for the best areas to live in Canada. The city of Calgary has a large British community, many attracted by the job opportunities in the oil industries.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is perfect for anyone looking for rural tranquillity. This small region boasts numerous pretty towns and villages, easy accessibility to the ocean, and very affordable property. The median home costs just $162,043. It’s still a well kept secret: migrants make up just 4% of the population, so take advantage before word gets out!
Find out how to plan your finances before buying a home in Canada – otherwise your budget is at risk of losing thousands to changing exchange rates. Find out more in the free Property Buyer’s Guide to Currency.
Nova Scotia
Unlike almost all of Canada’s provinces and territories, Nova Scotia is surrounded by the majestic ocean. The earliest spot settled by Europeans in Canada, it’s now attracting more and more new arrivals due to its booming construction industry, manufacturing sector and great lifestyle. If you love the outdoors, you’re in the right place (although where aren’t you in Canada?). Its position on the Atlantic also means its winters a bit more mild than the Canadian average!
Nova Scotia is attracting more and more new arrivals due to its booming construction industry, manufacturing sector and great lifestyle.
Buying property in Canada
If you missed out previous parts of this serialisation of Buying in Canada, check them out below:
