When it comes to raising a family, choosing the right neighborhood is crucial. Canada offers a plethora of family-friendly communities that prioritize safety, affordability, quality education, and a strong sense of community. To help you find the perfect place to raise your family, here are ten exceptional neighborhoods across the country that excel in terms of cost of living, safety, schools, family activities and more.
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Riverdale, Toronto, Ontario
Located on the east side of Toronto, Riverdale is a beautiful neighborhood with tree-lined streets, lovely Victorian homes, and plenty of parks and playgrounds. This neighbourhood is great for families who want to be close to the city while still having access to some of the best schools and parks. According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, the average price for a home in the area was $1,315,518 in May 2023.
Glenmore, Kelowna, British Columbia
Glenmore in the Okanagan Valley is an excellent choice for those who like mild winters, outdoor activities and friendly people. It features great schools, beautiful parks, and a community that welcomes families with open arms. A single-family home in Central Okanagan, where you can find Glenmore, had a benchmark price of $1,048,900 in May 2023 according to the Association of Interior Realtors.
Bedford, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Bedford is a safe and welcoming community with close proximity to Halifax, offering excellent schools and plenty of recreational opportunities. The neighbourhood has stunning waterfront views and offers a mix of affordable and upscale housing. The average price for a home in Nova Scotia was $400,500 in May 2023 according to the Canadian Real Estate Association.
Palmer, Burlington, Ontario
Compared to other GTA cities, neighborhoods in Burlington offer an affordable cost of living. Palmer is close to numerous parks, playgrounds, public and Catholic schools and other family-oriented amenities as well as having convenient access to Toronto and Hamilton. The benchmark price for a home in Burlington was $1,127,635 in May 2023 according to the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington.
St. Albert, Alberta
Located just outside Edmonton, St. Albert has an exceptional education system with many highly-rated schools. It’s a tight-knit community with an abundance of green space and affordable housing options for families. According to the Realtors Association of Edmonton, a detached home in St. Albert cost an average of $534,740 in May 2023.
Meadowgreen, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Located on the west side of Saskatoon, the neighborhood of Meadowgreen is a quiet and residential part of the city. Meadowgreen not only has affordable homes but also great schools and plenty of green spaces for kids to play. The benchmark home price in Saskatoon was $380,100 in May 2023 according to the Canadian Real Estate Association.
Saanich, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
With close proximity to Victoria, Saanich is a family-oriented area that offers plenty of cultural attractions, natural beauty, beaches, and well-regarded schools. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the benchmark price for a home on Vancouver Island in May 2023 was $672,100.
Kanata, Ottawa, Ontario
Kanata is a suburb of Ottawa that boasts a strong sense of community, a family-friendly environment, excellent schools, and a wide range of affordable housing options. The benchmark price for a home in Ottawa was $645,400 in May 2023 according to the Canadian Real Estate Association.
Westmount, Oakville, Ontario
Popular with families, Westmount has highly regarded public and private schools, numerous parks, recreational facilities, and offers quick transit options to Toronto. Home types vary from bungalows to large detached properties, giving families a range of opportunities. The average price for a home in Oakville was $1,554,259 in May 2023 according to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board.
Laval, Quebec
Situated on the north shore of Montreal, Laval boasts great schools, several parks, and safe streets. Families can enjoy outdoor activities such as biking and hiking in the lovely parks, and the city is home to plenty of activities like aqua parks and science museums. The median price for a single-family home in Laval in May 2023 was $536,000 according to the Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers.
If you’re looking to buy a home in one of these family neighborhoods, contact us to speak to an experienced real estate agent who will help you make an informed decision.
