BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN CANADA FOR MILLENNIALS
In today’s world, where technology seems to be growing and adapting with each passing day, the generation entering the workforce have a unique opportunity in the flexibility of how and where they work. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for the option to work remotely to be presented. With this new form of freedom, millennials can put more thought into where they want to put down roots and what city or town they want to call home.
There are many factors to be considered when choosing where to live as a millennial. Though there is the freedom to work from home or the local coffee shop, there needs to be access to the internet, available cell service, access to transportation for potential travel to the company or clients if necessary, as well as affordability among other necessities. In Canada, five cities stand out as the top 5 to check all the boxes for work and play.
Quebec City, Quebec
Internet: 35mbps, High Speed with free Wi-Fi offered in many public establishments
Phone Coverage: 4G LTE widely available through major providers in city, some service may drop farther out of the city or in the forested or lake areas
Average cost of 1 bedroom apartment in city center: $698/month
Average cost of 1 bedroom apartment outside of city center: $536/month
Quebec City is known for its blend of history, culture, balanced by nature while still keeping up with modern ways. The city offers beautiful scenery without having to travel too far out of town. You can visit the St. Lawrence River or the Laurentian forests and take in the many lakes and mountains available for hiking, skiing, cycling, snowmobiling, boating, and sledding. Quebec City is known for its safety and accessibility. It is also close to the US border, giving many options for travel.
Victoria, British Columbia
Internet: 35mbps, High Speed with free Wi-Fi offered in many public establishments
Phone Coverage: 4G LTE widely available through major providers in city, service may drop as you leave city and enter into more forest and mountain areas of B.C.
Average cost of 1 bedroom apartent in city center: $1,356/month
Average cost of 1 bedroom apartment outside of city center: $1,110/month
Though the cost of living in Victoria is highest on this list, the city offers many other benefits that make the cost worth it. Victoria has one of the best climates in all of Canada. Known for its old-world charm and strong history, the city is also dedicated to its preservation. The city is also a leading artistic, cultural and historic centre, hosting many annual festivals and boasting a large number of entertainment venues ranging from museums to race tracks. Victoria also has the second highest number of restaurants per capita in North America and over 70 city parks.
Guelph, Ontario
Internet: 35mbps, High Speed with free Wi-Fi offered in several public establishments
Phone Coverage: 4G LTE widely available through major providers in city
Average cost of 1 bedroom apartment in city center: $1,101/month
Average cost of 1 bedroom apartment outside of city center: $960/month
Being a University town, if you are willing to live with roommates of varying ages, you can find living accommodations even cheaper than those listed above in student housing areas. Guelph is a fast growing city known for its balance between city and small town living style. Only 45 minutes away from Toronto, Guelph offers a safe city to live with a strong sense of community and a steady flow of entertainment through festivals, events, nightlife and a strong arts and culture presence. Guelph is a very environmentally conscious city boasting many available trails and nature from the Arboretum to Guelph Lake.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Internet: 35mbps, High Speed with free Wi-Fi offered in some public establishments
Phone Coverage: 4G LTE widely available through major providers in city, may drop to 2G in certain areas of the city
Average cost of 1 bedroom apartment in city center: $1,154/month
Average cost of 1 bedroom apartment outside of city center: $853/month
Halifax offers a great balance between nature and social life. The city has the most bars per capita in all of North America while also being right by the ocean with many incredible views everywhere you turn. Take a short road trip through the Maritimes to see the entire coast. Halifax as a strong support of local businesses including restaurants using locally sourced products as well as supporting a strong artistic community. With music festivals, art shows, beer gardens and film festivals, there is always something to do in this growing city.
Ottawa, Ontario
Internet: 35mbps, High Speed with free Wi-Fi offered in some public establishments
Phone Coverage: 4G LTE widely available through major providers in city
Average cost of 1 bedroom apartment in city center: $1,249/month
Average cost of 1 bedroom apartment outside of city center: $946/month
Ottawa is a clean and safe city and a large culture. With a more laidback nightlife compared to some of the other cities on this list, there is still always a lot to do with great restaurants and many large festivals. There are plenty of city parks and easy access to the outdoors with hiking in Gatineau Park or skating down the Rideau Canal during winter. Known as a government town, Ottawa serves as a stable economy with many jobs focused in politics.