Those currently residing in London, found at the very heart of Southwestern Ontario, will be able to tell you that they are blessed to live in one of the best cities in all of Ontario! London offers many of the same urban amenities and opportunities as some of Ontario’s bigger cities, such as Toronto or Ottawa, but with a population of approximately 366,000, Londoners gain a real sense of community and belonging. 

 

As Canada’s eleventh largest city, London is home to a plethora of educational and economic opportunities, some of the top entertainment and dining establishments, as well as an extensive health care system, of which to be proud. Also known as “The Forest City,” London is known for the picturesque conservation areas, hiking paths, and rolling parkland available to locals and visitors alike. At the heart of London sits the Thames River, which creates a pathway for cyclists, pedestrians, and parks. 

 

Richard Fung, the most experienced home builders in Ontario, says “Known for its diversity, excellent amenities, top quality housing and friendly neighbourhoods, London is easily one of the top places to live in the province of Ontario.” 

 

The following is proof that London brings something incredible to the table and offers residents the best of the best when it comes to where to live and what to do! 

 

Ideal Location

 

London is centrally located in Southwestern Ontario within the Quebec-Windsor Corridor, just hours from many major destinations, both within Canada and the neighbouring United States. A scenic two-hour drive will take Londoners to Detroit to the west, Toronto to the east, and Niagara Falls to the southeast. These locations allow for some amazing day-trips for a change of scenery and many London locals indulge in the opportunity to visit one of these popular destinations on the weekend. 

 

Closer to home, London residents have many options to escape the busy city life. Port Stanley, Erie Beach, and Huron Beach are just minutes from the city. During the summer, these beaches are flooded with locals looking to soak up the sun, but the vast stretches of sandy beaches offer ample space for all to enjoy! 

 

Residents of this fabulous city can easily access major highways including the 401 and 402. Several access points throughout the city make travel to Toronto, Windsor, Sarnia, Detroit, and Buffalo a breeze. The London International Airport offers national and international flight options, the Canadaian National Railway, the Canadaian Pacific Railway, and Via Rail offer train services to neighbouring cities, and Greyhound is the main bus company used within the city. The London Transportation System is a well-honed inner-city travel system available and familiar to all local Londoners and will bring you anywhere you need to go in the city. 

 

Excellent Job Opportunities

 

Working professionals have a wide variety of options when it comes to working within the London borders. Plenty of opportunity for new business ventures as well as work at an established company are available to those looking to start a life in this fantastic city. London is ideal for startups and small businesses, but is also a hub for larger enterprises so no matter what your background, you’re bound to find a place for you among the diverse career options. 

 

Some of the top economic contributors in London are education, healthcare, and financial businesses. London is home to one of the largest school boards, Thames Valley District School Board, offering plenty of opportunities for teachers, administrators, support staff, and custodians. Medical research is another large contributor to the economy, with London Health Sciences Centre stated as the largest London employer. The Canadian division of 3M hosts its headquarters in the city and has founded a number of London businesses such as The London Life Insurance Company, Imperial Oil, GoodLife Fitness, and Labatt and Carling breweries. 

 

London is home to a large selection of retailers, restaurants, and entertainment facilities offering a wide variety of jobs to those in the service industry as well. Boutique shops and craft breweries are increasingly popular in the city, proving that London is the perfect place for those looking to venture into business for themselves. The opportunities are seemingly endless in the working world of London, Ontario. 

 

Family-Oriented Community

 

Although London is labelled as a major city, there is definitely a sense of small-town charm found among the neighbourhoods and residents who call the city home. As such, London has been deemed one of the best places to raise a family. From the fantastic schools and educational resources to the safe and quiet subdivisions, from the beautiful stretches of parks and playgrounds to the easy access to shops and malls, London has so much to offer anyone looking for a family-oriented community. 

 

Among the many festivals held in the city throughout the year, many family-oriented events make the list. The annual Western Fair is one of the top events in London and offers numerous kid-friendly rides, shows, and vendors and is a must-see for any residents with children.

 

London also has a large selection of teams and programs geared towards kids. A multitude of sports teams, such as hockey, soccer, swimming, and more, offer the opportunity for children to learn valuable skills at a young age. Other opportunities include arts and crafts classes, various camp programs, and plenty of outdoor adventure available to the children of London. Many of the parks host themed events, such as community Easter egg hunts and Christmas parades, for little ones to enjoy. 

 

London is home to four main school boards: Thames Valley District School Board, the London District Catholic School Board, the Conseil Scolaire Viamonde, and the Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence. Additionally, there are twenty private schools available throughout the city for those interested in education outside of the public school boards. 

 

Beautiful Outdoor Recreation

 

There’s a reason that London has been named “Forest City” as it is surrounded and filled with gorgeous, mature trees and vast, well-maintained parklands. Nature lovers will find excellent options for outdoor excursions in every inch of the city. 

 

Victoria Park is found in the beautiful downtown core of the city and is the host of many events and attractions. More gorgeous parklands include Harris Park, Gibbons Park, Fanshawe Conservation Area (home to the Fanshawe Pioneer Village), Springbank Park, and Westminster Ponds. 

 

Golf enthusiasts can indulge in one of the many fabulous golf courses and clubs found throughout the city. Fine establishments include FireRock Golf Course, Forest City National Golf Club, Tarandowah Golf Course, Echo Valley Golf Course, Westminster Trails Golf Course, and Thames Valley Golf Course. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, London has a course perfectly suited to your skill level. 

 

Outdoor excursions are a staple to London locals, particularly in the summer. There are so many fantastic, family-operated destinations to explore in the London area including Clovermead Honey Shop and Adventure Farm, Kustermans Berry Farm, Apple Land Station, and Greenview Aviaries Park and ZOO. 

 

Endless Entertainment, Delectable Dining

 

London’s downtown core is one of the most well-known destinations to the locals. Richmond Row and Covent Gardens Market are two of London’s hotspots when it comes to dining, shopping, and entertainment. There’s no shortage of exciting eats and a flurry of activity to enjoy all throughout London.

 

Richmond Row is lined with boutique shops, familiar franchises, and local eateries. Every type of cuisine can be found including Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, and just about everything else your tastebuds crave! Home to many university students, Richmond Row is also the place to be when it comes to London nightlife. Exciting clubs, fantastic bars, and live music can be found along the streets of this classic London destination. 

 

Covent Gardens Market has been a staple of the community since 1845. The eclectic array of local foods and services found at the market have become a familiar favourite to many London residents. Found in the heart of Downtown London, the Market hosts a local farmers market twice a week and is also home to many cultural festivals and events throughout the year. 

 

Whether your interests revolve around sporting events and comedy clubs, trying out new restaurants and shopping, or relaxing on sandy beaches or in tranquil parks, London is guaranteed to cater to all your needs and interests! The diversity of this big little city offers ample opportunity for people of all walks of life; be it families, single professionals, or retirees. Between the top-rated hospitals, the variety of post-secondary schools such as Fanshawe College or Western University, and the plethora of incredible amenities, it’s not hard to see why Forest City is the place to be for young, old, and everyone in between! 

 

Have you decided to move to London, Ontario? Don’t forget to use Billy to find professional movers!