Canadians are very satisfied with their neighbourhoods, with 86 per cent satisfied with the quality of life and livability and 50 per cent very pleased, Re/Max's 2024 Livability Report found.
Cities in Prairie provinces such as Alberta and Manitoba top the list as Canada's most livable places. Relatively affordable rent prices, combined with access to amenities such as green space, restaurants, schools, health services and cultural venues, have helped them rise in livability rankings. According to the report, over the next three to five years, 24% of respondents believe their area's livability will improve, 55% believe it will remain the same, and 15% believe it will decrease.
Changing preferences for livability
Comparing the 2024 survey results to the 2020 Liveability Report, social, political and cultural changes since the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly altered Canadians' standards for liveability.
This year, the top factors for livability are home affordability (44%), neighborhood safety (10%), walkability and age of housing (6% each). Neighborhood safety and age of housing are new to the list for 2024, while proximity to work and walkability have declined in importance since 2020.
“Quality of life continues to be an important consideration for Canadians when choosing where to live, and while our research shows that many have found places they love, we also know that ongoing home price inflation and housing shortages are severely impacting many Canadians and creating barriers to homeownership in communities across the country,” said Christopher Alexander, president of Re/Max Canada. “By rethinking the design, related government policies and zoning bylaws that apply to existing and new neighbourhoods, we can deliver a more effective and comprehensive national housing strategy that supports long-term livability and greater affordability for Canadians.”
The best places to live in Canada
The Livability Report ranks the top neighbourhoods in 21 major Canadian cities, with the most liveable neighbourhoods being:
Downtown West End, Calgary Daniel McIntyre, Winnipeg Oliver, Edmonton Heritage, Regina Sandy Hill, Ottawa Quinpool Area, Halifax Westmount, Saskatoon Le Sud West, Montreal Old Town, Toronto Corktown, Hamilton
In Greater Montreal, Metro Vancouver and Greater Toronto, the most livable neighbourhoods are usually closer to city centres and are often designed to be more walkable, before the introduction of the car. These neighbourhoods are very liveable but score low on affordability. However, Prairie cities are typically the most affordable in the country and often score high on overall livability, as affordability is a highly rated factor.
“When searching for a home, homebuyers may need to make certain concessions to their personal housing criteria in order to get the most they consider important in a neighborhood in addition to what they can afford within their income,” Alexander continues.
“This applies to all buyers, not just first-time homebuyers – especially as housing affordability remains a top priority for many Canadians. That's why it's important to work with a professional real estate agent who can help you navigate the market to find what's realistic and advise you on the neighborhoods that will best suit your buyer's needs. They can also act as a local guide, revealing the details of different neighborhoods and how they might fit your goals.”
Homebuyer lifestyle and neighborhood highlights
RE/MAX also identified the best neighborhoods for specific lifestyles based on livability factors, including:
Urbanites with Children Urbanites without Children Suburban Families/Replacement Buyers First-Time Home Buyers Retirees Luxury Seekers Climate-Conscious Buyers Arts & Culture Enthusiasts Foodies Health & Wellness Enthusiasts
The top locations for city-lovers without children, first-time buyers and suburban/step-up buyers were Winnipeg and Edmonton, while Montreal was best for proximity to arts and culture (affordability remains a challenge), while the Prairie Cities ranked higher for affordability and liveability due to higher salaries relative to housing costs.
The regions of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver were popular with luxury seekers, while cities like Regina, Edmonton and Calgary were top for retirees. Calgary and Edmonton, along with Montreal, ranked best for health and wellness lovers, while climate-conscious buyers ranked the likes of Vancouver and Ottawa high on their lists.
The complete report, including detailed regional analysis, can be found here.