• Best Places to Live: Canada Liveability Report

    Canadians love where they live; RE/MAX Report explores some of the best places to live in Canada

    • 89 per cent of Canadians would recommend their neighbourhoods to others
    • Major Canadian cities are a beacon for liveability

    Canadians genuinely celebrate the liveability factors — the qualities that give each homeowner the true satisfaction of his/her home within the context of a neighbourhood — when it comes to choosing a property to buy and live in. In fact, 89 per cent of Canadians would recommend their neighbourhood to others according to a recent RE/MAX survey conducted by Leger.

    The latest RE/MAX report examined a variety of quality of life factors and how they impact Canadians’ home-buying decisions.

     “Housing is often a contentious topic in Canada, with affordability and inventory being persistent problems from coast to coast,” says Christopher Alexander, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Ontario-Atlantic Canada. “However, when buyers are looking for a home, the search begins at the neighbourhood level. And the good news is that Canadians have lots of choice when it comes to ‘liveable’ cities and neighbourhoods.” 

    Six-in-10 Canadians put easy access to shopping, dining and green spaces at the top of their liveability criteria. Proximity to public transit (36 per cent), work (30 per cent) and to preferred schools (18 per cent), as well as cultural and community centres (18 per cent) fall out of the top five neighbourhood wants and expectations.

    The proximity and availability of these liveability factors is so important that Canadians spend more than two-thirds of their time in their own neighbourhood. This rate is higher among Baby Boomers compared to Gen Z, Millennial and Gen X Canadians.

     “While price and value are always top of mind for buyers, there are some aspects about a home that you can’t change,” says Alexander. “These liveability factors are what make your home more than just the place you live. They are at the heart of the Canadian experience, especially when you consider the survey results.” 

    RE/MAX brokers were also asked to tap into their neighbourhood expertise and rate their city on each liveability factor.

     

    Best Places To Live Liveability Report chart

    In the west, Calgary ranked high in seven out of 11 categories, including offering good access to employment opportunities, population growth, housing supply, housing affordability and easy access to bike lanes and/or walking paths. Confederation and Nose Hill Park are two of the most popular parks in the city and the Rotary Mattamy Greenway is the cycling equivalent to the ring road. Inglewood, Hillhurst and Charleswood rank as the top three all-around liveable neighbourhoods. Edmonton also ranked high in access to employment opportunities, number of top rated/preferred schools and easy access to bike lanes and/or walking paths.

     “Despite reports of slowing economic conditions and a relatively flat real estate market in Alberta, Calgary and Edmonton shine as beacons of liveability,” says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada. “This is a promising sign for any buyers considering a purchase in either city as they continue to develop as liveable cities in their own right.” 

    Toronto ranked medium for access to green spaces and parks but high for availability of big and small retail stores, population growth and access to healthcare facilities. The neighbourhoods that rated highest for access to green space and parks – Rosedale, Leaside and The Beaches – are also the most expensive. Conversely, Toronto’s most affordable neighbourhoods include parts of Scarborough and East York.

    Vancouver ranked medium for availability of big and small retail stores, population growth and housing supply. However, it ranked high in availability of public transit, where the Skytrain and bus system prove exceptional; and walkability, especially in Yaletown. Main, West End and Kerrisdale are the top three all-around liveable neighbourhoods in Vancouver while Mount Pleasant, Downtown and Renfrew-Collingwood are the most affordable.

    Other regions include Ottawa, where The Glebe neighbourhood is the best for walkability and public transit; Halifax, where Clayton park boasted high inventory; Hamilton, where Beasley was best for affordability; Winnipeg, where Transcona is a hidden gem neighbourhood; Saskatoon, where Nutana is the all-around best neighbourhood for liveability; and Nanaimo, where Central Nanaimo is best for affordability.

     “Liveability encompasses the many intangibles when buying and selling a home that an algorithm will never sufficiently capture. You need word of mouth and the on-the-ground expertise of a REALTOR® who has genuine local knowledge like few others,” adds Ash. 

    Key findings from the 2019 RE/MAX Liveability Report Survey

    Best Place To Live Liveability Report infographic

    (SOLD) 245 Dalesford Rd, Toronto, Ontario

    CLICK HERE to contact, or Call 416-453-7673 Ask For Rose Kutzko for more info

     

    245 Dalesford Rd #118

    Price: $509,900.00
    MLS# W4461183
    Bathrooms: 1
    Bedrooms: 1
    Square Footage: 700-799
    Virtual Tour: Click here for virtual tour

    Welcome To “The Dalesford.” **Boutique Style Building Nestled Away In Queensway Village With Quick Access To Major Highways**Rarely Available 1 + 1 Bedroom And 1 Bath**This Ground Level Suite With Massive Private Terrace Features Gas Bbq Hook Up & Water Line**Freshly Painted**Open And Airy Layout**Brand New Laminate In Bedroom**B/I Murphy Bed**B/I Speaker System **This Is The One You’ve Been Waiting For!

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    (SOLD) 260 Scarlett Rd, Toronto, Ontario

    CLICK HERE to contact, or Call 416-453-7673 Ask For Rose Kutzko for more info

     

    260 Scarlett Rd #2007

    Price: $425,000.00
    MLS# W4459608
    Bathrooms: 1
    Bedrooms: 1
    Square Footage: 800-899
    Virtual Tour: Click here for virtual tour

    **Lambton Square**Rarely Offered Penthouse Suite With East Facing View Of Toronto’s Skyline!**1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom**Freshly Painted Throughout**Refaced Kitchen Cabinetry**Large, Spacious Living Areas**Desirable Layout**Oversized Balcony**1 Parking Space**1 Locker**Surrounded By Beautifully Manicured Green Space, Humber River, James Gardens, Golf Courses, Walking/Biking Trails, Steps To Transit, 1 Stop To Subway, Close To Major Hwys & Airport.

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    (SOLD) 4230 Fieldgate Dr, Mississauga, Ontario

    CLICK HERE to contact, or Call 416-453-7673 Ask For Rose Kutzko for more info

     

    4230 Fieldgate Dr #23

    Price: $689,000.00
    MLS# W4447680
    Bathrooms: 3
    Bedrooms: 3
    Square Footage: 1400-1599
    Virtual Tour:

    Amazing 2 Storey, Large Model In Small Complex In Rockwood Village. Renovated Kitchen With New Cupboards, Quartz Counter Top, Pot Lights, Ceramic Flooring, 3 Spacious Bedrooms Upstairs, 2-4 Pc Bath, Lots Of Closet Space. Master En Suite W/Jacuzzi Tub. Finished Basement W/Rec Room, Laundry, Utilities Room. Great Established Neighborhood Near Great Schools And Moments From The Highway.

    **Represented the Buyer


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