Believe it or not, people are moving now more than even throughout this Covid-19 pandemic. Whether it be because of the overcrowded city streets, or the price of living has become increasingly high, people are moving outside of the big city to places that are smaller in population and more affordable. Through our experience moving hundreds of individuals and families, we have compiled the top 5 cities outside of Toronto that people are moving to the most.

Ah yes, the capital of our great country is not surprisingly a popular place to live. Especially now, there has been an increase of requests for moving companies to move clients from Toronto to Ottawa and we are not surprised at all. Although their population of 1.3 million people still makes them considered a “big city”, they still only have 22% of Toronto’s population of $1,393,000 people. With this being said, city lovers can still move from Toronto and have a city-feel with this large but not overly populated place. Not only can they enjoy the city life, compared to Toronto according to townfolio.co, the $65,829 median household yearly income is much less than Ottawa’s median household yearly income  of $85,981. Now you may be surprised to know that with the increased annual income, the housing market of Ottawa is even less than Toronto’s. As Torontos’ housing market increases in price ranging from  $800,000 – $1.3M (for 3+ bedroom houses), Ottawa’s houses with the same capacity range from a shocking $500,000 – $1.1M. For these family sized homes, a couple hundred thousand dollars make a huge difference when trying to save for you and your family’s future.

This city may still be a part of the Greater Toronto Area, but it is a completely different life than living in Toronto. Only half an hour from Toronto, Oakville is a popular place to move when people want to have a more unpopulated environment, but don’t want to be too far from the big city. Having a population of around 193,000 people, it pales in comparison to Toronto’s population of 1.3 million people. Not only do people enjoy the massive decrease of people in this location, the way of life is also extremely different. Oakville comes in as number one on this list in terms of their median household yearly income. When we look at Toronto, the median household yearly income of $65,829 is significantly less than Oakville’s median household yearly income of $113,666 according to townfolio.co. Taking this into consideration, the housing market in Oakville is slightly more than any other city on this list. When we compare the housing prices of the same capacity as Toronto (i.e 3+ bedroom houses), Oakville’s houses range from $1M – $2.3M. Although Toronto’s houses may seem slightly less, between $800,000 – $1.3M, it is important to complete a thorough research regarding the square footage of the house, as Toronto’s houses may be significantly smaller than Oakville’s. However, with the additional yearly income, moving to Oakville may be worth it for people looking for larger houses and a smaller town feel.

This South-West city approximately an hour from Toronto, has always been a popular place for people to live opposed to the “big city”. With a population of around 120,000 people, this small city is appealing for people who may be looking to remove themselves from the big city of Toronto. One of the most appealing factors when deciding to move to Guelph is the price of the houses, along with the price of living. Comparing Toronto’s median household yearly income of $65,829, Guelph is almost double at $110,165, according to townfolio.co. With this being said, you would think that the prices of the homes in Guelph is the same, if not more than the houses in Toronto. Surprisingly, that is incorrect. Toronto’s 3+ bedroom houses with 2000 – 2500 square feet are priced between $800,000 – $1.3M, Guelph’s 3+ bedroom houses with the same square footage range between $699,000 – $900,000. A significant difference, especially keeping in mind the additional yearly income that you will have living and working in Guelph. This location can be great for you and your family to build your life in a big house with a more small town feel.

This South-West city approximately an hour from Toronto, has always been a popular place for people to live opposed to the “big city”. With a population of around 120,000 people, this small city is appealing for people who may be looking to remove themselves from the big city of Toronto. One of the most appealing factors when deciding to move to Guelph is the price of the houses, along with the price of living. Comparing Toronto’s median household yearly income of $65,829, Guelph is almost double at $110,165, according to townfolio.co. With this being said, you would think that the prices of the homes in Guelph is the same, if not more than the houses in Toronto. Surprisingly, that is incorrect. Toronto’s 3+ bedroom houses with 2000 – 2500 square feet are priced between $800,000 – $1.3M, Guelph’s 3+ bedroom houses with the same square footage range between $699,000 – $900,000. A significant difference, especially keeping in mind the additional yearly income that you will have living and working in Guelph. This location can be great for you and your family to build your life in a big house with a more small town feel.

Located in the Niagara region, this urban city is just over an hour from Toronto, but only 17 minutes from Niagara Falls. Of course, being near the water is a popular reason as to why people move to St.Catharines. Although this city has a very “small town” feel, its 416,000 population is slowly increasing each year. Many people may move here for these reasons, however the price of houses here are a significant factor when deciding where to move next. Comparing Toronto’s housing prices to St.Catharines, for a 3+ bedroom home, Toronto ranges between $800,000 – $1.3M while St.Catharines 3+ bedroom houses range anywhere between $600,000 – $2.9M. However, it is imperative to keep in mind that the square footage difference between Toronto and St.Catharines is very different. A $2.9M,  3+ bedroom house in Toronto can have a square footage

When deciding where to move next, there are many things you must consider. Looking back at where people are moving to the most during these hard times, moving out of big cities have become a fad. Many things to consider is the amount of space you need in your home, as we know Toronto houses can be a bit too small. Your yearly income comes hand in hand with this, as your price of living and how much you can save is very important to all of us these days. It is important to have a good life for yourself, your family, and calculate the amount you are able to save for your future and retirement. Keep these 5 most popular places in mind, as they have many positive reasons to move there when it’s time to remove yourself from the overpopulated, and congested city. 

And when you’ve decided to take the step, reach out to CARGO CABBIE for all of your home and office moving needs!