Waterloo and the alternatives

1. Ontario

Greater Toronto

26

The widest choice of hospitals, universities, businesses, mosques and family services in this comparison.

Housing, insurance, traffic and competition for good businesses make it expensive.

Areas to look at: Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, Burlington, Markham

2. Ontario

Waterloo Region

24

Two universities and a college, a strong community, and a technology economy at a smaller scale than Toronto.

Check housing costs, commuting between the three cities, community fit and the depth of suitable businesses.

Areas to look at: Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge

3. Alberta

Calgary

22

Lower housing costs and no provincial sales tax, with a growing community.

Cold winters. Confirm healthcare access and business opportunities before choosing it.

Areas to look at: Northwest, southwest and family-oriented outer communities

4. British Columbia

Langford / Victoria

21

The mildest winters in this comparison.

Confirm family-sized housing costs, specialist access, community and travel into Victoria.

Areas to look at: Westhills, Bear Mountain, Happy Valley, Goldstream

5. Ontario

Ottawa

20

Stable public-sector employment, good schools and calmer family suburbs.

Fewer businesses for sale than the GTA, so check the opportunity list early.

Areas to look at: Kanata, Barrhaven, Riverside South, Orléans

6. Alberta

Edmonton

20

The most affordable large-city housing here, with an established community.

Very cold winters and a smaller business market than the GTA.

Areas to look at: Southwest Edmonton, Windermere, Terwillegar

7. Nova Scotia

Halifax

20

A smaller, calmer city with universities and a coastal setting.

Housing has become expensive, the community is smaller and business choice is narrower.

Areas to look at: Bedford, Clayton Park, Dartmouth, Halifax peninsula