London Community

London

Situated midway between Detroit and Toronto, London (aka the "Forest City)" is currently the 11th largest city in Canada, with a population of approximately 532,984 people in the census metropolitan area (Source: Statistics Canada).

If it is affordability and safety of a mid-sized community combined with the business and career opportunities of a big city that you're looking for, London is a perfect choice. No matter where your interests lie, from outdoor activities, (470+ parks and open spaces and over 330 kilometers of walking trails, biking trails and ski slopes) music, community festivals, food, or work life balance, you're sure to discover exactly why people choose to call London home. 

London is a regional centre of healthcare and education, being home to the University of Western Ontario, Fanshawe College, and several hospitals (including a University Hospital). It's economic activity is centred on education, medical research, attracting global companies, investments, insurance, and information technology. London's university and hospitals are among its top ten employers.

Western University sociology professor Michael Haan, who is the Canada research chair in migration and ethnic relations, says one big factor is that London is doing a better job of attracting immigrants. 

London is that despite a steady surge in real-estate prices in recent years, it still remains an affordable market for many of those who feel priced out of Toronto and other larger Canadian cities. 

He says an important component of this is that London has housing options for aging Baby Boomers who've had enough of raking leaves and shovelling snow.

"London's housing market seems to appeal to people as they exit the labour market," said Haan. "My hunch is that we're picking up some retirees from places like Toronto where people can liquidate their housing assets and move to a place like London with money in their pockets."

"A lot of the new housing types are being set up for people in their elder years," he said.