The Top 5 Small Towns To Live In Ontario And What To Know
People consider moving to smaller Ontario communities for a range of reasons: a slower pace of life, closer-knit neighborhoods, outdoor access, or simply a change from a larger city. Ontario is home to many small towns with different characters, from lakeside resort towns to historic downtowns and agricultural communities. This article introduces five small towns worth researching for those exploring places to live in Ontario. These towns are not presented as the objectively “best” places to live in the province — the right fit depends heavily on an individual’s budget, work situation, family needs, and lifestyle preferences. Instead, this guide offers a starting point for comparing Ontario small town living using practical, verifiable factors.
How To Evaluate Small Towns In Ontario
When comparing small towns in Ontario, it helps to look at several categories together rather than relying on a single impression or ranking. Useful factors include community atmosphere, access to everyday amenities like grocery stores and healthcare, opportunities for outdoor recreation, transportation options, local services, employment considerations, housing considerations, proximity to larger cities, and how well a town suits family life or retirement. No single town scores highest in every category, so readers should weigh these factors according to their own priorities.
Collingwood
Collingwood is a town on Georgian Bay in Simcoe County, with a population of approximately 24,800 people as of the 2021 census. It’s known for its proximity to Blue Mountain and nearby ski hills, as well as its waterfront trails and downtown core. Lifestyle-wise, Collingwood attracts a mix of year-round residents, retirees, and seasonal visitors drawn to skiing, golfing, and water activities. Local amenities include a regional hospital, shopping, and a historic downtown with shops and restaurants. Toronto is roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour drive away, making occasional commuting possible but not always practical for daily work. Potential advantages include four-season recreation and a walkable downtown; potential considerations include seasonal tourism traffic and housing demand tied to the resort economy, both of which travelers should research directly through current local listings and municipal sources.
Stratford
Stratford, located in Perth County in southwestern Ontario, had a population of about 33,200 as of the 2021 census, making it one of the larger communities on this list. It’s widely known for the Stratford Festival, a major theatre event that shapes much of the town’s cultural and economic life. Beyond the arts scene, Stratford offers a walkable downtown, riverside parks, and a range of local shops and restaurants. It has its own hospital and school options, and is roughly a two-hour drive from Toronto. Stratford may suit those interested in arts and culture or a mid-sized town with more amenities than a very small community. Considerations include weighing the seasonal influence of festival tourism on local business activity and researching current employment sectors, since the local economy includes manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism-related work.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake, in the Niagara Region, had a population of approximately 19,100 as of the 2021 census. It’s known for its historic downtown, wineries, and proximity to Niagara Falls and the broader Niagara wine region. The town has a strong tourism presence, particularly in warmer months, alongside a residential community. Local amenities include shops, dining, and healthcare access, though larger hospitals and services are more readily available in nearby Niagara Falls or St. Catharines. It’s about 1.5 hours from Toronto, depending on traffic and route. Niagara-on-the-Lake may appeal to those interested in a scenic, tourism-influenced setting or proximity to the wine industry; considerations include researching how seasonal tourism affects local traffic, short-term rental activity, and housing demand in different neighborhoods.
Huntsville
Huntsville, in the Muskoka region, had a population of roughly 21,100 as of the 2021 census, spread across a large land area that includes numerous lakes. It serves as a western gateway to Algonquin Provincial Park and is known for cottage country recreation, including boating, hiking, and winter sports. The town has a hospital, schools, and a range of local businesses, though some specialized services may require travel to larger centers. Huntsville is roughly 2 to 2.5 hours from Toronto. It may suit those prioritizing access to lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation, or those interested in a seasonal or retirement lifestyle. Considerations include researching how seasonal cottage tourism affects local housing prices and rental availability, since demand can fluctuate throughout the year.
Perth
Perth, a town in Lanark County in Eastern Ontario, had a population of approximately 6,500 as of the 2021 census, making it the smallest community on this list. It’s known for its heritage downtown, stone architecture, and location along the Tay River. Perth offers local shops, restaurants, and community events, with a slower pace than some of the other towns listed here. It’s about 1.5 hours from Ottawa and roughly 3 hours from Toronto, positioning it as more removed from a major city than the other towns discussed. Perth may appeal to those seeking a quieter, historic small-town setting, particularly retirees or those able to work remotely. Considerations include more limited local employment options and services compared to larger towns, meaning residents may need to travel for certain specialized needs.
What To Consider Before Moving To A Small Town
Before relocating to any small town in Ontario, it’s worth researching current housing inventory and pricing directly through local real estate listings or municipal sources, since costs can vary significantly by neighborhood and change over time. Employment opportunities should also be researched carefully, as small towns often have more limited local job markets than larger cities, which may mean remote work, commuting, or a career change is necessary. Family considerations, such as school options and childcare availability, and retirement considerations, such as healthcare access, are also worth investigating directly with local school boards, health units, or municipal offices.
How To Compare Ontario Communities
When comparing Ontario communities beyond the five discussed here, readers can apply the same evaluation framework: community atmosphere, amenities, outdoor recreation, transportation, local services, employment, housing, proximity to cities, and lifestyle fit. Visiting a town in different seasons, speaking with local residents, and reviewing municipal websites for current information can also help build a more complete picture than online rankings alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one of these towns the best place to live in Ontario?
No single town is objectively “best.” Each offers different lifestyle trade-offs, and the right choice depends on individual priorities such as budget, work, and family needs.
Are these the only small towns worth considering in Ontario?
No. These five towns offer a variety of lifestyles, but many other Ontario communities may also be worth researching depending on personal priorities.
How can I find current housing prices in these towns?
Current housing data should be sourced from local real estate listings, municipal websites, or licensed real estate professionals, since prices change over time.
Do these towns have reliable employment opportunities?
Employment availability varies by town and industry. Readers should research current local job markets rather than assume employment is guaranteed.
Conclusion
Collingwood, Stratford, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Huntsville, and Perth each offer a distinct version of small town living in Ontario, shaped by factors like location, community size, and access to recreation or culture. None of them is universally “the best,” and the right fit depends on an individual’s own circumstances. Before making a relocation decision, readers should research current housing conditions, employment opportunities, local services, transportation options, and municipal information directly through official and up-to-date sources.