Canadians are remarkably content with their living environments, with a significant 86 percent expressing satisfaction with their quality of life and the liveability of their neighbourhoods. A striking 50 percent of these individuals even report loving their neighbourhoods a lot, according to the comprehensive Re/Max 2024 Liveability Report. This high level of satisfaction underscores the inherent appeal and robust community foundations found across the nation.
Leading the charge in neighbourhood liveability are cities within Canada’s Prairie provinces, particularly those in Alberta and Manitoba. These regions stand out due to a compelling combination of relative affordability and extensive access to essential amenities. Residents benefit from abundant green spaces, a diverse array of restaurants, reputable schools, accessible health services, and vibrant cultural spaces. These factors collectively boost their liveability rankings, making them highly desirable locations for a wide range of Canadians. Looking ahead, the report reveals a generally optimistic outlook: 24 percent of respondents anticipate an improvement in their neighbourhood’s liveability over the next three to five years, while a solid 55 percent expect it to remain steady. Only 15 percent foresee a decline, suggesting a prevailing sense of stability and positive development.
Evolving Liveability Preferences in Canada
Comparing the findings of the 2024 report with the 2020 Liveability Report highlights a notable evolution in Canadians’ criteria for what constitutes a liveable neighbourhood. These shifts are largely attributable to the profound social, political, and cultural transformations that have swept across the country since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis prompted a re-evaluation of priorities, influencing how individuals perceive their homes and communities.
This year, affordability has emerged as the most critical liveability factor, cited by a substantial 44 percent of Canadians. This reflects the intense financial pressures and rising costs of living experienced nationwide. Following closely, neighbourhood safety is a key concern for 10 percent of respondents, while walkability and the age of homes each account for six percent. It is noteworthy that neighbourhood safety and the age of homes are new additions to the top factors in the 2024 list, indicating growing concerns beyond traditional amenities. Conversely, the importance of proximity to work and the overall walkability of an area, while still valued, have seen a relative decrease in priority since 2020. This suggests a post-pandemic recalibration where factors like remote work flexibility might lessen the daily commute burden, shifting focus to other aspects of home and community life.
Christopher Alexander, President of Re/Max Canada, emphasizes the enduring significance of quality of life for Canadians when making residential choices. “Quality of life continues to be an important consideration for Canadians when choosing a place to live. Our survey shows that many have found a place they love, but we also know that ongoing affordability crises and housing shortages are severely impacting many Canadians and have become a barrier to home ownership in regions across the country,” Alexander states. He advocates for a proactive approach to address these challenges: “By rethinking design, relevant government policies and zoning bylaws as applicable in existing and new neighbourhoods, we can achieve a more effective and comprehensive national housing strategy that supports long-term liveability and greater affordability for Canadians.” This call to action underscores the need for integrated solutions that go beyond market forces to create truly sustainable and accessible communities.
Canada’s Most Liveable Neighbourhoods: A Deep Dive
The 2024 Liveability Report offers an invaluable ranking of top neighbourhoods across 21 of Canada’s largest cities, providing crucial insights for prospective homebuyers and urban planners alike. Among the highest-ranking and most coveted areas are:
- Downtown West End, Calgary
- Daniel McIntyre, Winnipeg
- Oliver, Edmonton
- Heritage, Regina
- Sandy Hill, Ottawa
- Quinpool Areas, Halifax
- Westmount, Saskatoon
- Le Sud-Ouest, Montreal
- Old Town, Toronto
- Corktown, Hamilton
A closer look at these top-tier neighbourhoods reveals fascinating regional patterns. In major metropolitan hubs like Greater Montreal, Metro Vancouver, and Greater Toronto, the most liveable neighbourhoods tend to be situated near the city centre. These areas often boast historical significance and were typically designed with pedestrian access in mind, long before the widespread adoption of automobiles. This inherent walkability, coupled with a rich tapestry of urban amenities, contributes significantly to their high liveability scores. However, the trade-off in these bustling urban cores is typically lower affordability, reflecting the high demand and limited supply of prime city-centre real estate. For many, the vibrant lifestyle and convenience come at a premium.
In stark contrast, the cities within the Prairie provinces consistently rank high for overall liveability while simultaneously offering some of the country’s most affordable housing markets. This unique blend of quality living and financial accessibility is a powerful draw. Given that affordability was identified as a paramount factor by Canadians in the report, the Prairie cities’ ability to combine a high quality of life with reasonable living costs positions them as exceptionally desirable options for a wide spectrum of residents, from first-time homebuyers to growing families.
Alexander reiterates the reality of the current market for homebuyers: “When searching for a home, homebuyers may need to make certain concessions to their personal liveability criteria to get the most of what they deem important in a neighbourhood, in addition to what they can purchase within their means.” This sentiment underscores the delicate balancing act many Canadians face, particularly as affordability concerns persist. He further advises, “This is true, not just for first-time home buyers, but for all buyers, especially as affordability continues to be top-of-mind for many Canadians. That’s why working with a professional realtor who can help navigate the market for what’s realistic and advise on what neighbourhoods best suit the needs of the buyer is key. They also act as a local guide, shedding light on the ins-and-outs of different neighbourhoods and how they fit within one’s goals.” The expertise of a realtor can be instrumental in identifying hidden gems and making informed decisions in a competitive landscape.
Homebuyer Lifestyles and Regional Highlights Across Canada
The RE/MAX report goes beyond general liveability, delving into specific lifestyle preferences and identifying neighbourhoods that best cater to diverse needs. This tailored approach recognizes that what makes a neighbourhood “liveable” can vary greatly from one individual or family to another. The report categorizes these preferences, providing valuable insights for various demographic groups, including:
- City dwellers with kids
- City dwellers without kids
- Families/move-up buyers in the suburbs
- First-time homebuyers
- Retirees
- Luxury seekers
- Climate-conscious buyers
- Arts and culture lovers
- Foodies
- Health and wellness lovers
For city dwellers without kids and first-time buyers, as well as suburban/move-up buyers seeking more space, Winnipeg and Edmonton emerged as top choices. These cities offer a vibrant urban experience complemented by greater affordability compared to Canada’s most expensive markets, making them ideal entry points into homeownership or for those seeking a balance of city life and practical living. Montreal, with its rich history and diverse cultural scene, was highlighted as the prime location for proximity to arts and culture, although affordability remains a consistent challenge in this major urban center.
The Prairie cities, broadly defined, consistently scored high marks for both affordability and overall liveability, particularly due to high average salaries relative to housing costs. This economic advantage translates into a higher quality of life for many residents, allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle without the immense financial strain seen in other regions. This makes them particularly attractive for individuals and families prioritizing financial stability alongside community amenities.
Unsurprisingly, neighbourhoods in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver continued to fare exceptionally well for luxury seekers. These global cities offer exclusive properties, high-end amenities, and access to world-class services and experiences, appealing to those with discerning tastes and significant purchasing power. For retirees seeking peace, excellent healthcare access, and a supportive community, Regina, Edmonton, and Calgary were among the top destinations. These cities provide a comfortable pace of life, strong community services, and good access to medical facilities, which are critical factors for seniors.
Calgary and Edmonton, along with Montreal, were also ranked highly for health and wellness enthusiasts, offering a plethora of fitness facilities, outdoor recreational opportunities, and healthy lifestyle choices. Finally, climate-conscious buyers, who prioritize environmental sustainability and eco-friendly living, gravitated towards Vancouver and Ottawa, among other cities. These urban centers are recognized for their green initiatives, public transit options, and access to nature, aligning with the values of environmentally aware homebuyers.
The detailed insights from the Re/Max 2024 Liveability Report provide a comprehensive overview of Canada’s diverse housing landscape, highlighting evolving preferences, regional strengths, and the critical role of affordability in shaping residential choices. For those looking to delve deeper into these findings and explore regional deep dives, the full report is available online.