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Beautiful Scenery London, Ontario
Overlooking London, Ontario, known as “The Forest City”

Moving to Canada and choosing the right city to live in is a big decision. If you’re moving to Canada, London, Ontario is one of the many cities to consider. The city that you choose can affect your financial future and your job prospects. It’s important to research the local job market, housing options, and the community before you arrive. London is located in southwestern Ontario has much to offer newcomers. Continue reading to learn more about living in London.

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About London, Ontario

Located midway between Windsor and Toronto, London is at the heart of southwestern Ontario. As the sixth-largest city in Ontario and Canada’s 10th largest city, it serves as a regional hub for surrounding communities.


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To newcomers, the city offers affordable housing, low crime rates, excellent education and healthcare facilities, culture, and beautiful parks. It’s also known as the “Forest City” because of the natural beauty, trees, and green space that you’ll find. Whether you are looking for the urban lifestyle of a big city or the appeal and security of a mid-size community, London is a great place to live, raise a family, and enjoy life. 

Don’t get the city confused with London, England. But it is arguably the second-best-known London in the world. The two share a lot of similarities. London, Ontario was settled in 1793 by Lord Simcoe, on behalf of the Commonwealth, along the Thames River. It was originally supposed to be the future capital city of Upper Canada. It officially became a city in 1855.

How Many People Live in London, Ontario?

London is one of the top 10 fastest-growing cities in Ontario. The city has over 400,000 residents, with more than 550,000 residents in the census metropolitan area. It has become a big city, but it still has a small-town feel.

Office towers in downtown London

How to Find a Job & Build a Career in London

London’s Local Economy

London is a hub of higher education, medical research, technology, and manufacturing. Its location within southwestern Ontario makes it a key supply chain and transportation hub for the province. 

The strength of the manufacturing sector, rich agricultural lands, and the proximity to the United States border make it an important economic region. London attracts foreign direct investments in advanced manufacturing, food processing, information technology, and other knowledge-based industries. An Amazon fulfillment warehouse is currently being constructed. 


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The top industries in London are:

  • Manufacturing
  • Agri-food
  • Digital media and technology
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Professional service.

Major Employers in London

This city is home to several major employers, including:

  • London Health Sciences Centre
  • St. Joseph’s Health Care
  • Western University
  • Fanshawe College
  • General Dynamics Land Systems
  • Canada Life
  • TD Canada Trust
  • 3M Canada
  • Goodlife Fitness
  • Nestle Canada Inc.
  • Labatt Brewing Company.

Career Pathways in London

London has an extensive education and healthcare industry. It has a large financial services presence, and an emerging digital media and technology industry. Browse jobs in London here.

You can search for available opportunities by working with a local recruiter including Aerotek, PHM Search, AllStaff Inc., and Ladder HR Solutions. Knighthunter.com is a popular local career website to search for jobs.

Downtown condos close to the Thames River

The London Housing Market

London offers newcomers a diverse, welcoming, and safe place to call home. The housing market is experiencing significant growth. The city was traditionally undervalued and had much lower housing prices. However, prices have risen in recent years.

Is Housing Expensive in London, Ontario?

Even though housing prices have increased by over 35% in the past two years alone, it is still more affordable than in other cities. London was recently ranked as the second most affordable large city in the province. With lower housing costs, you’re able to afford more.

The price increase is driven by the rapid population growth and fewer homes for sale. However, you can search for more affordable housing in surrounding communities such as Strathroy and St. Thomas.

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Finding a Place to Rent in London 

There is a diverse rental market. It is also one of the cheapest places to rent in the province. Part of this has to do with a large number of rentals and a higher vacancy rate. The average rent for an apartment in London is $1040 for a Bachelor, $1248 for a one-bedroom, $1351 for a two-bedroom, and $1959 for a three-bedroom apartment.

Use Rentals for Newcomers to search for available rental units in London. Here, you can also find current rental prices in London.

If you plan to rent, consider renter's insurance. You can find policies for as low as $20-$30 per month to protect your personal belongings. Most property owners today will require you to have a policy as part of your lease agreement. Get more information about renting a home: Renting in Canada: What Newcomers Need to Know.

If you’re searching for the best neighbourhoods for renting in London, Lambeth ranks as the top hidden gem. Carling Heights, White Oaks and Southcrest rank as the top three neighbourhoods for affordability and a good supply of housing.

Buying a Home in London 

The cost to buy a home in this city is increasing rapidly. According to Royal Lepage, in 2021 housing prices have increased 34.6% year-over-year. 

The median price for a single-family detached home is $710,700. This is a 30% increase from the previous year. The average price for a condominium is $410, 600. This is an increase of 46%. Even with the steep increases, it still has lower housing costs than the national average – $779,000.

Find out more about buying your first home in Canada: First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips

Related Post:

Ontario Canada | Population, Cities, Economy & Culture

Driving & Public Transit in London

Driving in London, Ontario

In London, driving is straightforward. There are no major highways that run through the city. You will need to drive through the city to get to your destination. Highways 401 and 402 run along the south end of the city and connect London to Toronto, and to the U.S. border crossings at Windsor and Sarnia. It’s about a one-hour drive to the Sarnia-Port Huron US border. Drivers must have a valid Ontario drivers’ licence. 

Get more information about driving in Canada:

Getting Your Drivers License in Ontario

Driving in Canada: 10 Essential Facts to Know

Driving Test in Canada: A Full Guide

Tips for Winter Driving to Ensure Your Safety

London Transit Bus
London Transit Bus

London Public Transit

Within the city, the London Transit Commission (LTC) offers accessible bus services. LTC accommodates people with disabilities including paratransit services for those with special needs. Licensed taxi companies and Uber are also readily available. The city is currently planning a rapid transit system. 

Walking and cycling are easy given the city’s layout. There are extensive bike routes within the city including on-street routes, off-street routes, and multi-use pathways.

Go Transit offers daily transportation to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The London International Airport offers domestic and international flights.

Community Support for Newcomers

This city continues to become more ethnically diverse and has dozens of ethnocultural groups and organizations to support newcomers.

There are a variety of settlement agencies in the community. They include London-Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership, The London Cross Cultural Learner Centre, LUSO Community Services, Northwest London Resource Centre, South London, Neighbourhood Resource Centre, College Boreal, and YMCA of Southwestern Ontario. For more information, please visit London’s immigration portal, a one-stop-shop for newcomers to London and surrounding Middlesex County.

Language Support in London

Several organizations offer language support in the city. They include London Language Institute, Canadian ESL Centre, College Boreal, YMCA, St Patrick Adult and Continuing Education, and The London Cross Cultural Learner Centre.

Personal Finance & Banking

All local banks and financial institutions in this city have programs to help newcomers open a bank account and get a credit card. You can also start the mortgage qualification process. Visit a local bank branch to start the process. 

Get more banking tips for newcomers:

How Much Money Will I Need to Move to Canada?

Top 10 Financial Steps to Take Before You Leave for Canada

Move to Canada | Transferring Cash & Valuables

Open a Bank Account Before Arriving in Canada

London’s Education System

London, Ontario offers high-quality schools to meet your needs and the needs of your family. From primary, secondary, and post-secondary education, you can find schools that provide a superior experience. This is important especially if you are moving to Canada with young school-aged children.

Elementary and High School Education

If you have young children, selecting a school that is close to your home will be important. And, you must select a school that is within the school district where you reside. The city has two English-language school boards and two French-language school boards:

English Language School Boards: 

London District Catholic School Board

Thames Valley District School Board

French Language School Boards:

Conseil scolaire catholique Providence

Conseil scolaire Viamonde

There are also more than twenty private schools in the city. Read more about schooling in Canada:  An Overview of the Canadian Education System.

Western University is ranked among the top 1% of higher education institutions in the world.

Post Secondary Institutions

London is home to two post-secondary schools – Western University and Fanshawe College:

Western University is ranked among the top 1% of higher education institutions in the world. It offers 88 different degree programs and graduate and postdoctoral programs in Medicine, Business, Law, Dentistry, Engineering, and healthcare. The school has over 40,000 students including more than 5,800 international students from around the world.

The university also includes the Richard Ivey School of Business, King’s College, Huron College, and Brescia College. 

Fanshawe is one of Ontario’s largest colleges and offers more than 200 degrees, diploma, certificate, and apprenticeship programs to over 43,000 students. It provides programs in multiple disciplines including Applied Arts, Business, Health Care, Human Services, Hospitality, and Technology.

Other community colleges include Westervelt College, St. Peters Seminary, Medix, Ontario Institute of Auto Recording Technology, and triOS College

Read more about education in Canada:

Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System

Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers

Where To Get Medical Care in London, Ontario

One of Canada’s largest acute-care teaching institutions is the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). LHSC includes University Hospital, Victoria Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital. It also encompasses several medical centers and research institutes. 

More than 20 medical walk-in clinics supply health care on a drop-in basis. There are also three hospital emergency rooms and one urgent care centre in London. For locations, please click here. You can also visit the Middlesex-London Health Unit for health-related information and help.

In case of an emergency call 9-1-1. This number is the same no matter where you live in Canada. 

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides coverage for many but not all medical care and prescriptions.

Related Post:

Ontario Health Card Application Process

How to Find A Family Doctor In London

Your health is important and you’ll need to search for a doctor who is taking new patients. You can go to Health Care Connect, to search for doctors. Because you may be placed on a waiting list, you should begin your search soon after you arrive in London.

Read more about health care in Canada: Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada

Various activities in London, Ontario
Port Stanley Beach, London Lightning, London Rib Fest, London Art Gallery

What is Day-to-Day Life Like in London?

Things to Do in London

London has a lot to offer. Whether you are into sports, nature, music, or cultural events, there is something for the entire family to enjoy, for example, Victoria Park in the downtown core hosts a variety of cultural festivals. You can check out the farmers market at the Western Fairgrounds. You’ll find families walking along the river or having a picnic in Springbank Park or enjoying the water slides and go-carts at Eastpark. In the winter, you can enjoy the public skating rink and holiday lighting display. There is something for everyone.

Public Spaces & Attractions

London has a vibrant culture enhanced by its museums, theatres, special events, and libraries. It is known for the annual Western Fair and it hosts over 120 special events each year including festivals such as Sunfest, Ribfest, and Home County Music & Art Festival.

Restaurants & Nightlife

London has diverse restaurants throughout the city. For nightlife, you can head downtown to Richmond Row or by the Market or grab a bite to each at local eateries in Wortley Village and other neighbourhoods throughout the city.

Nature & Natural Landscapes

The “Forest City” has many pathways and acres of rolling parkland with more than 200 parks and areas to walk, jog and cycle. And, if you enjoy skiing, Bolar Mountain is the place to be during the winter. As well, London is only a short drive to the beach in Grand Bend or Port Stanley on the shores of Lake Huron.

Sifton Bog offers a nature getaway within steps of the city.

Sporting Events & Concerts

London is home to the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), London Lightning of the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL), and the Western Mustangs Football team. 

London is a prime destination for concerts. It hosts a series of music festivals each year, including Rock The Park and Trackside. It’s home to a number of venues such as Budweiser Gardens, London Music Hall, Centennial Hall, Rum Runners, Aeolian Hall, and others.

London Music Hall
London Music Hall

Culture & Diversity In London

Diversity

London comprises ethnocultural and religious diversity. community Approximately 20% of London’s population was born outside of Canada. This is about 95,000 residents. Approximately 11% of London’s population consists of visible minorities. As well, the number of immigrants choosing to move to London is on the rise, and each year more than 3,000 new immigrants come to the city.

London has a community rooted in English, Scottish, and Irish heritage. German (11.6%), French (9.6%), Dutch (6.3%), Italian (5.0%), and Polish (4.4%) are common ethnicities. 

The most common visible minorities are East Asian (3.9%), Arab (3.6%), South Asian (3.1%), Black (3.0%), Latin American (2.4%), and Southeast Asian (1.2%). Aboriginals make up 2.6% of the population. Ethnic communities are growing in the city with Spanish and Arabic listed as the languages spoken most often after English.

Places of Worship

London has diverse churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples including:

Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario

Hindu Cultural Centre

London Jewish Federation.

About two-thirds of the population is of Christian faith. Islam is the second most common faith. You can find places other places of worship in London by clicking here.

The Weather in London

London has a continental climate characterized by large seasonal contrast. There are four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. On average, the weather is comfortable allowing for outdoor activities year-round.

Summer months are hot and humid with an average temperature in July of 20.5°C.

Winters are cold with seasonal snowfall averaging 200 cm. The typical temperature in January is -6.3 °C. While winter can be cold, when you dress for it, you can enjoy the many outdoor activities the city has to offer.

Downhill skiers at Bolar Park

Common Questions Immigrants Ask About Living in London

Is London, Ontario Good for Immigrants?

Even though London is not a top destination for newcomers overall, it’s an ideal landing spot. The immigrant communities are growing and the city offers many career opportunities. And, it’s a great place if you desire a big city feel without the drawbacks of living in a larger city.

What are the Pros and Cons of Living in London, Ontario?

London is home to world-class health care and education. As well, housing is still more affordable compared to other cities in Ontario. And it has the amenities of a big city with a small-town feel.

But, there are some drawbacks. It has a dated transit system, so you may find that you need a car to get around with greater ease. Another drawback is that it has limited industries for employment., in this case, it’s critical to research London’s labour market before you arrive.

Is London, Ontario a Safe Community for Families?

Yes! London is a safe community. It has a strong community focus with top-quality education programs for kids, making it an ideal city for young families moving to Canada. It also has a low crime rate.

For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle successfully!