About London
London is Southwestern Ontario's largest and most complete mid-size city — anchored by Western University (35,000 students), London Health Sciences Centre (one of Canada's largest teaching hospitals), and a significant insurance sector (London Life, Sun Life, Great-West Life all have major operations). At $580K average homes, London offers genuine mid-size city amenities — a walkable downtown, Covent Garden Market, Budweiser Gardens arena, Fanshawe College — at dramatically lower cost than the GTA. The Thames River flows through the city, creating parks and trails. London's size (422K population) gives it a service density — hospitals, universities, arts venues, professional sports — unusual for its price point.
London at a Glance
Cost of Living in London
London is one of Ontario's best-value full-amenity cities. At $580K average — identical to Kingston but with 3x the population and services — London offers detached homeownership on a single $80K income. 1BR rent at $1,700/month is among Ontario's lowest for a city with a major research university and teaching hospital. The insurance sector provides white-collar employment at competitive wages. Via Rail connects London to Toronto in 2 hours.
Pros & Cons of Living in London
- 🎓 Western University — top Canadian research university, 35K students, major employer
- 🏥 London Health Sciences Centre — one of Canada's largest teaching hospitals
- 💰 $580K average homes — GTA-adjacent quality of life at fraction of GTA price
- 🏢 Insurance capital — London Life, Sun Life, Great-West Life major employers
- 🛒 Covent Garden Market — London's beloved historic public market
- 🌿 Thames River trails — extensive cycling and walking throughout the city
- 📍 2 hours from Toronto — not viable for daily GTA commuting
- 🚗 Car needed in most areas — transit limited outside downtown core
- 💼 Insurance dominance — economy relatively concentrated in one sector
- ❄️ Cold winters — similar to GTA without the lake effect mitigation
- 🏗️ Student housing pressure — Western University area inflates rent near campus
Best Neighbourhoods in London
London's most desirable established neighbourhoods — Victorian homes, mature trees, walkable to Western and downtown. $650K–$1.1M. Professors, professionals, long-term Londoners.
Southwest London suburbs — family-oriented, good schools, Springbank Park access, large homes. $700K–$1.1M. Popular with families.
Core around Dundas Street and Richmond Row — restaurants, Covent Garden Market, arts venues. Condos $400K–$650K. Walk Score 85+. Best for young professionals.
North London around Masonville Place mall — newer development, good schools, commercial corridor. $600K–$950K. Family-oriented.
Who London Is Best For
London is best for: Western University and Fanshawe College employees and students; healthcare workers at LHSC; insurance sector professionals (London Life, Sun Life, Canada Life); remote workers who want a full-service Ontario city at dramatically lower GTA cost; and families who want university city amenities (arts, healthcare, restaurants) at $580K. Not right for daily Toronto commuters or those needing metropolitan-scale career diversity.