5 Ontario cities that are cheaper to buy homes & rent in than Toronto

If your eyebrows are almost receding into your forehead looking at the skyrocketing rental and home prices in Toronto, you aren’t alone. It’s no surprise that WFH and lower living costs are bringing young Torontonians out of the Six. These Ontario cities where rental and property prices are lower. Space is more. And traffic is almost non-existent (compared to TO, at least).

So we teamed up with CAA to put together this list of these increasingly popular Ontario cities gaining popularity. After all, CAA has long focused on making communities safe and also offers free “Slow Down Please” lawn signs you can pick up at your local CAA store.

Here are 5 cities that are garnering a lot of attention RN!

Burlington

At the beginning of the year, Maclean’s Magazine released a list of the best Canadian places to live. And Burlington topped the list in three categories— amenities, low crime rate, and culture and community. But the place has been a moving hot-spot for Torontonians for a few years now. Rent here starts at about $1,400 and the average sold price for homes is $1.2 M, as reported by Zolo.

Drive from Toronto: 50 mins

Oshawa

Oshawa is one of the most popular choices, especially for home buyers. With a decent mix of condos, townhouses and homes, the place is brimming with urban life. Plus, it takes only under an hour to get to Toronto for days when you are missing DT. Rent here starts at a little over $1,200 and according to Zolo, the average sold price for a home is north of $800K.

Drive from Toronto: 50 mins

Orangeville

Orangeville has been attracting those who want a more relaxed vibe, a backdrop of nature and all the comforts of an urban city. It’s only an hour from downtown TO and just as close to wilderness, aka, Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, when you need to get away. The average sold price here is $953K (reported by Zolo) and rent begins at a little under $1,000.

Drive from Toronto: a little over 1 hr

Collingwood

With Blue Mountain being such a popular tourist destination close by, this city obviously offers the best of everything-restos, cafés and other amenities. Rents here start at around $1,600 and the average sold price for houses as per Zolo’s report is $954K.

Drive from Toronto: a little over 2 hours

Belleville

Belleville is a relatively recent gem that Torontonians have discovered. While the city itself has a lot to offer— great weather, a vibrant social scene, outdoor activities, festivals and more— it is also conveniently positioned halfway between two major cities, Toronto and Ottawa. Despite all the amenities, conveniences and views the average sold price here is $149K. And according to Zolo, rentals start at just over $1,400.

Drive from Toronto: a little over 2 hours

There you have it folks, the five cities that millennials are flocking to. Now, you might not be able to make the big move right away, but you can ensure your community’s safety without spending money. So, simply head to your nearest CAA store and get a “Slow Down Please” lawn signs while supplies last.