There are many benefits to living in a small city. Smaller cities in Canada can provide advantages such as:
- Better quality of life
- Lower cost of living and affordable housing costs
- Fewer people compete for jobs.
Discover the advantages and benefits of choosing to live in a small city in Canada and important questions to guide your decision!
Vikram and Nutan had great lives as budding professionals in India’s IT capital Bangalore. But, after a close friend immigrated to Canada, they decided to explore moving to Canada. They soon discovered they met the requirements to immigrate to Canada! However, they were unsure about where they wanted to live. Canada is a vast country.
Both agreed, on factors that were important to them. For example, they wanted to live in a small city that offered job opportunities, affordable housing options, and a nice quality of life. The Atlantic Provinces were a big draw and they settled on Fredericton, New Brunswick for its beauty, charm, and sense of community. Two years later, they had jobs, a 5-bedroom home, and the lifestyle they wanted. But, most importantly, they became members of a welcoming community.
Why is Small City Living a Good Choice for Newcomers?
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Small cities across Canada attract newcomers by providing quality job opportunities, and a better quality of life. Living in a small City can offer newcomers an option to avoid congestion issues, high housing costs, and hectic pace.
Quality Jobs
While large cities attract newcomers, you may find high competition for jobs. But, smaller Cities often experience job growth when existing residents leave the community, or retire. So, many small cities look to newcomers with the right job skills to meet their employment needs.
Quality of Life
A small city can be much quieter and laid back than life in a large city. This can benefit newcomers looking to integrate into the community more easily. Living in a small city may help you to easily immerse yourself in the local community. But, you must decide if you prefer to live in a large and bustling city or a more relaxed, small city.
Support for Newcomers
In Canada, smaller cities recognize the many benefits of welcoming newcomers. To attract and keep newcomers, they continue to build communities that welcome, embrace, and support newcomers.
Newcomers often move to large Canadian cities such as Toronto and Vancouver because of the social, economic, and community networks. With these networks in place, newcomers may find better access to jobs, cultural and social communities, and support services. However, newcomers often find these same services and jobs in small cities!
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Population Growth in Large Cities
Population and migration growth in large cities often puts pressure on areas such as:
- Competition for quality jobs
- House prices and rental costs
- Social services and education
- Transit and traffic congestion (which means more time to commute to work).
As a result, large cities often have a higher cost of living and can create financial stress. As a newcomer, you must decide what you prefer, living in a large or small city. You may discover that a small City can provide the lifestyle and many of the amenities you seek.
Considering Living in a Small City in Canada?
When choosing a city, it’s vital to research job opportunities, housing costs, and the culture of the city to determine if it’s the right city for you.
1. Will I find a job living in a small city?
This is a very important question. If few jobs match your skill set, you will leave the community if you and your spouse cannot find suitable jobs. While you may initially settle in the community, you will likely make a costly secondary move to another city.
Questions to Consider:
- What jobs are in high demand?
- Do my skills and experience match the available jobs?
- What are the main industries in the community?
- Who are the major employers?
- What employment services exist for newcomers?
- Are mentorship programs available for newcomers?
- What is the unemployment rate in the community?
2. What is the cost of housing in a small city?
While many cities in Canada face rising housing costs, small cities can offer more affordable options. As of July 2024, the national average price for a home in Canada was $667,317. The median home price in Fredericton, New Brunswick during the same period was $404,534.
Questions to Consider:
- What is the cost for rental housing and homebuying? How does cost compare to other Canadian cities?
- What is the vacancy rate for rental housing?
- How can I search for accommodation?
Related Post:
Best Fredericton Neighbourhoods for Renting
3. What cultural support does the community offer to newcomers?
Immigrants often consider the existing cultural and social network when deciding where to live. This can include services in different languages, faith-based, and nationality-based communities.
Small cities recognize the economic, cultural, and social benefits of welcoming newcomers. Supporting newcomers creates benefits for the community and attractive options for future residents.
Questions to Consider:
What groups, ethnic networks, and professional associations support newcomers?
- What activities promote cultural diversity?
- Are there groups, ethnic networks, and professional associations for newcomers?
- What is the ethnic diversity of the community?
What’s the quality of life? (fast-paced or relaxed? Access to nature, bike trails, etc?)
4. What social support is available to newcomers living in a small city?
Newcomers benefit from services available to help them settle and find jobs in the local community. Services could include help to conduct job search activities, write a Canadian resume, enroll children in school, apply for government programs; and many other activities.
Questions to Consider:
- What services are available to help newcomers adapt to the community?
- How do you access the services?
- What health care is available? Can I find a family doctor?
Related Post:
Settle in Canada with Confidence and Ease
Small city living can be a great option for newcomers seeking a relaxing pace and an option to bustling, hectic, and expensive Canadian cities. With many advantages, it’s worth exploring!
Corinna Frattini is the content marketing strategist at Prepare for Canada and contributes articles related to working in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.
