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If you’re planning to rent in London, Ontario, choosing the right neighbourhood is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a newcomer. London, Ontario neighbourhoods vary widely in price, transit access, safety, and rental availability, but the city remains one of the most affordable places to rent in southwestern Ontario.
This guide breaks down the best London, Ontario neighbourhoods for renting, with a strong focus on affordability, transit access, and newcomer-friendly housing. You’ll also find a neighbourhood comparison table and tips to help you confidently rent in London, Ontario.
Compared to Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, rent in London, Ontario, is significantly more affordable. The city offers a large supply of purpose-built rental apartments, shorter commute times, and strong public transit corridors. For newcomers arriving without a car, London, Ontario’s affordable neighbourhoods, large supply of purpose-built rentals, and strong public transit corridors, make settling faster and less stressful.
With a strong job market and respected institutions like Western University and Fanshawe College, London offers many budget-friendly neighbourhoods where newcomers can rent safely and comfortably while settling into life in Canada.
For a broader overview of what it’s like to live in the city, see our Living in London, Ontario.
This short drone video gives you a bird’s-eye view of the city —
from the Thames River and downtown core to residential neighbourhoods newcomers often choose for affordability and transit access.
Video courtesy of Our Retired Life. Aerial footage of London, Ontario showcasing neighbourhoods, green spaces, and the Thames River.
This interactive map shows London neighbourhoods and helps newcomers compare rental areas based on location, transit access, and nearby amenities before renting in London, Ontario.
Each London, Ontario neighbourhood offers different rental prices, types of housing, and lifestyles. Using a London, Ontario neighbourhood map can help newcomers quickly identify areas close to work, schools, public transit, and shopping while staying within budget.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the most affordable London, Ontario neighbourhoods for newcomers based on rental price, transit access, and lifestyle:
First-time renters: Southcrest, Carling Heights
Families: White Oaks, Summerside, Argyle
Students & young professionals: Old North, Argyle
Safety & affordability: Westmount, White Oaks.
Overview: Southcrest is a south London neighbourhood known for affordable apartment buildings and access to large parks.
Southcrest Park and the surrounding ravine system offer green space, walking paths, and recreational facilities. Older apartment buildings often provide larger units at lower rents, making Southcrest one of the best London, Ontario neighbourhoods for newcomers looking to rent affordably.
Overview: White Oaks is a diverse, family-friendly neighbourhood with one of the highest concentrations of rental housing in the city.
White Oaks Mall serves as a major transit and shopping hub. Libraries, community centres, and parks make this area especially appealing for newcomers planning to rent in London, Ontario.
Overview: Carling Heights is a centrally located neighbourhood offering affordable rents close to downtown London.
Its central location and flexible housing options make Carling Heights a strong choice for newcomers seeking affordable rent in London, Ontario, with short commute times.
Overview: Argyle is a large east London neighbourhood known for affordability and strong transit connections.
With Argyle Mall and Dundas Street nearby, renters have easy access to groceries, services, and employment. This makes Argyle one of the most practical London, Ontario neighbourhoods for renting on a budget.
Overview: Summerside is a newer neighbourhood in southeast London offering modern rentals at relatively affordable prices.
Summerside appeals to newcomers who want newer construction, schools, and parks while keeping rent in London, Ontario, within a reasonable range.
Overview: Westmount offers a wide range of rental options and easy access to shopping and parks along the Thames River.
Located near Springbank Park, Westmount combines affordability with access to nature, making it one of the most balanced London, Ontario, neighbourhoods for renting.
Overview: Old North is a historic neighbourhood near Western University with a strong rental market.
Shared housing and older units can provide good value for newcomers. Students can also review our Student Accommodation in Canada | Factors to Consider guide before renting.
| NEIGHBOURHOOD | BEST FOR | TYPICAL RENT RANGE | TRANSIT ACCESS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southcrest | First-time renters, families | Lower-priced apartments | Good bus access |
| White Oaks | Families, car-free renters | Lower-cost apartments & townhomes | Excellent |
| Carling Heights | Downtown workers, students | Lower-mid range | Frequent |
| Argyle | Students, service workers | Lower-priced walk-ups & townhomes | Excellent |
| Summerside | Young families | Mid-range | Limited but improving |
| Westmount | Families, nature lovers | Lower – mid range | Good |
| Old North | Students, young professionals | Mid-range | Frequent |
Searching for your first home in Canada? Join this exclusive session for key insights on housing market conditions, affordable options, and renting without credit history. Tailored for newcomers settling in the next six months, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARLondon consistently ranks among the most affordable mid-sized cities in Ontario. Average rents remain significantly lower than in Toronto, allowing newcomers to reduce their monthly housing costs while building financial stability.
| LOCATION | *AVERAGE RENTAL |
|---|---|
| *Canadian National Average | $2,074 |
| Toronto, Ontario | $2,521 |
| London, Ontario | $1,917 |
| *As of November 2025, asking rents for all property types averaged $2,074, the lowest level since June 2023. | *Estimated rental prices as of November 2025 |
London remains one of the most affordable mid-sized cities in Ontario, making it an attractive option for newcomers seeking to save on housing costs.
Southcrest, White Oaks, Carling Heights, Argyle, Summerside, Westmount, and Old North are among the best London, Ontario, neighbourhoods for newcomers seeking affordable rent and transit access.
Neighbourhoods such as White Oaks, Westmount, Summerside, and parts of Southcrest are widely considered safe and family-friendly while remaining affordable compared to central or luxury areas.
Yes. Average rent in London is much lower than in Toronto, allowing newcomers to save thousands of dollars per year while maintaining access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Not necessarily. Many London, Ontario, neighbourhoods offer strong public transit, especially White Oaks, Argyle, Old North, and Carling Heights.
Yes, neighbourhoods like Old North, Argyle and Carling Heights are popular among students due to their proximity to universities and transit.
Yes, some newcomers explore rent-to-own options as a pathway to homeownership in Canada. While traditional renting is common, rent-to-own programs allow you to apply part of your rent toward a future home purchase. Learn more about how newcomers can take this route in our full guide: Can Newcomers Rent to Own a Home in Canada.
London’s combination of affordability, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities makes it an excellent city for newcomers looking to rent, settle, and build a future in Canada.
🏠 Ready to find your new home in London? Use Rentals for Newcomers to explore available options and secure the right place for you.
If you are moving to Canada, choosing the right city is key! The City of London, Ontario, is one of many Canadian cities to consider. However, it’s vital to research the local job market, housing options, and city before you arrive. The city you choose to settle in can determine your success in Canada. Specifically, you want to ensure there are good job opportunities so you can continue your career. And you want to ensure that housing and the cost of living are affordable to build financial success. Discover what it’s like to live in London and start your research!
The City of London in Southwestern Ontario is midway between Windsor and Toronto. It is situated on the Thames River and is nestled between Lake Huron and Lake Erie.
For newcomers, the city offers affordable housing, low crime rates, world-class education, healthcare facilities, and culture. It’s known as the “Forest City” for its more than four million trees, lush green space, and beautiful parks. If you’re looking for the urban lifestyle of a big city with the appeal and charm of a smaller community, the City of London is a great place to live and raise a family.
London, Ontario was settled in 1793 by Lord Simcoe on behalf of the Commonwealth. It was supposed to be the future capital city of Upper Canada. It officially became a city in 1855.
The city has close to 422,000 residents, and more than 550,000 residents in the census metropolitan area (CMA). The CMA includes the city and surrounding areas of St. Thomas, Thames Centre, Middlesex Centre, Strathroy-Caradoc, Adelaide Metcalfe, Central Elgin, and Southwold.
Rapid growth places London within the top five fastest-growing communities in Canada. It’s the fifth-largest city in Ontario and serves as a regional hub for nearby communities. London offers big city amenities with small-town charm.
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 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.
London’s key sectors are:
This city is home to several major employers, including:
London has an extensive education and healthcare industry, a large financial services presence, and an emerging digital media and technology industry.
You can search for job opportunities and connect with local recruiters, including Aerotek, PHM Search, and Ladder HR Solutions.
London offers newcomers a diverse, welcoming, and safe place to call home. The housing market is experiencing significant growth.
London is one of the most affordable housing markets in Ontario and Canada.
Searching for your first home in Canada? Join this exclusive session for key insights on housing market conditions, affordable options, and renting without credit history. Tailored for newcomers settling in the next six months, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARRentals for Newcomers is a trusted site to research rental prices before you arrive in Canada. When you arrive, you can connect with landlords to view rentals in person. Discover what newcomers need to know about renting in Canada.
Rental prices in London fall below the provincial average. Prices for a one-bedroom have dropped by 5% year-over-year and 3% for a two-bedroom apartment. This makes London rental prices some of the most affordable in the province and in Canada.
| AVERAGE RENTAL PRICE | 1-BEDROOM | 2-BEDROOM |
|---|---|---|
| ONTARIO Average | $2,012 | $2,439 |
| LONDON, Ontario | $1,917 | $n/a |
For more information about neighbourhoods, check out our guide, What London, ON Neighbourhoods are Affordable for Newcomers?
Buying renter’s insurance is a smart way to protect your belongings. And, many property owners will require you to have an insurance policy as part of your lease agreement. Read more about why newcomers need tenant insurance in Canada.
The average home price was $605,560, and 2.8% lower than in October, 2024 2024. However, it’s lower than the provincial average of $833,376. With lower housing costs, you can afford more space for your family.
| AVERAGE DETACHED HOME (12-month change) | AVERAGE TOWNHOUSE (12-month change) | AVERAGE CONDO APARTMENT (12-month change) | |
| National Average | $860,600 | N/A | N/A |
| Provincial Average | $833,376 | N/A | N/A |
| London Average | $605,560 (-2.8) | $453 (-10.6%) | $449,000 (+18%) |
You’ll discover a range of property types for sale. Roughly 55% are single-detached homes, and the remainder are townhouses and condo apartments. Almost two-thirds of residents own homes.
Rapid population growth is driving the increase. However, you can search for more affordable housing in surrounding communities such as Strathroy and St. Thomas.
Find out more about buying your first home in Canada: First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips
In London, driving is straightforward. There are no major highways that run through the city. Highways 401, 402, and 403 provide quick and easy access to Toronto, Brampton, and Niagara. It’s about a one-hour drive to the Sarnia-Port Huron US border. Drivers must have a valid Ontario driver’s licence.
Commuting is easy with London Transit. London has a lower-than-average commute time of 22 minutes compared to 26 minutes for the rest of Canada. London’s rapid transit system eases traffic flow along major corridors to connect people to places faster and easier.
Licensed taxi companies and Uber are also available.
Walking and cycling are easy, given the city’s layout and many bike routes. You’ll find 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.
This city continues to become more diverse and supports newcomers through many ethnocultural groups and settlement organizations such as the:
For more information, please visit London’s immigration portal, a one-stop-shop for newcomers to London.
Several organizations offer language support in the city. You can connect with any of these organizations if you would like to enhance your language skills: London Language Institute, Canadian ESL Centre, College Boreal, and St Patrick Adult and Continuing Education.
All local banks and financial institutions have programs to help newcomers open a bank account and get a credit card. Visiting a local bank branch and meeting with a financial advisor can help you build financial success.
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
London, Ontario, offers high-quality schools to meet your needs. You’ll find primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools that provide superior education. This is importan,t especially if you are moving to Canada with young children.
If you have young children, selecting a school close to home will be important. Children must attend a school within the district where they reside. The city has two English-language school boards and two French-language school boards:
London District Catholic School Board
Thames Valley District School Board
Conseil scolaire catholique Providence
Conseil scolaire Viamonde
More than 20 private schools are geared to cultures and religions including the Al-Taqwa Islamic School, London Community Hebrew Day School, and other English as a second language schools.
Learn more about schooling in Canada and how to register your child.
London is home to two post-secondary schools, Western Univesity and Fanshawe College.
Western University is ranked among the top 1% of higher education institutions globally. It offers more than 480 degree, 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.
Western University is home to the Ivey Business School, King’s College, Huron College, and Brescia College. Ivey Business School is one of the top business schools known for its case-study learning method.
Fanshawe is one of Ontario’s largest colleges offering over 200 degree, diploma, certificate, and apprenticeship programs. It provides Applied Arts, Business, Health Care, Human Services, Hospitality, and Technology programs to over 43,000 students.
Other community colleges include Westervelt College, St. Peter’s Seminary, Medix, Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology, and triOS College.
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. London also has many medical centers and research institutes.
Three hospitals provide emergency care with one urgent care center in London. There are more than 20 walk-in medical clinics, and you can visit the Middlesex-London Health Unit for information and help.
In case of a police, fire, or fire or medical emergency call 9-1-1. This number is the same no matter where you live in Canada.
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers medical care and services. However, not all services are covered. You can buy private health insurance to cover prescription medication and services not covered by OHIP.
Read more about Health Care in Canada: Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada
Your health is important and you’ll need to find a doctor taking new patients. Visit Health Care Connect, to search for doctors. However, you may be placed on a waitlist, so begin your search soon after you arrive in London.
Whether you are into sports, nature, music, or cultural events, there is something for the entire family to enjoy. Victoria Park in the downtown core hosts many cultural festivals. You can check out the farmers market at the Western Fairgrounds. Or, walk along the Thames River, picnic in Springbank Park, or enjoy the water slides at Eastpark. In the winter, you can enjoy the public skating rink and holiday lighting display. There is something for everyone.
London has a vibrant culture enhanced by its museums, theatres, special events, and libraries. It is known for the annual Western Fair and hosts over 120 special events each year including festivals such as Sunfest, Ribfest, and Home County Music & Art Festival.
London has diverse restaurants throughout the city. For nightlife, you can head downtown to Richmond Row or by the Market or grab a bite at local eateries in Wortley Village and other neighbourhoods.
The “Forest City” has many pathways, acres of rolling parkland, and more than 200 parks and areas to walk, jog, and cycle. Bolar Mountain is the place to be for winter activities. The City of London, Ontario is a short drive to Lake Huron and the beautiful beaches of Grand Bend or Port Stanley.
London is home to the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the London Lightning of the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL), and the Western Mustangs Football team.
The City of London is a prime destination for concerts. It hosts music festivals including Rock The Park and Trackside, and is home to Budweiser Gardens, London Music Hall, Centennial Hall, Rum Runners, and other venues.
Approximately 20% of London’s population was born outside of Canada. More than 170 languages are spoken, including Arabic, Spanish, Mandarin, and Portuguese. More than 3,000 new immigrants come to the city each year and the largest source of new people is international migration, according to Statistics Canada.
London is rooted in English, Scottish, Irish, German, Dutch (6.3%), Italian (5.0%), and Polish (4.4%) heritage.
The most common cultural groups 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. Spanish and Arabic are the languages spoken most often after English.
London has many churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples including the:
Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario
Hindu Cultural Centre
London Jewish Federation.
About two-thirds of the population are Christian. Islam is the second most common faith. You can find places of worship in London by clicking here.
London has a temperate climate with large seasonal contrasts. 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 26°C.
Winters are cold with seasonal snowfall averaging 200 cm. The typical temperature in January is -6.3 °C. While winter can be cold, you can enjoy many outdoor activities when you dress for it.
London is an ideal city for newcomers. Immigrant communities are growing, it has a strong economy with good paying in-demand jobs and affordable housing. This makes it a good place to build roots and financial success.
The City of London is home to world-class healthcare and education. Housing is more affordable than many cities in Ontario and Canada. It offers big-city amenities with a small-town feel.
But there are some drawbacks. While you can use public transit, most people rely on a car to get around. It also has fewer job opportunities than cities like Vancouver or Toronto. However, there is also less competition for jobs. But it’s vital to research the job market to ensure there is a demand for jobs that match your skills and experience.
Yes! London is safe. The Crime Severity Index was 64.34 in 2023 and below the national average. London Police Service provides crime prevention and other programs to keep people safe. This makes it an ideal city for young families moving to Canada.