Moving to London, Ontario: A Complete Guide
London, Ontario is one of Canada's most liveable mid-sized cities — big enough to offer a university, a major hospital network, and a real downtown, but small enough to stay affordable and walkable. Nicknamed "The Forest City," it sits roughly two hours from both Toronto and Detroit, at the junction of Highways 401 and 402.
For buyers priced out of the Greater Toronto Area, London has become a natural landing spot: home prices are a fraction of Toronto's, the commute to a bigger city is manageable, and the quality of life is high. This guide covers what you actually need to know before you move.
Why people move to London, Ontario
London's biggest draw is value. You get significantly more home for your money than in the GTA, Ottawa, or most of southwestern Ontario's commuter towns, while still having access to big-city amenities.
The city is anchored by Western University and Fanshawe College, London Health Sciences Centre (one of Canada's largest hospital systems), and a growing tech and manufacturing base. That mix keeps the economy diversified and the rental market active.
- More affordable than Toronto, Ottawa, or Waterloo
- Western University + Fanshawe College anchor the economy
- Major healthcare, insurance, and manufacturing employers
- Extensive parks and the Thames River valley trail system
- Two hours to Toronto; close to Lake Huron and Lake Erie beaches
Cost of living
Housing is the biggest single cost, and it's where London's advantage is clearest — the typical home sells for well under half the price of a comparable Toronto property. You can see the current median sold price, days on market, and 12-month trend on our live market report.
Beyond housing, day-to-day costs (groceries, utilities, transit) are in line with the Ontario average. London has no municipal land transfer tax, unlike Toronto, which saves buyers thousands at closing.
Best areas to live
London is organized loosely into north, south, east, and west, each with a distinct feel. North London (Masonville, Stoneybrook, Sunningdale) is popular with families for its schools and proximity to Western. Old North and Wortley Village offer character homes and walkability. Byron and Oakridge in the west are established and leafy; Hyde Park and the north end are where most new construction is happening.
The right neighbourhood depends on your priorities — schools, commute, walkability, or price. Browse our neighbourhood guides for a street-level look at each, with live listings and market stats.
Getting around
London is a car-friendly city with quick access to the 401 and 402. Most residents drive, and cross-town trips are typically 15–25 minutes. London Transit runs bus service across the city, and the downtown, Old North, and Wortley areas are the most walkable.
The London International Airport offers regional flights, and VIA Rail connects downtown London to Toronto and Windsor.
Frequently asked questions
Is London, Ontario a good place to live?
London, Ontario is widely considered a good place to live for its affordability relative to Toronto, its university and healthcare employment base, extensive parks, and a walkable downtown. It suits families, students, and remote workers relocating from more expensive cities.
Is it cheaper to live in London, Ontario than Toronto?
Yes. Housing in London, Ontario typically costs less than half of comparable Toronto property, and London has no municipal land transfer tax, so day-to-day and closing costs are meaningfully lower than in Toronto.
How far is London, Ontario from Toronto?
London is about 190 km southwest of Toronto — roughly a two-hour drive via Highway 401, or a two-to-three-hour VIA Rail trip from downtown to downtown.
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