Affordability and safety factor highly into Canada’s most habitable neighbourhoods, according to preferences identified in RE/MAX’s new 2024 Liveability Report. Proximity to work and walkability weren’t as important compared to the same report in 2020, showing how key considerations have also shifted post-pandemic.
RE/MAX refers to liveability as the “qualities that give each homeowner the true satisfaction of living in their neighbourhood.” A Leger survey of 1522 Canadian residents was conducted this past January.
Forty-four per cent of Canadians said affordability was a crucial component of liveability. They also desire access to amenities, such as green spaces, schools, health services, restaurants and cultural facilities. Many neighbourhoods that reflect these preferences are concentrated in the Prairie provinces.
Compared to RE/MAX’s 2020 report, belonging and peace of mind hold greater meaning now than three to five years ago for 68 per cent of respondents. Nearly half of Canadians also feel diversity and inclusion in their neighbourhood is more important than ever before.
The age of a home, a new criterion added to the 2024 survey, was the fourth most important factor. Preferences also reflect the impact of the pandemic. Proximity to work saw a decline (25 per cent in 2024, down from 34 per cent in 2020). Walkability dropped to 20 per cent this year from 37 per cent in 2020.
“Our survey shows that many have found a place they love, but we also know that ongoing affordability crises and housing shortages are severely impacting many Canadians and have become a barrier to home ownership in regions across the country,” says Christopher Alexander, president of RE/MAX Canada. “By rethinking design, relevant government policies and zoning bylaws as applicable in existing and new neighbourhoods, we can achieve a more effective and comprehensive national housing strategy that supports long-term liveability and greater affordability for Canadians.”
Most liveable neighbourhoods identified
Montreal-based data analytics company Local Logic partnered on the report to determine the 20 top liveable neighbourhoods. They used location scores, census data, and the criteria identified by Leger, minus neighbourhood safety. In most cases, local brokers vetted the lists with their own insight.
Metropolitan areas in the Prairies tend to be the most affordable in Canada and thus rank higher on overall liveability. Located primarily in Alberta and Manitoba, a few include: Downtown West End, Calgary; Daniel McIntyre, Winnipeg; and Oliver/wîhkwêntôwin, Edmonton. These spots offer a diverse population, and are within proximity to transit, downtown cores, and public amenities such as parks and art galleries.
Other places that ranked as some of the top in the country are: Westmount, Saskatoon; Heritage, Regina; Sandy Hill, Ottawa; Quinpool Areas, Halifax; Le Sud-Ouest, Montreal; Old Town, Toronto; and Corktown, Hamilton.
Overall, in Greater Montreal, Metro Vancouver, and Greater Toronto, the most livable neighbourhoods are often concentrated in the metropolitan centre, in older, established areas. They include Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and Quartier-des-Spectacles in Montreal. In B.C., three neighbourhoods stood out for their high-density, amenities and relative affordability: Fairfield, Victoria; Chinatown, Vancouver; and Springfield/Spall, Kelowna.
Other high-scoring neighbourhoods in Atlantic Canada are situated in Halifax: Forest Hills and downtown. In Charlottetown, P.E.I., the most liveable neighbourhoods are Brighton, Spring Park and East Royalty due to their growth and walkability.
The report also ranks a list of neighbourhoods that are best suited to specific lifestyles, such as city dwellers with kids, first-time homebuyers and health and wellness lovers. Brokers also share the most in-demand neighbourhoods.
Specific information about individual regions can be accessed here.
