Best Places To Buy A House in Canada in 2025

Buying a house is an exciting journey, whether as a first-time homeowner or an investor looking to tap into the real estate market. However, buying a house isn’t one of the easiest decisions to make because there are a lot of factors to consider.

Beyond affordability, there are other things to consider, like the cost of living, quality of life, long-term growth, and the return on investment if you are an investor. With its natural parks, scenic beauty, and friendly people, Canada has many great places to buy and build a home.

However, recent studies on the liveability index, quality of life, and real estate trends show these are the best places to live in Canada.

Calgary

In 2022, Calgary was ranked as the third most livable city in the world, according to the Global Liveability Index report by Economist Intelligence. Two years later, the same organization listed Calgary as the fifth most liveable city. The Blue Sky City, as it’s popularly known, has affordable house prices compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver.

Calgary has a strong economy, with the energy sector leading the charge. The city is located in the province of Alberta, which doesn’t have a sales tax, which makes housing affordable. As a resident of Calgary, you’ll enjoy beautiful views and sceneries of foothills, mountains, and valleys, having the perfect balance between city life and nature.

Ottawa

Ottawa is Canada’s capital city and is located between Toronto and Montreal. The city is a strategic hub for governance, hosting The Supreme Court, the Parliament of Canada, the Office of the Prime Minister and the residence of Canada’s Viceroy. Besides governance, Ottawa is also a hub for commerce and cultural exchange.

Even though the cost of living is slightly high, it is still lower than in Vancouver and Toronto. So, expect house prices to be high, but that comes with a high quality of life. There are several prominent educational institutions and healthcare facilities. Ottawa has a growing tech industry and a wide range of work opportunities.

Quebec City

The La Vieille Capitale is a city renowned for its French and British influence. Because of its rich history, Quebec City is a UNESCO World Heritage treasure, where you can experience European heritage and Francophone culture. The cost of houses and living is fairly low compared to other Canadian cities, making it one of the most affordable urban centers.

Regarding the quality of life, Quebec City has one of the lowest crime rates in Canada, registering a Crime Severity Index (CSI) of 62.17. The city was ranked as one the best places for raising kids because of the low crime rate, parental benefits and subsidized daycare. Quebec City is an excellent choice if buying a family home is a priority for you.

Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s largest and most populous city, making it a busy hub of activities. It’s a dynamic and diverse city where different cultures meet. You’ll find varied neighborhoods like Little Italy or Chinatown, where you can experience various cultures. The high population creates a high demand for real estate, making the housing market competitive. But, there are a variety of options for people with different budgets.

The city has a robust economy anchored on various industries like tech, finance and entertainment. The latter is a thriving sector in Toronto and throughout Ontario. There are several luxurious casino resorts in Toronto where players can enjoy casino games. Due to the popularity of casino gaming, online casinos emerged and are regulated by iGaming Ontario. Ontario casinos now offer a flexible online alternative to players who enjoy slots and table games like blackjack and roulette.

With a booming nightlife and a growing economy, Toronto has many job opportunities, whether you are looking to boost your career or set up a business.

Halifax

If you are looking for a different atmosphere, Halifax is a vibrant coastal city with a picturesque waterfront. The beautiful views and ocean breeze are accompanied by relatively affordable housing prices compared to other metropolitan areas.  The city offers a tranquil living environment and a good quality of life, especially healthcare and education. Some of the best universities in Canada are found in Halifax.

It’s not just the coastal scenery; if you are a sports enthusiast, Halifax has three professional sports teams participating in the following leagues: the Northern Super League (NSL), National Lacrosse League (NLL) and Canadian Premier League (CPL). 

What Else To Know

As highlighted, a lot goes into buying a house beyond affordability. Factors like quality of life, access to amenities and facilities and long-term growth potential play a key role. If you aren’t a real estate expert, all these can seem overwhelming, and you’ll need to research. 

However, there are many real estate experts in Canada who can advise you on the best decision to make. They are informed and know about all the latest real estate trends in the country. Before you make that bold step, don’t be afraid to consult an expert for a different opinion.