Looking for a new city to call home in Canada? If you’re considering moving from an overpriced city like Toronto or Vancouver, or you’re a new immigrant to Canada, then you might be wondering what city is right for you. In this blog post, we’ll go over four pros and three cons of living in Kitchener-Waterloo.
Pro #1: Strong Economy
Kitchener-Waterloo has a very strong economy, with a low unemployment rate and a diversified employment base. The region is home to large startups like Google, Vidyard, and D2L. Google is even expanding its campus in downtown Kitchener.
Pro #2: High Quality of Life
Kitchener-Waterloo has a high quality of life in comparison to other cities in Canada and around the world. According to numbeo.com, which ranks cities based on factors like traffic, pollution, cost of living, and purchasing power, Kitchener-Waterloo ranks higher than most Canadian cities, including Toronto. Kitchener-Waterloo has high incomes with a lower cost of living compared to larger cities, and the traffic time and pollution index are both extremely low.
Pro #3: Access to Nature
Kitchener-Waterloo has great access to nature, with Victoria Park in downtown Kitchener and Huron Natural Area on the southwest end of the city. Victoria Park has a New York Central Park vibe, with a lake and plenty of trails. Huron Natural Area is over 400 acres and offers hiking, biking, and more.
Pro #4: Location
Kitchener-Waterloo is ideally located, just an hour from Toronto and with close proximity to other cities. With the HOV lanes opening up and the widening of the 401 between Milton and Toronto, traveling from Kitchener-Waterloo to Toronto’s east side is much faster than traveling from other cities like Mississauga.
Con #1: Winter Weather
Kitchener-Waterloo is still located in Canada’s winter snowy area belt, so the winter weather can be a downside for some.
Con #2: Public Transportation
While Kitchener-Waterloo does have public transportation, it’s not as extensive or as efficient as other cities in Canada, like Toronto or Vancouver.
Con #3: Nightlife
If you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife, Kitchener-Waterloo might not be the city for you. While there are bars and restaurants in the area, the nightlife scene is not as lively as other Canadian cities.
In conclusion, Kitchener-Waterloo is a great option for those looking for a strong economy, high quality of life, access to nature, and a great location. However, it’s not without its downsides, like the winter weather, public transportation, and nightlife scene. If you’re thinking about moving to Kitchener-Waterloo or have any questions about real estate in the area, fill out the form on the website and we can chat.
Watch the Full Video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1l_PSxoUfg