This report explores the neighbourhood qualities that resonate most with Canadians, and determined the best neighbourhoods according to those criteria, nationally and across 23 cities.
LIVEABILITY TRENDS
RE/MAX found significant social, political and cultural changes have altered Canadians’ criteria for liveability since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the #1 most important liveability factors valued by Canadians are:
Affordability (44%): Most Canadians named affordability as the #1 most-important liveability factor in 2024, although it's notable that this factor declined in importance by 3% compared to a 2020 survey.
Neighbourhood Safety (10%): New on the top list in 2024, neighbourhood safety took the #2 spot of most-important factors to consider when choosing a place to live.
Walkability (6%): The walkability of a neighbourhood ranked as the third ranked most-important liveability factor among Canadians in 2024.
Age of Home (6%): A new criterion added to the liveability ranking in 2024, the age of homes in a neighbourhood tied for third place with walkability. 6% of Canadians consider it the most important factor when it comes to their perceived liveability of an area.
A new addition to the liveability top list in 2024, neighbourhood safety was identified as important by 34% of Canadians, bumping "easily walkable" from second place in 2020, when it was considered high-priority for 37% of Canadians
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Canadians love their neighbourhoods, with the majority (86 per cent) saying they like the quality of life and liveability* they offer, and 50 per cent saying they like it a lot. Cities in Prairie provinces, such as Alberta and Manitoba, overwhelmingly top the list, with some of the most liveable neighbourhoods in Canada. Not surprisingly, the relative affordability of these regions is boosting their liveability ranking, combined with access to amenities such as green spaces, restaurants, coffee shops, schools, health services, and cultural and art spaces.
As part of the report, RE/MAX also ranked a list of neighbourhoods in Canada that are best suited to specific lifestyle personas, including:
- Best Downtown Lifestyle with Kids
- Best Downtown Lifestyle with No Kids
- Best Suburban Lifestyle
- Best for First-time Homebuyers
- Best for Retirees
- Best for Luxury Seekers
- Best for the Climate Conscious Buyer
- Best for the Arts and Culture Lover
- Best for the Foodie
- Best for the Health and Wellness Lover
When it comes to proximity to arts and culture, Montreal, one of Canada’s designated cultural epicentres, tops the list of neighbourhoods best for this buyer lifestyle; however, when taking into consideration affordability and walkability, Winnipeg neighbourhoods like Corydon and West End, as well as Calgary’s Downtown West End, also ranked on the top 10 list for this homebuyer type.
For luxury seekers, neighbourhoods in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver unsurprisingly took all top 10 spots, due to these regions’ pricier real estate options compared to other cities. Meanwhile, retirees are enjoying their lifestyle in more regionally diverse neighbourhoods like Regina, Winnipeg, Montreal, Calgary and Edmonton, landing in the top 10.
There is also more geographic diversity when it comes to the best neighbourhoods for climate-conscious buyers, with neighbourhoods in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal topping this list.
For the health and wellness seeker, the best neighbourhoods are overwhelmingly situated within Calgary, Edmonton and Montreal.
"EVERYONE’S DEFINITION OF ‘LIVEABILITY’ IS DIFFERENT.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
According to Local Logic and broker data, some of the top neighbourhoods in British Columbia include: Fairfield, Victoria; Chinatown, Vancouver; and Springfield/Spall, Kelowna. All three neighbourhoods are high-density, relatively affordable and offer great access to dining, shops and transit, aligning well with the liveability criteria outlined by the Leger survey.
RE/MAX brokers and agents in BC were also asked to share the “hottest” neighbourhood(s) in each region, the ones buyers are “eager” to get into. Kitsilano was identified in the Greater Vancouver Area because of its in-demand price point, desirable homes, great location, and sense of community, with everything you need nearby – including a beach. In Victoria, Royal Bay, a master-planned community, is growing in popularity because of its newer homes including detached homes with suites, townhomes and condos. Like Kitsilano, the neighbourhood’s proximity to a new retail site with shops, banks and cafes - and the beach – make it one of the hottest neighbourhoods in Victoria. In Kelowna, the hottest neighbourhood is Kelowna South because of its proximity to shopping, amenities, and Okanagan Lake within walking distance.
According to RE/MAX brokers and agents based in BC, much in line with the Leger data, affordability ranked as the top liveability criteria among homebuyers, followed by accessibility and walkability, access to amenities/downtown and greenspace. Pollution, wildfires and natural disasters were also listed as top liveability concerns for buyers in Vancouver, Kelowna and Victoria.
BEST NEIGHBOURHOODS IN VANCOUVER
Like many other regions across the country, liveability is important to homebuyers in Vancouver. Tied to liveability, having a home in a neighbourhood which suits your lifestyle and offers a sense of belonging is key to contentment and happiness. Kitsilano is one of the best neighbourhoods in Vancouver among homebuyers right now, with about half of all listings selling just in the last three months. Buyers are drawn to the neighbourhood for a variety of reasons, including price point, desirable homes/properties, sense of community, and its proximity amenities like the beach and ocean. Demand in the Vancouver region is primarily being driven by city lovers with no kids, cultural aficionados and health and wellness lovers.
Top concerns for homebuyers in Vancouver are:
1. Affordability
2. Low Housing
3. Diversity/Sense of Community
THE TOP LIST:
Chinatown
Gastown
West End
Central Business District
Downtown Peninsula
Granville Island
Yaletown
Mount Pleasant
Coal Harbour
False Creek
3 MOST AFFORDABLE:
Mount Pleasant
Main
Renfrew Heights
3 UP-AND-COMING:
Grandview
Hastings Sunrise
Strathcona