If you are graduating, there are many great Canadian cities for millennials, depending on what you’re looking for. Vancouver is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a town with plenty of job opportunities. The city has a thriving economy, thanks to its booming tech industry. Ottawa is also a great option; the city has the lowest unemployment rate of any major Canadian city.
If you’re looking for a more affordable city, Kitchener-Waterloo is excellent. The cost of living in K-W is much lower than in other major Canadian cities. And if you’re looking for a fun and vibrant city, Montreal is hard to beat. Montreal is perfect for young adults with its lively nightlife and cultural scene.
So there you have it; whereas you are looking for a new career, new winds, or just starting to consider your options, open the door to change as it can also be overwhelmingly positive to your career.
5 Best Canadian Cities for Millennials
5. Richmond Hill
According to data from the 2011 Canadian Census and National Household Survey, Richmond Hill is the third-most diverse city in Canada. It boasts the highest number of graduates in engineering, science and math per capita. In addition, the city was awarded an “A” grade in the most recent City Magnets report. This boosts the city’s overall results in areas relating to education and innovation.
The other cities mentioned above—Toronto, Oakville, Markham, and Mississauga—did not rank lower than Richmond Hill, each receiving a grade of B. However, the additional advantage of Richmond Hill is being close to the capital Toronto, the largest city in Canada and one of the largest commercial and cultural centers on the North American continent.
4. Saskatoon
The Saskatchewan economy is booming, and both Regina and Saskatoon are dramatically increasing their profiles across the country. In particular, the low cost of living and record-low unemployment rates drive the province’s popularity.
One of the primary indicators of the community’s recent growth is the overall employment diversity. Many employment opportunities are available, from high-tech to finance, from skilled trades to construction. One of the nice things about Saskatchewan, said James George, acting president and CEO of Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA), is that we have a lot of magnet high schools, meaning high school students want to go to university so that they can be encouraged to choose their profession.
3. Ottawa
Money Sense, Our capital city, might have a reputation for being a, shall we say, quieter place, but rest assured, Ottawa should not be neglected as a great place to work and live. Money Sense lists the best places to live in Canada, and Ottawa is consistently one of their top cities (the 2015 edition of the publication has Ottawa in 2nd place). In addition, Ottawa has a vibrant economy, high-paying jobs, and good public services.
2. Waterloo
A 2014 report by the Conference Board of Canada gave the city of Waterloo an overall grade of “A” in its yearly City Magnets publication. The study ranks Canadian cities report-card-style based on features that make them attractive to mobile populations. The transportation, society, health and wellness, economy, environment, culture, and innovation factors impact and assess a destination’s attractiveness. In particular, Waterloo is a beautiful tourist destination due to its strong technology history and high education presence. The report places Waterloo first for education, third in technology, and fourth in social factors.
1. Calgary
has been one of Canada’s economic powerhouses in recent times and proposes to continue to be for some time. Calgary has the highest median family income in Canada, according to Statistics Canada. From 2008 to 2012, Calgary’s average median household income climbed from $91,570 to $98,300.
Research conducted by a Canadian government agency reveals that Calgary businesses pay a higher salary to new hires than other companies in Canada, averaging approximately $62,000. In addition, according to a research study, Alberta’s unemployment rates have been under the Canadian average over the past five years. If your goal is to settle down with a reasonably well-paid job, Calgary could be an ideal place for you.
Assuredly, there may not be any job listings for you to consider based on where you live. In that case, it is always beneficial to expand your horizons and contemplate the prospect of moving to a different city to acquire the position you need. Not only can a change of location benefit your career, but it could also improve components of your life beyond work.