Best Cities to Buy Your First Home in Canada

Being a homeowner doesn’t have to be a pipe dream for millennials or even Gen-Z anymore, thanks to government initiatives like the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive and the Home Buyers’ Plan. Best Cities to Buy Your First Home in Canada 2021

The main issue is deciding where to buy—using real estate company RE/MAX data. We looked at the predicted average residential selling price in several Canadian cities in 2021. How much property in those locations is likely to gain value over the previous year.

We understand that not everyone can afford a million dollars for their first house, so we looked at choices that were less than $600,000. Because we realize that money isn’t everything, we also looked at aspects like schools and activities to do with kids and pets to develop the top cities in Canada to buy your first house in 2021.

Best Cities to Buy Your First Home in Canada 2021

10. Charlottetown, PEI

Estimated average selling price for 2021: $331,760
Percentage change from 2020: 4%

Charlottetown is one of your most good bets if the quality of life is more important to you than the profit you’ll make when you sell your home one day. This small metropolis has the air of a hamlet, and its neighbourhoods resemble the past towns. This, of course, creates a wonderful setting in which to grow children.

There are various English- and French-language schools in Charlottetown and academic institutions like Prince Edward Island. In addition, the beaches of Prince Edward Island and the enormous hiking and bicycling network of the Confederation Trail provide an excellent opportunity for children and dogs to burn off excess energy.

9. Kelowna, British Columbia

Estimated average selling price for 2021: $580,833
Percentage change from 2020: 5%

For first-time buyers, house prices in Kelowna are on the higher end, but because the city has one of the lowest tax rates in Canada, you’ll have more money to pay off your mortgage. So it’s no wonder that tourism is one of the critical drivers of the economy in this beautiful city on Okanagan Lake, which enjoys fantastic weather.

There are numerous beaches and paths for outdoor excursions with children and dogs and countless dog-friendly wineries in Kelowna. Okanagan College is one of many schools and tertiary educational institutions in the area. However, Kelowna’s principal employers are its wineries and orchards and tourism.

8. Nanaimo, British Columbia

Estimated average selling price for 2021: $470,738
Percentage change from 2020: 6.2%

If you’re looking to buy a first home, Nanaimo is well worth the investment, despite being one of the most expensive cities in Canada in 2019. The city is popular with seniors and tourists alike due to its beautiful position on Vancouver Island and mild climate, and there are lots of outdoor things to enjoy.

Nanaimo is home to more than 30 elementary and secondary institutions and the main campus of Vancouver Island University. In addition, all of Nanaimo’s treks and the city’s 12 off-leash dog parks will keep your dog entertained. The provincial government, tourism, and retail are the primary employers in employment.

7. Ottawa, Ontario

Estimated average selling price for 2021: $561,702
Percentage change from 2020: 7%

The nation’s capital is regarded as one of the best locations in Canada to raise children, owing in part to the high quality of education available. Because there are so many school boards in this city, there are four main school boards: two English-language and two French-language. Then there are private schools that are not subject to any school board’s jurisdiction.

If you intend to raise children, they’ll want more than a good education, and Ottawa can provide that, especially with the numerous activities centred on or near the Rideau Canal. There are plenty of dog-friendly places and off-leash places for your four-legged children. In addition, Ottawa has a broad economy in terms of employment.

6. Halifax, Nova Scotia

Estimated average selling price for 2021: $399,892
Percentage change from 2020: 8%

Being the Maritimes’ primary hub, Halifax is the ideal place to visit if you want the best of both worlds: everything a big city has to offer and the pleasant atmosphere of a smaller town. There are about 150 schools in the area, with six public French-language schools and fourteen private schools. In addition, several colleges and universities, notably Dalhousie University, are located in the city.

Even though the winters might be damp and dreary, the climate is pleasant. There are numerous methods to keep the kids occupied throughout the year, including various kid-friendly festivals. In addition, point Pleasant Park is one of numerous dog-friendly and off-leash areas in the city for the job.

5. Thunder Bay, Ontario

Estimated average selling price for 2021: $273,308
Percentage change from 2020: 10%

With more organizations adopting the work-from-home concept, being headquartered in the central metropolis where all the jobs are no longer as vital. Thunder Bay is the regional centre for Northwestern Ontario, yet it’s a small city. Thunder Bay has shifted its concentration from traditional industries like forestry and knowledge-based businesses, particularly health sciences. However, the service industry is the largest employer.

Around 50 schools and academic institutions such as Lakehead University and Confederation College are located in Thunder Bay. In addition, there are a variety of activities to keep the youngsters occupied, including skiing in the winter and visiting one of Canada’s most beautiful waterfalls.

4. Kingston, Ontario

Estimated average selling price for 2021: $510,491
Percentage change from 2020: 10%

Kingston is an excellent choice for your first house if you enjoy history. The city, which was also our first capital, was of immense military importance almost from the outset of Canada’s existence. There are numerous historic sites and heritage properties in this area. The various schools here are managed by four school boards, two of which are French-language.

Kingston is also home to Queen’s Institution, a St. Lawrence College campus, and the Royal Military College of Canada, Canada’s only military university. The military and healthcare, higher education, correctional services, and tourism continue to be critical employers in addition to the numerous historical sites.

3. Cornwall, Ontario

Estimated average selling price for 2021: $286,000
Percentage change from 2020: 10%

Cornwall, Ontario’s easternmost city and the closest Canadian city to the United States, is Canada’s cheapest city to live in. This, of course, makes it an excellent choice for a first house. This little city’s economy is diverse, but two of its key industries are also future sectors: call centres and distribution centres.

Cornwall is home to various English- and French-language schools, North America’s first Islamic school, and Canada’s oldest vocational school, Cornwall Collegiate Vocational School.

2. Moncton, New Brunswick

Estimated average selling price for 2021: $246,946
Percentage change from 2020: 15%

Because of the pandemic, most businesses have realized that working from home is a viable option, and as a result, people have been buying outside of traditional real estate markets. As a result, Moncton has become one of the most popular destinations, and because of its affordable housing prices, it is an excellent choice for first-time buyers.

In addition, the city is one of Canada’s most bilingual, which is ideal if you want your children to be able to communicate in both English and French as they grow up. This also means that reputable English- or French-language schools and tertiary institutions will quickly come by. Finally, in one of Canada’s greenest cities, plenty of activities keep the youngsters occupied.

1. Windsor, Ontario

Estimated average selling price for 2021: $478,062
Percentage change from 2020: 17.5%

Windsor is one of the most diverse cities in Canada, with approximately 30% of its inhabitants born outside of the nation. Housing prices have risen substantially in recent years, partly due to immigration, making Windsor a fantastic spot to buy if you want to use your first home as an investment. In addition, the city is home to a variety of English and French-language schools and academic institutions, such as the University of Windsor, Canada’s southernmost university.

The riverfront in Windsor has some of the nicest parks and open spaces, with a great perspective of Detroit across the river. There are also some dog-friendly areas.