Moving from provincial life to a big city is a story as old as time, and one that seems to be repeated every generation the entire world over. 

But is the grass always greener on the other side, meaning in the big city?

The expectation is more job opportunities paying more money and a better lifestyle with far more things to do in terms of entertainment, sports, and other activities.

Big cities tend to come with higher living costs that threaten to gobble up all the financial benefits of big city jobs. Housing is a major expense and whether it is Toronto real estate or some other city, it should not be the cost so much as the quality and value for money that should be considered.

Canada is probably no different from anywhere else in the world as far as the urban drift to the cities goes, but here are some reasons to live in Canada’s largest cities.

1.  The Best Places to Live in the World

Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary regularly make the top 10 lists of best cities in the world to live in based on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, infrastructure, overall quality of life ( the sum of the housing, amenities, connectivity, and what the city offers to the people who live in it), walkability, and preservation. So, consider those factors in any decision to move to a large city.

2. Financial Influence

Big cities mean there is more money around and spread throughout all areas of the city and the communities within them. 

Toronto is the location of Canada’s stock exchange which is the seventh largest in the world which makes it stand out head and shoulders above other Canadian cities for wealth. However, Canada is home to some of the world’s soundest banks.

This wealth creates employment and stability in the economies of all major Canadian cities, and this can be reflected in relative stability in areas like the cost of real estate, goods, and services.

3.  Food and Culture

Bit cities have a greater range of eateries from all corners of the earth and experiencing the food of another nation leads to the experience of another culture. You can add National Geographic ranking Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market as the world’s best food market as an example of how great food options create a shopping extravaganza simply unavailable in less populated provincial towns.

4. There’s a Neighbourhood for Everyone

While it may take a little time to get to know the uniqueness of each neighbourhood in a big city, you will soon find that most have their own identity, and you can find a neighbourhood that will match your personality and interests.

5. Cleanliness

Despite the larger populations of big cities where you might think more people equals more mess, Canada has a reputation for big city cleanliness

6. Big City Fun

Big cities have bigger populations and that attracts all sorts of world-class events because promoters know they can play to bigger audiences with a better chance of filling their locations.

For example, Toronto hosts one of the world’s largest jazz festivals and its own International Film festival, free festivals most weekends, and one of the biggest Pride Festivals in the world, plus the city strongly supports many leading sporting teams.

7. You Don’t Need a Car to Get Around

While you would think bigger cities mean further to travel to get around the place, pedestrian and public transit systems makes it easier and more convenient to travel in this way than to go by car. That’s good for the environment and good on your pocket too.

8. It’s Safe Here

You might think bigger cities mean more crime and less safety, but Canadian city crime rates are much lower than comparable US metropolitan areas.

9. Affordable on a World Scale of Big Cities

Sure, big-city living isn’t cheap, but when compared to other world-class cities, rents and housing prices in the major Canadian cities are reasonably priced.

10. Lots of Recreational Spaces

Canadian cities have been well-planned to cater to our urban population to access fun activities. Toronto for example has one of the largest lakes in the world to the south, plus multi-use trails, boardwalks, ski slopes, biking networks, golf courses, and provincial parks all within a two-hour drive.

Big city life in Canada does have many advantages and opportunities that are simply unavailable in smaller locations, and any disadvantages have less impact than similar cities elsewhere.