If you’re searching for a new place to put down roots, you’ll be hard-pressed to beat the City of Guelph, also known as “The Royal City.” A recent report by Resonance Consultancy has just ranked us as the eighth best small city in Canada, and that’s not all. More young professionals and families are starting to see the merits of living in Guelph, as evidenced by a study of the largest 85 cities in the country.
Regardless of your age, overall life satisfaction is higher among residents here than nearly anywhere else. In Guelph, you’ll find the perfect combination of safety, affordability, and opportunities. There are too many benefits to list, but here are a few of our top reasons you should consider making Guelph your next home.
A Friendly and Safe Community
With peaceful neighbourhoods, a thriving economy, and high levels of community support, the crime rate is extremely low in Guelph. In fact, fewer violent crimes were reported here than in any other metropolitan city in Canada, and not a single homicide was reported in 2021.
Safety is often the number one concern for relocating families and retirees looking to downsize. Guelph’s ranking as one of Canada’s safest cities is just one of the many perks of living here.
Living in Guelph doesn’t just provide a sense of security. There’s also a strong commitment to the community, and it’s one of the friendliest major cities in the country. Walk along the scenic, tree-lined streets of any neighbourhood, and your neighbours will undoubtedly extend a warm welcome and “hello.”
Did you know that Guelph is also one of the top Canadian cities to invest in? Learn more in the posts below:
- A Complete Guide to Real Estate Investing in Guelph
- Growing Your Wealth Through Real Estate Even in a Recession
- How An Experienced Guelph Real Estate Team Can Help With Your Investments
World-Class Education
Guelph University has a long-standing reputation as one of the top institutions in Canada, particularly when it comes to research and experiential learning opportunities. Access to higher education is just one of the reasons many families flock to the Guelph area. In addition to the university, you’ll find high-quality public schools sprinkled throughout the city. Guelph’s public education system is served by the Upper Grand District School Board, which represents 65 elementary schools and 11 secondary schools throughout the region.
If you prefer a Catholic education for your child, you can look to one of the 18 schools represented by the Wellington Catholic District School Board.
Thriving Career Market
Guelph’s thriving career market is the main attraction for many Gen Z and Millennial newcomers. With an unemployment rate of just 4.3% as of December 2022, Guelph offers plenty of high-potential positions through various sectors, including:
- Agriculture
- Utilities
- Trade services
- Accounting and finance
- Business and building services
- Healthcare
- Information and cultural services
- Hospitality and food services
- Public administration
For entrepreneurial-minded individuals, Guelph can be even more appealing. The strategic location, vast talent pool, and robust business support systems have helped the city rank as the fourth best place to launch a startup company in Canada.
An Affordable Housing Market
The real estate market in Guelph remains relatively affordable, especially considering the above-average income residents tend to enjoy. Let’s compare the cost of buying a home here versus Toronto, which is far more expensive. As of December 2022, the average price of a Toronto house was well over $1 million. If you wanted a detached home, you’d be looking at an average of $1,312,278.
In Guelph, the benchmark price for a detached home was $883,100, just over half the cost of a Toronto listing. And affordability isn’t the only thing that makes the Guelph market more appealing. You often get a newer, more spacious home on a larger lot than you would ever find in the GTA.
Beautiful, reasonably priced, and conveniently located homes are just another of the many benefits you can enjoy while living in Guelph.
What is it like to buy a house in Guelph in the current market? Here are some resources that will give you a clearer picture:
- The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Buyers in Guelph
- Buying an Older Home? Here Are The Red Flags To Watch Out For
- Seven Reasons Why This Could Be Your Best Opportunity to Buy a Home in Guelph & the Tri-Cities
An Endless List of Exciting Activities
Safety and affordability are typically high on the list for anyone looking to relocate, and Guelph offers all of this and more. But is it a fun place to live? That really is the million-dollar question. And once again, this city has it all! Whether you’re a family with toddlers or an active retiree, you will never run out of exciting things to do around town. Here are just a few examples:
- Nature lovers will find plenty of ways to while away a sunny afternoon, starting with a stroll down Riverside Park or through the University of Guelph Arboretum.
- History buffs will love exploring the Guelph City Museum or rummaging through old treasures at the Aberfoyle Antique Market.
- Young professionals have a plethora of nightlife to enjoy as Guelph is loaded with bars, restaurants, and other entertainment venues.
- Water enthusiasts will never get tired of boating, fishing, or swimming at Guelph Lake and Elora Gorge.
- With countless parks, playgrounds, festivals, splash pads, and an indoor amusement centre, young children may be the family members who are most excited about the move to Guelph!
Are you thinking about relocating and want to know more about the real estate opportunities in Guelph? Reach out to us today at info@gowylde.ca or call 519-826-7109 for a quick chat with no obligation.
