Guelph, also known as the “Royal City,” thanks to its historical connection to British royalty, is one of the most unique and fascinating cities in Ontario. As a community founded in 1827 by an immigrant and author, John Galt, Guelph has a welcoming and diverse vibe loved by residents and visitors alike.
Here, you find big-city convenience, small-town charm, and a high quality of life for families from all backgrounds and walks of life. Royal City, indeed! With easy highway access and a Go Station right in the heart of Guelph, you couldn’t ask for a more convenient location.
When someone asks us, “Is Guelph a good place to live,” our answer is obviously an unequivocal “Yes.” That’s not because we’re biased; it’s just the honest and simple truth. Over 150,000 residents and counting can’t be wrong. Come and explore just a few things to love about living in Guelph.
Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing to something bigger, or investing in an income property, we’ve got a guide just for you. You’ll find everything you need to get started right here.
Welcome to Our Safe and Scenic Community
Safety is near the top of the list of priorities when searching for a new home and neighbourhood. If you’re looking for a watchful, supportive, and friendly environment with peaceful streets and next to no crime, Guelph just might be the answer.
Plentiful community activities and support systems have a way of keeping residents busy and out of trouble. The city itself organizes a variety of youth programs to keep children and teens engaged and social. Whether through sports or arts, young people have a chance to develop lifelong skills while staying active and making new friends.
Community organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs offer young children the chance to connect with others through after-school programs and summer camps. Children and teens at risk will find support, counselling services and housing assistance through the Youth Services Department at the City of Guelph.
Guelph also offers access to some of the best healthcare in the province, with multiple hospitals and outpatient clinics serving the community, including Guelph Community Health Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Centre, and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.
Buying a home takes planning and research. The posts below are a good place to start building your foundation:
- 10 Things To Consider When Buying a Home
- New Build Vs Resale Home: What’s Better in Today’s Market?
- Home Buying Myths Busted: What Really Saves You Money
Guelph Is Fun
Safety and serenity may be top of mind, but that’s not all you’re looking for when beginning the search for a family-friendly community. You also want a place that is exciting and engaging for all ages, and Guelph delivers when it comes to having fun!
To start with, there are multiple recreational centres full of sports activities, dance classes, leisure swims, and more. Here are just a few serving a neighbourhood near you:
- Evergreen Community Centre
- West End Community Centre
- Guelph Sports Dome
- Guelph YMCA
- University of Guelph Athletic Centre
Community centres with dynamic programming are just the beginning of the enjoyable activities you’ll discover in Guelph. There are parks, playgrounds, and splash pads in abundance for our tiniest residents. People of all ages will love the gorgeous hiking trails, farmers’ markets, and museums right in the city.
We are also home to highly-anticipated events such as the Guelph Jazz Festival and Guelph Multicultural Festival. And the sky’s the limit if you’re up for a bit of a drive.
African Lion Safari is always an adventure, where kids of all ages and adults who are young at heart can get up close and personal with their favourite animals. For a day of fun in the sun, round up the family and head on over to Emerald Lake Waterpark or Elora Gorg.
Believe it or not, we haven’t even scratched the surface of all the fun things to do in and near Guelph! To learn more, check out Over 70 Fun Things To Do With Your Family In Guelph.
Experience the Tastes of the World
There are too many fantastic and delectable restaurants to call out each one by name. You don’t have to board a plane to sample some of the best cuisines the world has to offer; you’ll find nearly everything imaginable within a short drive.
Do you have a craving for tacos, enchiladas, or all things Mexican? Local establishments like La Reina, Z-Teca, and Guac Mexi Grill will not disappoint.
If noodles are more up your alley, you’ll find plenty of fantastic Italian offerings. Buon Gusto and Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar are just a couple of local favourites.
Perhaps something with an Asian flair? There is no shortage of Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese options. Blue Chopstix, Ben Thanh Viet-Thai, and Cherry Blossom Sushi Bar are just a few places you’ll want to check out.
Pubs, gourmet fast food, elegant family restaurants, and casual bistros are all serving up a varied and delicious menu your whole family will love. No one goes hungry, and there’s no mess to clean up. If you can’t – or don’t want to – make it out, many Guelph restaurants are happy to deliver to you.
The shopping and dining scene alone could make the move worthwhile! You’ll find even more reasons to consider Guelph in the posts below:
- 5 Reasons to Make Guelph Your Next Home
- Our Favourite Places to Find Unique Gifts in Guelph and the Tri-Cities
- Living in Guelph FAQs
Explore a World of Outdoor Recreation
If you ever wonder what makes Guelph so appealing to both newcomers and residents, you’ll find a valuable clue just by looking outside. The gorgeous scenery is simply breathtaking, and that’s just along the well-maintained, tree-lined streets.
Guelph also happens to be home to over 70 kilometres of hiking trails and greenery throughout the city and surrounding areas. There’s nothing like basking in the wonder of vast forests, rolling fields, and sparkling rivers and lakes. If you want a peaceful oasis away from the business and stress of day-to-day life, here are a few places your family can unwind:
- Riverside Park: Wide open fields, a sandy beach, and a children’s playground make this a popular spot for picnics and other family outings.
- Guelph Arboretum: Come and explore a lush botanical garden teaming with seasonal plants and flowers — guided tours are also available.
- Hanlon Creek Park: Winding trails and a bubbling creek make this an ideal getaway for hiking and exploring nature.
- Guelph Lake Conservation Area: With sandy beaches and expansive hiking trails, this is the summer hotspot for families and outdoor lovers.
A Thrilling Entertainment Scene
Calling all music, film, and art lovers; no city (fight us, Toronto) has anything on Guelph. Our community is steeped in culture, history, and a distinguished taste for the arts. You’ll pinch yourself every time your favourite artist rolls into Guelph Concert Theatre or a local act puts on a dazzling performance at a quaint venue like River Run Centre or Guelph Little Theatre.
The Art Gallery of Guelph offers one fascinating exhibit after another, and free events such as Art on the Street showcase masterpieces from our finest local artists. If you or anyone in your family is the creative type, you may just have found your community!
Thinking about buying your first home but are not sure where to start? The posts below will help you stay on track:
- Should I Buy a House for University Instead of Renting?
- How to Ignore Bad Real Estate Advice Without Losing Friends
- The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Buyers in Guelph
Establish Your Career and Financial Future
Peaceful and safe? Check. Loads of fun? Check again, and that’s what matters! However, living in a city full of opportunities is also important. Guelph boasts a low unemployment rate, thanks to a stable economy based on manufacturing, IT, tech, and retail and hospitality.
If you’ve got entrepreneurial ambitions, you’ll find plenty of support for small businesses. A large public sector in education and healthcare also provides a host of excellent opportunities with room for advancement. The potential for a high income combined with a more affordable lifestyle than in the GTA has put Guelph front and centre for young families and professionals.
Guelph’s thriving economy also makes it a great place to invest in real estate. The posts below will give you food for thought:
- A Complete Guide to Real Estate Investing in Guelph
- Five Best Cities in Ontario to Buy Recession-Proof Investment Properties
- How An Experienced Guelph Real Estate Team Can Help With Your Investments
Give Your Children a Head Start on a Successful Life
Guelph is famous for offering exemplary post-secondary education, with thousands of students flocking to the University of Guelph every year. Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Waterloo, and Conestoga College are also approximately 30 minutes away, which expands your horizons even further.
It isn’t just post-secondary students who have their pick of excellent schools. The City of Guelph is served by four boards managing all public elementary and secondary schools.
- The Upper Grand District School Board serves 65 elementary and 11 secondary schools in the city.
- Wellington Catholic District School Board operates 18 elementary and 3 secondary schools in Guelph.
French education falls under Conseil scolaire Viamonde and Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir. Your local real estate agent can help you pinpoint the right catchment area for the school of your choice when relocating to Guelph and the Tri-Cities
Are you on the hunt for a beautiful new home in Guelph? Look no further than our featured listings right here.
Invest in a Real Estate Market Like No Other
There’s no doubt about it; Guelph real estate is in hot demand. As a result, housing prices have been steadily rising over the long-term, but remain far more affordable than anywhere in the GTA.
With time, patience, and a lot of expert guidance, you’ll find housing options to suit nearly every budget and style. The real estate landscape features a multitude of condos and townhouses, particularly in neighbourhoods surrounding the University of Guelph. These are popular with investors as well as those seeking a primary residence. Parents of university students are also known to buy property rather than choosing residence on-campus.
Established neighbourhoods boast larger detached homes ideal for growing families, as well as some properties with official heritage designation. Many were constructed from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and feature Victorian, Edwardian, and Arts and Crafts architecture.
Long-time residents of Guelph have come to know and love it as an incredible place to live, with stunning natural beauty and every convenience at your fingertips. Are you ready to call Guelph home? We are here to welcome you and guide you every step of the way!
Do you have questions about living in or buying a home in Guelph? Our experienced real estate agents can help you fine-tune your vision. Reach out today at info@gowylde.ca or call 519-826-7109 to take the next step.
