{"id":2627,"date":"2017-10-15T08:00:20","date_gmt":"2017-10-15T12:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/news\/?p=2627"},"modified":"2022-06-05T21:06:24","modified_gmt":"2022-06-06T01:06:24","slug":"canadas-top-cities-for-young-professionals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/canadas-top-cities-for-young-professionals","title":{"rendered":"Canada\u2019s 10 Best Cities for Young Professionals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver have long dominated the headlines for fast-growing major urban centres in Canada. But the exciting list of cities of growing extends well beyond four of Canada\u2019s largest urban areas\u2014and this is good news for young, hard-working folk. So where should a young professional plant their roots? Consider this list of 10 top cities for young professionals in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before we start, however, we should point out that for this list, we wanted to compile a collection of cities that really make the grade across a wide spectrum. So we factored in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/canadian-city-names\">history<\/a>, nightlife, cultural opportunities, access to nature, job opportunities, and, the kicker, average rental rates for a one-bedroom flat\u2014because you can\u2019t live somewhere if you can\u2019t get a room! We sourced our average rental rates from&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.numbeo.com\">Numbeo.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the 10 top cities for young professionals in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10.-ottawa,-ontario\">10. Ottawa, Ontario<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/tsaiproject\/7173715788\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/7173715788_dd76b8f2e2_o.jpg\" alt=\"Top 10 cities for young professionals\" class=\"wp-image-2966\"\/><\/a><figcaption>(Source: Flickr \/ tsaiproject)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The nation\u2019s capital, Ottawa! Young people are heading to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/ottawa-real-estate\">Ottawa<\/a> because it\u2019s fast becoming the cool alternative to cities like Montreal and Toronto. While being bilingual certainly helps career prospects\u2014particularly since many jobs are in government-sector agencies\u2014it\u2019s not mandatory. For young professionals, the attraction is the rich culture, great community and a growing foodie scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s the average rent in Ottawa? $1,314.52<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9.-montreal,-quebec\">9. Montreal, Quebec<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/bigstock-Street-art-Montreal-woman-79439584-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"top cities for young professionals\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\">Yes. Montreal made the list\u2014and why not! If you are fortunate enough to get a good job in this city than you have it all\u2014bagels, cocktail bars, vintage shops on streets lined with mom-and-pop shops, old churches and densely packed-in duplexes. Of course, to get a good-paying job you\u2019ll probably need to be bilingual, although some English-speaking-only opportunities do exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s the average rent in Montreal? $1,203.78<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8.-calgary,-alberta\">8. Calgary, Alberta<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/calgaryreviews\/8622903542\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/8622903542_939541b592_o-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Calgary, Alberta. Saddledome. Downtown skyline at night\" class=\"wp-image-2973\"\/><\/a><figcaption>(Source: Flickr \/ Calgary Reviews)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you love mountains, you\u2019re going to love <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/calgary-real-estate\">Calgary<\/a>. Situated right in Canada\u2019s heartland, Calgary is growing in an interesting way. While oil might have been the primary industry for quite some time, we\u2019re seeing more and more tech companies moving into the now-vacant office towers of Cowtown&#8217;s core. The city is still struggling a bit, economically, but anyone that can find should have a great quality of life without the super-high living expenses found in other big cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s the average rent in Calgary? $1,251.82<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7.-saskatoon,-saskatchewan\">7. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File%3ASaskatoon_Skyline_Night.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"826\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Saskatoon_Skyline_Night-1024x826.jpg\" alt=\"top cities for young professionals. \" class=\"wp-image-2974\"\/><\/a><figcaption>(Source: Wikimedia Commons \/ Jay Van Doornum)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s the best-kept secret in the Prairies, but word will be out soon enough &#8211; Saskatoon is one of the best cities on the rise in all of Canada. Not only has this city been ranked as one of the most livable, but it\u2019s also the youngest! Agriculture is a big industry here, which is pretty specific, but a low cost of living, beautiful scenery and friendly vibes mean that anyone can make <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/saskatoon-real-estate\">Saskatoon<\/a> home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s the average rent in Saskatoon? $963.70<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6.-london,-ontario\">6. London, Ontario<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File%3ADundas_Street%2C_London%2C_Ontario_(21650427030).jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Dundas_Street_London_Ontario_21650427030-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"London, Ontario, Canada. top cities for young professionals. \" class=\"wp-image-2975\"\/><\/a><figcaption>(Source: Wikimedia Commons \/ Ken Lund)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While it might have initially been known as nothing more than a university town, thanks to Western University, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/london-real-estate\">London<\/a> is quickly becoming a great place for young professionals to set up shop. The city is growing at a rapid pace, with new developments all over the city, and it\u2019s becoming an affordable spot for marketing firms, video game companies, and other tech and health-based firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s the average rent in London? $1,052.08<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5.-waterloo,-ontario\">5. Waterloo, Ontario<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File%3AUniversity_of_Waterloo_William_G._Davis_Computer_Research_Center.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"615\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/University_of_Waterloo_William_G._Davis_Computer_Research_Center-1024x615.jpg\" alt=\"top cities for young professionals\" class=\"wp-image-2976\"\/><\/a><figcaption>(Source: Wikimedia Commons \/ Victor Vucicevich)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If Google is bringing its offices into your backyard, you must be doing something right. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/waterloo-real-estate\">Waterloo<\/a> is known as the Silicon Valley of the Great White North. This means an intense build-up of tech-savvy firms and start-ups and a great place to plant roots for the young, urban professional. While locals will tell you that the downtown still has some work to do, there are definitely some hot-spots in this city and the cost of living, well, is very manageable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s the average rent in Waterloo? $1,309.09<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4.-halifax,-nova-scotia\">4. Halifax, Nova Scotia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2977\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/waterfront-scenery-at-night-in-halifax-nova-scotia-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"top cities for young professionals\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\">Many young people might leave Halifax to study abroad but, quite often, they come back and, with them, they bring ideas. This has helped make <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/halifax-real-estate\">Halifax<\/a> one of the most exciting cities on the Eastern Coast of Canada. Add in the low cost of rent, the thriving art scene and the youthful, university vibe and you have a great spot for anyone employed in the trades, healthcare, government sector or in a maritime-related profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s the average rent in Halifax? $1,195.80<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3.-kingston,-ontario\">3. Kingston, Ontario<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File%3AFormer_train_station_(Kingston%2C_Ontario).jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Former_train_station_Kingston_Ontario-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Former train station with Canadian flags\" class=\"wp-image-2978\"\/><\/a><figcaption>(Source: Wikimedia Commons \/ Doug Kerr)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Kingston is a picturesque community that is absolutely thriving, partly because it\u2019s part of that booming Golden Horseshoe area in southern Ontario. It\u2019s biggest economic sectors are health care, post-secondary education and government sectors (including military and correctional services). If you are a professional in any of these fields, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/kingston-real-estate\">Kingston<\/a> offers a great opportunity to live and work in a growing city, with a decent standard of living and excellent job prospects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s the average rent in Kingston? $1,280.79<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2.-toronto,-ontario\">2. Toronto, Ontario<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2979\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/toronto-1900651_1920-1024x792.jpg\" alt=\"top cities for young professionals\" width=\"1024\" height=\"792\">Toronto is Canada\u2019s biggest city and with good reason. Jobs are abundant here, making it one of the best spots in the country for a young professional to start off their career path. Of course, while the job opportunities are plentiful here, the cost of living is high. Very high. The more expensive and sought-after rental units are found in the downtown core, where an updated one-bedroom can easily fetch $1,750 or more in rent each month. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/toronto-real-estate\/trends\">Toronto&#8217;s real estate market trends<\/a> follow suit. Look for options further away from the downtown core if you want to keep your living costs more manageable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s the average rent in Toronto? $2,107.65<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1.-victoria,-british-columbia\">1. Victoria, British Columbia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/victoria-real-estate\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2469\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Bigstock_-105097879-Beautiful-View-Of-Inner-Harbour-Of-Victoria-B.c.-Canada-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"10 best cities for young professionals. Victoria, BC\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/victoria-real-estate\">Victoria<\/a> was actually ranked as one of the \u201cNext Cities\u201d by Next Generation Consulting and for good reason! Victoria is not only stunning, but it&#8217;s a city steeped in history, offers a thriving food scene and it\u2019s super bike-friendly with its forward-thinking complete community approach. If you&#8217;re employed in health care, the government sector or tech, this is a city to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s the average rent in Victoria? $1,489.29<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Young professionals aren\u2019t necessarily just looking for the biggest city anymore. They want a place that is exciting, vibrant, and where they can find a career that allows them to stick to a budget! If you\u2019re a young professional, check out these 10 best cities for young professionals to see if one holds the key to your future professional development.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sure, getting a job is a big deal but where you get a job can make or break your career path. Consider these top Canadian cities when searching for that next gig <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":16582,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[57],"guide":[],"class_list":["post-2627","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","tag-best-cities"],"acf":[],"zolo_excerpt":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2627","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2627"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2627\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21190,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2627\/revisions\/21190"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16582"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2627"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2627"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2627"},{"taxonomy":"guide","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide?post=2627"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}