Quality of life survey has Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa 7th in Canada

Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa have made a list of communities with the best quality of life in Canada.

Lots of families are looking for a place that is safe and affordable to move to, making the bigger cities less attractive to many, declares MovingWaldo, a Montreal-based company that “simplifies” moving tasks.

These smaller cities and towns, the report states, offer “outstanding quality of life for those looking for a fresh start,” though Calgary, a large city by Canadian standards, came in at #1 on the list.

The top Ontario community, Wellington County, was second on the list. Durham Region, with Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa cited, came in seventh.

The report noted Durham Region has “plenty to offer,” including waterfront views, green spaces and beaches and its quality of life has been “enticing” for people moving out of Toronto.

“It’s relatively safe but is a bit on the pricier side when looking to purchase a home,” MovingWaldo said. “Overall, Durham Region blends safety, convenience and a relaxed lifestyle, making it an attractive place to live.”

The region’s crime index of 44.4 is higher than Wellington County’s 27.37 but much lower than the 72.47 number given to Calgary (which may imply that concerns about crime in Canadian cities is overhyped). Rent prices ($1,707 for a 1-bdrm) are much lower in Durham than both communities at the top of the list but the average cost to buy a property ($1,097,300) is substantially higher than Calgary and Wellington, where housing prices average less than $600,000.

Other communities on the list include LaSalle and Levis, Que, Oak Bay, B.C. and Fredericton, N.B.

MovingWaldo’s methodology for ranking the best places to live is based on quality of life, safety, and affordability.

Quality of life is measured through feedback from residents who have either moved to or currently live in the area on jobs, education, healthcare, public transportation and recreational facilities and parks. Crime numbers come from Statistics Canada’s Crime Severity Index. Affordability data is gleaned from housing prices and rental costs to reflect the true cost of living in each area.