These Are the Happiest Places to Live in Ontario in 2023

Leave it to the world of real estate to break down happiness as a metric. Despite real estate feeling a tad dire these days, Point2Homes took it upon themselves to find out where the happiest places to live in Canada are today. Low and behold, 10 Ontario cities ranked very highly, according to the metrics outlined in the study.

The data was split between four happiness related dimensions: economy and real estate, location and demographics, health and well-being, and community and environment. Read on to find out what the secret sauce is for the residents of these communities.

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1 / 10

Caledon

Point2Homes cracked the code when it came to Caledon, Ontario. The region is known for beautiful rolling hills, picturesque farms, a vibrant community and plenty of outdoor activities all year round. As it is located in the Greater Toronto Area, residents enjoy all the perks of living near a big city while still benefiting from a slower pace. Something else Caledon can boast about is their comfortable after-tax median income.

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2 / 10

Halton Hills

Scoring high in the real estate and economy bracket is Halton Hills, where over 85 per cent of households are owned. As if that wasn’t good enough, the after-tax median income is higher than the national income at $107,000. Now that’s something to sing from the Halton Hills-top.

Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area in Milton, Ontario

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3 / 10

Milton

Milton performed best in the “location and demographics” category. If you’re looking for a more balanced lifestyle, Milton is a great option. With its prime location in the Niagara Escarpment, Milton is surrounded by parks and conservation areas. There are plenty of recreational activities all year round.

father outside with daughter on shoulders looking out into the sunset

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4 / 10

Clarington

Sitting comfortably in fourth place is Clarington, Ontario. It’s a picturesque town located on Lake Ontario just an hour east of Toronto. If you’re in the mood for a stroll through historic downtown streets or in need of a breath of fresh air in Darlington Provincial Park, Clarington has it all.

Spencer Smith Park and Brant Street Pier at the lakeside of Lake Ontario, Burlington

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5 / 10

Burlington

It’s no surprise that feeling safe and secure is a key indicator of happiness, and Burlington is one of those cities that scored very low on the crime severity index. It’s safe to say the people of Burlington are happy about that!

Oakville Bronte marina in Oakville, Ontario

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6 / 10

Oakville

There’s a lot to be happy about in Oakville! Across the four key happiness indicators, Oakville scored very well in location and demographics, but it deserves an honorable mention when considering the low divorce rate, crime severity and overall appeal.

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7 / 10

Aurora

Aurora, Ontario made it to the top 10 out of all the Canadian cities in the study (hold for applause) and we can understand why. When considering walkability and commute, Aurora scored very well. If you prefer walking and short commute times, strut right over to Aurora. Your feet and mental health will thank you.

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8 / 10

Newmarket

Nestled between Toronto and cottage country is charming Newmarket. Serving up cozy cottage vibes while conveniently close to Toronto, we can understand why residents are so happy here. Newmarket scored well in economy and real estate as well as community and environment, which isn’t surprising given its proximity to big city amenities while maintaining a quaint small town environment.

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9 / 10

Vaughan

Residents of Vaughan, Ontario aren’t stressed when it comes to the economy and real estate. They enjoy a high median after-tax income, and with over 85 per cent of homes being owned, the people of Vaughan can focus on their relationships – and it shows. Among the 100 largest cities in Canada, Vaughan has some of the lowest rates of separation and divorce!

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10 / 10

Ajax

Rounding out the Ontario contingent in the Happiest Cities in Canada study is Ajax, Ontario. Ajax is located in the heart of Durham Region, right along the water of Lake Ontario. With a strong sense of community and roots, the people of Ajax make up a vibrant, progressive and diverse town.