There are quite a few major cities spread across Canada – Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, and Montreal all come to mind. However, what about London, Ontario?
While it doesn’t get the same press as its namesake in the UK, the Canadian city is becoming a popular destination. It’s home to the University of Western Ontario, so there’s definitely a college-town feel (and a population of college students), but there’s so much more here. If you’re thinking about moving to London, whether from around Ontario, or from further out, our handy moving guide will help you understand what to expect.
With a population of just over 360,000 residents (as of 2016), London, Ontario is a rapidly growing city. Sure, education might be the primary draw, but with growth of the university comes growth for other areas. The thriving city centre with its parks and greenways, the Thames River, the proximity to Lake Erie and the other Great Lakes, and the US border, all combine to make this a city with tremendous appeal. Look for population growth to continue, and with that an influx of new businesses, both small and large.
As one would expect of a city that houses a major university (UWO), London has a world-class education system. That goes for higher education, but also for childhood education. There are 22 private schools in the city alone, plus standard elementary and secondary schools. Fanshawe College is also located here (arts and technology). Other schools of note include Brescia University College and King’s University College.
Healthcare is another high point in London. The city is actually the regional centre for healthcare, and, as such, is home to a wide range of top-tier medical facilities. From family-focused clinics to major hospitals, you will have easy access to just about any type of care you might require.
If you tell someone you live in Toronto, they know where you’re talking about. The same thing is true if you tell them you’re from Calgary, or Edmonton. However, when you say that you’re living in London, you’re going to have a lot of people make the assumption that you mean THE London. Despite the city’s size, and the fact that it’s been around since the 1800s, its surprising how many people don’t know it exists. The fact that it shares so much with its sister city across The Pond doesn’t help (all the way down to the name of the river flowing through it).
As mentioned, education and healthcare are big in London. However, there are many other industries with a growing presence in town. For instance, you’ll find quite a few major companies here, including global firms like 3M. Others include Labatt and EllisDon, as well as Diamond Aircraft. As one would expect with the proximity to the university, there’s also a very strong technology presence in town, and gaming and game development are also thriving.
Given its location, outdoor enjoyment is a primary occupation during the warmer months of the year. However, you don’t need to drive to the Great Lakes to get your fun on. There’s plenty to see and do right around London itself.
Head into town and you’ll find nine major parks on offer that allow you to do everything from enjoying a game of disc golf to letting Fido get some socialisation in. You can also explore The Forks, where the Thames and North Thames rivers come together in the centre of town. Here, you’ll find plenty of walking, jogging, and biking paths, as well as lots of green space in which to relax.
Want something a bit further afield? No problem. Head to one of the three major nature conservation areas around the city – Wildwood Conversation Area, Fanshawe Conservation Area, and Pittock Conservation Area. Here, you’ll find hiking and biking, but also camping, boating opportunities, and the chance to go off-roading, as well.
There are tons of other ways to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, too. Head to the Delaware Speedway to get your racing fix or visit the Forest City Velodrome. Boler Mountain offers excellent skiing, but there’s also the Treetop Adventure Park for non-snow related fun.
As with several other Canadian cities, biking is pretty popular in London. That makes sense given the significant student population. You’ll find miles of biking paths around town, as well as dedicated bike lanes on the roads. That makes it possible to get where you’re going without needing to worry about finding parking for your car (particularly if you don’t own a car). There are also plenty of walking paths and areas around and through town, so if you don’t want to bike, you can always hoof it.
There are five prominent neighbourhoods in London. You’ve got the central and downtown area, with 42 different planning districts. You’ve got northeast London, with seven areas, northwest London with nine areas, southeast London with 11 neighbourhoods, and southwest London with 12 areas. The southwest is less populated and more suburban/rural. The southeast is highly developed, while the northwest area is home to many of the city’s museums and other attractions.
Whether you’re moving from within Ontario, or from somewhere farther away, the right moving company is an essential consideration. Of course, finding the right partner can be challenging. After all, how much experience do you have vetting movers? How much time do you really have to compare quotes? MoveIt.ca makes it simple to find and compare moving estimates and choose the right moving company for your needs.
While London might not be as large as some other Canadian cities, it’s growing rapidly, and is an attractive destination for a wide range of Canadians, as well as Americans moving north. With the tips in this guide, you should be better prepared to enjoy all that London, Ontario, has to offer.
