The Best Canadian Cities for Families to Move to in 2025
Choosing the right city to raise a family is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. It’s not just about a place to live—it's about schools, safety, affordability, community, healthcare, and opportunities for your children to thrive. In 2025, Canada continues to offer a wide range of excellent family-friendly cities, from vibrant urban centres to peaceful suburban and small-city communities.
Whether you’re relocating for work, seeking more space, or looking for the best environment to raise kids, this guide breaks down the top cities families are choosing in 2025, what makes them great, and what to consider before you make your move.
1. Calgary, Alberta — Balanced Living with Space and Opportunity
Calgary regularly ranks as one of Canada’s top places to live thanks to its strong economy, family-oriented neighbourhoods, and access to nature. In 2025 it’s still a leading choice for families moving from other provinces.
What Families Love About Calgary
Great mix of urban and outdoor life: Calgary offers big-city amenities alongside easy access to the Rocky Mountains for weekend family adventures.
Strong job market: With a robust economy—especially in energy, tech, and professional services—parents often find solid employment without sacrificing work-life balance.
Family-friendly neighbourhoods: Areas like Tuscany, Airdrie, and Evanston are popular with families for safety, parks, and good schools.
Considerations
Calgary’s housing remains more affordable than Vancouver or Toronto, though prices are rising due to demand from internal migration. Winter weather can also be a challenge for some families, though snow opens the door to plenty of seasonal fun.
Bottom Line: Calgary is ideal for families who want space, job opportunity, and proximity to nature without the cost of the biggest Canadian cities.
2. Edmonton, Alberta — Big-City Amenities with Lower Costs
Just north of Calgary, Edmonton offers an affordable alternative with many of the same benefits. Recent data highlights Edmonton’s strong quality-of-life indicators, from healthcare access to manageable commute times.
Why Edmonton Appeals to Families
Accessible housing: Compared to many large cities, Edmonton’s housing and rent prices are often significantly more family-friendly.
Lots of green space: The North Saskatchewan River Valley is one of North America’s largest urban park systems, offering biking trails, playgrounds, picnic spots, and nature adventures for kids.
Family-focused amenities: Abundant recreational centres, zoos, museums, and festivals make it easy to keep kids engaged year-round.
Considerations
Edmonton has colder winters and more extreme seasonal swings compared to cities in southern Canada, but many families embrace seasonal activities as part of the lifestyle.
Bottom Line: Edmonton is an excellent choice for families seeking value, outdoor living, and community resources without high housing costs.
3. Ottawa, Ontario — Canada’s Capital with a Secure, Family Focused Vibe
Ottawa isn’t just Canada’s capital—it’s one of the most balanced and family-friendly cities in the country. Its combination of safety, public services, languages, and community life make it a strong contender for families in 2025.
What Makes Ottawa Stand Out
High safety and security: Ottawa consistently scores well on safety and livability indices compared to other major cities.
Excellent schools: With a strong public and Catholic school system and plenty of enrichment programs, children have opportunities from early years through secondary school.
Accessible outdoor life: From Rideau Canal skating in winter to numerous parks and bike trails in summer, Ottawa provides a healthy dose of outdoor activity.
Considerations
The cost of living and housing can be higher than some mid-sized cities, but still lower than Toronto or Vancouver. Healthcare access, community services, and employment opportunities help balance the higher living costs.
Bottom Line: Ottawa is perfect for families who want a secure, educated, and well-connected community with plenty of amenities and cultural depth.
4. Halifax, Nova Scotia — East Coast Life with Community and Character
Halifax and its suburbs are drawing families from across Canada thanks to their strong sense of community, affordable cost of living compared to major metros, and welcoming atmosphere.
Family-Friendly Features
Affordable housing and welcoming communities: Many families are attracted by the balance of lower cost of living and big-city services.
Natural playground: Beaches, parks, and seaside trails make outdoor play part of everyday life.
Growing job market: Industries like healthcare, education, and tech are expanding, offering employment opportunities.
Considerations
Halifax has cooler, wetter winters than some provinces, and job markets can be smaller than in larger metropolitan centres, but many families find the lifestyle trade-offs worthwhile.
Bottom Line: Halifax is ideal for families who want Atlantic charm, community connection, and a pace of life that’s less hectic than larger urban centres.
5. Burlington and Guelph, Ontario — Suburban Comfort Near Big Cities
Ontario remains a favourite for families, but not always within the GTA itself. Mid-sized cities like Burlington and Guelph offer suburban lifestyle advantages while keeping access to larger job markets.
Burlington, Ontario
Burlington attracts families for its safe neighbourhoods, excellent schools, and lakeside living. Parks, trails, and community programs provide strong quality-of-life support.
Guelph, Ontario
Guelph consistently ranks high for livability, affordability (relative to the GTA), and green space. As a smaller urban centre with strong community roots, many families find a slower pace and lower stress an appealing alternative.
Considerations
Prices have risen in many Ontario suburbs due to increased demand, but these cities still offer value compared to Toronto, especially for families needing space and good schools.
Bottom Line: Burlington and Guelph are great picks for families who want close proximity to major employment centres while enjoying suburban stability and safety.
6. Halifax, PEI, and Atlantic Cities — Affordable and Welcoming
Atlantic Canada is increasingly popular for families seeking a lower cost of living and strong community vibes.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown is a smaller, safe, and welcoming city with affordable housing and plenty of outdoor activities and festivals, making it ideal for families craving community connection.
Moncton, New Brunswick
Moncton is highlighted for its affordability, bilingual community, and solid quality of life with access to jobs and nature. It’s growing in popularity as families move eastward for space and cost-effective living.
Considerations
Atlantic cities tend to have smaller economies than the bigger provinces, but many families find the slower pace, lower costs, and strong local schools worth the move.
Bottom Line: Atlantic regions like Charlottetown and Moncton are excellent for families prioritizing affordability, safety, and community feel.
7. Quebec Cities — Culture, Safety and Subsidized Childcare
Quebec offers unique benefits for families, not least of which is one of the most robust childcare systems in Canada—a subsidized network praised for affordability.
Quebec City and Trois-Rivières
Cities like Quebec City and Trois-Rivières provide safe, secure living environments, lower cost of living, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Public schools are strong, neighbourhoods are walkable, and the French culture offers a bilingual upbringing for kids.
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal combines cosmopolitan urban life with affordable living and strong family amenities. It ranks well on quality-of-life measures, balances cost and culture, and offers a wide range of education and healthcare resources.
Considerations
Language can factor into your choice. In Quebec urban centres, French language proficiency may be an advantage socially and professionally, though many communities and schools are bilingual.
Bottom Line: Quebec cities offer an affordable, culturally rich environment with strong social supports for families—including childcare—that make them uniquely attractive.
8. Smaller Cities and Suburbs — Stratford, Dieppe, and Beyond
Not every great family city is a major metro. Some smaller cities earn high marks for safety, affordability, and community interaction.
Stratford, Ontario
Stratford blends small-city charm with strong schools, parks, and cultural events, making it an attractive alternative for families seeking a quieter but connected lifestyle.
Dieppe, New Brunswick
Dieppe is one of Atlantic Canada’s safest cities, with community programs, bilingual schools, and contemporary infrastructure that appeal to growing families.
Considerations
Smaller cities often mean shorter commute times, lower housing costs, and closer community ties—but they may have fewer employment opportunities than larger centres.
Bottom Line: For families prioritizing community safety, affordability, and quality of life over big-city energy, smaller Canadian cities like Stratford and Dieppe are standout options.
What Families Should Consider When Choosing a City
Choosing where to move involves more than just popularity. Here are key factors families should weigh:
Safety and Crime Rates
Safety remains one of the top priorities for families, with many cities highlighted for low crime severity and welcoming environments.
School Quality and Childcare Resources
Educational opportunities—both public and private—should factor heavily into any relocation plan. Long-term success often correlates with access to strong school systems. In Quebec, subsidized childcare gives families a financial edge.
Cost of Living and Housing Affordability
Cities with a balance of affordability, livability, and opportunity are often most competitive for families. Smaller provinces and Atlantic regions frequently lead with lower monthly costs.
Healthcare Access
Access to family doctors, pediatric specialists, and hospitals is crucial. Larger cities often have more extensive health networks.
Community and Lifestyle
Personal preferences—beach towns, mountains, suburban tranquillity, or urban culture—play a big role. Look at parks, recreation, festivals, libraries, and overall community infrastructure.
Conclusion: The 2025 Family City Map
Canada in 2025 continues to offer diverse, family-friendly places to call home. From bustling capitals like Ottawa and cultural hubs like Montreal, to affordable smaller cities like Charlottetown and Stratford, there’s a Canadian city for every family’s priorities. Atlantic provinces offer affordability and community, Alberta’s metros combine opportunity with outdoor life, and Ontario’s suburbs balance proximity to jobs with calm living.
Wherever your family is on its journey—school choices, career opportunities, lifestyle preferences, or community vibe—there’s a destination that fits your needs in 2025.
