In June this year, Canada\u2019s population reached 40 million, according to Statistics Canada \u2014 a milestone made possible by an ongoing surge in immigration. \u201cInternationally, our country is recognized as peaceful and welcoming, which really helps people feel comfortable with the idea of becoming a Canadian,\u201d says Sotheby\u2019s International Realty Canada real estate agent Victor Cheung<\/a>. For anyone enticed by the prospect of public healthcare and, perhaps, poutine, the challenge then becomes which corner of Canada to put down roots in. Granted, this is not a dilemma unique to just those arriving from other corners of the world. Indeed, there are many established Canadians considering new locales for the next stage of their lives.<\/p>\n Whether the homebuyer is a long-time Canadian resident or a recent arrival, Vancouver, Toronto, Montr\u00e9al and Calgary all offer great real estate options. And even though the foreign buyer ban has impacted some property purchases in Canada, there are still many people living abroad who are qualified to buy Canadian real estate. These include new permanent residents moving here in the next few years; Canadian citizens living abroad who are strengthening their ties to this country; and international students. While the real estate needs and housing preferences of new Canadian residents are diverse, here are just a few of the neighbourhoods that are now captivating the interest of those who are looking to put down roots in the country, according to these Sotheby\u2019s International Realty Canada Realtors\u00ae.<\/p>\n VANCOUVER<\/strong> Cheung finds that newcomers arrive with one of two mindsets. For those seeking a cosmopolitan lifestyle, it\u2019s possible to find a vibrant urban experience beyond the central core. \u201cVancouver Westside, the Cambie Corridor, Metrotown and Brentwood are big hubs now with many condo developments coming up,\u201d he says. As for those looking for more space for their kids to play, Cheung points to the Fraser Valley area<\/a>. \u201cSurrey<\/a>, Langley<\/a> and Coquitlam<\/a> are seeing redevelopment of older areas, as well as new developments that are planned as full communities with parks, recreation centres and services \u2014 all within a short drive.\u201d And anyone drawn to Vancouver for its lush natural landscape will be enchanted with White Rock<\/a>, another family-friendly community slightly farther south. \u201cIt\u2019s still only about a 45-minute drive from downtown,\u201d notes Cheung, \u201cbut it has water scenery that gives you that coastal B.C. experience.\u201d<\/p>\n CALGARY<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n In 2022 Alberta<\/a> launched a campaign promoting the province to Canadians who might be considering a move. According to Vivienne Huisman, Sotheby\u2019s International Realty Canada Senior Vice-President of Sales<\/a>, the \u201cAlberta is Calling\u201d advertisement appears to be working. \u201cIn the fourth quarter of 2022,\u201c Alberta experienced the highest net interprovincial migration among Canadian provinces.\u201d<\/p>\n Calgary<\/a>\u2019s appeal comes down to its combination of well-paying jobs and well-priced real estate, notes Huisman. \u201cYou get more bang for your buck. You can own a home with more land than you\u2019d get somewhere else and still have [enough] left to enjoy the things you love.\u201d As in other markets, schools are top of mind for many people moving to the province with young families.\u201cI see a focus on the southwest and on neighbourhoods, like Aspen Woods<\/a> or Springbank Hill<\/a>, that are close to private schools such as Webber Academy and Rundle College.<\/p>\n And while these areas may be considered suburbs by Calgary standards, Huisman notes that Ontario transplants accustomed to long commutes are in for a pleasant surprise. \u201cPeople move here who might be used to living in Oakville<\/a> and travelling those far distances to get to work in Toronto<\/a>, but Aspen\u2019s just a 20-minute drive from downtown Calgary.\u201d And the city isn\u2019t lacking for cultural and leisure amenities. \u201cWhether it\u2019s museums and art galleries, community centres and sports facilities, or the city\u2019s 300-plus festivals, we have many opportunities for people to explore their interests.\u201d<\/p>\n TORONTO<\/strong> The one thing that many families moving to Toronto have in common is that they all place a strong emphasis on their children\u2019s education. \u201cFor some, that means moving to an area where the kids have the flexibility to walk to a private school,\u201d says Yousefi, noting that buyers are drawn to Forest Hill<\/a>, Lawrence Park North<\/a> and Lawrence Park South<\/a>, and Bedford Park<\/a> for their proximity to prestigious schools<\/a>. He also points to High Park<\/a>, Bloor West Village<\/a> and the Beaches<\/a> as neighbourhoods anchored by good public schools<\/a>. In all of these areas, the sense of community centred on the schools helps families to establish a strong local network. As well, anyone settling into a new city will also welcome the opportunity to accommodate visitors, Youseff adds. \u201cPeople relocating here definitely appreciate having a finished basement that has a bedroom and a full bathroom in case they have in-laws and relatives from out of town.\u201d<\/p>\n MONTR\u00c9AL<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n The city\u2019s international profile is bolstered in part by the solid reputation of McGill University, often referred to as the \u201cHarvard of Canada.\u201d \u201cFor some people, that\u2019s what put the city on their radar,\u201d reports Sotheby\u2019s International Realty Canada broker Susanne Stelmashuk Chernin<\/a>, who works alongside Louise Jackson<\/a> and Diane Stelmashuk<\/a>. \u201c And, along with fantastic universities, we have great public schools and private schools. And [the graduates] find that Montr\u00e9al<\/a> is also an incredible economic engine with 400 head offices, business clusters and leading research hubs tied to the universities.\u201d<\/p>\n Another plus is that, for any newcomer who doesn\u2019t already speak French, Montr\u00e9al is the perfect place to pick up a new language. French is spoken everywhere and there are many places that offer language lessons. \u201cMontr\u00e9al is also the multicultural heart of Qu\u00e9bec<\/a> with so many different languages spoken at home,\u201d says Chernin.<\/p>\n Adding to the city\u2019s appeal is the fact that it is much more affordable than other major urban centres, whether a newcomer is seeking a dynamic life downtown or something quieter a little farther away. \u201cMany people who want that extra space to raise their family end up on the West Island,\u201d Chernin reports. \u201cDorval<\/a>, Pointe-Claire<\/a>, Beaconsfield<\/a>, Senneville<\/a> and Kirkland are [also] great areas with amenities, stores and schools close by.\u201d These municipalities aren’t short on neighbourly spirit, either.\u201cDistrict councillors take the time to meet with newcomers and inform them about the various cultural programs, services and sports facilities. Someone moving from Europe might be looking to maintain a connection to soccer, but, of course, we can[introduce] them [to] hockey and figure skating, too.\u201d<\/p>\n With activities galore to fill their schedules, newcomers will be feeling at home in no time.<\/p>\n
\nThe Greater Vancouver Area<\/a>\u2019s unique combination of natural beauty, multiculturalism, and cosmopolitan offerings are attracting newcomers to the region as a whole, notes Cheung. \u201cRight away, people feel Vancouver<\/a> is a very special place because we have the sea and the mountains.\u201d Another draw is the city\u2019s close proximity to Asia relative to other Canadian cities that involve longer flights with layovers and connections.\u201cThe majority of my business comes from people who are originally from Hong Kong or China. Vancouver allows them to easily make the trip back for a visit or to have their family come here for a visit.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sothebysrealty.ca\/insightblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2002-31-Avenue-SW-Calgary-AB-sothebys-international-realty-canada.jpg\")
2002 31 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB<\/a><\/div>\n
\nArmin Yousefi, a Senior Vice-President of Sales at Sotheby\u2019s International Realty Canada<\/a>, believes that Toronto\u2019s rich multiculturalism makes it a natural choice for newcomers. \u201cNo one feels out of place in Toronto. It\u2019s a city that integrates all these different communities into a vibrant society.” Indeed, part of what makes the city so dynamic is the diverse stories of origin of its residents. His recent clients have included new Torontonians moving from rural Canadian cities, corporate professionals and physicians recruited from big cities in the U.S. and people originally from Southeast Asia, East Asia and Latin America.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sothebysrealty.ca\/insightblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/1332-Boul-Mont-Royal-Outremont-QC-sothebys-international-realty-canada.jpg\")
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