10 Best Places To Live As a Single Woman in Canada

Vancouver may be British Columbia’s largest city, but its capital, Victoria, is the little sister with the big attitude. Situated on the southern side of Vancouver Island, Victoria has been winning accolades for years for its stunning beaches, parks, nature-based recreation and wildlife. The quality of life is incredible, but a healthy bank balance is required to make the move. According to Zumper, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Victoria is $2,175, a 36 percent increase compared to 2021.

Another west-coast designation making strides is Oak Bay, B.C. Admire frolicking seals and enjoy fresh air in this scenic suburban coastal community perched on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The city is close to downtown Victoria and all of its amenities, such as the fitness-packed Oak Bay Recreation Centre. According to Moving Waldo, women will find a safe haven in Oak Bay. It has a CSI (Crime Severity Index) of 29.81 and a crime rate twice lower than Canada’s average rate, making it one of the safest cities in Canada and British Columbia.

A big town with a small-town feel, Calgary makes the cut on this list for its excellent quality of life. The resort-esque town of Banff is but 1.5 hours away — mind the deer, elk and bears! And there’s the Rockies for skiing. A Forbes study placed Calgary in the “10 most liveable cities in the world” category. (Tied at number three with Zurich.) Other Canadian cities on the list: Toronto and Vancouver. Canada, in fact, grabbed three of the spots for the 10 most liveable cities in the world.

A hearty bonjour to Lévis, the historically rich and scenic village along the St. Lawerence River that faces Quebec City (pictured). You can get to Quebec City in just 20 minutes! Linked by a ferry, the quintessentially charming Lévis is one of the best places to live as a single woman in Canada. Lévis offers three national parks, is bursting with culture, and has a cost of living 25% below the national average, reports Moving Waldo. The average house price is $263,500.

Aside from being darn pretty, Moncton, New Brunswick, offers single women what they really want — a guy to wash the dishes. Ok, not that. This Atlantic Canada-based city offers a short commute to work. Hallelujah, no more traffic. Also, it has beautiful parks and scenery. Google “Hopewell Rocks” this instant. Also “La Dune de Bouctouche” — it’s very Hamptons-y — to check one of the few remaining sand dunes on the northeast coast of North America.  And there’s affordable real estate, too. According to CREA, the benchmark price for single-family homes was $340,300, in July 2021. Plus, French speakers will feel right at home, as 47% of people are bilingual.

Barrie is a solid choice for single women. According to Zolo, Barrie is now considered the third most affordable city in Ontario. Forget the starter condo: the average price of a house is $570,612, making it more realistic to buy one here, instead of Toronto, say. And the economy has one of the country’s lowest unemployment rates.

With its bewitching wheat fields and stunning wildlife, Saskatoon is fast becoming a destination in its own right. But there’s more than nature. Did you know the city is referred to as “the Paris of the Prairies” because of its eight bridges that span the South Saskatchewan River? On the cultural end, the newly opened Remai Modern museum is a must visit. Seasonal festivities and an inspiring culinary scene also make this city one to watch.

A survey of RE/MAX brokers revealed that the best places to live in Saskatoon are Nutana, Stonebridge and City Park, which rank as the top three neighbourhoods in Saskatoon for access to green spaces and parks, walkability, retail and restaurants and the ease of getting around/public transit.

What’s great about Guelph? For one thing it’s not Toronto (we kid)! But it is less than one hour away from The Six, if you need your busy-city fix. Guelph’s downtown is more on the quaint side and is lined with Victorian-era buildings. The Crazy Tourist has a nice round up of architecture, farmers’ markets and sights. If you’re a millennial, you’re in luck. Guelph ranked as the 14th millennial hotspot in 2021. Quebec City grabbed the number one spot.

Sandwiched between Hamilton and Oakville, Burlington is known for its lovely waterfront. The community made waves in 2019 when Maclean’s voted it number one city to call home in 2019. It still stands up! It offers a balance of urban life and family living (for the single women looking to start one), and there is more than 1,436 acres of parkland to explore with scenic hiking and biking trails along the Niagara Escarpment, notes ViewHomes.ca. And it has a low crime rate.

The dream of buying a house on a single person’s paycheque is a reality in Regina. Zolo has crowned it the top affordable Canadian city for buying a home on a single income. With an average home price far below the national average at $290,000, an individual would only have to make $52,000 per year before taxes to afford a home, reports Zolo.