10 reasons why Guelph is a good place to live

Reason #1: A High Quality of Life

Guelph is the fifth fastest growing among Canadian cities, with an approximate 2% annual population growth currently at 152,963 people who know a good thing when they see it. Along with the booming population comes new business opportunities and available jobs.

Guelph boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada, currently sitting at just over 2%. In addition, the average cost of living in Guelph is approximately 27% lower than in Toronto, making Guelph an attractive place to live or at least invest in some real estate. According to Statistics Canada, households in Guelph have the highest annual median income in Ontario of $70,503.



Consistently ranking in the top ten safest cities to live in, Guelph is quickly becoming a haven for relocating families. Low crime rates below the national average give residents peace of mind with less stress and worry leading to a better quality of life.

Reason #2: Guelph Has A Resilient Economy that Keeps Growing

Advanced manufacturing is a significant driving force in Guelph’s resilient economy, led by companies like Wurth Canada, Linamar, and Magna-Polycon. In addition to the manufacturing sector, other contributing industries in Guelph's economic development include cleantech, IT and communications technology, and innovation.

Wikipedia shows the largest private enterprises in Guelph as:

• Linamar Corporation
• Guelph Manufacturing Group Inc.
• Polycon Industries
• The Co-operators (voted as one of Canada’s Best Employers for 14 years)
• Cargill Meat Solutions
• Blount Canada Ltd.

The largest public sector employers include:



• University of Guelph
• City of Guelph
• Upper Grand District School Board
• Guelph General Hospital
• Wellington Catholic District School Board
• Homewood Health Centre

Reason #3: Guelph Supports Local Businesses and Makes it Easy to do Business

Guelph residents place a strong emphasis on community. They support their neighbourhood markets, coffee shops, and bakeries, which keep their money in their community. As Guelph grows, new businesses create jobs that strengthen communities and inspire others to support and shop locally.



• During hockey season, residents head downtown to the Sleeman Centre to support their local OHL team, the Guelph Storm. The River Run Centre hosts many family entertainment shows, including concerts, plays, musicians, and more. Afterwards, stroll to the local restaurants that humbly thrive on your support.
  

Reason #4: A Great Place to Raise a Family and Find Your Dream Home

Every year, approximately 3000 people choose Guelph as their new home, and it's not hard to see why. Guelph is not only an ideal place to start and raise a family but also offers a diverse range of housing options to cater to every need. From the most desirable detached houses, also known as single-family homes, which provide the utmost privacy and space, to the increasingly popular townhouses that are perfect for those looking for a blend of community living and independence.

For those who prioritize privacy, detached houses in Guelph are a top choice. These homes are not connected to other properties and often come with front and backyards, offering additional space for families to enjoy. On the other hand, townhouses in Guelph are rows of homes sharing walls with neighbours, and provide a more community-centric living experience. End units in townhouse complexes share only one wall, making them akin to semi-detached houses. They are often more affordable than detached homes, making them a popular choice for many newcomers to the city.

Guelph's commitment to education is evident in its top-notch child care facilities, preschools, public and private elementary and high schools, skills training programs, and the prestigious University of Guelph. The city also boasts a plethora of sports and athletic programs for children, ranging from soccer and hockey to volleyball and baseball.

These programs are available through schools as well as community centers. For those who love the outdoors, Guelph Lake and Speed River offer ample opportunities to create lasting memories.

Reason #5: Diverse Restaurant Options

If you love food and appreciate the diversity of worldly flavours and cuisine, Guelph is the place to be. With a wide variety of delicious eats, Guelph’s dining choices are as diverse as its population, including cuisines like:

• French
• Thai
• Indian
• Mediterranea
• Canadian
• Japanese
• Mexican
• American
• Korean
• and more

Don’t worry, kids — Guelph also has plenty of tasty fast-food joints sprinkled throughout the city.

Are you a wine or beer connoisseur? Or maybe you just enjoy an occasional drink now and again? Either way, Guelph has you covered. Enjoy a great selection of bars, distilleries, wineries and breweries, with some having fun events like Cox Creek Cellars and their wine tastings. Fixed Gear Brewing and Royal City Brewing have a great selection of small-batch craft beer and food, and Spring Mill Distillery makes outstanding gin and vodka products. There’s no shortage of grown-up entertainment in Guelph.

Reason #6: Support for Arts and Culture

Guelph has an extensive arts and culture atmosphere for a small city, including live acts, concerts, shows, and exhibitions at the River Run Centre, Art Gallery of Guelph, McCrae House, and Civic Museum. Music venues throughout the city host top talent in many musical genres, so there’s always something for everyone. Don’t forget to visit the independent art galleries that support Guelph local artists in keeping a deep history of traditions and customs alive.

Reason #7: Beautiful Parks and Trails

Explore over 70 kilometres of trails winding through Guelph neighbourhoods as you walk, jog, or bike and navigate through 1000+ hectares of parklands and green spaces. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, take advantage of camping, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and more on the beautiful Speed River and Guelph Lake.

Reason #8: Ideal Geographic Location

Guelph sits in the ideal location for those who commute to other major cities for work. For example, driving from Guelph to Toronto takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Going from Guelph to Waterloo is about a half-hour drive, and Guelph to Hamilton is around a 45-minute trip. If you have extra time, the Go Train is also an option going from Guelph Central Station to Toronto in about an hour and 15 minutes. If you work in the city, Guelph's public transit system is known to be quite reliable.

Reason #9: Guelph Has a Rich History and Architecture

Established on April 23rd, 1827, Guelph was the first planned city in Canada. Guelph has almost two centuries of history and is full of magnificent architecture and traditions. There are around 100 designated heritage properties, with the most impressive structures downtown. Buildings from the Victorian era include the County Courthouse, the Church of Our Lady, and City Hall.

Reason #10: One of the Top-Ranked Universities in the Country

Guelph is home to one of the best universities in Canada — the University of Guelph. It consistently ranks in the top 20 and is specifically known for its agricultural sector. The Guelph Arboretum is a 165-hectare Arboretum modeled after the famous Harvard University Arnold Arboretum. Other post-secondary institutions in or near Guelph include the Ontario Agricultural College, the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), and Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo which is also one of the top-ranked universities in Southern Ontario and Canada.

Thinking of Moving to a More Affordable City With A Home-Grown Feel?

Guelph has it all.

Location, low crime rate, rapidly growing population, vibrant business opportunities, and affordability. With a strong sense of community, a small-town feel, and a 27% lower cost of living compared to cities like Toronto, Guelph has everything you’re looking for with a home-grown feel.

Get in touch with one of our Guelph realtors and let’s talk about the possibilities.