Langford tops list of over 150 most ‘livable places’ in Canada

A new report looking at Canada’s most “livable places” has awarded Langford the number one spot on a list of over 150 communities.

The report, by Toronto-based insurance and money advice website RATESDOTCA, looked at factors including trends in housing prices, migration data and airport accessibility.

They say these factors have never been assembled in a Canadian city ranking of this scale.

In addition, the report also assigned editorial ratings for qualitative ratings on things like scenery, nightlife, climate, and outdoor lifestyle.

“Our first ranked city, Langford B.C. got high marks for growth, affordability (particularly relative to other B.C. hotspots), property tax costs, desirable climate and proximity to spectacular nature,” said Robert McLister, Mortgage Editor, RATESDOTCA.

“[Langord] and other top 10 locations could see outsized real estate returns in coming years given they check a lot of homebuyer boxes and are relatively cost effective.”

Also included in the top 10 locations was Cowichan Bay, in the number eight spot. The small South Island community was awarded five stars in the reports “scenery ratings,” compared to four for Langford.

However, Cowichan Bay was awarded only one star for “nightlife” to Langford’s three and had a slightly longer commute to a commercial airport.

“Though more expensive than mainland Kelowna, Langford retains a small-town feel, along with imminent access to nature,” the report says.

“The city’s nightlife and culinary scene falls shy of the country’s largest metropolises, but the recent increase in population has spurred growth, adding some cultural niceties to a place defined by natural beauty.”

RATESDOTCA says that housing prices are becoming increasingly inaccessible in many metropolitan cities, with 61 per cent of homebuyers citing affordability as a key criterion as they look for a place to relocate to.

“Canada has some incredible hidden gems if you’re relocating for a change in lifestyle; places people seldom think about,” said McLister. “This list shows that there are affordable home options for homebuyers willing and able to broaden their horizons.”

Victoria placed 30th on the list, while Greater Vancouver ranked at 27.

The report also included results from an online survey of 1,514 Canadians conducted by Leger Marketing from January 22-24, 2021, using Leger’s online panel. The sample’s ages ranged from 18 to 55+ years old. The margin of error for this study is +/-2.5%, 19 times out of 20.