Oak Bay has been ranked second on Moving Waldo’s list of the best places to live in Canada with the best quality of life in 2024.
The Greater Victoria town was right behind Wellington County, ON. Oak Bay was the only Western Canadian city to make the list, while three of the locations are in Ontario, one in Quebec, and the other in New Brunswick.
The methodology used to determine the best quality of living is based on how each place ranks for safety, affordability and quality of life.
Oak Bay’s crime severity index ranked 29.18, and as of November 2023 the average one-bedroom apartment rent is $2,108, and the average property buying cost is $685,542.
“Locals love relaxing at Willow Beach, hiking at Cattle Point, or playing golf at the Victoria Golf Club. It offers a serene natural beauty setting with a walkability score of 67,” stated the list.
LaSalle, ON was ranked third on the list followed by Lévis, QC, Burlington, ON, and Edmundston, NB. Although Wellington County was ranked first, the price of buying an average property costs $861,528, which is $175,000 more than the price in Oak Bay.
The list also noted that Oak Bay “is known for its stunning views overlooking the Oak Bay Islands Ecological Reserve, where residents can enjoy whale watching.”
The list not only boosts Oak Bay for its stunning natural views but also its renowned Edwardian architecture that decorates the municipality. The list nods to Oak Bay High School and St. Patrick’s Elementary School as just one of the many schools within the district.
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