2 GTA cities among Top 10 best places to live in Canada: MoneySense

Two cities in the Greater Toronto Area cracked the Top 10 list of the best places to live in Canada by MoneySense magazine.

Burlington ranked the highest of the GTA locations, coming in third overall with Oakville coming in sixth. The home of Justin Bieber – Stratford, Ont., ranked seventh on the list.

The rating was based on household income, employment, housing prices, weather, crime and access to health care.

For the first time, Boucherville, Que., earned the top spot with its high incomes and low unemployment making home ownership affordable, as well as a robust transit system and a vibrant arts community.

Canada’s Best Places to Live 2015 – Top 10 Overall

1. Boucherville, Que.
2. Ottawa, Ont.
3. Burlington, Ont.
4. St. Albert, Alta.
5. Blainville, Que.
6. Oakville, Ont.
7. Stratford, Ont.
8. Lévis, Que.
9. North Vancouver (District Municipality), B.C.
10. Quebec City, Que.

Burlington and Oakville were also included in the list of Top 10 places to raise children, along with Milton and Halton Hills.

Top 10 places to raise kids

1. St. Albert, Alta.
2. Burlington, Ont.
3. Calgary, Alta.
4. Oakville, Ont.
5. Strathcona County, Alta.
6. Blainville, Que.
7. Ottawa, Ont.
8. Milton, Ont.
9. Halton Hills, Ont.
10. Spruce Grove, Alta.

Despite Vancouver taking the top two spots when it comes to richest areas to live across the country, GTA neighbourhoods, remarkably, held seven of the Top 10 positions.

Top 10 richest cities

1. West Vancouver, B.C.
2. North Vancouver (District Municipality), B.C.
3. Canmore, Alta.
4. Oakville, Ont.
5. Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ont.
6. Vaughan, Ont.
7. Richmond Hill, Ont.
8. Aurora, Ont.
9. Caledon, Ont.
10. Markham, Ont.

Toronto was ranked second when it came to places to retire — just behind Ottawa. According to MoneySense, other places to kick back and enjoy the golden years included Stratford, Kingston and Burlington.

For the full rankings go to moneysense.ca/bestplaces.