As newcomers to Canada, there are lots of choices you need to make to get the most out of the community you choose. Your must-have list might include things like getting a great job, finding a nice home, experiencing Canadian arts and culture and securing a good education. In some of the best places to live in eastern Ontario, you can find many communities that provide these and many more benefits to people relocating here.

Here Are Just Some of the Best Places to Live in Eastern Ontario

As a newcomer to Canada, you might want some help visualizing what your life could look like here. Let’s look at 3 different areas in eastern Ontario that could fulfill the dream life you’ve been envisioning in Canada.

But please note: These 3 communities are just a sample of the many places to live in eastern Ontario. If we tried to write a blog post with every single one it would, undoubtedly, be the longest blog post in the history of the internet. Please do everything you can to familiarize yourself with all of the opportunities in eastern Ontario region.

There's plenty of waterfront municipalities, rural communities, and locations along the 401 corridor that give you fast transport to anywhere in the region and easy navigation through the province.

The three communities listed here represent the diversity of places you can live in eastern Ontario (you could choose from many more, too!). You’ll see more populated areas and smaller close-knit communities plus more remote locations. There’s lots of easy access to the natural features and agricultural lands that make eastern Ontario a draw for city lovers, hobby farmers, fitness enthusiasts and nature appreciators.

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Kingston: Live in a Historic Waterfront City

With a population of more than 100,000 Kingston is an ideal-sized city that provides all the amenities and diverse entertainment options without big-city congestion. It’s located along the 401 (the Trans-Canada Highway) on the shores of Lake Ontario. For you, this means convenient transport options to larger centres like Toronto for a day trip or weekend visit. Plus you can enjoy glorious views and outdoor recreation options by the lake.

Prestigious Education, Good Jobs and Local Flavour

In town, there’s Queen’s University, the Royal Military College and St. Lawrence College so you can choose the post-secondary education you want. Plus, French immersion and English language elementary and secondary schools give you good education choices for your kids.

On the job front, Kingston has education, health care and military jobs. If you’re looking for manufacturing and food processing work you’ll find it in the city or within a close commute to booming eastern Ontario industrial sectors like the Bay of Quinte.

From April to November you can visit the Kingston Public Market to buy your fruits, vegetables, baked goods, honey, maple syrup and even flowers. Located behind the historic city hall close to the waterfront, you can stop by Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Greater Napanee: Live Close to Schools, Jobs and the Great Outdoors

Greater Napanee is a smaller community, and it’s along the 401 highway too. Its proximity to natural spaces like the Bay of Quinte and affordable housing makes Napanee a good spot to settle.

With a population of less than 20,000, you can enjoy a small-town feel while being within reasonable commute times for school or work. You can find good jobs locally in manufacturing, food processing, transportation and customer service and health care. It’s an ideal work-from-home location too with reliable internet services and all the amenities you need to live and work comfortably.

There are many post-secondary options near Greater Napanee. Choose from universities such as Trent and Queen’s and colleges close by like St. Lawrence, Loyalist and Fleming.

Between November and January, you can drive downtown and enjoy the Big Bright Light Season. Napanee sparkles with a festive light display. Also kind of cool … musician Avril Lavigne is from here.

Bancroft: Easily Work Remotely Surrounded by Nature

Bancroft is an outdoor adventure lover’s dream home in a rural setting. It’s remote enough to give you the peaceful lifestyle you crave, yet within reasonable driving distance to bigger centres if you need access to more amenities.

Located in the southwest region of eastern Ontario, Bancroft is close to Algonquin Park (a vast public natural space loved by Canadians and visitors from abroad). Bancroft is a ~240 km drive to Toronto and ~220 km drive to Ottawa. Closer urban centres include Kingston and Belleville.

Small Population Big Opportunities

Bancroft’s population is less than 5000 (though this increases drastically during the warmer months as cottagers settle back in). This is good for residents, especially if you’re in the customer service or travel and tourism industry. Welcome entrepreneurs and small business owners!

Bancroft is a good location if you’re looking to work remotely as well. Find the quality of life you’re looking for with affordable housing in a beautiful landscape. Did we mention Algonquin Park…

Fun Fact: Almost 90% of all types of minerals found on earth can be found in North Hastings (the county where Bancroft is located) making Bancroft a major destination for recreational rockhounding enthusiasts. It’s known as the "Mineral Capital of Canada."

If you’re moving to Canada and looking at Ontario as your destination, you’ll find many support programs to help you get started in eastern Ontario, located between two of Canada’s largest cities, Toronto and Montreal. Newcomers to Canada can find employment training and relocation guidance through Local Immigration Partnerships and the YMCA Employment program.

Think eastern Ontario is the place for you? Download this Quality of Life Infographic so you can see the benefits of living and working here.