We have so many forests! Rachel McAdams is from here!
Once you go ‘burbs, you’ll never go back.
In 2021, my husband and I packed up our tiny Toronto townhouse and moved to a new city. After years of toying with the idea, we finally took the plunge and bought a charming little property just outside of downtown London, Ontario.
We had no idea then that it would be the best decision we ever made.
Here’s what we’ve loved so far:
Better weather
Starting off strong — London’s proximity to the south means less harsh winters, earlier springs, and much warmer summers. Score! On top of that, the hiking and walking trails really allow me to maximize my time outside during the summer months. It makes the long winters just a bit easier to bear.
Better shopping
One of my main concerns when moving to London was that the shopping scene would be kind of scant and lame. Like tourist-y shops and whatever. I was way off base — the shopping in London is even better than most major cities, with no loss of selection from high luxury to small business goods.
If you venture 20 minutes in either direction of the city, there’s even more shopping to be done. Decorating a new house from scratch has been a slice, with special touches you won’t find at an IKEA.
Pedestrian friendly
One thing that has always struck me as odd about Toronto is that space is so under-utilized. City block after city block is dotted with empty storefronts or office buildings. The urban sprawl is so bad that if you’re not commuting, you’re basically relegated to a two hour TTC ride anywhere in the city.
Not here! London is one of those rare spots in North America that actually prioritizes pedestrians over cars. If you’ve never experienced it, HIGHLY RECOMMEND. I can walk to go grab a coffee, go to the doctor’s office, go to the grocery store, hit the gym, do a bit of shopping, go to not one, but four different parks. It’s a freedom that I’ll never take for granted again.
Joyful people
I don’t know what’s shifted in the last decade, but Toronto has become a playground for rich kids and while that’s great for them, it’s not my scene. I longed to feel connected to a community, and it just wasn’t going to happen in a big city with so much sprawl.
London, being so small, is absolutely filled with life and people. The commitment to community is worth the trade-off of upscale bars and exclusive nightclubs. It’s so neighbourly and joyful here that it forces me to be a better person everyday.
Vibrant day (and night) scene
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how vibrant the arts and culture scene in London. It kind of feels like Portland in 2010 — filled with hipsters and artists and other people way cooler than me. The music scene is great, and there’s always something going on downtown for either kids or adults. We definitely get out a lot more than we used to, which has helped lift our spirits after two years in lockdown.
Any cuisine, any time
Another surprising twist? The food here is actually killer. Small local restaurants far outnumber their big box counterparts, and the cuisine is as diverse as its people. And there’s no half-hour line to get inside.
The burbs are … cool now?
There’s something so delightful about the way modern architecture blends so seamlessly with the natural beauty of this city. I used to really hate cookie-cutter style suburban homes, but something has shifted in the last decade and homes in new areas are visual candy. Frank Lloyd-Wright-esque homes that are a mix of natural and synthetic — it’s so much more appealing, and makes me thrilled to walk around the neighbourhood.