June 18, 2025 | Community
Best Small Towns in Ontario For Families
Some of the best places to live in Canada for families are right here in Ontario, and you might be surprised to find out, they’re not big cities.
Small-town living is highly desirable in Ontario – and for good reason. Whether you will be starting a family soon, or already have kids, there are a number of local communities that should be on your radar.
In this blog, we’ll share some of the best small towns in Ontario for families.
Should I Raise My Family in a Small Town?
What are the perks of small-town living? First, the close-knit sense of community is unmatched in small towns. There is something to be said for knowing, and appreciating your neighbour. Forming relationships and strong community connections is easier in towns where those living within it are active in the area.
Small towns also have a feel that reflects the simple things. When you think about the simple things, you might envision the sounds of nature, a blue sunny day or kids playing on their bikes outside. This truly is what small-town living is like! When you choose to relocate to a small town you will find that you lose the noise and hustle of the city which means you can really allow yourself to take in and appreciate your surroundings.
Another benefit to small-town living is the support local businesses receive and the involvement of the overall community. Many locals are eager to get out and involve themselves in clubs, events and businesses centrally located to their homes. The unwavering support in small towns seems to be unbeatable and the networks that word travels through when it comes to the best businesses nearby are seemingly endless!
Best Small Towns in Ontario For Families
Some of the best places to live in Ontario for families are small towns. As real estate agents who have helped countless families find the right community for them, we’ve got a few recommendations! Keep in mind that these are in no particular order.
Fergus, Ontario
Known for its family feel, Fergus is one of the best places to raise a family in Ontario. With its proximity to Guelph, while still providing a steady and growing infrastructure, Fergus provides a life of balance!
One of the most affordable small towns in Ontario, there are many different living situations to choose from, with rural, agricultural land nearby while also having condo-style apartments and suburban new-build homes, Fergus is versatile when it comes to the type/style of home you might be looking for.
With many families in Fergus, you will find a well-rounded population that is geared towards the youth, with clubs, and local amenities such as splash pads, libraries and skating rinks, there are lots of engaging activities across the community.
Downtown Fergus is also continuing to grow and morph, with lots of local eateries and shops, this is the perfect place to find your everyday essentials or appreciate the local artisans and business owners’ inventory! If you are looking for a delicate balance between work and life, Fergus offers all of this while still putting you just a stone’s throw away from major cities such as Kitchener, Waterloo and Guelph.
Want to know more about life in Fergus? Explore our 5 reasons to move to Fergus here!
Elora, Ontario
Elora is quickly becoming a sought-after place to raise your family, with its hip downtown core filled with tons of local shops and delicious restaurants, to its beautiful century homes. Elora is a gem, located just moments from Guelph and about 30 minutes outside of Kitchener-Waterloo. The town is built around the Grand River, which flows throughout downtown and follows a stunning walking trail surrounding the prestigious Elora Mil.
In Elora you will find yourself feeling at home, between the community of small-town living to the convenience of shops, grocery stores and just about everything one could need being so close, you have the benefits of small-town living without having to drive into the larger cities!
If you enjoy art, music and good food… then Elora is the place for you. It is quickly becoming known in the Greater Toronto area as a small town within a perfect distance of the city to get away. One of the most sought-after spots in Elora is the Mill, a luxurious experience from the inside out. Enjoy the 5-star resort-like spa, or fine dining by their renowned sue-chef. If you are looking to be close to the city while still enjoying the many perks of a smaller town, then Elora might be the place for you.
Thinking about moving to a small town in Ontario? Check out these blogs for more helpful advice!
- Urban vs. Rural Living – Which Is Better For You?
- How to Buy a Rural House in Ontario
- Tips For Transitioning to Rural Living
Conestoga, Ontario
Conestoga is truly a hidden gem and a town you are likely to underestimate in size. With its own golf course running along the Grand River, this charming small town is full of history and a great place to put down roots and raise kids.
In particular, the new development, which runs across Golf Course Rd and down adjacent streets, is filled with young families, kids playing on the streets, biking, doing chalk or just enjoying the sense of community you will find here.
Outside of its newer areas, Conestoga is known for its charming heritage homes, with homes dating as far back as the earlier 1800s, these heritage beauties stand as a testament to architectural excellence.
Between its golf course, family-friendly feel and sense of strong community, Conestoga is a lovely place along the river to situate yourself in the long term. As a bonus, it’s also one of the most affordable small towns in Ontario.
St Jacobs, Ontario
St Jacobs is a best-kept secret in many ways, with new development homes to beautiful, old brick residences, St Jacobs is full of variety. The downtown core attracts many people to the town on the weekends and is full of so many lovely, local shops! The Stone Crock Bakery, The Pub, Beer Garden or Block 3 are among some of the local treasures for casual dining!
The small town roots run deep here, with one public school ranging from JK-Grade 8 that services the entire community. Fueled with local passion by the Lions Club, the community is always active and finding fantastic ways to band together and make a difference! If you are a nature enthusiast- you will love its proximity to the Grand River and walking trails such as the Mill Race and the Health Valley Trail. Through and through, St Jacobs takes you out of the city while still being just a 10-minute drive to Uptown Waterloo and a 15-minute commute to the Downtown Kitchener Core!
Searching for the best place to raise a family in Ontario? Overall, there are so many small towns that make great places to live for new and growing families. If you enjoy a slower pace, the freedom of space and the tightness of a supportive community, then Elora, Conestoga, Fergus or St Jacobs could be the place for you!
Searching for the perfect family home? We can help! Reach us by email at operations@capstonereps.com or call 519.824.9050.
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