Planning to move abroad with your family and settle in a new country? You are not alone! According to the 2022 edition of the World Migration Report, over 281 million people were living outside their birth country in 2020.
When it comes to the best place for expats, Waterloo is a city in Canada that has been increasingly grabbing attention in recent years. The city is known for its welcoming immigration policies and tons of immigration programs such as Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program.
Apart from its efficient immigration process, homes for sale in Waterloo are famous among expats for the city’s high quality of life. So, if you are planning to move to a foreign country in 2024, Waterloo is one city you can definitely consider.
Factors That Make Waterloo the Ideal Destination for Expatriates
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Thriving Tech Hub
Nicknamed “Silicon Valley North” Waterloo has a tech industry that is rapidly progressing and growing. There are many cutting-edge fields in Waterloo’s tech industry like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.
This booming tech scene in the city is making “houses for sale Waterloo” immensely popular among expats with skills and experience in these sectors. One can easily land an exciting career opportunity in Waterloo in a leading company like OpenText or Google.
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Immigrant Friendly
Canada is known all over the world for its welcoming immigration policies and Waterloo is no exception. Waterloo participates in many immigration programs extended by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The city has an efficient Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that streamlines the immigration process for skilled workers and international graduates in high-demand fields.
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High Quality of Life
The city consistently manages to bag a high rank in livability indexes which in turn takes up the popularity of homes for sale in Waterloo. Residents enjoy a safe and inclusive environment in the city with excellent healthcare, affordable housing, and a range of cultural and recreational activities.
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Ease of Integration
Waterloo has a well-established and diverse international community with various support networks to extend help to newcomers in the city. This can help expats easily transition and settle in the city without any stress and hassle.
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Proximity to Toronto
Expats are constantly on the hunt for houses for sale Waterloo because of the city’s proximity to Toronto. By living in Waterloo, you can enjoy the charm and close-knit feel of Waterloo along with its quieter streets and friendly communities. You will also stay just a short drive or train ride away from Toronto’s cultural scene, and bustling entertainment options.
Best Neighborhoods for Expats to Settle Down in Waterloo
For Young Professionals
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Uptown Waterloo
Situated in the heart of the city’s booming tech industry, homes for sale in Waterloo in the Uptown neighbourhood are a hit among young professionals. By living here, expats can have easy access to top tech companies like OpenText and Google. Young professionals can find exciting career opportunities right at their doorstep, often within walking or biking distance.
Uptown also has a lively atmosphere with tons of trendy restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. This vibrant social science is usually preferred by young professionals who enjoy an active lifestyle and want to go on outings with friends and colleagues.
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Westmount
Home to the University of Waterloo, the Westmount neighbourhood has a vibrant energy, thanks to its diverse student population. Many social events and cultural activities are hosted in this neighbourhood where you get a chance to meet and connect with people from around the world. Because of the high number of international students in Westmount, this neighbourhood has a multicultural environment.
For Families
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Laurelwood
This established neighbourhood has spacious houses for sale in Waterloo with large yards, perfect for your little ones to play and frolic. Expat families prefer this neighbourhood because of its safe and peaceful vibe and strong sense of community.
Laurelwood also has many top-rated elementary and secondary schools such as Laurelwood Public School and Laurel Heights Secondary School. By buying a house here, you won’t have to worry about lengthy commutes to get your kid(s) to school.
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Eastbridge
Eastbridge, located in the northeast corner of Waterloo is another popular choice among expat families. Homes for sale in this Waterloo neighbourhood offer residents a tranquil environment away from the city’s hustle and bustle. But don’t get us wrong, while living here, you will also have easy access to major roads like the Expressway and nearby amenities.
Eastbridge has two public schools - Milen Woods and Lester B. Pearson, both of which have a good reputation. There are also many green spaces in the neighbourhood such as Kiwanis Park, Bechtel Park, and RIM Park where your kids can have some outdoor fun.
For Expats on a Budget
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Parts of Beechwood
The neighbourhoods on the edges of Beechwood, closer to Westmonut have houses for sale in Waterloo with a lower price tag. The property values in this area are much lower as compared to the heart of the neighbourhood.
In these affordable neighbourhoods within Beechwood, expats usually can find small detached homes, bungalows, or old properties. These neighbourhoods are located in close proximity to Uptown Waterloo so you won’t have to worry about staying far from urban conveniences.
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Rural Waterloo Townships
Wilmot, Wellesley, and Woolwich are neighbourhoods in Rural Waterloo Townships which have lower housing costs as compared to the rest of the areas. Expats can enjoy a tranquil life here away from the hustle and bustle of city life. But by buying a home for sale in Waterloo in this neighbourhood, you must brace up for longer commute times and fewer amenities.
For Nature Lovers
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Lakeside
As you can guess from the name, the highlight of living in Lakeside is that you will get to relish stunning views of Lake Waterloo every day. You can enjoy tons of activities in the lake, i.e., swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking in the summer months and ice skating in winter.
Lakeside is located conveniently near Uptown Waterloo and provides residents easy access to shops, restaurants and cafes. The houses for sale in this Waterloo neighbourhood are famous because of their highly-rated schools and safe and welcoming vibe.
Read more:
Jumpstart Your Life as an Expat in Waterloo: The City that Embraces Newcomers with Open Arms
Apart from the neighbourhoods mentioned above, Waterloo has many other expat-friendly areas, each with a safe and family-friendly environment. The residents of the Waterloo neighbourhoods warmly welcome expats and make them feel a part of the community.
So, if you have been looking for a place to settle abroad or have already set your mind on moving to Waterloo, rest assured, you won’t be disappointed. Connect with a local Realtor who can help you find houses for sale in Waterloo in the best neighbourhoods.