Newcomer Guide to Living in London, Ontario

Why London, Ontario Is a Great Choice for Newcomers

London, Ontario, sometimes called "The Forest City" for its abundant tree cover and parks, is a vibrant mid-sized city in the heart of southwestern Ontario. With a population of approximately 420,000, London offers a compelling balance of urban amenities, affordable living, and a welcoming community. The city is located roughly halfway between Toronto and Detroit, at the intersection of Highways 401 and 402, making it well-connected to the broader region.

London has a long history of welcoming newcomers, and immigration has been a significant driver of the city's growth in recent years. The city's economy is anchored by healthcare, education, manufacturing, financial services, and technology, providing a diverse range of employment opportunities. For newcomers seeking an affordable, livable city with strong institutions and community support, London is an excellent option.

Getting Around London: LTC Transit and Transportation

The London Transit Commission (LTC) operates the city's public bus system, with routes covering most of the city and connecting major destinations including downtown, hospitals, universities, and shopping centres. Monthly passes and single-ride fares are affordable, and the LTC offers reduced fares for seniors, students, and low-income residents. The city is also developing a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to improve service along major corridors.

London does not have rail transit, but VIA Rail provides intercity train service from London to Toronto, Kitchener, and Windsor. The London International Airport (YXU) offers limited commercial flights. Most newcomers find that having a vehicle is beneficial in London, as the city is spread out and some areas are not well served by bus routes. For information about getting a driver's licence, see our Driving in Canada Guide.

London as a Healthcare Hub

London is one of Canada's most important healthcare centres. London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is one of the largest acute-care teaching hospitals in the country, with two campuses: University Hospital and Victoria Hospital. LHSC provides specialized care in areas including cardiac surgery, transplant medicine, trauma care, neurosurgery, and pediatric medicine through the Children's Hospital at LHSC. St. Joseph's Health Care London provides additional hospital and long-term care services.

The concentration of healthcare facilities means that London has a large healthcare workforce and significant employment opportunities in nursing, allied health, medical technology, and support services. For newcomers with healthcare credentials from other countries, London's hospitals and clinics represent a potential pathway to employment, though credential recognition processes must be completed first. For information about applying for your provincial health card, see our Provincial Health Cards Guide.

Accessing Healthcare as a Newcomer

To access publicly funded healthcare in Ontario, you need to apply for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). There is a three-month waiting period for most newcomers. During this time, you should purchase private health insurance. Walk-in clinics are available throughout London, and several community health centres provide services on a sliding scale or at no charge to uninsured patients. The Intercommunity Health Centre and the London InterCommunity Health Centre specifically serve newcomer and underserved populations.

Education: Western University and Fanshawe College

Western University, officially the University of Western Ontario, is a prestigious research university with approximately 35,000 students. The university is known for its programs in business (Ivey Business School), medicine (Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry), engineering, law, and sciences. Western has a beautiful campus in the north end of London and a strong international student community.

Fanshawe College is one of Ontario's largest colleges, offering over 200 programs in areas including business, technology, health sciences, human services, and skilled trades. Fanshawe has a strong focus on applied learning and career preparation, and many programs include co-op or work-integrated learning components. The college also offers English language training programs for newcomers. For more about education in Canada, see our Education System Guide.

Affordable Living in London

One of London's strongest attractions for newcomers is its affordability compared to Toronto and other major southern Ontario cities. Average rents for a one-bedroom apartment range from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, significantly lower than Toronto, Hamilton, or Kitchener-Waterloo. Two-bedroom apartments typically range from $1,500 to $2,000. Home purchase prices are also considerably lower than in the Greater Toronto Area, making homeownership more accessible for newcomers who plan to stay long-term.

Groceries, utilities, and other living costs in London are comparable to or slightly below the Ontario average. The city has a good selection of international grocery stores, including shops specializing in South Asian, Middle Eastern, East Asian, African, and Latin American products. This is a valuable resource for newcomers who want to maintain familiar food traditions while settling into their new home. For financial planning advice, visit our Banking and Financial Guide.

Employment Opportunities

London's economy is diversified across several key sectors. Healthcare is the largest employer, followed by education, manufacturing, financial services, technology, and retail. Major employers include London Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph's Health Care, Western University, Fanshawe College, Canada Life (financial services), and several manufacturing firms. The city is also developing a growing technology sector, with start-ups and established companies in digital health, artificial intelligence, and software development.

Manufacturing remains an important part of London's economy, with companies in automotive parts, food processing, and advanced manufacturing providing employment opportunities for newcomers with technical skills. The Job Bank Canada website lists current openings in the London area, and local employment agencies can help newcomers with job search, resume preparation, and interview skills.

Settlement Services and Community Organizations

London has an excellent network of settlement agencies that provide free services to newcomers, including language training, employment assistance, housing support, and community orientation. Key organizations include the Cross Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC), which offers comprehensive settlement services including language assessment, job search workshops, and mentorship programs. LUSO Community Services provides a range of programs for newcomers and immigrants, including youth programs, seniors' services, and cultural interpretation.

The London and Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMLIP) coordinates immigration-related services across the city and publishes resources to help newcomers navigate life in London. The South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre and other community centres also offer programs that help newcomers connect with their new community. For government-funded settlement services, visit the IRCC New Life in Canada page.

Cultural Communities and Places of Worship

London is home to diverse cultural communities, with significant populations from South Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, East Africa, and East Asia. The city has mosques, temples, churches, gurdwaras, and synagogues serving these communities. Cultural associations organize festivals, celebrations, and social events throughout the year, providing opportunities for newcomers to connect with others from their home countries while also engaging with the broader London community.

Neighbourhoods to Consider

London is a spread-out city with distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own character. Downtown London is the commercial and cultural centre, with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Old East Village is an up-and-coming neighbourhood with affordable housing and a growing arts scene. Byron and Westmount are family-friendly suburban areas with good schools. The north end, near Western University, is popular with students and young professionals. Argyle and White Oaks in the south offer affordable housing and proximity to Fanshawe College's south campus.

Climate and Lifestyle

London has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures typically reach 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures can drop to minus 10 to minus 20 Celsius. London receives significant snowfall, averaging about 175 centimetres per year, so winter clothing and footwear are essential. The city has numerous parks, including Springbank Park along the Thames River, Victoria Park downtown, and the Fanshawe Conservation Area, which offer year-round recreational opportunities.

Final Thoughts on Living in London, Ontario

London, Ontario is a city that offers newcomers an affordable, welcoming, and opportunity-rich environment. With world-class healthcare and educational institutions, a diversified economy, strong settlement services, and a growing multicultural community, London provides the foundation newcomers need to build a successful life in Canada. The city's lower cost of living compared to Toronto and other southern Ontario cities makes it particularly attractive for newcomers who want to stretch their resources while still being within reasonable distance of Canada's largest city.

WelcomeAide is here to support your settlement journey in London and across Canada. Use our AI Newcomer Navigator for personalized help, browse our blog for more city guides, or find out how to get involved in supporting newcomer communities.