St. Catharines is one of the Canadian cities in which individuals like to settle. It is a medium-sized city in the Niagara Region that is close to many other communities. It is appealing because it is close to Toronto and the United States border. This blog covers all you need to know about living in St. Catharines, Ontario. 

Well, Canada is an excellent nation to call home. Its diverse population, as well as regions, offer you many unique cities to choose from. The location you choose will directly impact your lifestyle – including where you work, career paths, finances, cost of living, etc. So, let’s get on with our discussion regarding living in St. Catharines, Ontario. 

About St. Catharines, Ontario 

St. Catharines is the largest city in the Niagara Region. It is known as the Garden City because of its wide network of gardens, parks, and trails. Manufacturing is St. Catharines biggest industry. It is also the primary hub for telecommunication between Canada and the United States. Its unique landscape and location on the Niagara escarpment make the region a significant area for tourism and agriculture. 

The city was first settled in 1779. It was later incorporated as a town in 1845 and officially became a city in 1876. 

Because of its proximity to other communities in the area, St. Catharines, as well as other towns in the Niagara Region, are often referred to collectively. St. Catharines, as well as the Niagara Region in general, has a strong history of welcoming and integrating newcomers. And the many community and cultural organizations that work in the area support this. It is a growing and diverse community with many recreation and cultural activities to help you meet new people. 

How Many People Reside In St. Catharines, Ontario?   

The first thing to know about living in St. Catharines, Ontario, is how many people live there. The city of St. Catharines has a population of 136,803 as of the 2021 Census. This is about one-third of the residents in the Niagara region. The St. Catharines-Niagara region has around 420,000 residents, making it the sixth-largest metropolitan area in Ontario and the thirteenth-largest in Canada overall. 

St. Catharines Local Economy 

Manufacturing is the city’s dominant industry. There are also many other industries thriving in the area. The top industries in St. Catharines are: 

  • Healthcare 
  • Education
  • Manufacturing 
  • Tourism
  • Cross-Cutting Technologies 
  • Agriculture, Food, Beverage 

The city has several emerging sectors, such as engineering, computer system design, scientific research and development, and technology.  

Is Housing Expensive In St. Catharines, Ontario? 

The cost to buy or rent a home in St. Catherines is on the rise. Like other areas in Ontario and across Canada, real estate prices have increased over the past couple of years. The good news is that real estate prices are still slightly lower than the national average. Location is always a prime factor that affects real estate costs. St. Catharines has over 30 communities and neighborhoods to consider. 

Buying A Home In St. Catharines 

The cost of buying a home is on the rise in St. Catharines. According to data from Royal LePage, the median price to purchase a home in the Niagara/ St. Catharines area increased 23.3% year-over-year to $733,900. The median cost for a single-family detached home is $768,100, which is a 28% increase from the previous year. The median price for a condo is $436,800. 

Driving In St. Catharines, Ontario 

The next thing to know about living in St. Catharines, Ontario, is its public transit and driving. 

Highways are the main access points to the city. Residents use two major highways to get around: the Queen Elizabeth Way and Highway 406. St. Paul Street and Hartzel Road are other busy roads. All drivers must have a valid Ontario driver’s license to operate a vehicle. The province uses a graduated licensing system. 

In addition, the St. Catharines Transit Commission operates bus routes in the city. Residents also have access to coach buses and GO Transit, which offers service to Niagara Falls and Toronto. 

Community Support For Newcomers 

There are many settlement services and organizations to help newcomers to connect with people in the community. These services can help you navigate and learn about your new community. They include: 

  • Casa El Norte
  • YMCA of Niagara
  • Niagara Immigration
  • Folks Art Council Multicultural Center 
  • Ontario Services For Newcomers and Refugees 
  • Chez Marie 
  • Matthew House 
  • Fort Erie Multicultural Center 

Language Support In St. Catharines, Ontario 

Communication is an integral skill. Suppose you wish to improve your language skills once you land in Canada. In that case, you can get language support through several community groups such as Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Center, YMCA Employment and Immigration Services, Welland Heritage Council, Niagara College, and many more. 

Personal Finance and Banking 

Organizing your personal finances once you get to Canada is a necessity. Local banks and credit unions offer programs for new immigrants. You can get assistance opening a bank account, obtaining a credit card, and applying for other financial products such as a line of credit or mortgage. 

Elementary and High School Education In St, Catharines

The last thing to know about living in St. Catharines, Ontario, is its education system. 

The District Board of Niagara oversees more than 119 schools and faculties, including six Secondary Schools in the city of St. Catharines: Laura Secord Secondary School, Sir Winston Churchill, Eden, etc.   

The Niagara Catholic District School Board oversees 61 elementary as well as secondary schools in the Niagara region, including three Catholic Secondary Schools within the city: Holy Cross, Denis Morris Catholic High School, and Saint Francis. 

Conclusion 

Living in St. Catharines, Ontario, provides a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. Known as the “Garden City,” it boasts beautiful parks, trails, and proximity to the Niagara Escarpment. 

The city grants a wide variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options while maintaining a close-knit community feel. With its growing economy, strong educational institutions, and access to the U.S. border, St. Catharines is both family-friendly and suitable for professionals. The city’s location near Niagara Falls and the Great Lakes makes it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Overall, St. Catharines offers a peaceful yet vibrant lifestyle for its residents.

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].