Best Canadian cities for young professionals

The Globe and Mail conducted a study of Canadian cities, ranking them on a number of parameters and picking the best ones to live in. In addition to the general ranking, the journalists shared a side list aimed at recent post-secondary graduates. In it, the authors of the ranking focused on job prospects, affordable housing and an active social environment. Education and climate, on the contrary, were given the lowest priority in the evaluation criteria.

Top 20

1. Victoria, British Columbia (unemployment rate 6%, median income CA$ 93,598);
2. Winnipeg, Manitoba (unemployment rate 5.9%, median income CA$ 107,532);
3. Penticton, BC (unemployment rate 6.5%, median income CA$ 92,950);
4. Regina, Saskatchewan (unemployment rate 6.6%, median income CA$ 115,421);
5. Saanich, BC (unemployment rate 5.4%, median income CA$ 125,038);
6. North Vancouver, BC (unemployment rate 6.2%, median income CA$ 157,772);
7. Vancouver, BC (unemployment rate 6.8%, median income CA$ 126,594);
8. Oak Bay, British Columbia (unemployment rate 5.2%, median income CA$ 162,122);
9. Quebec, Quebec (unemployment rate 5%, median income CA$ 96,301);
10. Pitt Meadows, British Columbia (unemployment rate 6.2%, median income CA$ 129,962);
11. Sidney, BC (unemployment rate 4.2%, median income CA$ 101,123);
12. Calgary, Alberta (unemployment rate 7.5%, median income CA$ 137,843);
13. New Westminster, British Columbia (unemployment rate 7.3%, median income CA$ 114,195);
14. Burlington, Ontario (6% unemployment rate, median income CA$ 150,373);
15. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (unemployment rate 6.8%, median income CA$ 112,335);
16. Parksville, BC (unemployment rate 6.4%, median income CA$ 83,574);
17. Ottawa, Ontario (unemployment rate 6.5%, median income CA$ 136,978);
18. Cranbrook, BC (unemployment rate 5.7%, median income CA$ 103,649);
19. Langley, BC (unemployment rate 5.9%, median income CA$ 135,897);
20. Vernon, BC (unemployment rate 6.2%, median income CA$ 95,926).

Selection criteria

Researchers collected data on 439 cities across the country with populations of 10,000 or more. The assessment includes analysis of 43 variables in 10 categories: economy, housing, demographics, health, safety, security, education, community, amenities, transportation and climate.