St. Thomas is a city that is worth visiting in case you are considering moving to Southwestern Ontario. St. Thomas has become a family-friendly community and the so-called Railway City because of its rich railway heritage. Ontario is becoming very popular among families, retirees, and professionals with its affordable housing, the expanding employment opportunity, and its location close to London. This guide will take you through all the information you need to know about living in St. Thomas, Ontario such as lifestyle, cost of living, housing, schools and common questions to be asked.
Where is St. Thomas, Ontario?
St. Thomas is in the Southwestern Ontario in Elgin County and only 15 minutes south of London. It is situated in a way that it can easily connect to major highways, rail lines and other cities close to it. Toronto is a mere 2-hour drive and Port Stanley on Lake Erie is within a short drive to the south, and has beautiful beaches and lakeside recreation.
Why Move to St. Thomas?
Affordable Housing
The affordability of St. Thomas is one of the largest attractions. Prices of real estates are cheaper as compared to Toronto, Mississauga and even London. The home value is approximately 600,000-700,000, and cheaper options are offered to first-time buyers.
Job Opportunities
The economy of St. Thomas is very robust and diversified. Major auto employers, manufacturing, and healthcare employers are found in the city. The construction of a new EV battery factory by Volkswagen is likely to improve the level of employment and economic development.
Family-Friendly Community
St. Thomas has a reputation of safe and friendly neighborhoods. Its parks, schools and recreation centers are valued by the families thus a good place to bring up children.
Proximity to London
Residing in St. Thomas, the residents have the privilege of having the small city life but within minutes of accessing the larger job market, hospitals, and shopping centers of London.
Access to Nature
St. Thomas has a good combination of urban life and recreational activities because of the closeness of Lake Erie beaches as well as numerous local parks and trails.
- St. Thomas Housing and Real Estate.
- St. Thomas has a strong real estate market which is growing steadily. Housing options include:
- Detached Homes- Large and family-friendly, most of them have backyards.
Townhouses - First time buyers can afford
- Rural Properties Country homes and farmlands along the periphery.
- A two-bedroom apartment costs approximately 1700-1900/month on average, which is not as expensive as in London or Toronto.
Cost of Living in St. Thomas
St. Thomas has a moderate cost of living as compared to the bigger cities in Ontario.
- Housing: The average price of a home is between $600K and 700K.
- Utilities: Approximately 250-300 a month per family house.
- Groceries: As in London, a little more expensive than Toronto local produce.
- Transport: The majority of the population has their own cars, however, their proximity to London makes commuting cheaper.
On the whole, St. Thomas is reasonably priced, particularly to families and retirees.
Schooling and Education in St. Thomas
The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) and the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) serve St. Thomas.
- Elementary Schools: Mitchell Hepburn Public School, Elgin Court Public School, Monsignor Morrison Catholic School.
- High Schools: St. Josephs catholic high school, parkside colleges institute, central elgin colleges institute.
- Secondary: Fanshawe College is located within a short distance and Western university in London is reachable by car.
In addition to the French immersion and the private school, families are also offered.
The Recreation and Lifestyle in St. Thomas.
Parks & Trails
Pinafore park- Beautiful gardens, trails and playgrounds.
Waterworks Park - This is a well-known picnic and nature walk park.
Culture & Entertainment
Elgin County Railway Museum honours the history of the city.
St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre features local art.
The community spirit is supplemented by such annual events as Railway City Beer Festival.
Sports & Fitness
There are recreation centers, ice rinks and sports leagues that are offered to children and adults.
Shopping & Dining
St. Thomas has a combination of local shops, superstores and different restaurants. London is just a few minutes away in case of bigger malls.
Healthcare in St. Thomas
STEGH is a modern hospital that offers various medical services to the city and serves it. The big hospitals of London are also within reach in case of specialized care.
Advantages and Disadvantages of residing in St. Thomas
Pros:
- Low cost of housing as compared to other cities.
- Community that is safe and family friendly.
- Good employment with new opportunities (VW EV factory)
- Location close to London and Lake Erie.
- A rich cultural and historical heritage.
Cons:
- Lack of entertainment and night life.
- Lesser employment opportunity as compared to London or Toronto.
- There is limited transportation-the majority of the residents require a car.
- Housing demand is growing at a rapid rate.
Who Should Move to St. Thomas?
Households - Cheap housing, excellent education, secure communities.
Commuters - Uncomplicated travel to London and other city centers.
Retirees - Healthcare and peaceful lifestyle.
Investors - Increased housing demand as a result of the new industry development.
Young Professionals - Employment in the manufacturing and medical industry.
Frequently Asked Questions of Living in St. Thomas, Ontario
Is St. Thomas an insecure place to live?
Yes, St. Thomas is regarded as a very safe city with minimal crime rates as opposed to the bigger cities.
How much is the average price of homes in St. Thomas?
By 2025, the median price of a home in St. Thomas will be between 600,000 and 700,000.
What is the distance between St. Thomas and London, Ontario?
London is within a 15 minutes’ distance of St. Thomas, making it one of the best commuter cities.
What is St. Thomas known for?
St. Thomas is the so-called Railroad City because of its old railway heritage and currently it is also becoming popular with the development of the Volkswagen EV battery plant.
Are the schools in St. Thomas good?
Yes, there are some elementary and high schools of TVDSB and LDCSB in St. Thomas, and the colleges and universities are available there.
Is St. Thomas cheap in comparison with London or Toronto?
Yes, it is cheaper in St. Thomas since the cost of housing and rental is lower, and the city facilities are available.
What are the recreation facilities?
Pinafore Park, Waterworks Park, community sports, museums and cultural festivals are enjoyed by residents.
Does St. Thomas have public transportation?
There are low rates of public transport, thus, the majority of the residents use cars to get to their workplace and place their daily orders.
Are retirees good in St. Thomas?
Yes, the retired people have a good lifestyle of relaxed living, cheap accommodation, and health institutions.
Which industries are the sources of employment in St. Thomas?
The significant sectors are manufacturing, automotive (suppliers of Toyota and Volkswagen EV plant), healthcare, and education.
Conclusion
And therefore, is St. Thomas, Ontario a good place to live? The response is, yes- particularly to families, retired and employed people seeking affordable homes, good employment and welcoming community. St. Thomas is a place with a rich history, an expanding economy, and is convenient to both London and Lake Erie, which makes it the most ideal place to live in concerning both small cities and big cities. St. Thomas is one of the places that should be in your list of places to move to Southwestern Ontario.