What is it about Kingston, Ontario that makes it so attractive to residents new and old? To those of us who have made this vibrant community our long-time home, there are too many reasons to name.
If you’re new around these parts, you’re in for a treat, and we are excited to tell you all about it! Where is Kingston, and why are we so convinced Kingston is among the best places to live in Ontario? Grab a coffee and get comfortable; we’re about to explore all of the many benefits of living (and buying a home) in Kingston.
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Access to Education and Community
The moment you arrive, one thing is sure to stand out: people in Kingston are smart! This comes as no surprise. It is home to Queen’s University, one of the foremost institutions in Canada, renowned for its programs in engineering, health sciences, law, and business.
A high student population gives the city a youthful and vibrant atmosphere. Upon graduation, plenty of excellent career opportunities abound. Government, education, and healthcare are the primary sectors, but there are also positions in manufacturing, technology and more.
Are you already convinced to pack up your bags and move to Kingston, Ontario? The posts below will help you hit the ground running.
- The Hidden Costs of Buying a Home
- Buying a Home: Separating Myths from Facts
- 5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a REALTOR®
Kingston, Ontario: More Than a University City
Kingston isn’t just a university town, by the way. It’s also a college town, thanks to St. Lawrence College.
If you’re a young and hip professional who wants a high-paying job in the field you actually studied for, this is your ticket. Or perhaps you want to advance your career — or start fresh in a whole new field.
With in-demand programs in healthcare, marketing, business management, social services, skilled trades and more, St. Lawrence is an excellent place to expand your horizons. Between the college and the university and their extensive continuing education programs, you have plenty of opportunities to learn and grow, no matter what stage of life’s journey you are in.
Plus, there’s an entire community rooting for you to achieve your dreams. Kingston may have a highly educated population, but it also comes with a warm welcome and a friendly, down-to-earth attitude.
Is your dream home waiting for you right here in Kingston? Find out by browsing some of our featured listings.
Kingston’s Family Friendly Community
People here tend to be humble, hard-working, and there’s a sense of small-town community all around. If you move to Kingston, it won’t be long before a friendly neighbour knocks on your door with a coffee, a welcoming smile, and a recommendation of the best restaurants in Kingston.
A word of warning: we will probably talk your ear off about the the many fun things to do in Kingston. To start with, you could check out the incredible mountain bike trails just north of the city at MTB Kingston.
If we have a day to spare, you might find us hopping onto the Wolfe Island ferry to spend an afternoon or evening on the island. A two minute stroll leads to two waterfront patios. Either option is a great place to have dinner while watching the sun set over historic downtown Kingston. It really is an unforgettable sight!
Beyond its love of cycling and spectacular scenery, Kingston has a reputation for its rich history and culture. For example, did you know that Kingston (not Ottawa) was actually the first capital city of Canada?
Wondering if that beautiful dream home is actually in the budget? Our Buyer’s Calculator can help you decide.
Fun Facts About Kingston, Ontario
Do not get us started about all the attributes and characteristics of this city we love so much! We can (and do) go on for days. But we promised to stick to just the highlights, so here are a few details you simply must know:
Kingston is called the Limestone City due to an abundance of breathtaking buildings constructed from light-grey limestone. It really is a sight to behold during a downtown stroll.
As the site of the former Kingston Penitentiary, now the Kingston Penitentiary Museum, we get a lot of true-crime tourism. Maybe it’s a strange quirk, but it’s a conversation starter!
Lastly (for now), Kingston is the hometown of the legendary rock band The Tragically Hip. If that factoid doesn’t come with impressive bragging rights, we don’t know what does.
More FAQs About Living in Kingston, Ontario
If the information so far still leaves you wondering, “Is Kingston a good place to live?” perhaps the FAQ section below will convince you.
What is the cost of living in Kingston, Ontario?
Like anywhere, it varies depending on the lifestyle you want to enjoy. All the same, we can confidently say that life is far less expensive here than in Toronto or Ottawa. If you’re a first-time home buyer, your dreams of home ownership are actually possible, even if there’s no big lottery jackpot in your future.
Are you ready to upgrade from a condo to a house? Picture a well-loved and maintained spacious home with a backyard, maybe even a patio door leading to an outdoor garden. Or, dare to dream – a driveway with space for multiple cars. The possibilities are alive in Kingston!
How big is Kingston, Ontario?
In terms of sheer geographical size, Kingston is quite large, spanning approximately 450 square kilometres. Population-wise, the Greater Kingston area is home to more than 172,000, with approximately 132,000 living in the city core. That info comes directly from the 2021 Census. In other words, it’s a fully established mid-sized city — full of the big-city conveniences but without the hassles and headaches.
How far is Kingston from Toronto?
Toronto lies approximately 260 km south-west of Kingston. By train, the commute takes approximately 2½ hours. By car, you’re looking at anywhere between 2½ hours and 8 years, depending on the GTA traffic on the 401. Yet another reason we are grateful to live in Kingston.
Are you moving to Kingston as part of a military relocation? Caldwell and Co. is determined to create a unique buying experience just for you.
How is Kingston, Ontario’s nightlife?
Kingston is a university (and college) city, so the nightlife is absolutely thrilling and the live music scene is legendary. Hopping pubs, bars, and dance clubs are concentrated in the very walkable downtown core. Also, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention that Kingston restaurants are to die for. Don’t believe us? Check out Wooden Heads Gourmet Pizza, Casa Domenico, or Tango Nuevo, to name a few.
Kingston also hosts numerous fun events throughout the year, like Kingston Buskers Rendezvous and Rockin’ in the Square. There is always something going on; boredom is not in our vocabulary around here. If you’re in the mood for some peace and quiet, you’ve got it. Just step away from the downtown core, and serenity and tranquillity reign once again.
Are you gearing up to buy or sell a house? Our experienced and knowledgable Kingston real estate agents are happy to help and guide you through each step. Reach out to us at caldwellco@royallepage.ca or call 613.449.6588 today.
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Caldwell & co. is your all-in-one resource for everything real estate related in Kingston, from community highlights to market-shifting trends and hands-on transaction guidance.
