In a recent ranking study conducted by Point2Homes, an online real estate marketplace website, the best cities for renters in Canada were evaluated. Airdrie, a city in Alberta, ranked 94th overall out of the 100 largest cities in the country. The study analyzed various metrics across three categories: economy and housing, quality of life, and community.
When it comes to the economy and housing category, Airdrie scored 65 overall. The report highlighted that Wood Buffalo, Alberta, stood out as the leader in affordability, with an impressive 82.8 percent of renters spending 30 percent or less of their income on housing costs. In comparison, over 64 percent of renters in Airdrie fall into this category, indicating a relatively good affordability rate.
In terms of quality of life, Airdrie ranked 37th overall. Factors such as safety, air quality, walkability, commute time, and access to green spaces within the city were considered essential for renters. While Airdrie scored moderately well in this category, aspects like monthly rent, total housing costs, income, and affordability remained top priorities for renters.
The study also compared Airdrie to the top cities for renters in Canada. St. John’s, Newfoundland, emerged as the best city for renters, followed by Sherbrooke and Québec City in Quebec. Interestingly, none of Canada’s top 10 largest cities made it to the list of best cities for renters. Québec dominated in both housing and economy hotspots, showcasing its strength in affordability, unemployment rate, and rental inventory.
British Columbia excelled in walkability, with four cities from the province leading in walk scores. Vancouver, North Vancouver City, Victoria, and New Westminster all boasted walk scores above 70, indicating high accessibility and convenience for residents.
Overall, the study utilized a combination of ranking scores and weighted averages to assess the cities. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing the most proficient city in that specific category. Data from Statistics Canada was used at the city level, with exceptions made for metro-level data when city-level information was lacking.
In conclusion, while Airdrie may not have ranked at the top of the list for renters, it still offers decent affordability and quality of life compared to other cities in Canada. As renters continue to prioritize factors like affordability, safety, and access to amenities, studies like these provide valuable insights for individuals looking to find the best place to rent in the country.