Why More People Are Moving to London, Ontario

Ask anyone stuck on Oxford Street near Wharncliffe at 4:30, and they will tell you London is not the “small city” it used to be. More families, students, professionals, retirees, and newcomers are choosing London, Ontario for its mix of neighbourhood character, career opportunity, schools, green space, and relative breathing room compared with the GTA.

This guide covers why people are moving here, what to know about London neighbourhoods, and how new residents can settle into whole-family health routines, including finding a local dentist.

Why London, Ontario Is Attracting More New Residents

London has hit a growth moment. In recent years, the city reported 22,890 new housing units approved, 3,700 building permits for new units issued, and $2.21 billion in total construction value, the highest construction value on record for the city.

For people moving from larger urban centres, that momentum matters. It signals opportunity, new housing, and long-term investment, without losing the neighbourhood feel that makes London appealing in the first place.

A City That Still Feels Manageable

London has many of the features people want in a larger city: hospitals, post-secondary schools, shopping, restaurants, parks, sports facilities, and career opportunities. At the same time, it still has distinct neighbourhoods where people know their local cafés, schools, trails, and community centres. That balance is a big reason people move here. London feels established, but not impossible to navigate.

Jobs, Schools, and Health Care

People also move to London for practical reasons. The city has strong anchors in health care, education, manufacturing, agri-food, digital media, technology, and professional services. For families, having Western University, Fanshawe College, London Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Care London, and many public and Catholic schools nearby makes the city feel stable and well supported.

What New Residents Like About London Neighbourhoods

Central London, Old North, Woodfield, and Downtown

Central London appeals to people who want walkability, older homes, university access, and a shorter trip to downtown amenities.

Residents in these areas are close to:

Victoria Park
Richmond Row
Covent Garden Market
Western University
Thames Valley Parkway
Budweiser Gardens

For patients living near Old North, Woodfield, Blackfriars, Oxford Park, or Downtown, We Smile Dentistry’s Oxford Street West location is convenient for routine dental care, emergency appointments, and family visits.

Old South and Wortley Village

Old South and Wortley Village are popular with people who want a strong neighbourhood feel. The area has mature trees, older homes, independent shops, local restaurants, and easy access to parks and schools.

Wortley Village is one of London’s best-known local districts, especially for people who value walkability and community character.

North London, Masonville, Sunningdale, and Stoney Creek

North London continues to attract families, students, and professionals. Masonville offers shopping, restaurants, transit access, and proximity to Western University. Sunningdale and Stoney Creek are known for newer homes, schools, parks, and family-focused subdivisions.
These areas are especially popular with people who want suburban convenience while staying connected to the rest of the city.

West London, Byron, Oakridge, Riverbend, and Westmount

West London is a major draw for families who want more space, access to trails, and quieter residential streets.

Byron, Oakridge, Riverbend, Westmount, and nearby communities offer easy access to:

Springbank Park
Kains Woods
Boler Mountain
Westwood Centre
Westmount Shopping Centre
Family recreation and sports facilities

For many new residents, this part of London feels like a natural fit for raising kids while staying close to schools, dental care, shopping, and outdoor activities.

East London, Old East Village, Argyle, and Summerside

East London offers a mix of established homes, newer development, local businesses, and convenient routes across the city. Old East Village has a growing arts and small-business presence, while Argyle and Summerside appeal to people looking for practical access to shopping, schools, and Veterans Memorial Parkway.

These communities are often attractive to first-time buyers, newcomers, young families, and people looking for more varied housing options.

Practical Tips for Moving to London

Set Up Health and Dental Care Early

After a move, most people focus on utilities, school registration, mail forwarding, and internet. Dental care often gets pushed to later.

It is worth setting up a dentist early, especially if you have children, Invisalign treatment in progress, dental anxiety, or an urgent issue that you have been putting off.

A good first step is to gather:

Recent dental X-rays, if available
Insurance details
Medication lists
Information about allergies or dental anxiety
Any history of jaw pain, sleep concerns, crowns, implants, or orthodontic treatment

Plan Around London’s Busy Seasons

London has a few predictable busy periods. Late August and early September bring university and college move-ins. Winter weather can slow traffic and lead to rescheduled appointments. Spring and summer are popular times for weddings, graduations, and cosmetic dentistry requests like whitening or Invisalign consultations.

If you have school-aged children, try to book checkups before September. If you commute along Oxford, Wharncliffe, Richmond, Wonderland, or Commissioners, choose dental appointment times that help you avoid peak traffic.

Use Local Settlement Resources

Newcomers to London can access local support for language services, employment, school settlement, housing information, and community orientation. These resources can make the transition easier, especially for families arriving from outside Ontario or Canada.

Common Challenges New Londoners Face

Finding the Right Neighbourhood Fit

London is not one-size-fits-all. Someone who wants walkability may love the Old South or Downtown. A family looking for newer homes may prefer Hyde Park, Riverbend, Sunningdale, or Summerside. A student or university employee may want to stay closer to Western or Masonville.

Before choosing a neighbourhood, think about commute time, school needs, transit access, parks, dental and medical care, and how often you want to drive.

Building a New Local Routine

Moving means rebuilding the everyday systems that make life easier: dentist, doctor, pharmacy, school, daycare, gym, grocery store, and trusted local services.

We Smile Dentistry helps new residents simplify one part of that process by offering comprehensive family dental care in one location.

Services include:

Family and general dentistry
Children’s dentistry
Emergency dental care
Invisalign
Dental implants
Crowns and bridges
Teeth whitening
Cosmetic dentistry
Sleep apnea treatment
Nitrous oxide sedation for anxious patients

Managing Dental Anxiety After a Move

A move can be stressful, and for anxious dental patients, finding a new clinic can feel like a major hurdle. We Smile Dentistry is built around a calm, anxiety-friendly experience. The team offers unrushed care, clear communication, nitrous oxide sedation, and modern technology that helps patients feel more informed and comfortable.

Book a Dental Visit Today!

Whether you have just moved to London or you are planning a move to Byron, Old South, Masonville, Riverbend, Oakridge, Hyde Park, Westmount, Old East Village, or another local neighbourhood, finding the right dentist can help your family feel settled sooner.

We Smile Dentistry offers comprehensive, anxiety-friendly dental care for the whole family, supported by modern technology and a welcoming local team.

We Smile Dentistry

Address

81 Oxford St. W. London, ON N6H 1R8

Hours

Monday: 10 AM-7PM

Tuesday: 9AM-6PM

Wednesday: 8AM-5PM

Thursday: 7:30 AM-4:30 PM

Friday: 8:30-11:30 AM

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

New patients are welcome. LendCare financing available for patients without insurance.

Prepared by the team at We Smile Dentistry, a family-owned general dentistry practice serving London, Ontario families. Neighbourhood information is provided for general guidance based on publicly available municipal and school board data. For real estate decisions, consult a licensed REALTOR; for school catchment confirmation, consult the relevant school board.

Explore London, Ontario Guides & Neighborhoods

Discover everything about living in London, Ontario—from family-friendly neighborhoods to relocation guides, local hotspots, and lifestyle insights. Explore the articles below to learn more:

➤ Best Neighborhoods to Live in London, Ontario for Families

➤ Moving to London, Ontario? Complete Relocation Guide

➤ Top Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in London, Ontario

➤ Top Events and Festivals in London, Ontario

➤ Downtown London, Ontario vs North London: Which Is Better?

➤ Best Coffee Shops and Local Hangouts in London, Ontario

➤ A Local’s Guide to Living in London, Ontario