Oshawa, Canada

Oshawa sits on the Lake Ontario shoreline, an hour’s drive east of Toronto. It’s a practical choice for expats who want proximity to Canada’s largest city without Toronto’s sky-high costs. The economy here leans heavily on healthcare, education, and GM’s revived car assembly plant, which reopened in 2021 after a C$1.3 billion retooling investment.

Living in Oshawa means dealing with suburban sprawl and a car-dependent lifestyle. Public transit exists but isn’t Toronto-level efficient. Downtown is undergoing growth, but it’s still a work in progress. The city’s post-secondary institutions, like Ontario Tech University, give it a youthful energy, though nightlife options are limited. Winters are cold and snowy, so budget for heating costs.

Oshawa works best for expats who want affordable housing near Toronto and don’t mind commuting. It’s not ideal for those seeking urban density or a walkable lifestyle.