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Summary

This dreamy waterfront city in Ontario was named among Canada's most popular spots to move to

It has old-world charm and small town vibes.

Lead Writer, Travel

Planning on moving? This beautiful Ontario city is a popular spot for those looking to relocate, and with its old-world charm and water views, it offers a mix of small town vibes and big city convenience.

Moving truck company U-Haul has released its Growth Index, highlighting the 25 top growth cities in Canada for 2024.

The cities were ranked based on the net gain or loss of one-way rentals in a year, using data from over 2.5 million annual moves across Canada and the U.S.

While Ontario landed in last place for the 2024 Canadian growth provinces, it boasted 16 of the country's top 25 growth cities.

"Ontario will always be the economic heart of Canada and has so much to offer its residents," Jake Spelic, U-Haul Area District Vice President, said in the study.

"What is interesting on our growth cities list is that all the top destinations in Ontario are smaller cities, and most are considered four-season recreational areas. The trend seems to be people are looking for more affordable housing in popular recreational areas with less hustle and bustle than the larger cities."

One such small city that made the list is Belleville, Ontario. The waterfront destination ranked third for Canada's top growth cities, coming in below Calgary in first place and Edmonton in second.

Perched along the shores of the sparkling Bay of Quinte, the historic city offers "a variety of great places to meet new friends, enjoy unique shopping experiences and indulge in phenomenal food," according to Discover Belleville.

There are festivals to enjoy throughout the year, as well as waterfront parks, museums, historic sites and more. If you love the outdoors, this is the place to be. You can explore endless trails and go boating, biking, fishing or golfing.

You can also enjoy the food scene, complete with cozy cafes and patios overlooking the water.

Belleville is located a short drive away from scenic Prince Edward County where you'll find gorgeous wineries and sandy beaches.

Other Ontario cities that made U-Haul's Growth Index include Trenton, Pembroke and Brantford.

If you're considering a move, Belleville might just be the place to call home.

Discover Belleville Website

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    • Lead Writer

      Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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