Burlington offers best work-life balance in Ontario, according to new report

It’s official–working people are happier in Burlington. 

According to a new report by real estate company Point2Homes, Burlington is one of the top 10 cities in Canada for work-life balance and number one amongst the three Ontario cities that made the top of the list. 

“Work-life balance — the ultimate tightrope act of juggling work, family, friends, errands, hobbies and chill time without tipping one way or another too far,” the report reads.

“Although this sweet spot looks different for everyone, where we live plays a vital role, too: Some places make it easy to manage work and play, while others are synonymous with burnout.” 

According to the report, Point2 analysts looked into relevant data about Canada’s 100 largest cities to determine the best spots for balancing work and play by examining livability, work intensity and health and wellbeing. Analysts factored in work hours, health care availability, commutes, and recreational opportunities. The report also considered financial factors, such as after-tax income, rental rates, and utility prices. 

The report found that people reported the best work-life balance in Quebec, with Quebec City and Lévis (also part of Quebec City) filling the number one and two spots. The third city on the list is the District of North Vancouver and Burlington comes in at number four. 

Blainville, QC, was ranked the fifth best city for work-life balance, and the other top 10 cities include Aurora, ON, Trois-Rivières, QC; Laval, QC; Granby, QC; and Newmarket. 

According to the report, cities in B.C. and Ontario win at wellness, Atlantic Canada takes the lead in liveability and Quebec cities manage it all. 

As for Burlington, the report says residents enjoy a balanced mix of positive health perceptions, with 93 per cent of respondents reporting high levels of life satisfaction. The city also gets additional points for its low crime rate. 

Aurora and Newmarket also scored high in terms of life expectancy and robust medical resources. Other Ontario cities that made the top 20 include Caledon (11), Oakville (18) and Halton Hills (19). 

The report says that Caledon, located in the Region of Peel, was ranked Ontario’s fourth-best city for work-life balance, barely missing the top 10. Caledon residents enjoy a low crime rate, the second-highest median after-tax household income and access to medical facilities. 

“It seems like finding balance in life might just be part of the package in Ontario, considering that most cities boast a hearty life expectancy of around 80 to 85 years. And, with studies linking working from home to improved work-life balance, Oakville and Ottawa stand out with about 44 per cent of people having the opportunity to do so,” the report reads.