How to choose where to settle down? Indeed, deciding where to live is one of the most formative decisions you can make. Canada has many great cities to choose from which makes the task even harder.  However, every city has its advantages and disadvantages. At the end of the day, it is up to you which factors you prioritize and which ones you choose to ignore. However, a detailed review can go a long way in helping make that decision. Below is a list of the pros and cons of living in North Bay, Ontario.

North Bay is situated in the province of Ontario which is one of the larger provinces in Canada. It borders the United States and also houses the capital of Canada, Ontario. The province has a number of famous cities including Toronto as well as the famous natural landmark, Niagara Falls. North Bay is located to the Northeastern extreme of the province. The city developed as a railroad center with a military airport during the world war. The city is located on the landscape that is called the Canadian shield making it rugged and rocky. Furthermore, the city is unique as it lies between the Ottawa river watershed and the great lakes basin. The city is not really big in size, it has a total area of 319.11 km2 and a population of 51,553 residents.

Pros 

1. Commercial activity 

Although North Bay is not the largest town in Ontario it still has the hustle and bustle of new activity. Due to the many local and national businesses operation in the city as well as the university, there are always consumers and customers present The city is also a popular tourist destination that provides business to the town as well. The city is also a hub for industrial activity. Recently the North Bay Council has decreased the industrial tax by almost 66% to encourage industrial activity in the city. The tax is now one of the lowest in Ontario and no doubt attracts a lot of investment.

 2. Outdoor activities 

Being part of a unique and beautiful landscape North Bay makes the most of its natural beauty by having lots of outdoor activities and entertainment for its residents. The city offers a lot of trails for running, biking, and walking. The lakes are a great place for picnics and provide water sport activities as well. The city has a famous multi-use trail called the Kate Pace Way that extends from one side of the city to the other. There are also a number of festivals and events happening all year round that blend the natural landscape with other activities. If natural beauty is something you are fond of and you enjoy outdoor activities then North Bay is ideal for you. The lush forest, beautiful waterways and springs, and the fresh crisp air of North Bay are like none other.

3. Low cost of living 

Among the cities of Ontario, North Bay is one of the cheaper ones in terms of cost of living. Since the city is not so big and has a small-town feel many things that may be overpriced in other cities are actually quite affordable here. There is a lot of local businesses and stores. Living in North Bay is easy if you belong to the lower-income bracket. The minimum income you will need to live in North Bay is $57,198.

4. Housing 

Housing is perhaps the first thing anyone considers when they think of moving to a different city. Everyone wants to have cheap housing options available that still offer a good standard of living. Especially for families who are looking to buy this is a big concern. Luckily, North Bay has some great housing opportunities that are extremely affordable. In the last year, the city saw the highest rate of new home construction in over a decade. In terms of the cost of houses, you can buy a property in North Bay for $270,400 with a mortgage payment of $1,128. Although waterfront properties are more expensive, generally the housing in the city is quite cheap. If you are looking for a retirement home or a new home for your family North Bay is the ideal place.  

Cons 

1. Employment 

Like any other city employment in North Bay has its ups and downs. The city is made up of a strong local community which means that there may not be great employment opportunities all the time. Employment had its ups and downs. The backbone of employment in the city comes from the hospital, Nipissing University, Canadore College, government jobs, and the airport. Due to this, it can get hard to find employment opportunities.

2. Crimes 

While the city of North Bay is generally safe it does experience high drug usage, especially among the youth. There has been an increase in drug-related crimes over the last few years. This is because most northern communities in Ontario go through North Bay first. The local government and police are working together to curb such issues however if this is something that concerns you deeply then North Bay may not be the ideal place for you.

3. Taxes

The province of Ontario imposes both provincial tax and Federal tax on its resident. North Bay being under the government of Ontario has to abide by its tax rules which can get a bit stringent especially for those people who belong to the higher income bracket. For such residents, the compound taxes can be almost 50% which may not be acceptable. It is prudent to do a tax calculation according to your current or expected income, so you have a clearer idea of what to expect in terms of taxation.

 Final Verdict

Overall North Bay is a great location to set up routes. Its beautiful scenic landscape is like none other and is in itself a strong reason to move. The city has a small-town charm and with the hustle and bustle of a big city. There is a strong community to be found in North Bay with affordable housing and a low cost of living.