City to Small-Town

Moving from London to Small-Town Ontario

See what changes, choose the right town, then move with a calm plan.

Start my small-town plan

What really changes

When you move beyond London

You are weighing a shift from a London address to a quieter town close by. This guide shows how daily life works in small towns near London, which towns fit which goals, and how to plan the move so days stay calm.

City vs Small Town
Town overviews

Pros & Cons

City vs Small Town

When people compare living in London Ontario, with living just outside the city, they are usually deciding how much convenience they want versus how much space and quiet they are willing to trade for it. The differences tend to show up in predictable, practical ways.

Most people are not choosing between a good option and a bad one. They are deciding which tradeoffs fit how they live now and how much time they want to spend driving, planning and commuting each week.

Living in London, ON
Living in Small Towns

Living in London, Ontario

  • Most errands, appointments and services are close by.Most errands, appointments and services are close by.
  • Shorter daily driving for work, school and activities.Shorter daily driving for work, school and activities.
  • More choice when it comes to schools, programs and amenities.More choice when it comes to schools, programs and amenities.
  • Daily routines are easier to handle without much planning.Daily routines are easier to handle without much planning.
  • Heavier traffic, especially at peak times.Heavier traffic, especially at peak times.
  • Smaller lots and closer neighbours in many areas.Smaller lots and closer neighbours in many areas.
  • More noise and activity depending on the neighbourhood.More noise and activity depending on the neighbourhood.
  • Competition for certain homes can be higher.Competition for certain homes can be higher.

Living in Small Towns

  • Quieter streets and less day-to-day congestion.Quieter streets and less day-to-day congestion.
  • More space between homes and larger properties are more common.More space between homes and larger properties are more common.
  • Slower pace that appeals to people who value privacy and calm.Slower pace that appeals to people who value privacy and calm.
  • Many towns have a strong sense of local community.Many towns have a strong sense of local community.
  • Longer drives for shopping, appointments and services,Longer drives for shopping, appointments and services,
  • Fewer nearby options for dining and retail.Fewer nearby options for dining and retail.
  • Limited or no public transit.Limited or no public transit.
  • Some areas require more planning around internet and utilities.Some areas require more planning around internet and utilities.

Lifestyle

Day-to-day life

The biggest change is not the house. It is how your week runs. This is not about better or worse. It is about whether a more planned, car-based routine fits your normal week.

Errands look different
  • Most errands get grouped into one or two planned trips
  • Quick runs for one item are less common
  • You tend to plan around where you are already driving

Errands look different

Driving becomes normal
  • Most routines involve a car, even for simple tasks
  • Commutes can be longer but often feel more predictable than city traffic

Driving becomes normal

The pace feels quieter
  • Mornings and evenings are calmer
  • Streets are less busy
  • Noise and constant activity drop off quickly outside the city

The pace feels quieter

Services are still there, just spread out
  • Many people use local businesses for basics
  • London becomes the place for certain appointments, shopping, or activities

Services are still there, just spread out

Social life shifts
  • Plans are more intentional
  • More time at home
  • More local connections for some people

Social life shifts

What changes

Outside the city

Some differences only become obvious once you start looking at specific properties outside London. These are the practical details people often miss early on.

  • Some homes use well water and septic systems instead of municipal services
  • Heating sources can vary more widely, including propane or oil
  • Snow removal and road maintenance may differ by municipality

  • Internet options can vary by road or subdivision
  • Cell coverage is usually good, but not always equal in all areas
  • It is important to verify service availability before committing

  • Insurance rules can change for rural or edge-of-town properties
  • Items like wood stoves, outbuildings, older wiring, or distance to fire services can affect coverage
  • These checks are best done early, not after an offer

  • Zoning and bylaws can affect sheds, workshops, home businesses, and animals
  • Setbacks and conservation rules may limit future projects
  • Not all rules are obvious from a listing description

  • Snow clearing priorities differ between city and county roads
  • Some roads may be plowed later than main city routes
  • This can matter for commuting and school transportation

Small Towns

Town overviews

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Komoka

Help Me Plan My Move

Location: West of London, close to the city’s west end.
Typical drive to west London: 10 to 15 minutes.
Daily life: Feels like small town living with quick access to London.
Suits: Commuters who want quieter streets without being far from city services.
Good to know: Strong connection to London for work, schools, shopping and appointments.

Ilderton

Help Me Plan My Move

Location: Northwest of London with a small town core and surrounding rural roads.
Typical drive to northwest London: 10 to 15 minutes.
Daily life:
Quiet, simple routines, but most people still use London regularly.
Suits: Buyers who want a calmer setting and do not mind driving for many errands.
Good to know: Mix of in town properties and nearby country homes depending on what you want.

Thorndale

Help Me Plan My Move

Location: Northeast of London with town living plus rural pockets nearby.
Typical drive to northeast London: 10 to 15 minutes.
Daily life: Quieter than London, with many residents commuting into the city.
Suits: People who want space and a smaller community while staying close to London.
Good to know: Many day to day needs still involve a drive into London depending on what you prioritize.

Lucan

Help Me Plan My Move

Location: North of London with a more complete small town centre.
Typical drive to north London: 20 to 25 minutes.
Daily life: More self contained than smaller communities, but London is still part of many weekly routines.
Suits: People who want a stronger small town feel and are comfortable with a longer commute.
Good to know: Often appeals to buyers who want more space and a community centre that supports day to day living.

Exeter

Help Me Plan My Move

Location: West of London, farther out, serving as a hub for the surrounding area.
Typical drive to west London: 40 to 45 minutes.
Daily life: Feels more independent from London, with many services available locally.
Suits: People who want a clearer step away from city living but still want access to London when needed.
Good to know: Works well for buyers who are fine with fewer trips into the city and value small town day to day life.

How we

keep the move calm

A short summary of how we help people move from decision to execution.

  • Start with planning before looking at homes so decisions are not rushed.
  • Narrow the search to areas that actually fit your commute, budget and daily routines.
  • Check key property details early so there are no surprises later.
  • Group showings efficiently so time in the car is not wasted.
  • Coordinate timing so buying and selling line up properly when needed.
  • Track conditions, deadlines and paperwork so nothing is missed.
  • Stay involved after closing to help with the transition into a new area.
Start my small-town

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from people moving from London to small towns.

It depends on what matters most day to day. Many people move for quieter streets and more space, but accept more driving and planning in return.

Living outside London usually means a calmer pace and less congestion, with more reliance on driving. Errands and appointments often require planning, while day-to-day noise and traffic tend to drop off quickly.

Towns like Komoka, Ilderton and Thorndale are typically about 10 to 15 minutes from the closest part of London. Lucan is usually around 20 to 25 minutes. Exeter is farther, often 40 to 45 minutes depending on route and traffic.

Yes. Many residents of nearby towns work in London and commute regularly. Travel times are often predictable, but most routines are car dependent.

Daily routines. Errands are grouped together, driving becomes part of most tasks and planning ahead matters more than it does in the city.

In most areas it is good, but availability and speed can vary by road or subdivision. Internet options should always be verified before purchasing a property.

Some are, particularly in rural areas. Many towns also have municipal water and sewer. It depends on the specific property and location.

Not always. While some properties offer more space, prices can be similar depending on the town, home type and demand.

Yes. Most towns have basic services, but many residents still travel into London for certain shopping, medical appointments and activities.

The best fit depends on commute needs, how often you rely on city services and how comfortable you are planning daily routines around driving.

Ready to map your small-town life near London

Tell us your why and the towns you want to explore. We will build a plan that fits your days.