The best neighbourhoods in London, Ontario
For families, the short list is Byron, Masonville and Oakridge. For walkable older streets, it is Old North and Wortley Village.
You might be worried the best areas cost too much, or that you will find the catch after you move. Here is each one, with its trade-off.
The Bottom Line (Quick Answer)
- For families in London, Ontario, the Ken Small Real Estate Team’s short list is Byron, Masonville and Oakridge.
- For walkable older streets, it is Old North and Wortley Village.
- Buying with us costs $495 to start. Our 3% is paid from the seller’s side. If a seller offers less, you never pay the difference.
The short version
- For families, Byron, Masonville and Oakridge.
- For walkable character, Old North and Wortley Village.
- For newer and executive homes, Sunningdale, Riverbend and Hyde Park.
Which London neighbourhoods are best for families?
Byron
Springbank Park, Boler Mountain and a village main street. About six elementary schools. About ten minutes out from downtown.
Masonville
Masonville Place and Western on the doorstep. Busy, and a lot of the housing is rental.
Oakridge
Wide lots, mature streets, Oakridge Secondary. South of Oxford the homes are 1950s and 60s, so budget an inspection.
Best for walkable character
Old North
Century homes, Gibbons Park, a walk to Richmond Row. Upkeep is real, and student rentals sit near Western.
Wortley Village / Old South
In 2013 the Canadian Institute of Planners named it a Great Neighbourhood. Walk to everything. You trade newer finishes for character.
Best for newer & executive homes
Sunningdale
One of London’s pricier areas. Large builds from about 2000 on, big lots, Medway Valley forest. Longer drive downtown.
Riverbend
Modern, low-maintenance homes around Kains Woods and the golf course. Shops are a short drive to Byron or Oakridge.
Hyde Park
Newer homes with big-box shopping at the door. Some pockets sit close to busy commercial roads.
How do the best London neighbourhoods compare?
One line each. Read the trade-off column before you fall for a street.
| Area | The homes | Who it suits | The trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Byron | Mostly single-detached, owner-occupied | Families who want parks and a village feel | About ten minutes from downtown |
| Masonville | Houses, townhomes, condos, apartments | Anyone who wants Western or the hospital close | Busy, and a lot of rental housing |
| Oakridge | Wide lots, mature streets | Families who want space | 1950s and 60s homes south of Oxford: budget an inspection |
| Old North | Large century homes | Buyers who want to walk downtown | Upkeep, and student rentals near Western |
| Wortley Village / Old South | Historic homes from about 1850 to 1930 | Buyers who want a walkable main street | A heritage district, and older finishes |
| Sunningdale | Large builds from about 2000 on | Buyers who want newer and bigger | One of the pricier areas; longer drive downtown |
| Riverbend | Modern, low-maintenance homes | Buyers who want low upkeep | Shops are a short drive away |
| Hyde Park | Newer homes | Buyers who want shopping close | Some pockets sit near busy roads |
Which London neighbourhoods are best for schools?
You will not find a list of top schools here. A neighbourhood name does not tell you the school. Ask the school board which school serves the exact address before you offer.
What we can tell you: Byron has about six elementary schools and two high schools in and around it. Oakridge has Oakridge Secondary. Read the Byron guide.
Which London neighbourhoods should I avoid?
We do not call any London neighbourhood one to avoid. We name the trade-off on the street instead: a busy road, student rentals, or an older home that needs work. Ask us about a street before you offer.
Is London, Ontario safe?
You will not find a safety rating here for London or any area in it. We will not guess at one. Walk the streets you like at night and at school time before you offer. Then ask us about anything you saw.
What does the walkable character cost you?
Mostly upkeep. Old North is large century homes. Wortley Village’s historic homes date from about 1850 to 1930, and the area is a City heritage district.
In a heritage district, changes to a home can need a Heritage Alteration Permit from the City (City of London).
What do homes cost in the best London neighbourhoods?
You will not find neighbourhood averages on this site, only London-wide figures. London’s average sale price was $591,927 in September 2026 (source: LSTAR Residential Market Activity Report, September 2026).
That average hides big swings by street and by price band. Two homes a kilometre apart can sit in different markets. What this means for you: the London average is not your number. Your street and your price band are.
Buying? Tell us your budget on a call, and you will see what it buys in each area right now. Own a home here? What’s My Home Worth? gives you your own number.
What does it cost to buy in London with us?
It costs $495 to start. Our commission is 3%, paid from the seller’s side of the deal. If a seller offers our brokerage less than 3%, you never pay the difference. Every number is on buyer pricing and fees.
Want your own numbers first? Try the Buyer Closing-Cost Calculator or the Buyer Readiness Check.
Who this is not for
If you want one answer for everyone, this is not it. The best area for a family of five is the wrong one for a student or a downsizer.
If you are set on a brand-new build with a big garage, skip Old North and Wortley Village. Look at Sunningdale or Riverbend.
What London clients say
★★★★★All the way from the start of the house search, Ken was there to help at every step. From setting up search criteria that exactly met our needs, to getting viewings scheduled, to providing honest feedback about the properties (which is often rare for most agents); Ken went above and beyond our expectations. 10/10 experience with Ken.
J H · Buyer · Apr 2023 · via Google
4.9 average from 14 Google reviews, as shown on our reviews page (October 2026). Read them all on our reviews page.
The honest takeaway
The best area is the one that fits your commute, your budget and your stage of life.
Common questions about London’s best neighbourhoods
What are the best neighbourhoods in London, Ontario?
Which London neighbourhood is best for families?
Where are the most walkable neighbourhoods in London?
Which London neighbourhoods should I avoid?
How do I choose the right neighbourhood?
Not sure which area fits you?
We will walk the trade-offs and build a shortlist with you. A 15-minute call, no obligation.
About Ken Small
Ken Small, REALTOR®, has been a real estate agent in London since 2003. He leads the Ken Small Real Estate Team at Century 21 First Canadian Corp., Brokerage. The office is at 420 York Street, London, ON N6B 1R1. RECO #4727293. Meet the team →