If you're moving to London, Ontario and you've never lived here before, picking a neighbourhood is genuinely hard. London is bigger than most people expect — it has over 400,000 people, and the city stretches in every direction from its downtown core. The neighbourhoods feel different from each other. Rent prices vary a lot. Some areas are walkable; others require a car or a bus.
This guide breaks down the main neighbourhoods that renters actually choose, what they cost in 2026, who they suit, and what the honest trade-offs are. It's not a tourist brochure. It's what a local would tell you over coffee if you asked where you should live.
How London Is Laid Out
London sits roughly in the centre of southwestern Ontario, about two hours west of Toronto and an hour east of Windsor. The Thames River runs through the middle of the city in a Y-shape, which is part of why London's street grid gets irregular in some areas.
The general feel of each part of the city:
- North London — Masonville, Fanshawe Park Road area, higher-income, more apartment towers and newer builds
- West London — Byron, Lambeth, Riverbend; quiet, family-oriented, established
- East London — Near Fanshawe College, more affordable, a mix of older homes and student rentals
- South London — Old South, Wortley Village, White Oaks; some of the most desirable rental neighbourhoods in the city
- Downtown / Core — Richmond Row, Central London; most walkable, most urban
A lot of new renters focus only on proximity to work or school and ignore everything else. Transit, walkability, and neighbourhood feel matter too — especially if you don't have a car.
Old South and Wortley Village
Best for: young professionals, couples, people who want character and walkability
Old South is one of the most sought-after rental areas in London. The streets are lined with mature trees and older homes — many of them Victorian or Edwardian brick houses that have been divided into upper and lower units. Wortley Village, the commercial heart of Old South, sits along Wortley Road and has the feel of a small-town main street inside a city: independent coffee shops, a few restaurants, a grocery store, and the kind of place where people actually walk around and know their neighbours.
The area runs roughly from Wharncliffe Road South on the west to Wellington Road on the east, and from Oxford Street West down to Commissioners Road. It's a 15–20 minute bus ride from downtown and about the same from Western University via Wharncliffe.
Victoria Hospital is close by, which makes Old South popular with nurses, healthcare workers, and medical students.
What to expect for rent in 2026:
- Basement apartment: $1,150–$1,500/month (some include heat and water)
- Upper unit in a divided house: $1,300–$1,700/month
- One-bedroom apartment: $1,400–$1,750/month
- Two-bedroom: $1,800–$2,200/month
Units in Old South are competitive. Listings on Wortley's streets and the surrounding blocks move quickly — often within a few days. If you want this area, respond to listings the same day and don't wait to book a viewing.
Transit: Route 20 (Wellington) and Route 37 (Wharncliffe) connect Old South to downtown. The area is also very bikeable.
The trade-off: It's more expensive than other parts of south London, and parking can be tight in the older streets near Wortley Village.
Old East Village
Best for: people who want affordability and community, newcomers, artists, first-time renters in London
Old East Village (OEV) is one of London's most interesting and genuinely affordable neighbourhoods. It runs along Dundas Street East between Adelaide Street and Highbury Avenue, roughly. Ten years ago it was an area people skipped. Today it has a farmers market on Saturdays (the OEV Community Farmers Market), independent businesses, murals on buildings, and a growing number of cafés and restaurants.
The housing stock is older — mostly detached homes, duplexes, and basement apartments. A lot of it is not flashy. But it's well-priced for London, and the neighbourhood has real character that newer parts of the city don't have.
OEV is roughly 25–30 minutes from Western University by transit and 15–20 minutes from Fanshawe. It's also about 10 minutes by bus from downtown. The Route 4 (Dundas) is the main corridor.
What to expect for rent in 2026:
- Basement apartment: $1,000–$1,300/month (often utilities included)
- Upper unit or main floor: $1,200–$1,500/month
- One-bedroom apartment: $1,200–$1,500/month
- Two-bedroom: $1,500–$1,900/month
OEV is one of the few areas in London where you can still find a decent one-bedroom under $1,300/month.
Transit: Route 4 (Dundas) is the main route, running frequently between OEV, downtown, and east London.
The trade-off: It's not the fanciest neighbourhood in London. Some streets are better than others. Walk the block before you commit to a specific address.
Downtown London
Best for: people who want the most walkable option, young professionals who don't own a car, those who want nightlife and restaurants nearby
Downtown London is the most walkable part of the city. Covent Garden Market, Richmond Row (the main bar and restaurant strip), Victoria Park, and Budweiser Gardens are all here. If you're used to city living and want to be able to walk to a grocery store, a coffee shop, and a bar without planning around it, downtown London is the only neighbourhood where that's consistently possible.
The rental stock downtown is mostly apartments in mid-rise and high-rise purpose-built buildings along Dundas Street, Richmond Street, and King Street. There are also a few older buildings and some townhouse-style units in the surrounding blocks.
What to expect for rent in 2026:
- Bachelor / studio: $1,150–$1,450/month
- One-bedroom: $1,400–$1,900/month
- Two-bedroom: $1,800–$2,400/month
Some buildings include parking; many don't. Street parking downtown is limited, so if you have a car, confirm parking availability before signing.
Transit: Downtown is the hub of the LTC network. Every major route passes through the downtown terminal. From here you can get almost anywhere in the city.
The trade-off: Noise. Dundas Street downtown is busy. Richmond Row on a Friday night is loud. If you're a light sleeper, look at units on the quieter residential blocks east of the core rather than directly on Richmond or Dundas.
Masonville
Best for: people who want a quieter north-end location with good amenities, students near Western, professionals who commute
Masonville is anchored by Masonville Place, one of London's main shopping malls, in the north end of the city along Richmond Street. It's a popular area for Western University students who want more space and quieter surroundings than Old North, and it works well for people who commute by car because of easy access to Fanshawe Park Road and the 401.
The rental stock is a mix: some older homes on the residential streets west of Richmond, and several apartment buildings ranging from older mid-rises to newer builds.
What to expect for rent in 2026:
- One-bedroom apartment: $1,450–$1,950/month
- Two-bedroom: $1,800–$2,500/month
- Rooms in shared houses on nearby streets: $850–$1,100/month per person
Masonville tends to be slightly more expensive than comparable units in other parts of London because of the amenity access and the demand from Western students and healthcare workers at University Hospital.
Transit: Route 6 (Richmond) connects Masonville directly to Western University and to downtown.
The trade-off: It doesn't have much of a neighbourhood identity outside of the mall. It's functional and convenient more than it's interesting.
Byron and Riverbend
Best for: families, people who value quiet and outdoor access, renters who have a car
Byron is on the far west side of London, along Byron Baseline Road and Commissioners Road West. It's adjacent to Springbank Park, which runs along the Thames River and has walking and cycling trails. It's one of London's most established residential neighbourhoods — well-kept houses, mature trees, quiet streets.
Riverbend, just north of Byron, is a newer development area with larger homes and fewer rental options, but some units do come available.
Byron is not a transit-friendly neighbourhood. The Route 27 serves the area but runs infrequently. If you don't have a car, getting to downtown or to campus is a real consideration. For people who do have a car, the access to Springbank Park and the quiet streets are genuinely appealing.
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What to expect for rent in 2026:
- Basement apartment: $1,100–$1,450/month
- Two-bedroom house or upper unit: $1,600–$2,100/month
- Larger homes (3BR+): $2,200–$3,000/month
Transit: Route 27 serves Byron but infrequently. A car is practical if you live here.
The trade-off: Distance. Byron is 20–25 minutes from downtown by car and significantly longer by bus.
White Oaks and South London
Best for: families on a budget, renters who need more space, people comfortable driving
White Oaks is in the southwest quadrant of London, centred around the White Oaks Mall area near Jalna Boulevard. It's not one of London's glamorous neighbourhoods, but it's practical and affordable — and if you need a two- or three-bedroom unit without paying Old South prices, it delivers.
The neighbourhood has a Canadian Tire, a Walmart, several grocery stores, and transit connections back to downtown. Families make up a large portion of the residents.
What to expect for rent in 2026:
- Two-bedroom apartment: $1,500–$1,850/month
- Three-bedroom house: $2,000–$2,600/month
- Basement apartment: $1,050–$1,350/month
For groups of two or three adults splitting rent, White Oaks can be a smart choice — you get significantly more space per dollar than areas closer to the core.
Transit: Routes 20 (Wellington) and 19 (Oxford/Wharncliffe) connect White Oaks to downtown.
The trade-off: It's suburban in feel. Walkability is low. You'll need a car or bus for most errands.
East London and Argyle
Best for: Fanshawe students, renters on tight budgets, people who don't need to be near Western or downtown
East London includes the Argyle neighbourhood directly adjacent to Fanshawe College's main campus, and the broader area along Oxford Street East and Hamilton Road. It's the most affordable part of the city for renters, and it suits people who are prioritizing price over everything else.
The housing stock is older and varies a lot in quality. Some streets are well-maintained; others less so. Walk the specific street and inspect the unit carefully before committing.
What to expect for rent in 2026:
- Basement apartment: $950–$1,250/month
- One-bedroom: $1,150–$1,450/month
- Two-bedroom: $1,450–$1,800/month
Transit: Route 10 (Oxford) and Route 27 connect east London to downtown and other areas.
The trade-off: It's not walkable for much beyond basics. Some streets in east London have higher rates of property crime than other parts of the city — worth researching the specific block before signing.
Old North (Near Western)
Best for: Western University students, people who want to walk to campus
Old North runs along Richmond Street north of Oxford Street West, bordered by the university on its south side. The housing here is almost entirely older Victorian and Edwardian homes that have been divided into student rentals over decades.
It's student territory. If you're not a Western student, you might find the neighbourhood a bit too focused on that scene. But for students who want to walk to class and be close to the Richmond Street bars and restaurants, it's the obvious choice.
Rent near campus commands a premium relative to the rest of London.
What to expect for rent in 2026:
- Room in a shared house: $800–$1,100/month per person
- Basement apartment: $1,200–$1,600/month
- One-bedroom: $1,500–$1,900/month
Transit: Route 6 (Richmond) runs north–south along Richmond Street, connecting Old North to downtown.
The trade-off: Price for what you get. Older houses near Western can have deferred maintenance issues — check for drafts, proper heating, and working appliances before you sign.
How to Compare Neighbourhoods: What Actually Matters
Once you've narrowed it down to two or three areas, here's how to make the final call:
Commute time, honestly. Open Google Maps and time the actual transit route from the unit to your school or workplace during your typical hours. Don't use the optimistic estimate — check rush hour timing.
Walk what you need. If you don't have a car, stand in front of the unit and ask: where's the nearest grocery store, how far is the bus stop, and is there anywhere to get food within walking distance? Walk it before you sign.
The specific street matters, not just the neighbourhood. Two streets in Old East Village can feel completely different from each other. Two blocks in downtown London can be very different in terms of noise. Look at the specific address, not just the area name.
Utilities are part of the cost. A unit at $1,300/month with heat and water included can cost you the same as a $1,100/month unit where you pay your own utilities. Always calculate the all-in monthly cost.
Visit at different times. If you can, visit the unit or the street once during the day and once at night or on a weekend. You'll get a different picture.
A Quick Cheat Sheet
| Neighbourhood | Best For | Avg 1BR Rent | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old South / Wortley | Young professionals, couples | $1,400–$1,750 | Good |
| Old East Village | Budget renters, newcomers, community feel | $1,200–$1,500 | Good |
| Downtown | Walkability, no-car lifestyle | $1,400–$1,900 | Excellent |
| Masonville | Western students, north-end professionals | $1,450–$1,950 | Good |
| Byron / Riverbend | Families, nature access | $1,100–$1,450 | Poor |
| White Oaks | Families needing space, budget | $1,500–$1,850 (2BR) | Moderate |
| East London / Argyle | Fanshawe students, lowest budgets | $1,150–$1,450 | Moderate |
| Old North | Western students, walk-to-campus | $1,500–$1,900 | Good |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest neighbourhood in London, Ontario for renters?
London's neighbourhoods vary, but Old South, Wortley Village, Byron, and Masonville are consistently among the areas with lower property crime rates. Downtown London has higher crime rates than the residential areas, particularly around the Dundas/Richmond core at night. East London and some parts of Hamilton Road have higher rates than the city average. Check the London Police Service's online crime mapping tool if you want data for a specific address.
What is the most affordable neighbourhood to rent in London, Ontario?
Old East Village and East London (Argyle area) are consistently the most affordable. You can find one-bedroom apartments in Old East Village under $1,300/month, and basement apartments in Argyle under $1,100/month. White Oaks offers the best value if you need two or three bedrooms and are willing to trade walkability for space.
Is London, Ontario a good city to rent in?
Yes, compared to Toronto or Hamilton. Rents are significantly lower, the commutes are shorter, and you can actually find a place where you're not constantly stressed about money. The rental market is competitive near Western and Fanshawe during summer, but outside of those areas there's generally more inventory available than in most Ontario cities. The trade-off is that London is still a car-dependent city in many areas.
What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in London, Ontario in 2026?
Across the city, a one-bedroom apartment ranges from about $1,150/month (in budget areas like Argyle or Old East Village) to $1,950/month (in high-demand areas like Masonville or Old North near Western). The city-wide average for a one-bedroom is approximately $1,500–$1,650/month, depending on the neighbourhood and whether utilities are included.
How is London, Ontario for newcomers and international students?
London has a significant newcomer population and is genuinely welcoming to newcomers. Multiple settlement services operate in the city — including the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre (LCCLC) and Neighbourhood Resource Centre — and the university and college populations mean landlords in most areas are accustomed to renters who are new to Canada and have no Canadian credit history.
Finding a Rental in London
The best places to search for rentals across London's neighbourhoods:
- Kijiji.ca — most widely used for residential rentals in London; set up alerts by neighbourhood
- Facebook Marketplace — many landlords post here directly, especially for house rentals
- Rentals.ca and PadMapper — good for apartment buildings and seeing listings on a map
- Property management companies — many list units directly on their own websites and maintain notification lists for when new units become available
When you find something that looks right, contact the landlord the same day. The rental market in London's better neighbourhoods moves fast — listings in Old South, Old North near Western, and Wortley Village regularly rent within days of posting.
If you're not finding what you need right now, consider joining a rental alert list. A good property management company will contact you directly when something opens up that matches what you're looking for.
Prospera Properties manages rentals across London, St. Thomas, and Strathroy. View what's currently available or tell us what you need — we'll reach out when something fits.