Living in Sarnia Ontario: 4 Reasons To Consider This Thriving Border City

Living in Sarnia, Ontario

If you’re thinking about relocating to Sarnia, Ontario for work, school or to simply set down some roots, you should know a few things beforehand. Beyond being the largest city on Lake Huron (making it a terrific option for those who enjoy watersports!), it is a charming and welcoming place to call home! 

Whether you’re looking for a waterfront property, a chic downtown condo, or the perfect family townhome, Sarnia, Ontario, has it. The city is well-connected to other major hubs and is home to a variety of national companies. The opportunities are endless in Sarnia, and we’re sure you’ll adore the community feel. Before you call the moving company, let’s explore what it’s like to live in Sarnia, Ontario.

Related: Small Town Living vs. Big City Living

Where is Sarnia, Ontario

Sarnia, Ontario, is perfectly situated at the Canada/US border and nestled along the shores of Lake Huron. The quiet, beautiful city is located along highway 402 making it highly accessible for commuters. 

How far is Sarnia, Ontario, from other major cities?

  • One-hour drive to London, Ontario
  • Three-hour drive to Toronto, Ontario
  • 1-hour 25-minute drive to Detroit, Michigan

Smaller towns nearby:

  • 3.7 km to Point Edward, Ontario
  • 5.89 km to Port Huron, Michigan
  • 18 km to Corunna, Ontario

In minimal time, residents of Sarnia can reach vibrant, exciting cities and charming small towns.

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4 Things To Know Before Moving To Sarnia, Ontario

1. Amazing outdoor experiences await

While not the most well-known city in Southwestern Ontario, Sarnia is a vibrant hidden gem full of excitement, culture and opportunity. The city is home to beautiful sandy beaches and lush green parks. 

Residents and visitors can enjoy the city’s beautiful Canatara Park which is the largest in town. Canatara Park has a gorgeous sandy shore beach, picnic pavilions, a concert stage for performances, a BMX and bike track, and kilometres of trails awaiting exploration! You’ll also love “Bridge Fries”, a local favourite food truck stationed under the Bluewater Bridge serving famous fresh cut fries and other local favorites. Finally, don’t forget to visit the nearby Pinery Provincial Park, Rock Glen Falls, and Grand Bend. 

Whatever your interests are, there’s plenty to explore in the Sarnia area!

2. It’s a great place to raise a family

What will we do in Sarnia, Ontario? Finding a family-friendly community that offers recreation options for children and youth of all ages can be tricky. Luckily, the city is home to several farms, museums, parks, theatres, art galleries, and much more. Stop by Stones N’ Bones museum, where visitors can explore a beautiful natural history museum with thousands of exhibits, gemstones, fossils, dinosaurs, and other informative, educational artifacts. Afterward, take in a show at the Imperial Theatre, an impressive performing arts venue!

Sarnia is also home to several excellent public schools offering quality education to students of all ages. Between recreation opportunities, parks, schools and proximity to water, it’s pretty easy to see why families are comfortable and happy in Sarnia, Ontario.

3. There are several great neighbourhoods

There are a number of homes for sale in Sarnia, Ontario. Regardless if you’re searching for the perfect family townhome, chic condo, or single-family home, there are many notable neighbourhoods to choose from in this city. Magnolia Trails is a new family-friendly community, only a 5-minute drive to all the major amenities and access to the waterfront. If you’re craving a more secluded community, consider Soleil St. Clair. The new, exclusive townhome community is located near the St. Clair River, just 15 minutes from Sarnia, Ontario.

4. Sarnia is a fantastic place to retire

Sarnia has a wide variety of seniors’ condos and apartments to choose from and it’s more affordable than larger cities. The city also boasts excellent healthcare and the opportunity to live an active lifestyle. Residents can enjoy long riverfront walks, exciting water sports, or the various museums, galleries, and entertainment venues. Sarnia is big enough to enjoy all city comforts, but small enough to deliver that ultra-cozy town vibe. 

There are plenty of reasons to consider purchasing a home for sale in Sarnia, Ontario. Whether you’re relocating for work, for school, or just looking to make a move, this fantastic city has plenty to offer.

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