Moving to London, Ontario for Western University is exciting but deciding where to live can be one of the biggest questions that comes with the move.

Whether you're relocating for undergraduate or graduate studies, doctoral research, a faculty position, a medical residency, healthcare work, or another professional opportunity connected to Western, the right neighbourhood can make a significant difference in your day-to-day experience.

The good news is that living near Western University doesn't mean choosing from one type of neighbourhood or one type of housing.

The communities surrounding campus include everything from historic character homes and established family neighbourhoods to condominiums, furnished rentals, student accommodations, and executive properties.

The best place to live ultimately depends on what matters most to you: walking distance to campus, a quieter residential environment, access to hospitals, shopping, transit, outdoor space, or proximity to Downtown London.

Here's a closer look at some of the areas worth considering when moving to London for Western University.

First, Where Is Western University Located?

Western University's main campus is located in North London at 1151 Richmond Street, with a substantial campus extending through the area between Richmond Street and Western Road.

That geography is important when you're deciding where to live.

Rather than thinking of Western as one small destination surrounded by a single university neighbourhood, it helps to think of the campus as a large area bordered by several different residential communities.

Western is also connected with Huron University College and King's University College, both located close to the main campus.

This means the most convenient neighbourhood for you can depend on where you'll actually spend most of your time.

A student attending King's may have different priorities from a researcher working on Western's main campus, just as a physician or medical resident splitting time between Western and a hospital may want something different again.

Who Lives Around Western University?

One misconception about living near Western is that the surrounding area is primarily student housing.

Students are certainly an important part of the community, particularly in areas closest to campus, but the neighbourhoods around Western are home to a much broader mix of residents.

You'll find:

• Undergraduate and graduate students
• Doctoral students and researchers
• Western University faculty and staff
• Healthcare professionals
• Medical residents
• Young professionals
• Families
• Long-time homeowners
• Retirees

Western itself is a major academic and employment centre. The university reports more than 30,000 full-time undergraduate students, along with graduate students, medical residents, faculty and thousands of staff members.

As a result, living near Western isn't simply about being close to student life. It's also about being close to one of London's most significant centres for education, research, healthcare and employment.

Old North: Character, Convenience and an Established Community

If you're looking for a neighbourhood with history, beautiful streets and excellent proximity to Western, Old North is one of the first areas to explore.

Old North sits between Downtown London and the university area, making it particularly convenient for people who want access to both.

The neighbourhood is known for mature trees, established residential streets and an interesting mix of architectural styles. You'll find character homes, century properties, larger executive residences and smaller residential properties throughout the area.

It's also home to a diverse mix of residents.

Western faculty, researchers, healthcare professionals, graduate students and families live alongside long-time homeowners who have been part of the community for decades.

For families moving to London, access to schools can also be an important consideration. Old North is served by public and Catholic school systems and is close to Montessori and other private-school options.

School boundaries can change, however, so buyers for whom a particular school is important should always confirm current attendance boundaries directly with the applicable school board before purchasing a home.

Bishop Hellmuth: A Distinctive Pocket of Old North

Within Old North you'll also find the Bishop Hellmuth Heritage Conservation District.

The City of London notes that Bishop Hellmuth was designated as a Heritage Conservation District in 2003, with much of the area built between approximately 1895 and 1910 and notable examples of Queen Anne Revival architecture.

For someone relocating to London who appreciates historic architecture and an established neighbourhood atmosphere, this pocket offers something quite distinctive.

ts location also makes it convenient for Downtown London, St. Joseph's Health Care and Western University.

Old North may be particularly appealing if you want your university commute to be convenient without feeling as though you live directly within a campus environment.

Broughdale: About as Close to Campus as You Can Get

If proximity to Western is your number-one priority, Broughdale deserves consideration.

This small neighbourhood sits immediately adjacent to the university and has a stronger student presence than many of the surrounding residential communities.

Housing here includes student-oriented rentals alongside established and executive-style homes.

For students, the obvious advantage is convenience. Depending on the property and where you're headed on campus, walking or cycling may become part of your everyday routine.

But Broughdale isn't exclusively student housing.

Families, professionals and long-time residents are also part of the neighbourhood, creating an interesting mix between university life and an established London community.

Another major advantage is proximity to the Thames River and Gibbons Park, providing access to trails and outdoor recreation close to campus.

Broughdale may make sense if you want to be very close to Western and don't mind being nearer to the energy associated with university life.

University Heights: Convenient Without Being Right on Campus

For those who want proximity to Western while maintaining more separation from the immediate campus environment, University Heights is another area worth exploring.

Located northwest of Western, University Heights provides convenient access to the university while offering a more traditionally residential atmosphere.

The area can work particularly well for graduate students, doctoral candidates, faculty, healthcare professionals and households that want access to Western without necessarily living within walking distance of the busiest campus areas.

University Heights also has its own neighbourhood green space and community garden at 290 Trott Drive.

Depending on the property, residents can also have convenient access to shopping and other North London amenities.

For someone relocating to London for several years of postgraduate study or a professional appointment, University Heights can offer a useful balance between university access and everyday residential living.

Orchard Park: Established Residential Living West of Western

Another neighbourhood Patricia often recommends considering near campus is Orchard Park.

Located west of Western University, Orchard Park is an established residential community with mature streets and convenient access to the university.

The neighbourhood's history stretches back to its development beginning in the mid-1950s, when its street layout was intentionally designed around the area's natural contours and existing trees.

Today, that established setting can be particularly appealing to buyers or renters who want to live near Western without being immediately beside campus.

Orchard Park may appeal to:

• Western faculty and staff
• Healthcare professionals
• Graduate and doctoral students
• Families
• Professionals relocating to North London
• Buyers looking for an established residential neighbourhood

For someone planning to remain in London beyond a short academic term, it can be especially worthwhile to explore.

Masonville: Shopping and Convenience in North London

If having shopping, restaurants and everyday amenities nearby is high on your priority list, the Masonville area may be worth considering.

Located north of Western, Masonville provides convenient access to campus while putting residents close to one of London's major commercial areas.

This part of North London offers a different experience from the Old North.

Rather than historic streets and century homes, you'll generally find a broader mix of newer residential development, condominiums, townhomes and detached properties throughout the surrounding area.

For someone new to London who values easy access to shopping and services, Masonville can make settling into the city relatively straightforward.

It's also a location worth considering for professionals who need access to both Western University and University Hospital.

Downtown and Richmond Row: For a More Urban Lifestyle

Not everyone moving to London for Western wants to live immediately beside campus.

If you enjoy restaurants, entertainment, local businesses and a more urban environment, Downtown London and the Richmond Row area may be another option.

Richmond Street provides a natural connection north toward Western, while Downtown offers access to London's core amenities.

This can be particularly attractive for graduate students, young professionals, researchers and university employees who want their life outside work or school to feel separate from campus.

The City of London identifies Downtown and Richmond Row as part of London's broader Core Area, which serves as a major cultural, civic, retail and economic centre.

The trade-off is straightforward: you may have a longer commute than someone living immediately beside Western, but you gain a more urban lifestyle.

What Kind of Housing Can You Find Near Western?

One of the advantages of the area surrounding Western is the variety of housing.

Depending on the neighbourhood, you may find:

• Heritage and century homes
• Executive homes
• Detached and semi-detached houses
• Townhomes
• Condominiums

Apartments

• Fully furnished rentals
• Investment properties
• Designated student residences
• Off-campus student rentals

Off-campus student housing can range from apartments to detached houses rented by a group or, depending on the property and arrangement, by individual rooms.

Western also maintains dedicated housing resources for students seeking information about residence and off-campus accommodation.

For someone relocating professionally rather than as an undergraduate student, furnished housing can be particularly convenient.

A doctoral student, visiting researcher, medical resident, professor or healthcare professional may not want to purchase furniture and establish an entire household for a temporary appointment. A furnished rental can provide a much easier transition into London.

Should You Rent or Buy When Moving to London for Western?

This depends largely on why you're moving and how long you expect to stay.

If you're coming to Western for a defined academic program, temporary appointment, medical residency or research position, renting may provide the flexibility you need.

A furnished rental can simplify the move even further.

If you're joining Western or one of London's healthcare institutions in a permanent position or expect to remain in London for several years buying may be worth exploring.

In that situation, neighbourhood choice becomes about more than commuting.

You may want to consider:

• Long-term lifestyle
• Property type
• Future resale
• Schools
• Parking
• Outdoor space
• Walkability
• Transit
• Access to hospitals
• Shopping and amenities
• Renovation requirements
• How frequently you actually need to travel to campus

The neighbourhood that's perfect for a one-year visiting researcher may be completely different from the right choice for a professor planning to build a long-term life in London.

What About Noise Near Western University?

This is a common concern, particularly for buyers unfamiliar with London.

Yes, areas close to a major university can experience periods of increased student activity, particularly around orientation and major university events.

But it's important not to treat every neighbourhood surrounding Western as though it has the same atmosphere.

Broughdale, Old North, University Heights, Orchard Park and Masonville each offer very different residential experiences.

Even within the same neighbourhood, one street can feel quite different from another.

If noise is an important consideration, look closely at the specific property and immediate surroundings rather than judging an entire neighbourhood solely by its proximity to Western.

Don't Choose a Home Based Only on Distance

When you're relocating for Western, it's tempting to open a map and choose whichever property appears closest to campus.

But the shortest commute isn't always the best lifestyle.

Think about what your normal week will actually look like.

Will you be on campus every day?

Will you also work at University Hospital or St. Joseph's?

Do you want to walk to restaurants?

Do you need parking?

Would you rather have a yard than a condominium?

Are you moving alone, with a partner or with a family?

Do you want the energy of being near campus, or would you rather return to a quieter residential neighbourhood at the end of the day?

Answering those questions will usually narrow your search more effectively than simply drawing a circle around Western University.

Which Western-Area Neighbourhood Is Right for You?

There's no single "best" neighbourhood near Western University.

Instead, each area offers something different.

Consider Old North if you value character homes, mature streets, parks and access to both Western and central London.

Consider Broughdale if being extremely close to campus is one of your highest priorities.

Consider University Heights if you want convenient university access with more separation from the immediate campus environment.

Consider Orchard Park if you're looking for an established residential community west of Western.

Consider Masonville if shopping, services and North London convenience are priorities.

Consider Downtown or Richmond Row if you prefer a more urban lifestyle and don't mind commuting to campus.

The right answer depends on why you're moving to London and what you want your life here to look like beyond Western.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest neighbourhoods to Western University?

Broughdale and portions of Old North are among the communities immediately surrounding Western, while University Heights, Orchard Park and other North London neighbourhoods also provide convenient access to campus.

Is the Old North a good place to live if I work at Western?

Old North can be particularly convenient for Western faculty, staff, researchers and other professionals because of its proximity to campus and central London. It also offers an established residential environment rather than exclusively university-oriented housing.

Where should a doctoral or graduate student live near Western?

That depends on budget, transportation and lifestyle preferences. Some graduate and doctoral students prefer housing immediately near campus, while others choose Old North, University Heights, Orchard Park, Masonville or furnished accommodations elsewhere in North London for a more residential setting.

Can I find furnished rentals near Western University?

Yes. Furnished rental options can be especially useful for visiting academics, researchers, graduate students, healthcare professionals and others relocating to London for a defined period.

Should I buy a house if I'm moving to London for Western?

If you expect to remain in London for several years, buying may be worth considering. Your decision should account for your financial situation, expected length of stay, lifestyle and longer-term plans rather than proximity to Western alone.

How do I know which neighbourhood will work best for me?

Start with your actual routine. Consider where you'll work or study, how often you'll commute, whether you'll drive or use transit, the type of home you want, and what you'd like to have nearby. From there, compare individual neighbourhoods and properties rather than choosing solely by distance.

Moving to London for Western University?

Relocating to a new city is about more than finding an available property.

It's about finding a neighbourhood that makes your everyday life work.

Western University is surrounded by some of London's most established and diverse communities, giving students, academics, healthcare professionals, researchers and families a wide range of options.

Whether you're looking for a furnished rental for a professional placement, a character home in Old North, something close enough to walk to campus, or a property where you can establish yourself in London for years to come, understanding the neighbourhoods first can make your home search considerably easier.

If you're relocating to London, Ontario for Western University and aren't sure where to begin, I'd be happy to help you explore the areas and properties that best fit your plans.

Let's Connect

Patricia Broadhurst
REALTOR®
The Realty Firm Inc., Brokerage
patricia@therealtyfirm.ca
www.PatriciaBroadhurst.com
519-494-3370
Serving London, ON & Area