Life in Cambridge for Immigrants – Guide for Newcomers
You’re here because you want to know what life in Cambridge for immigrants looks like. Welcome!
As an immigrant, you might be wondering what the future holds for you if you’re moving to Cambridge.
Indeed, that’s normal. We all have uncertainties if we want to start a new job, a new school or even a new business.
Well, the fact is sometimes, all we need is someone who has been in that particular situation before, to help dispel our fears.
And that is exactly what we want to do here. We want to show you what to look forward to if you want to start a new life in Cambridge.
To begin, Cambridge is a city in Ontario province of Canada, that was created in1973 by the amalgamation of Galt, Preston, and Hespeler.
It has a rich cultural history, beautiful arts, and particularly, home to historic landmarks, cultural attractions and natural sights, making it appealing to all.
The city had a population of 129,980 as of the 2016 census, according to Wikipedia.
In addition, Cambridge has a very beautiful climate with fair rainfall and winter season. as well as Grand and Speed rivers that surrounds it.
So, sit tight! Let’s take you around Cambridge, Toronto in few minutes.
Where is Cambridge Located?
First and foremost, where exactly is Cambridge? Cambridge is a city in the Waterloo Regional Municipality (Ontario, Canada).
Notably, It is located at the confluence of the Grand and Speed rivers.
In 1973, Cambridge was formed by the amalgamation of four towns; Galt, Preston, Hespeler, Blair and a small portion of surrounding townships.
However, Galt covers the largest portion of Cambridge, making up the southern half of the city, while Preston and Blair cover the western side.
On the other hand, Hespeler makes up the most northeastern section of Cambridge.
Population of Cambridge
In 2006, the population of Cambridge was 120, 371, while in 2011, it moved to 126,748 and by 2016, it skyrocketed to 129, 920.
This suggests that, the population has grown at a rapid rate in recent years, with immigrants making about half of the increased population.
Also, the median age of residents in Cambridge is 39.7 years, lower than the provincial median age which is 41.3 years.
While 18.3% of the population is under 15 years of age, 14.5% is 65 years and over.
Generally speaking, Cambridge is a multi cultured city.
As such, it comprise of about 82% whites, 6.2% South Asians, 2.5% black, 1.3% Latin Americans, 1.2% Chinese, 1% Philipino and 0.8% Arabs, according to 2016 census.
Apart from being multi-cultured, Cambridge also has different religions.
So, similar statistics reported that, when it comes to religion, about 69.6% of the population identify as Christians, 3% identify as Muslim, 1.1% as Hindu, 1% as Sikh and 0.8% identify as Buddhist
While 24% of the population claim no religious affiliation.
Cost of living in Cambridge
When it comes to the cost of living in Cambridge, it is fairly good. The typical house price is only $457,000. And, making it quite accessible for families, and some indications shows that prices are declining. There are several single-detached homes in the region, as well as some older terrace houses.
Many people believe that the city is underappreciated because of its excellent location. It is located on both sides of Highway 401 and approximately 90 kilometers from Toronto.
Cambridge residents commute to work in neighboring cities such as London. Cambridge is a booming business center that provides employment for individuals who reside there, and several big retailers have relocated there.
How to immigrate to Cambridge
Essentially, the fastest and the commonest way to immigrate to Cambridge in Canada is through Ontario Provincial Nominee Program.
Simply sign up for an express entry profile at the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and join the express entry pool.
It is expected that you will spend minimum of two years in the Ontario province before you can move to another province.
Weather Condition in Cambridge
Generally, Summers in Cambridge are mild; winters are cold, snowy, and windy; and it is partly overcast all year.
Throughout the year, the temperature normally ranges from 14°F to 79°F, with temperatures seldom falling below -3°F or rising over 88°F.
The best time of year to visit Cambridge for warm-weather activities is from late June to early September.
From May 27 to September 18, the warm season lasts 3.7 months, with an average daily high temperature exceeding 69°F. July is the warmest month in Cambridge, with average highs of 79°F and lows of 59°F.
From December 2 to March 13, the cold season lasts 3.3 months, with an average daily high temperature of less than 38°F. January is the coldest month in Cambridge, with an average low of 15°F and a high of 28°F.
How multicultural is Cambridge?
Speaking of multiculturalism, South Asians have the greatest visible minority population in Cambridge. It account for 42.27 percent of the overall visible minority population.
The Black are the second-largest group, accounting for 3,255 persons. Following Black is Latin American, which accounts up 8.63% of the visible minority population.
In addition, Chinese, Filipinos, Latin Americans, Arabs, Southeast Asians, West Asians, Koreans, and Japanese make up the majority of the visible minority population.
The majority of the population speaks only English, accounting for 92.83 percent of the total.
Schools in Cambridge
There are a lot of Primary and Secondary Schools in Cambridge, so your child could attend a range of schools depending on whether you want a private or public school. Cambridge also has a Theological College.
Cambridge is a city that caters to children and there is a Kids Country Club Respite ( for special needs children), and many more locations where children can participate in activities that will encourage your child to be outdoors.
Finally, the University Of Waterloo School Of Architecture is also located in downtown Cambridge.
Transit in Cambridge
Cambridge is a town in the Waterloo Region of Ontario, Canada. It is around 82-90 kilometres from Toronto and may be accessed by train, bus, or vehicle.
The Shuttle bus from Toronto Pearson Airport links with Cambridge; it may also be reached via train. The train has every link, every time, and every price. To navigate about town, though, you will need a car.
Dining out and Nightlife in Cambridge
For a city known for its valued tradition and culture, not to mention its world-class university offerings, Cambridge’s wide selection of bars, clubs, and pubs is noteworthy in its own right.
Cambridge, however, is a dynamic metropolitan region with a wide blend of sophisticated cocktail bars, crazy student nightclubs, and eccentric hangouts aplenty, all just waiting to be found, among the calm hideaways and traditional riverside pubs.
Fun things to do in Cambridge
Cambridge, without a doubt, has some magnificent scenery that has helped to make it a city with numerous features. Here is a list of enjoyable things to do or places to go in the city.
You may:
- Visit the Fashion History Museum which opened in 2004, and currently has over 10,000 garments, costumes and accessories dating back to the late 1600s.
- Great hiking trails, with over 20 kilometers of woodland and riverfront pathways to explore with your family.
- Go swimming or canoeing and participates in watersports such as ice-fishing all year-round.
- Take the kids to observe the Butterflies in the Cambridge Conservatory, kids love bugs!
- Cambridge is also an Art Hub with three other separate galleries. Two of the galleries specializes on modern art ( Queens Square and Preston gallery). While Riverside gallery specializes is on architecture and design.
- Have a picnic in Riverside Park which includes several specially made picnic shelters.
- Shop at the farmers market, which has been a weekly event since 1837 and is open from June through September.
- While walking along the banks of the Grand river, stop into the Sculpture Garden, which features local and international artists and host art.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly cost of living in Cambridge
In Cambridge, the overall cost of living is roughly $1,976. In Cambridge, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is roughly $1,436 per month. Utilities bills costing around $126 per month.
Other expenditures for one person will be roughly $666, which includes markets, transportation, restaurants, and sports and recreation.
Is it expensive to live in Cambridge?
According to the average monthly wage of $3,345, Cambridge appears to be a reasonably priced place to live.
What does the average pay in Cambridge look like?
A individual working in Cambridge makes an average of $3,345 per month (after taxes), and there are no qualifying requirements. According to the average cost of living, $3,345 is a respectable pay.
How much does it cost to live in Cambridge?
The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cambridge city centre is roughly $1,436. If you don’t mind living outside of the city center, an apartment outside of the city center will cost you roughly $1,230.
Conclusion
Cambridge is a charming town full of wonderful opportunities for people on a low budget who are just starting their married life.
What could be better than living in a town surrounded by natural beauty, a diverse culture, and a variety of outdoor activities?
Work is available in a variety of fields, including health care, education, manufacturing, and tourism.
If you wish to travel on vacation, you are just around 90 Km from a large international airport, which puts the rest of the world much closer.
