The Railway City
Jumbo the Elephant. Joe Thornton. The Railway City. If this sounds familiar to you, you’ve likely heard of St. Thomas, Ontario. Once a bustling hub featuring the convergence of more than two dozen railways, St. Thomas is now an up-and-coming small town that has a lot going for it! With a population of 43,000 as of the 2021 census, St. Thomas still retains its small-town charm while looking forward to future growth and development. In recent years Amazon, Volkswagen, and Vianode have made major investments in the city, and more are on their way! So, let’s look at what St. Thomas has to offer if you’re considering moving to The Railway City.
Location
St. Thomas is optimally located directly between London to the north and Port Stanley to the south, providing easy access to the bustle and excitement a larger city offers, as well as the scenic and relaxing vibes provided by the picturesque port in the summer. If concerts and fine dining are your thing, London offers plenty of both. Or slip into your flip-flops and enjoy a beautiful sunset at Port Stanley’s famous beach on Lake Erie in the summer months. If you’re coming from out of town (or entertaining guests from afar), St. Thomas is just a short hop from both the 401 and 402 highways, providing easy access to major routes connecting Windsor, Chatham, Sarnia, London, Woodstock, Hamilton, and Toronto. Highway 3 also runs directly through St. Thomas, for those looking for a more relaxed driving experience.
Real Estate
St. Thomas features an intriguing mix of historical homes and new builds. Towards the core of the city, you will find a strong blend of houses built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, from large Queen Anne-style homes to more modest craftsman-style houses. These homes present opportunities for both owners and investors. Towards the edges of St. Thomas many new developments are taking shape, including subdivisions by award-winning builders such as Doug Tarry Homes and Hayhoe Homes. These new, traffic-calmed neighbourhoods provide a modern, secure feel, while remaining comfortably nestled between the historic town core and peaceful farmland nearby. St. Thomas also offers a variety of condo, apartment, and senior living options, with new developments in the works. Recent builds include the Highlands Apartments and Alma College Square.
Affordability
Beginning in the 1990s St. Thomas ran a popular advertising campaign around the slogan “25% more life” which referred to the fact that real estate and the cost of living were significantly less expensive in St. Thomas than in larger population centres like nearby London, Ontario. Although the numbers have shifted since then, St. Thomas remains an attractive and budget-friendly option. The average sale price for homes in the broader London-St. Thomas region for October 2025 was roughly $605,000, whereas the average home price in St. Thomas was about $560,000. Beyond home prices, St. Thomas’ services and supports are also budget friendly. The costs of childcare, recreation, community services, and healthcare all compare favourably to larger markets such as Toronto.
Recreation
St. Thomas offers a wide range of recreational activities within its limits. Prime hiking can be found at Dalewood Conservation Area on the west and Dan Patterson Conservation Area to the east. Feeling sporty? Check out the new and beautifully finished facilities at 1Password Park, which include soccer, football, basketball, and a playground. If you’re into pickleball, the free outdoor courts at Pinafore Park are fantastic, and indoor courts can be rented at Courthouse Pickleball & Chill. Speaking of Pinafore, this historic park in the city’s south end features walking paths, a full playground, easy access to Lake Margaret, and is home to several charming events each summer such as concerts and vendor markets. It would be a mistake not to mention St. Thomas’ famous Elevated Park, a converted railway bridge that features a walking trail, art installations, and phenomenal views looking out over the city. Visit at sunrise or sunset for a truly enchanting experience!
Final Thoughts
St. Thomas is a thriving community that hasn’t lost its small-town charm as it grows and modernizes. It is conveniently located close to London and Lake Erie, and its future looks bright with major investments both in the works and on the way. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer looking for a budget-friendly home, a city dweller looking for some small-town charm, or an investor in search of the right opportunity, St. Thomas has something just for you.
If you are considering buying in St. Thomas, Ontario don’t hesitate to reach out to Graham Beatty at gbeatty@thriverealtygroup.ca. As a licensed real estate professional, Graham can help you find your perfect home!