Entrepreneurs looking for the right location to launch a new business can do no better than the West Shore.

That's according to the Globe and Mail, who have placed three West Shore municipalities in the top five of their  countdown.

View Royal snatched the top spot, with Langford in third and Colwood rounding out the top five in fifth.

The high placement in the countdown indicates the West Shore has a thriving economy, good infrastructure, networking opportunities, accessible transportation and a supportive business environment.

Also representing Greater Victoria is Saanich in sixth, Victoria 14th and North Saanich, who squeaked into the top 20 at number 19.

Based on key economic factors such as low commute times and low taxes, the ranking is one of six shared by the publication, designed to assist individuals in finding the best city based on their life stage.

The list also considered the projected population change for each location from 2024 to 2029, which could affect businesses and their owners.

The Globe and Mail collected data from 448 cities across Canada, each with a population exceeding 10,000.

The evaluation analyzed 50 variables across 10 categories identified for individuals contemplating a move: economy, housing, demographics, health care, safety, education, community, amenities, transportation and climate.