The latest analysis of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) neighbourhoods from Wahi Ontario is out – read on to find out which is the best place for you to live, work and play in Durham.
“We crunched the numbers for 400 neighbourhoods in five Greater Toronto Area (GTA) regions and ranked the top-three neighbourhoods in 11 categories,” said the introduction of the Wahi report.
Categories are based on different lifestyles, needs and interests such as families, retirees, foodies, shopping, nature lovers, nightlife and more.
Below are their ranking for Durham.
Best Neighbourhoods for Families with Young Kids
These following communities were ranked according to several factors: the proximity to elementary schools; the amount of park space in the community; access to amenities, like grocery stores; and how quiet the neighbourhood is. And, the rankings are:
#1 – Amberlea, Pickering: If you’re looking for family living at its best, you’ve come to the right place. Parkland, forested areas and affordable real estate make this a desirable neighbourhood for families. It has five primary schools and is only 30 minutes from Toronto. Median selling price $1 million (mn) with properties selling + $110.5K (11%) over the asking price.
#2 – Blue Grass Creek, Whitby: This neighbourhood is ideal for families interested in community building and access to activities and programs all over town. Median selling price $957.5K with properties selling + $20.1K (2%) over the asking price.
#3 – Rolling Acres, Whitby: Home to numerous parks and green spaces for families to enjoy, Rolling Acres also boasts many local restaurants and recreation centres. Median selling price $1.1mn with properties selling – $15K (1%) under the asking price.
Best Neighbourhoods for Families with Teenagers
Wahi’s top choices are based on several factors: nearby high schools and parks; proximity to shopping; and the cycling and pedestrian friendliness of the area.
#1 – Uptown Ajax: This community has an arts and music scene that will keep teens entertained all-year round. Uptown Ajax has a downtown vibe with its pool halls, patios and outdoor music festivals. It has two local high schools and is close to an expanse of parkland. Median selling price $819K with properties selling + $73.6K (9%) over the asking price.
#2 – Pickering Village, Ajax: This historical hamlet has all the amenities of a modern community, which makes it a great choice for families with teens. Median selling price $977.5K with properties selling – $35K (4%) under the asking price.
#3 – Liverpool, Pickering: Close to Pickering Town Centre, this neighbourhood is complete with tennis clubs and a rec complex for swimming, hockey, squash and more. Median selling price $1.1mn with properties selling – $4K (0%) over the asking price.
Best Neighbourhoods for Retirees
These communities below received high marks for a number of attributes including: a variety of amenities within walking distance; access to parks; and the area’s peacefulness.
#1 – Blue Grass Creek, Whitby: For those who want to be part of an engaged yet serene community with access to nearby amenities, activities and programs, this is the place. Find everything you need in this neighbourhood, including lots of park space and a passion for arts and culture. Median selling price $957.5K with properties selling + $20.1K (2%) over the asking price.
#2 – Samac, Oshawa: Known for its many parks and trails, this neighbourhood lets you experience the great outdoors right at your doorstep. Median selling price $840.3 with properties selling + $2.6K (0%) over the asking price.
#3 – Taunton, Oshawa: A modern rec centre and network of hiking trails in the nearby conservation area make Taunton a desirable neighbourhood for retirees. Median selling price $1.1mn with properties selling – $39K (4%) under the asking price.
Best Neighbourhoods for Pet Lovers
These neighbourhoods are known for their park space and walkability, making them a great choice for those who cherish their furry friends. Local dog parks and pet stores add to the allure of living in one of these communities.
#1 – Centennial, Oshawa: This tranquil neighbourhood is a pet lover’s paradise. With numerous lush green spaces, paths and a trail along Oshawa Creek, your pet will have more than enough space to stretch their legs. Median selling price $838K with properties selling + $40.5K (5%) over the asking price.
#2 – Blue Grass Creek, Whitby: With 14 parks in total, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to taking your pet out for a walk in this neighbourhood. Median selling price $957.5K with properties selling + $20.1K (2%) over the asking price.
#3 – Eastdale – Donovan, Oshawa: Parks, waterways, trails, wooded areas – you can find it all in Eastdale-Donevan. That makes finding pet-friendly green spaces easy.Median selling price $748.3K with properties selling + $7.5K (1%) over the asking price.
Best Neighbourhoods for Car-Free Living
Whether you’re an enthusiastic environmentalist, prefer to get around by bike or foot, or don’t own a car, these Durham neighbourhoods are perfect for you. These communities came out on top based on their convenient access to public transit, and their cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.
#1 – Bay Ridges, Pickering: Scenic waterfront trails weave around Pickering’s Frenchman’s Bay, so you’ll have good reason to leave the car at home in Bay Ridges. The neighbourhood also has solid transit access, with bus routes connecting to the Pickering Parkway Terminal. Median selling price $746.5K with properties selling – $4.7K (1%) under the asking price.
#2 – Downtown Ajax: It’s a walkable and transit-friendly urban hub serviced by not one but two transit systems: Durham Regional Transit and GO Transit. Median selling price $874K with properties selling + $32K (4%) over the asking price.
#3 – Liverpool, Pickering: Five bus routes serve Liverpool, which is becoming increasingly transit-oriented as new development spouts by Kingston Road. Median selling price $1.1mn with properties selling – $4K (0%) over the asking price.
Best Neighbourhoods for Active Lifestyle
Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or just like to stay active, these top-ranked Durham neighbourhoods are the right choice for a healthy lifestyle. Pedestrian and cycling friendly, these communities offer a variety of amenities that cater to physical activity and healthy eating. There’s also plenty of green space for sports and other recreational activities.
#1 – Amberlea, Pickering: Fitness buffs can head over to Amberlea Park for a jog or some rock-climbing. If you’re more into sports, the Chestnut Hill Recreation Centre has a swimming pool, skating rink, tennis, squash and racquetball courts. Median selling price $1mn with properties selling + $110.5K (11%) over the asking price.
#2 – Rougemount, Pickering: Rouge Park is the go-to spot for jogging and basketball, while the various trails are ideal for cyclists and hiking enthusiasts.
#3 – Dunbarton, Pickering: Whether you like swimming, skating, tennis, or fitness studios, you’ll find it all at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex.
Best Neighbourhoods for Nature Lovers
These communities received a high ranking based on several attributes: the amount of nearby park space; how quiet the neighbourhood is; and how easy it is to get around by foot or bike.
#1 – Highbush, Pickering: With Rouge National Urban Park right in its backyard, Highbush boasts immediate access to more than 75 square kilometers of breathtaking outdoor space to explore. Hike, camp, swim, canoe, and more in North America’s largest urban park. Median selling price $1.2mn with properties selling – $34K (3%) under the asking price.
#2 – Amberlea, Pickering: Roughly equidistant from Rouge National Urban Park and Frenchman’s Bay, Amberlea has many smaller parks within its own boundaries, too. Median selling price $1.2mn with properties selling – $34K (3%) under the asking price.
#3 – Rosebank, Pickering: Winding waterways and conservation lands ensconce this secluded neighbourhood offering peace and quiet with a beautiful backdrop.
Best Neighbourhoods for Shopping
From high-end boutiques to novelty bookstores to vintage clothing shops and more, Wahi brings you the top-ranked areas in Durham for all your shopping needs. You won’t be disappointed by the retail experience found in these communities, it says.
#1 – Pickering Town Centre, Pickering: In the heart of this neighbourhood is Pickering Town Centre, stocked with popular stores like Winners, Saks Fifth Avenue, Peoples Jewellers and HomeSense. Indulge in a freshly baked scone at Farm Boy before hitting the shops. Median selling price $652.5K with properties selling + $50 (0%) over the asking price.
#2 Central Oshawa: There is no shortage of shopping options – many within walking distance – in this bustling neighbourhood, better known as Downtown Oshawa. Median selling price $664K with properties selling + $42.6K (6%) over the asking price.
#3 – Pickering Village, Ajax: You’ll love the diverse mix of shops selling everything from antiques to art collectibles to the latest fashions in this historic hamlet.Median selling price $977.5K with properties selling – $35K (4%) under the asking price.
Best Neighbourhoods for Foodies
These communities boast plentiful restaurants and cafes, many within walking distance. From fine dining to casual eats to cool coffee houses, there is no shortage of palate-pleasing places to eat in these areas.
#1 – Central Oshawa: Central Oshawa forms the core of Oshawa’s foodie scene. It’s long hosted Fiesta festival, an annual showcase of multicultural cuisine and traditions. New gastro pubs, cafes, and more continue opening their doors amid the local tech industry boom. Median selling price $664K with properties selling + $42.6K (6%) over the asking price.
#2 – Pickering Town Centre: As Pickering’s buzzing commuter hub and shopping destination, Pickering Town Centre has scores of take-out and dine-in options. Median selling price $652.5K with properties selling + $50 (0%) over the asking price.
#3 – Downtown Whitby: From stone-fire pizzas to Mexican-Indian fusion cuisine, Downtown Whitby’s diverse eats make it a bona fide culinary contender. Median selling price $780.5K with properties selling + $33K (4%) over the asking price.
Note: Wahi analyzed data from Local Logic, a location intelligence platform, to rank GTA neighbourhoods in Toronto, York, Peel, Durham, and Halton regions in 11 categories.