When it comes to building the perfect home, the location is as important as the house itself. Do you long for a quiet country retreat or a bustling town with city connections? We’re profiling four of the best-growing communities Ontario has to offer.
Shelburne
It’s no wonder Shelburne is now the fastest-growing town in the country. Located in the heart of Dufferin County, this beautiful farming community offers affordable housing and small-town charm within commuting distance to Brampton and Mississauga.
Downtown Shelburne is lined with a mix of grand Victorian and cozy, post-WWII homes, with subdivisions to the south. The town boasts three elementary schools and a high school to serve its modest population of 8,216. Though Shelburne itself doesn’t have a bustling nightlife, residents can reach destinations like Collingwood, Blue Mountain, and Wasaga Beach in just 40 minutes.
Shelburne is a welcome change of pace from the ever-expanding metropolitan region and a great place to build in Ontario. Property in Shelburne will only increase in value as the town continues to grow.
Collingwood
This Grey County community is much more than a vacation destination. Due to its thriving information technology sector and strong local infrastructure, Collingwood recently topped the list of best places to start a business in Canada. What was historically seen as a place for recreation has become one of our country’s fastest-growing communities.
For those who love the outdoors, this growing community hosts an abundance of activities all year long. Residents can sail the Georgian Bay or walk its stunning store lines. Blue Mountain offers bicycling in the summer and some of Ontario’s best skiing and snowboarding in the winter. There are also a number of golf courses just outside town.
While housing prices have risen along with the rest of the province, land in Collingwood is still more affordable than it is in much of southern Ontario, so it’s an appealing option for families looking to build in Ontario.
Woodstock
Known both as “The Friendly City” and “The Dairy Capital of Canada”, Woodstock combines small-town values with urban conveniences. The Oxford County hub is located just off Highway 401, making for an easy commute to Toronto or Kitchener-Waterloo. Scores of young families are flocking to Woodstock to escape the noise and hustle of the big city.
Though it now boasts a population of 40,000, Woodstock has managed to preserve its close-knit, community atmosphere. Residents celebrate the town’s country roots with a weekly farmer’s market and the annual Dairy Capital Cheese Fest. The city offers dozens of lush parks, and the thriving downtown streets are dotted with trees and gardens.
Land is set to become a hot commodity in Woodstock, so now is a great time to build a home in this growing city.
Woolwich
Woolwich is the jewel Waterloo region. This sprawling township weaves together the towns of Elmira, St. Jacobs, Breslau, and several other small farming communities. Tourists flock to the township to experience the famous farmer’s market and historic buildings, but residents can enjoy the beautiful countryside at their leisure.
Woolwich has flourished in recent years, growing to a population of 25,000. But since that population is spread out over various small towns, the area offers an escape from the density of the Kitchener-Waterloo core.
With its proximity to a wealth of work and educational opportunities, Woolwich is an ideal place for families to lay down roots and start fresh.
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