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Up and coming Ontario neighbourhoods

 
Ontario neighbourhoods

The housing market in the Greater Toronto Area showed no signs of slowing down in the first quarter of 2017, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association. There continues to be a tight balance between supply and demand, which means many homeowners and first-time homebuyers may be considering looking elsewhere in the province to find their new home.

The good news is that Ontario is full of neighbourhoods that are yours to discover. Here is our list of the top five up and coming neighbourhoods in the province, including some in the GTA and a few that might surprise you.

Monahan Landing, Kanata

Monahan Landing is a new housing development located just outside of Ottawa that is bringing fresh greenery to the neighbourhood with the extension of Meadowbreeze Park and the addition of two more community-wide parks. Connected to the Bridlewood and Emerald Meadows neighbourhoods, Monahan Landing is surrounded by the Greenbelt. It's not just the trees that make this neighbourhood appealing, but also new business and retail development opportunities that are expected to bring new jobs to the community.

These connecting neighbourhoods sit on land that used to be agricultural until development began in the 1960s. As such, the houses in this area are newer and can be found at a price point starting at $260,000, about half the cost of the forecasted national average of $513,000.

Gage Park, Hamilton

This Hamilton neighbourhood has become an increasingly popular housing market for young professionals and families who have left downtown Toronto in favour of Hamilton's more affordable prices. It's an area in the midst of transition, one that is supported by a strong community presence.

Gage Park and the surrounding neighbourhoods have their own community planning team called the Sherman Hub that meets monthly at Tim Horton's Field to discuss and celebrate "the people, places things and attitudes that make our neighbourhood great." With a Walk Score of 72, the neighbourhood is home to a plethora of restaurants, bars, schools and other amenities located just a short stroll away. It's been on the rise for a couple years now and continues to be one of the province's top locales for artists and educators.

Rockcliffe-Smythe, Toronto

If your sights are set on Toronto, consider the city's Rockcliffe-Smythe neighbourhood. Located near the Stockyard and Black Creek just north of the Junction, it was the only Canadian location to make Airbnb's list of the hottest neighbourhoods to visit in 2017. The area saw a whopping 497% increase in bookings in 2016, landing it a number six spot on the list.

Residents told Inside Toronto that the news came as no surprise as the neighbourhood is "like its own town." The family-friendly area has a Walk Score of 61 and an impressive Transit Score of 75. It is surrounded by parks, restaurants and bars, and has plenty to offer visitors and residents alike.  

Downtown London

London, Ontario is known for being a college town, but its downtown core offers more than just a party. Home to a predominantly young demographic between the ages of 20 and 44, the area has been rising in popularity for married couples and young families. It enjoys the pedestrian lifestyle as the most walkable part of the city and is known for its entertainment, nightlife, shopping, arts and culture. It also houses a number of schools.

It makes for a great alternative to Ontario's larger cities like Toronto, Mississauga and Ottawa. With a population of just 7,000, downtown London gives homeowners and renters alike the opportunity to get that city living feeling without the density in population.

Bracebridge

We know Bracebridge is a town rather than a neighbourhood, but it’s been receiving so many accolades we couldn't not include it in our list.

The picturesque Muskoka town cracked Money Sense's list of the best Canadian cities to live in last year. Out of 219 cities, Bracebridge landed an impressive 18th position in part for its low unemployment and crime rates. National Geographic has recognized Muskoka as a must-see location. Though it's a popular tourist destination that comes alive in the summer, it's also not far from the ski hills of Collingwood. It's an awesome location for people who love the great outdoors, and with 10 schools in the city and more in the surrounding areas, it's also a place where educators can work and play.

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