Barrie, Ontario, is a thriving, scenic city located approximately 100 km north of Toronto. Like Toronto, it is full of recreational activities, a bustling dining and entertainment scene, and a waterfront that will take your breath away no matter how many times you’ve seen it before.
Unlike Toronto, Barrie is relatively affordable, with great housing options for families, first-time buyers, retirees, and young professionals alike!
If you have your eyes on Barrie (aka “The City of Gardens.” You’ll see why as soon as you get here), finding the right neighbourhood is the first step. Here, you’ll have your work cut out for you, as there are so many fantastic locations to choose from! In this post, we’ll highlight a few of the most popular picks.
Do you want to explore the beauty of all of Simcoe County’s communities in more detail? Learn everything you ever wanted to know by reading all of our neighbourhood guides!
Ardagh Bluffs
If you love nature, look no further. Ardagh Bluffs is the neighbourhood to be in for hiking trails, family-friendly parks, and incredible natural landmarks all around. Incredibly, though, you’re still a hop, skip and a jump away from the best city amenities, like the shops, services, and restaurants along Mapleview Drive.
The Ardagh Bluffs isn’t just a residential neighbourhood; it’s approximately 518 acres of green space that is Environmentally Protected. This translates into more than 17 km of stunning trails to explore. Just grab a sunhat and a water bottle, then immerse yourself for hours in nature, with no motorized vehicles in sight.
A wide housing mix is available, with most homes constructed during the 2000s, but there is also plenty of innovation and development for anyone seeking a pristine new build. It’s a modern and contemporary neighbourhood, where kids still play outside for hours.
Ready to start searching for a new house in Barrie? The posts below will help you become a well-informed buyer:
- Buying a Home in Simcoe County? Here’s Why Buyers Love The Peggy Hill Team
- Moving With Kids: When Is the Best Time to Buy and Sell?
- Exploring New Opportunities in Barrie Real Estate
East End
The East End neighbourhood in Barrie is sought after by home buyers for many reasons. Beautiful parks like Kempenfelt and Strabane provide plenty of recreational opportunities for families, while a dedicated seniors centre allows adults over 55 to meet, socialize, and engage in a variety of activities.
However, stunning housing options, including those brick bungalows that are so hard to find nowadays, often on large, shaded lots, are also a huge draw to the area.
Then there’s the abundance of eateries, shopping, and entertainment. Whatever your background and whatever lifestyle you prefer, you can have it all in the East End, understandably one of Barrie’s most sought-after areas.
Sunnidale
Adjacent to Sunnidale Park and the arboretum, Sunnidale is another scenic, tranquil neighbourhood that is absolutely perfect for families. Don’t tell the kids, but there are also great schools in this area. The little ones may not be enamoured by the education system, but they will be thrilled about the incredible park and playground, as well as all of the activities at Lampman Lane Community Centre.
It might be hard to believe, but many of the homes in Sunnidale are as spectacular as the scenery! Just picture it: a mix of classic and raised style bungalows and split-levels, with the occasional executive home with no expense spared. Many of these properties feature lots much larger than you find on average. With an off-leash dog park right in the neighbourhood, even your four-legged friends will look forward to the move.
Wondering what homes are available in Barrie and the surrounding areas? Find out by browsing our featured listings.
Painswick
Painswick is as historic as it is convenient. There’s also a touch of the whimsical, thanks to the addition of the Spirit Clock, a majestic, 34-foot-tall landmark that lights up every hour.
Here, you are also close to the Barrie South GO station, making this area highly sought-after by families, professionals, and anyone who likes getting in and out of the city without worrying about traffic or gas prices.
A solid mix of detached homes, townhouses, and condos makes this family-friendly area suitable for all budgets. Best of all, the shimmering shores of Lake Simcoe are easily accessible.
Lakeshore
Speaking of sparkling, glistening waterfronts, the upscale Lakeshore neighbourhood also provides premium access to Centennial Beach on Lake Simcoe. Naturally, this is one of the most desirable areas to be during the summer when swimming, snorkelling, and sand castle building season is in full swing. However, it’s also popular in the winter, and the colourful fishing huts over the ice really are a sight!
If the beachfront isn’t enough to lure you to Lakeshore, perhaps the access to quality schools and beautiful parks will. This is one neighbourhood where you can enjoy a lifestyle that somehow simultaneously feels touristy, full of excitement, and relaxing all at once.
Thinking of selling your home to upsize or downsize? The posts below can empower your next steps:
- How Do I Sell My House Fast?
- Why Sell Your Home With The Peggy Hill Team
- How Perfect Does a House Have to Be Before Selling?
Innishore
Another neighbourhood with a name ending in “Shore,” another breathtaking neighbourhood that boasts waterfront access. It’s not entirely surprising, however, considering Barrie’s location right along Kempenfelt Bay.
Innishore is a mature area with a wide mix of housing options, making it a top choice for families, younger buyers, and retirees who are dreaming of a beach lifestyle close to every city convenience.
Do you have questions about living in Barrie or buying or selling a home here? Get in touch with The Peggy Hill Team today at (705) 739-4455 or email info@peggyhill.com. We are happy to help you get started!
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