Sunnidale
BarrieIntroduction
A lush, leafy oasis north of the city centre, Sunnidale features one of Barrie’s largest and most well-maintained public parks. The area stretches from Livingstone Street West down to Hwy. 400, and Anne Street North across to Coulter Street. Within these borders is some of Barrie’s most sought-after real estate.
Lifestyle
On the winding residential streets that make up so much of the neighbourhood, Sunnidale maintains a quiet stillness, even on the weekends. But at the park, everyone’s on the move, with joggers and cyclists taking advantage of the gravel trails and the wooded area on the park’s northern border; young families clustering around the playground, and leisurely walkers enjoying the beautifully manicured gardens at the arboretum.
The Vibe
Sunnidale is more suburban than urban, with the entirety of the neighbourhood made up of single-family homes and condos, but residents like the peace and quiet that the area provides. Families and older couples get out together to enjoy the park, and shopping is close by, on Bayfield Street and in the downtown core, a short drive away.
Meet the Neighbours
The housing prices in the neighbourhood mean that settled, mature families, older couples, and middle-aged professionals are the primary occupants of Sunnidale. It’s easy to get to know your neighbours here, when you’re likely to run into each other on the driveway, in the park, or out walking the dog.
In the Area
Besides the gorgeous park the neighbourhood is named for, residents of Sunnidale also have easy access to the Georgian Mall and the nearby East Bayfield Community Centre, where kids can play hockey or go swimming. Five public elementary schools and two high schools, as well as a French Catholic high school, are nearby. Royal Victoria Hospital is a short 10-minute drive away.
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Only one bus route passes through Sunnidale, but the neighbourhood is close to Hwy. 400, with access at Bayfield Street to the east, or Dunlop Street to the south. It’s also walkable and bikeable to the downtown core and the commercial strip of Bayfield Street, but hopping in the car is the fastest way to get around the city.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Sunnidale is a great neighbourhood for families, with its sprawling lawns, quiet, leafy streets and access to the park. But it’s also bound by several arterial roads. Anne Street, Cundles Road and Livingstone Street are busy thoroughfares that can be dangerous for children at play, and are quite noisy for residents with houses along them.
Dollars & Sense
By Barrie’s standards, the Sunnidale neighbourhood is one of the more expensive areas to live. But while the neighbourhood has some of the city’s priciest real estate, you can still get a nice three- to four-bedroom home, or a two-bedroom condo, for a price that falls below the national average.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Sunnidale Park
The large, well-maintained park that gives the neighbourhood its name boasts walking trails, a playground for the kids, and a wooded area that’s perfect for hiking, as well as an off-leash dog area.
more infoBarrie Arboretum
Located in Sunnidale Park’s northwest corner, the Barrie Arboretum has beautifully manicured gardens, including a lilac dell and butterfly bushes. It’s a popular place for wedding photos, so expect to see blushing brides.
more infoDorian Parker Centre
The community centre in Sunnidale Park can be rented for banquets, seminars, weddings and other social events, and is also used for events like Barrie’s annual Road to Reading Fun Fair.
more infoCrock & Block
A Barrie staple since 1972, Crock and Block is located just outside of Sunnidale on Bayfield Street. It's a family restaurant with a mean steak and lobster dinner, Sunday brunch, and it’s open for Christmas.
more infoGeorgian Mall
Georgian Mall, Barrie’s largest mall, is a five-minute drive from Sunnidale, located on Bayfield Street. Georgian Mall has more than 150 stores, including Sears, Hudson’s Bay, H&M, Gap, and HomeSense.
more infoEast Bayfield Community Centre
The East Bayfield Community Centre, located on Livingstone Street East, just a short drive from Sunnidale, has recreation programs for the whole family. The centre has a pool, two arenas, a fitness centre, and activity rooms.
more info