Oshawa and Whitby the next hot destination?
October 14, 2020
As prospective homebuyers have looked outside the Toronto core in search of more affordable lowrise homes in recent years, many of them have headed to Hamilton, Burlington, Milton and other points west.
This migration may soon change.
Indeed, according to the ReMax Fall Market Outlook Report, Durham is poised for strong growth, post-COVID-19.
ReMax expects the Durham housing market to continue to see a healthy amount of interest and activity over the next 12 months.
In fact, ReMax expects Durham to be one of the hottest markets in Ontario for the balance of the year, forecasting a 14-per-cent increase in average residential prices, compared to just six per cent for Ontario overall.
As for the new home market, the Building Industry and Land Development Association reports total new home sales of 567 in July 2020, compared to 146 in July 2019 and just 40 in 2018.
In mid-September, Marlin Spring and Greybrook Realty Partners broke ground at Symphony Towns, a project of 212 townhomes located on Harmony Road in Oshawa.
Strong natural location just east of Toronto along Hwy. 401 is among the reasons Whitby and Oshawa draw attention. With Whitby just 59 kms from Toronto and Oshawa 62, commuting is a real option – particularly with recent GO Transit improvements and the expansion of Hwy. 407.
Expanding attractions
As with any growing municipality, Whitby and Oshawa also offer expanding amenity and retail options. The Oshawa Centre, for example, is the largest shopping complex in Durham and is home to more than 230 outlets. And in downtown Oshawa, of course, there’s a variety of unique shops and restaurants.
Nature is also front and centre, as Oshawa is home to wildlife preserves such as the Pumphouse Marsh, Second Marsh and McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve. Oshawa Botanical Gardens boasts North America’s largest contemporary peony collection, and on Oshawa’s Lake Ontario shoreline, Lakeview Park offers many picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, a waterfront pier and sandy beaches.
In Whitby, more than 100 parks more than 60 kilometres of trails, including the Bio-Diversity Trail, the Cullen Central Park Trails, Otter Creek Trail and the Whitby Shores Waterfront Trail, await residents. The 670-acre Lynde Shores Conservation area is known for its wildlife and provides habitat for nesting birds.
Location, location, location
Located east of Toronto in York Region, Durham forms the east end of the GTA. Whitby 59 km from Toronto, Oshawa 62 km. Durham population 645,862; Oshawa 159,458; Whitby 128,377.
Key landmarks
• Lynde Shores Conservation Area
• Oshawa Botanical Gardens
• Oshawa Centre
• Tribute Communities Centre
Select housing developments
OSHAWA
Eastmore Village
By Delpark Homes
eastmorevillage.ca
Ironwood
By Podium Developments
podiumdevelopments.com
O North Urban Towns
By Greycrest Homes
greycresthomes.com
Symphony Towns
By Marlin Spring
symphonytowns.com
UC Uptowns
By Tribute Communities
ucuptowns.ca
Winchester Estates
By Menkes Developments
menkes.com
WHITBY
Park Vista
By Paradise Developments
paradisedevelopments.com
Station No. 3
By Brookfield Residential
brookfieldhomes.ca
The Hamptons at Country Lane
By Heathwood Homes
heathwood.com
About Wayne Karl
Wayne Karl is an award-winning writer and editor with experience in real estate and business. Wayne explores the basics – such as economic fundamentals – you need to examine when buying property. wayne.karl@nexthome.ca