Moving From Toronto to Durham Region: What Home Buyers Should Know

For buyers considering a move east of Toronto, Durham Region offers a wide range of communities.

The Region includes Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge and Whitby.

But these communities aren't interchangeable.

Pickering

Pickering is Durham's westernmost municipality and provides relatively convenient access to Toronto.

It can appeal to buyers who want Durham Region while remaining close to Scarborough and Toronto.

Ajax

Ajax offers suburban neighbourhoods, waterfront areas and access to Highway 401 and GO Transit.

Whitby

Whitby combines established neighbourhoods, newer communities and Brooklin to the north.

Oshawa

Oshawa offers one of the broadest selections of housing styles in Durham, ranging from older detached homes to newer construction.

Buyers coming from Toronto are sometimes surprised by how significantly housing can change from one Oshawa neighbourhood to another.

Clarington

Continue east and you'll reach Clarington, which includes Bowmanville, Courtice, Newcastle and surrounding rural areas.

Buyers looking for newer homes or a more easterly location often include these communities.

North Durham

Uxbridge, Scugog and Brock offer a much more rural setting.

The Region itself describes northern Durham as largely rural, while the southern lakeshore communities are more urbanized.

Think Beyond Purchase Price

Before moving east, consider:

• Commute time

• GO Transit

• Highway access

• Property taxes

• Lot size

• Schools

• Recreation

• Age of housing

• Future transportation needs

Drive the Commute

If you'll still be working in Toronto several days each week, test your commute during the actual hours you'll be travelling.

A house can look perfect at an open house on Sunday afternoon but feel very different during a weekday commute.

Compare Several Communities

A buyer with a $900,000 budget may have completely different options depending on whether they're searching in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa or Clarington.

That's why expanding your search can be valuable.

Michael Gallant Team
Century 21 Wenda Allen Realty