Not everyone loves big city living. From the never-ending hustle and bustle to the often astronomical costs of real estate, it’s not hard to see why so many people are migrating away from ultra-urban areas, especially in Ontario. In fact, some of the best places to live in Ontario are smaller towns.
That said, Ontario is a big place, and there are a ton of small towns spread out across the province – so how can you choose the right one for you? In this blog, we’re zooming in on Durham Region and Kawartha Lakes, a charming area a little way outside of the Greater Toronto Area. Here you’ll find all kinds of charming communities ranging from cozy hamlets to bustling towns that have an undeniable urban energy.
Ready to discover the best small towns to live in Ontario? Keep reading!
On the hunt for your small-town dream home? Click here to explore our featured listings.
Port Perry
Starting off strong, one of the best small towns in Ontario hands down is Port Perry. We may be biased (full disclosure, we live here and we love it!), but the town really speaks for itself in terms of livability.
You’ve got great (and affordable) homes, year round access to the water, a unique arts scene, good schools, and all kinds of family friendly activities to enjoy.
Size-wise, Port Perry is just shy of 10,000 residents – but it’s been growing nicely in recent years! On paper, it may be a small town, but it’s got some big city conveniences. So many, in fact, that we wrote an entire blog about it.
If you’re looking to leave the city behind in favour of small town living, but don’t want to wave goodbye to certain things like walkability, great cafes and restaurants, Port Perry should be on your radar. Oh, and it also features some of the best small town shopping in Ontario.
Lindsay
Another small town that’s been getting more popular over the past few years is Lindsay, Ontario.
You could argue that no one is doing more to bust the myth that small towns are boring than Lindsay. First and foremost, life here is all about life on the water. Located right along the Scugog River, you’re tucked between two popular lakes. So, whether you like boating, swimming, fishing, or simply relaxing on the dock, it’s a great place to be.
On the shore, Lindsay is known for its charming and historic downtown, featuring fantastic spots for dining, shopping, and entertainment. There are also all kinds of events throughout the year, like park concerts, street festivals, and outdoor theatre performances.
Want to know more about life in Lindsay? Check out these related blogs!
Little Britain
If you’re looking for a small town that really feels like it, you’ll like Little Britain. One way Little Britain stands out from other small towns nearby is that it’s not directly located on a waterfront – giving it a more classic country feel.
At first glance, Little Britain might look like your average farming town, but in reality, it’s a diverse community home to all kinds of residents. Of the roughly 1,100 people who live here, you’ve got everyone from young families to long-standing residents and retirees.
Uxbridge
Located about an hour’s drive from central Toronto, Uxbridge is a small town that’s known for having a polished, upscale ambience. With a population of about 21,500, it’s one of the bigger small towns in the area, but it definitely feels like an independent community as opposed to another Toronto suburb.
First things first, we can’t talk about Uxbridge without mentioning the incredible natural scenery. Fittingly dubbed the Trail Capital of Canada, it’s right next door to Durham Regional Forest’s impressive network of trails for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, and more.
Uxbridge, much like its neighbour Port Perry, is a vibrant hub of the arts, boasting numerous art galleries featuring a diverse collection of works from international and local artists. Uxbridge is also home to the historic Roxy Theatre, a vintage 50s-style cinema that plays classic movies 7 days a week. On top of being a great place to live, Uxbridge’s artsy flair and other cultural amenities make it one of the best small towns to visit in Ontario.
Thinking about moving to a small town? Check out these related blogs for more helpful advice!
- 5 Tips For Transitioning to Life in a Small Town
- How to Maximize Your First Home by Moving Outside of Toronto
- Where Are the Rural Homes in Durham Region, Kawartha Lakes & Northumberland County?
Find Your Perfect Home in Ontario
Durham Region and Kawartha Lakes are home to some of the prettiest towns in Ontario. If you’re thinking about moving here, you’ll want to partner with an experienced local real estate team. That’s where we come in.
With more than 175 years of combined experience across our team, we know the small towns of Durham Region and Kawartha Lakes inside and out.
We’ve also bought and sold homes in every kind of market condition you can imagine. Using this knowledge to your advantage, we’ll help you find a home that suits your needs and budget, wherever that may be.
Considering buying a home and embracing small town living? The Puckrin & Latreille Team has Durham Region and Kawartha Lakes’ most experiences agents here to help! Call 905-985-7300 or send an email to hello@liveplayinvest.com to reach out.
Book a Meeting
Whether buying or selling a home in Port Perry and the surrounding area, our team has you covered. Book a call with us today to get started.
