Over the past few years, Port Perry has been one of Durham Region’s fastest-growing communities. This positive momentum has not gone unnoticed, attracting even more prospective relocators to Port Perry. That said, not everyone who is considering a move is super familiar with the area.
As real estate agents who work closely with a lot of incoming buyers, one of the questions we hear is “Is Port Perry a small town?” If you’ve clicked on this post, there’s a good chance you may be wondering the same thing.
If you don’t know much about Port Perry just yet, that’s ok! We’re lifelong residents of the area and are always happy to share all the things that make our neck of the woods amazing. In this blog, we’ll touch on Port Perry’s size, local lifestyle, and what sets it apart from communities with similar populations. Who knows – you may just fall in love with Port Perry too!
Looking for more fast facts on Port Perry? Click here to read our dedicated community guide.
How Big is Port Perry?
Port Perry itself is just shy of 10,000 residents, however, it’s part of a larger close-knit community within the Lake Scugog basin which is home to a little over 30,000. If you’re coming from a larger city like Toronto or Ottawa, Port Perry will naturally feel like a small town, or at least smaller than what you’re used to. However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing going on here, or that there aren’t splashes of urban influence around town.
Looking for a home in our neck of the woods? You may find these other blog posts helpful.
- Where Can You Find Rural Homes in Durham Region?
- 5 Things to Love About Waterfront Living
- How to Maximize Your First Home by Moving Outside of Toronto
Not Your Average (Small) Town
So what makes Port Perry feel not-so-small? Truthfully, there are more reasons than we can list in a single blog post – here are just a few.
Commutability
One notable factor that sets Port Perry apart from other smaller communities in Ontario is its proximity. Port Perry is located just northeast of Toronto, roughly about an hour’s drive from the city centre or about 15 minutes from Oshawa or Whitby.
Unlike other small towns which are further removed from Toronto, Port Perry’s unique location makes for an easy commute into the city. When it comes to commuting, you get the charms of a small lakeside town with the convenience of a larger suburb. Of course, while easily accessible, Port Perry still feels scenic and secluded.
Public Transit
Another thing Port Perry has that many other towns of similar size don’t is public transportation. Port Perry is served by Durham Region Transit (DRT for short). The DRT provides regular bus service from Port Perry across various parts of the Durham Region including Oshawa and Whitby where you can transfer to other transit networks. Train service from Oshawa and Whitby GO (both about a 30-minute drive from Port Perry) connects commuters to downtown Toronto in less than an hour.
The Local Arts Scene
Similar to a major metropolitan area, Port Perry has a remarkably vibrant (and fast-growing) arts and cultural scene. Across town, you can find a diverse collection of full-time and part-time galleries – providing an outlet for local creators to share and sell their work with their neighbours, tourists, and other artists.
Organizations and artists organize a wide range of community events, festivals, sales, shows, public showcases, and studio tours. Every May, the Small Town BIG Festival celebrates and showcases artists from virtually every craft and discipline.
Curious about other communities in Durham Region near Kawartha Lakes? Check out these blog posts next!
- 5 Reasons to Move to Lindsay
- Why Artists Are Flocking to Port Perry
- Uxbridge: Where the Outdoors Meet the Arts
Thinking About Moving to Port Perry?
From a real estate and lifestyle perspective, there’s something for everyone in Port Perry. Home to a wide range of detached and single-family homes to choose from, along with city-quality local amenities and a great health and wellness network, it’s a truly wonderful place to live.
That said, if you’re new to the area, finding the right home for you can be a challenge. Luckily, we’re here to help! With more than 175 years of combined experience in our local market, we know everything there is to know about homes in Port Perry, Durham Region, and Kawartha Lakes. Whatever you’re looking for, we can help you find it.
Searching for the perfect place to call home? We can help. Call 905-985-7300 to reach our team or click here to send us an email.
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