Kitchener Real Estate Overview

Low interest rates and a strong local economy make investing in real estate in Kitchener appealing.

According to the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors, the average selling price for a single detached home in April 2013 was $378,936 which is an increase of 6.1 percent from April 2012.

For families, Westmount is a popular neighbourhood, featuring large houses with lots of character. Downtown Kitchener has a mix of older properties and new apartment buildings and lofts. Plenty of trails and amenities can be found in the Stanley Park area, while some of the most expensive and scenic properties are located around the Doon Valley golf course.

Kitchener Population (2011)219
5 Year Population Change7.1%
Number of Homes in Kitchener89,600

Data source: Statistics Canada

Why Buy a Home in Kitchener?
Kitchener is a quiet, established community with tree-lined neighbourhoods, plenty of parks, and a diverse culture.

The city has a strong economy based on manufacturing, finance, technology, and health science, which affords its citizens a high quality of life. Historically a factory town, Kitchener has recently transformed many of its old industrial buildings into upscale condominiums, apartments, and hotels.

Kitchener is home to a number of excellent elementary and secondary schools, and is near three major post-secondary institutions. It has a vibrant local culture with a particularly large German population. Every fall, Kitchener-Waterloo hosts Oktoberfest, the largest Bavarian festival in the world outside of Germany.
Explore Kitchener's Rich Cultural Heritage
At the end of the eighteenth century, Loyalist Richard Beasley acquired the land of modern-day Kitchener from the Six Nations, who had been gifted the land by the British following the American Revolution.

Although remote, Beasley's land proved to be attractive to Mennonite families escaping persecution in Pennsylvania. These families successfully managed to convert the region's swampland into farms and orchards, and a thriving Mennonite community was established.

Immigration continued throughout the 19th century, many of the newcomers being German Lutherans and Mennonites. The town took on the name Berlin after the German capital, and was incorporated as a city in 1912. Following the outbreak of World War 1, anti-German sentiment increased significantly, and the city was renamed in honour of Herbert Kitchener, the British Secretary of State for War.
Getting around in Kitchener
Kitchener's streets are laid out in a radial pattern as opposed to a grid-pattern. Roundabouts and multiple-point intersections are common, and may take some getting used to for residents unfamiliar with them.

The major thoroughfare in Kitchener is the Conestoga Parkway, which runs across the south side of the city and loops north along the Grand River up to Waterloo.

Grant River Transit operates a number of bus routes in Kitchener, with many connecting to Waterloo. Rail transportation to Toronto is available through Via Rail and through the GO Transit Georgetown line.

Cyclists and pedestrians will appreciate the city's over 100 kilometres of community trails.
Shopping and Amenities
Fairview Park is Kitchener's fashion and retail destination, with over 130 stores including Aritzia, Banana Republic, and Coach. One of the oldest consistently operating markets in Canada, the Kitchener Market features unique wares from local artisans and crafters.

Numerous parks and amenities make Kitchener a great place to raise a family. Some popular recreational spots include McLennan Park, with its state-of-the-art bike park, and the Chicopee Ski Club.

Kitchener has several public, Catholic and private schools. Conestoga College is one of the top-ranked polytechnic institutes in Canada. A stone's throw away in Waterloo, the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University are both renowned universities.
Entertainment and Attractions in Kitchener
Whatever your age or interests, Kitchener has something to keep you entertained.

Bring your kids to Bingemans Big Splash, featuring 10 slides, a wave pool, go karts, and batting cages. Or enjoy a night out at one of the bars and clubs along King Street.

Kitchener is home to various arts and culture venues, such as the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery and THEMUSEUM. The Aud is southwester Ontario's premier sports and entertainment venue, home to the Kitchener Rangers Junior A hockey team.

And of course, don't forget to check out the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. With a parade, pageant, and plenty of food and drink, Oktoberfest has something for everybody.