The city of Guelph has long been a popular choice for families. Conveniently located just 100 kilometres from Toronto and full of green space, this low-crime community was named one of the top ten cities for new families in Canada.
But if you don’t have any experience with Guelph real estate, it could be difficult to determine which neighbourhood is best for your family. With two school boards along with a separate school board for the Catholic education system, this city of 120,000 has many different schools to choose from, and you’ll often have several options within the same neighbourhood.
To make your research easier, below you’ll find a list of ideal neighbourhoods in Guelph for raising a family.
1. Hanlon Creek
The neighbourhood of Hanlon Creek home to the top performing public school in Guelph: Rickson Ridge Public School. Along with the excellent school, Hanlon Creek is home to Preservation Park, a large green space that is perfect for a Sunday of exploring.
You’ll also enjoy access to everyday amenities including playgrounds, banks, grocery stores, and a hardware store, all within walking distance. This established neighbourhood has a mix of detached homes and townhouses for families of every size.
2. Waverly
Located in East Guelph, this historic, centrally located neighbourhood has a charming mix of new and older homes. Waverly is home to the highly sought-after Edward Johnson Public school, which has been a French Immersion Centre since 2008.
Within walking distance of Waverly, you’ll find Riverside Park, an 80-acre green space with a carousel, miniature train, and paddleboats. You’ll also enjoy access to the Victoria Road Recreation Centre, which is currently undergoing renovations to become a world-class facility with an ice rink and swimming pool.
3. Westminster Woods
Westminster Woods is an up-and-coming residential neighbourhood in Guelph. Here you’ll find plenty of brand-new homes perfect for the busy family.
Two parks nearby boast baseball diamonds for the aspiring little-league star, and St. Paul’s Catholic School is nearby to provide a first-class education.
Although this southeastern neighbourhood is a little further from the downtown core of Guelph, residents flock to this area to enjoy the peace and quiet of suburban living and the convenience of nearby shops on Gordon Street.
4. Kortright Hills
If you’re planning to settle in Guelph and commute to Toronto, Kortright Hills is the neighbourhood for you, with its easy access to the 401.
Once you’ve made yourself at home, stroll to nearby Mollison Park or take a short drive to Preservation Park where your family can walk for kilometers on the groomed trails. In the winter, enjoy cross-country skiing or take your adventures indoors by buying a family membership to the nearby YMCA. Resident children of Kortright Hills attend Kortright Hills Public School, a highly rated school in a beautiful brick building.
As Toronto’s housing market continues to become more competitive, families are routinely choosing to live outside of the city. Guelph has become an ideal home for Toronto transplants looking for quiet and safe city living. With these four neighbourhoods in mind, you’ll be able to find the perfect home for your family in no time.
