10 Reasons Why You’ll Love Durham Region

Everyone wants to belong somewhere, and when you're buying a home to raise your family, it's important to love where you live, and we are sure you'll love Durham Region.

1) VARIETY OF LANDSCAPES
There are eight municipalities, including; Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington, Brock, Scugog, and Uxbridge, each place with something very unique about them. From farmland to lakeside, you have your pick of landscapes and views.

2) GREAT FOOD
Durham Region is rich with history, and there is a story at every corner. First explorers arrived in 1660-1700's and brought many Nationalities we see today including, Polish, Ukrainian, Hungarian, Croatian, German, Italian, and Russian. In the later part of 1900's many immigrants came from the Middle East, East Asia, Asia, and South America as well as the Caribbean and Central America. Besides wonderful people, what does this mean? Great Food! You don't have to leave Durham Region to visit many different ethnic grocery stores and restaurants. We have it all!

3) HIKING AND OUTDOORS
Durham Region is home to over 360 kilometers of trails, and 5 Conservation Areas. Whether you decide to hike The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail or head north to explore The Oak Ridges Moraine, you and your family will make lasting memories exploring beautiful Durham Region.

4) FARMERS MARKET
Farmers Markets happen in almost even town and city in Durham Region. The proximity to rich farmlands means your access to fresh Ontario produce and homemade goods are steps away during the warmer months. Supporting local businesses is something people in Durham pride themselves on. Staying close to home without the traffic of heading downtown is very appealing!

5) SCHOOLS
Schools. Whether your children attend Private school, Catholic, Public, French, Montessori, or Islamic schools, you have every option in Durham Region. The beauty of this is the ability to live close to your school, and build relationships for your children in your neighbourhood, as opposed to busing them to different regions. Durham has 133 schools!

6) TRANSPORTATION
This seems to improve with every passing year. Back in the 90's you'd have to call a bus to your home. Now, much like big cities, you can catch a bus on your street with a regular schedule. The 407 to the north, and 401 to the south make access easy if you need to commute to Toronto. The Go Train/Bus services stretch from Bowmanville to downtown Toronto, with many Commuter Rideshare parking lots scattered across the region.

7) AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
Many people are heading east from Toronto as houses are much more affordable in the Durham Region. This is great for first time home buyers who otherwise might spend years renting, or trying to save in the city.

8) JOBS
Places like Durham Region used to be known as the "Sleeping Community" in that, people who worked downtown Toronto came east to sleep. Well, that's not the case anymore! Where there is land, there is growth and the Durham Region is changing fast! Pickering has a massive Hotel/Casino complex almost completed, which will create hundreds of jobs. The Scandinavian Spa is almost open in Whitby, and Amazon is coming to both Ajax and Whitby! Gone are the days where the 3-hour commute was a dreaded part of your world! Durham has TONS of jobs!

9) PARK
Speaking about "land" you rarely need to pay to park anywhere in Durham Region. Unlike in Toronto where you are lucky to find a spot, let alone pay a fortune for it. Durham Region has wide-open parking, making shopping, appointments, and picks up affordable and easy.

10) A LIFESTYLE
As the author of this list and someone who has lived in Durham Region all his life, (35 Years) I must say, what I love most about this area is the freedom to move around and the lifestyle it has to offer. I love how I can start my day apple picking in the country, and within 15-20 minutes, I'm at the lake watching the yachts sailing out of the marinas. I can take my son trail riding in the ravine, and watch the salmon run up the river, and then off to a restaurant within minutes. I can go camping in Darlington or Kawarthas along the lake, and be home in 30-60 minutes, versus the 3 hour trip to a cottage from Toronto. I feel part of a community here. I know what's going on because I'm invited to be involved. I care about the people who run the corner shop, and I know everyone on my street. Clean parks for my kids, and dog parks for my puppy. I’ve never left Durham, and quite frankly there is never a reason to do so. Take it from me, if you're looking for someone to belong, come check out Durham Region!