What Peterborough Neighbourhoods Are Best for Families?

Peterborough is quickly becoming home to residents from all backgrounds and walks of life – primarily thanks to a relatively affordable cost of living, tons of recreational activities, and a vibrant community. Young professionals excitedly pack up to relocate for the outstanding educational and employment opportunities. Retirees are attracted to the endless convenience and chances to meet new people.

Above all, Peterborough is home to families, with more arriving all the time. Where do these long-time residents and newcomers settle in? With so many exciting and dynamic neighbourhoods, it can be challenging to choose the one just right for you. In this post, we’ll introduce you to some of the best Peterborough neighbourhoods for families of all ages.

Gearing up for a move to Peterborough? You’ll find plenty of time-saving tips in our Relocation Guide, which you can download right here.

West Peterborough

West Peterborough is one of the more expensive areas and is typically suited to home buyers with relatively high budgets. All in all, this is a thriving part of the city, providing easy access to Highways 115, 401, and the 407. Residents here are also in close proximity to Peterborough Regional Health Centre, a state-of-the-art hospital.

Living in Peterborough West means being close to Fleming College, which offers a variety of full and part-time post-secondary programs. For recreation, families turn to the Sports & Wellness Centre, where you’ll find an aquatic facility and three gymnasiums featuring a variety of programming for all ages.

Residential neighbourhoods tend to be quiet and peaceful, with plenty of parks and playgrounds adding a touch of natural beauty. Jackson Park, Kawartha Heights Park, Kinsmen Park, and the Trans-Canada Trail are just a few places where you’ll come across families happily playing or getting out to explore one of Peterborough’s many trails. To sum it up:

The older West End is known for historic neighbourhoods and century homes where the architecture takes your breath away.
The newer West End boasts modern builds full of light and technology, with open floor plans and generous square footage. These neighbourhoods are often designed with pedestrian and cycling-friendly infrastructure in mind.

The verdict is in: Peterborough is a fabulous place to live! It’s also great for investors at all levels. Learn more in the posts below:

Westmount

The scenic Westmount neighbourhood consists primarily of spacious detached homes and townhouses, and the availability of great schools makes it especially appealing to families. Depending on the catchment area, these can include Westmount Public School, St. Teresa Catholic Elementary School, and St.Peter Catholic Secondary School. Westmount is also minutes away from Trails of Lily Lake, a new development of elegant houses with a focus on outdoor living spaces.

Kawartha Heights

Located just south of Landsdowne, Kawartha Heights is another popular neighbourhood for families. Depending on your location, you might be able to reach the local schools on foot. Kawartha Heights Public School, James Strath Public School, and Crestwood Secondary School are just a few serving the area. Housing options include single-family homes, townhouses, and condos, some of which can be very spacious and luxurious!

If you’re still looking for more reasons to pack up and move to Peterborough, the posts below just might convince you:

East Peterborough

Now, we come to the neighbourhood for the history buff in your family! Let’s travel to East City, which can feel like a journey back in time. As the oldest part of Peterborough, you’ll find a lot of fascinating old-style architecture here. The housing stock mainly consists of Victorian homes, but a few modern new builds are starting to pop up. Just think of East City Condos if you’re looking for a world of convenience while surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Little Lake is a hop, skip, and a jump away, where you can take part in numerous live events throughout the year, or simply gaze out over the water. It’s excitement and tranquility in equal balance! You’ll find plenty of parks and trails nearby whenever you feel the need to relax in nature, such as Rogers Cove, Nicholls Oval Park, and Beavermead Park.

Neighbourhood schools include Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School, Armour Heights Public School, and Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School. Children’s Montessori School is one of the premium private alternatives for families of young children.

Some of Peterborough’s best shops and restaurants are also a short drive away. Other points of interest include Cox Terrace, a 19th-century brick structure built in the Second Empire style, now a national historic site. And let’s not forget about the Peterborough Lift Lock, an attraction that draws countless visitors each year.

When it comes to real estate in East Peterborough, your options go far beyond condos. Whatever your vision, you’ll find it here, smaller bungalows, massive new-builds, old-style architecture, modern and spacious family homes, and more, all at prices far more affordable than in the GTA.

North Peterborough

Families who love green space will feel right at home in North Peterborough, where even the tree-lined streets are quiet and peaceful. Some of the city’s most beautiful parks and trails are also close by, including Jackson Creek, Barnardo Park, Milroy Park, and more. Interesting fact: the Riverdale Park and Zoo is within easy cycling distance and admission is free. With Hutchinson House and the downtown core also a short drive away, there’s always something fun to do and see in the northern end of Peterborough.

Are you ready to start your home search? Take a look at our featured listings right here.

University Heights

North Peterborough consists of several residential areas, University Heights being the most well-known. Education is the name of the game in the north, where Edmison Heights Public School, Queen Elizabeth Public School, and Adam Scott Collegiate Vocational Institute may fall within your catchment area. Post-secondary education is where the North End really shines, however, as the neighbourhood takes its name from the very highly rated Trent University.

Though technically a university neighbourhood, University Heights is anything but typical. Think more upscale than party-town, with residents including affluent students, young professionals, and well-established families.

You will find some homes to fit modest budgets here, such as townhouses and bungalows. The real estate landscape also consists of a few grand estates, making University Heights one of Peterborough’s more opulent neighbourhoods. If you love the idea of a new build, look no further than Heritage Park. This upcoming development offers a mix of housing styles, including single-family homes and townhouses.

Though public transit is available, life will be far more convenient if you have a car for your daily errands and commute. That said, there are a few great restaurants and shops close by whenever you want to enjoy an afternoon or evening out.

Ready to buy your next house in Peterborough? The posts below will help you hit the ground running:

South Peterborough

Life in South Peterborough has a slight tendency to revolve around the Peterborough Memorial Centre, our main venue where residents enjoy a never-ending series of concerts and sporting events. If that’s not family friendly, we don’t know what is!

There’s more to the south than pure entertainment, however. Parents can rest assured, knowing their children’s education is in good hands at local facilities such as St. John Catholic Elementary School, Otonabee Valley Public School, St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School, Roger Neilson Public School, and Kenner Collegiate and Vocational Institute.

This area is no slouch when it comes to breathtaking green spaces, either. As in nearly every Peterborough neighbourhood, you’ll be surrounded by lush parks and trails that are perfect for cycling, hiking, or just relaxing in nature. John Taylor Memorial Park, R.A. Morrow Memorial Park, Newhall Park and Kiwanis Park all feature breathtaking scenery worthy of exploration, especially when the nice weather hits.

Quick access to Highway 7 and Highway 115 makes South Peterborough popular for commuters and professionals who travel in and out of the city. With numerous shops and amenities nearby, it’s also one of Peterborough’s most walkable areas! A wide mix of housing options ranges from starter condos, rental apartment buildings, and duplexes to large, spacious detached homes. It’s an ideal location for either the first-time buyer or a growing family looking to upgrade.

Do you want to explore the idea of buying a home in more detail? Our Peterborough real estate agents are happy to show you the ropes! Reach out to team@jeffandkatie.ca or call 705-243-9797 to start the conversation today.