Everything You Need to Know About Living in Peterborough

If you’ve been hearing a lot about Peterborough, Ontario lately, there is a good reason for it. Here, people from all backgrounds fall in love every day with their home city. As long-time residents who moved away for a few years before returning, we can confidently say there’s nowhere quite like Peterborough.

To start with, there are beautiful surroundings, vibrant, artistic neighbourhoods, and a sense of community unlike anywhere else. And we are far from the only ones who are thrilled to call this place our home! In this post, we’ll answer your questions and tell you all about living in Peterborough, Ontario.

Searching for houses for sale in Peterborough? Start right here, with our featured listings.

What Is This Place Called Peterborough?
Who Lives in Peterborough and What’s It Like Here?
Living in Peterborough: According to Families
Living in Peterborough: According to Retirees
Living in Peterborough: According to Pets
Peterborough By the Waterfront
What to Know About the Peterborough Real Estate Market

What Is This Place Called Peterborough?

Peterborough is a city of many names. You may hear:

“Lift Lock City,” due to its location along the Trent-Severn Waterway, which includes the world’s highest hydraulic lift lock. This also happens to be one of our most fascinating and frequently visited landmarks.
“The Electric City,” because some of the first electric streetlights shone to life right here in Peterborough.
“The Gateway to the Kawarthas,” thanks to its close proximity to Kawartha Lakes, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cottage country destinations in the province.
“PTBO,” obviously, an abbreviation of the word “Peterborough.” Nevertheless, it’s a lot of fun to say. Now try it three times fast!
“P-Dot,” a name used often by locals, especially the young and hip among us. It’s also our take on Toronto’s moniker, the “T-Dot.”

The next time you visit Peterborough, try slipping one of these beloved nicknames into casual conversation. “What’s going on in the PTBO this weekend?” When you know the lingo, you’ll fit right in! Even if you don’t, we’ll still welcome you. We P-Dotters are friendly folks.

How does Peterborough compare with other cities and towns in Ontario? Find out in the posts below:

Who Lives in Peterborough and What’s It Like Here?

With vast amounts of parks and trails (more than 100, in fact), combined with great entertainment and other amenities, Peterborough is unsurprisingly home to a diverse population. Peterborough geographically spans almost 64 square kilometres.

As of the 2021 census, the Census Metropolitan Area of Peterborough was home to more than 128,000 people. 83,000+ live right in the City of Peterborough, with the rest settled throughout the towns of Peterborough County, including Selwyn, Lakefield, Norwood, and Bridgenorth.

Why do Peterborough residents love it here so much? There are so many reasons, and these answers might vary slightly based on who you ask. Let’s take a closer look at all Peterborough has to offer everyone from every walk of life!

Do you have even more questions about our favourite city? Our Living in Peterborough series continues with the posts below:

Living in Peterborough: According to Families

Families with children are one of the top demographics you’ll find in Peterborough, and you don’t have to look very far to see the appeal! The city boasts great schools for all ages, right through to the post-secondary level, thanks to the presence of Trent University and Fleming College.

Upon graduation, residents have a world of potentially high-paying opportunities in various industries. Healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing are the big three, but the options really are almost endless. If that’s not enough, Peterborough is also very business-friendly, with multiple programs, like Innovation Cluster and Starter Company PLUS, designed to help entrepreneurs realize their vision.

But enough about business. What about fun? Fortunately, families have plenty of options in that regard, as well! Should we talk first about the incredible free things to do, like visit the parks, playgrounds, and even a zoo where kids can interact with animals?

Or should we start with the family-friendly programming at the local libraries and community centres? We could continue with the vibrant entertainment scene Peterborough has to offer, whether you’re catching a movie, enjoying a night out with the family, or celebrating at one of our many events and festivals.

We could talk all day about the joy of Peterborough life for families! Learn more in the posts below:

Living in Peterborough: According to Retirees

If you want to live your retirement years to the fullest, look no further than Peterborough! A cost of living far more affordable than in the GTA means every dollar goes further. However, a rich retirement isn’t just about the budget; it’s about the lifestyle.

In Peterborough, you can look forward to many more memories and one-of-a-kind experiences. For example, do you love history? There’s a world of fascinating architecture to admire!

If you prefer structured exploration, check out museums like the Peterborough Archives or Hutchinson House, to name a few. Alternatively, Trent Valley Archives hosts walking tours throughout the year.

These tours are a great way to learn more about the city, whether you’re curious about the downtown core or the development of East City. During Halloween, you could always embark on a ghost walk – if you dare. Peterborough is also home to specialized community centres just for seniors, providing chances to get social and stay active.

Fancy a game of table tennis or darts? You can show off your aim at Activity Haven Centre. This is also one of the primary hotspots for Pickleball!

In addition, active retirees also meet up and enjoy games, dancing, and other activities at Maple Ridge Recreation and through dedicated seniors’ programming at Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre.

If there’s one activity that brings everyone of all ages together, it’s cycling in Peterborough. The area is known for its safe and scenic multi-use paths, including the Trans-Canada Trail and the Rotary Greenway Trail. Riding your bike is a fun way to get some exercise while exploring the city without stressing your joints.

Are you still curious about the lifestyle you can look forward to in Peterborough? The posts below will help complete the picture:

Living in Peterborough: According to Pets

If you’re the type of person who believes that pets are people too, you and your furry loved one will feel right at home in Peterborough. These city streets were made just for walking – the dog, that is.

Not only are there so many things to smell and friendly faces to greet, but even many of Peterborough’s businesses are open and ready to welcome your pet! Perhaps best of all are all of those parks and green spaces we can’t stop talking about!

Millennium Park and Jackson Park get rave reviews from our four-legged friends of all breeds and sizes. However, Peterborough Dog Park typically ranks the highest because that’s where they get to run and play without a leash.

For water-loving pups, take the short drive to Emily Provincial Park. There, you’ll find an official, dog-sanctioned beach where your dog can splash and swim.

The jury is in; the P-Dot is a fantastic place for pets. If you don’t believe us, just ask our English Bulldog, Ruby. She’ll be happy to tell you all about a dog’s life in Peterborough!

Peterborough By the Waterfront

Perhaps we’re burying the lead here, but Peterborough has a stunning waterfront! Otonabee River and Little Lake are both connected to the Trent-Severn Waterway. The river starts at Katchewanooka Lake and runs south to Peterborough Rice Lake before flowing into Rice Lake and the Lower Trent River.

Many of Peterborough’s parks weave around its banks, which helps to further cement the city’s reputation for picturesque scenery. The widest part of the river runs right through the downtown core, where you can shop and dine in style. Long-standing favourites like Silver Bean Cafe and The Riverside Grill and Gazebo offer waterfront views right off the patio.

We’ve already mentioned that Peterborough Lift Lock 21 is the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world, but did you know that it’s also a National Historic Site? This is just one more fun fact about Peterborough! Speaking of fun, Peterborough’s waterfront is home to some of our most celebrated events, like Peterborough Musicfest at Del Crary Park. Now, you have a better idea of why we are often called the “Gateway to the Kawarthas!”

Are you already convinced to pack your bags and move to Peterborough? The posts below can help with your home purchase:

What to Know About the Peterborough Real Estate Market

Affordability is one of the hallmarks of the Peterborough real estate market, where even luxury properties are far more attainable than what you find in the GTA. Housing types include everything from modern, convenient condos in the downtown core, bungalows and split-levels to older homes in the Georgian, Regency, and Queen Anne styles.

As a city that’s constantly growing and evolving, Peterborough also features numerous contemporary homes and unique custom builds. Light, spacious, with flowing, open-concept layouts, and close to happening amenities like restaurants, shopping districts, and fun attractions that are only in Peterborough? It sounds like the perfect place to begin the hunt for your next home!

Vast waterfront access also provides the landscape for luxury homes on sprawling lots, where all of your favourite activities are literally just outside your door. Perhaps you have your eye on a rural home on the outskirts, where you can enjoy peace of mind and endless tranquillity, with the conveniences of the city a short drive away.

Whatever structure of housing you’re searching for, you will find it, and your dollar will stretch much further. An entry-level condo could allow a first-time buyer get into the market sooner to begin building equity. Then again, you just might be able to find a fully detached house with a yard for what you’d pay for a Toronto condo. In Peterborough, your possibilities are endless!

Do your plans begin with selling an existing home in Peterborough? The posts below will help set you up for a successful experience:

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, our Peterborough real estate agents are here to help. Reach out to team@jeffandkatie.ca or call 705-243-9797 to start the conversation today.