Is Peterborough, Ontario Easy to Get To?

As the world becomes more connected, the ease of commute becomes a driving factor in choosing where to live. People who often travel for work, education, or leisure want to spend less time “getting there” so they can focus on what matters.

When all things are equal, it makes sense to choose the location that is the easiest to get in and out of when searching for a new home. That said, you still want a place you’ll love coming back to at the end of your day.

How does Peterborough measure up against all of these criteria? Let’s dive in and take a look!

Ready for a change in your life? Peterborough is a fantastic place for a fresh new start! Find out why by downloading our Relocation Guide.

Peterborough: The City That Has It All

Travelling in and out of Peterborough is remarkably easy, thanks to convenient access to Highway 115. The trip to downtown Toronto takes approximately 90 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

For the fastest journey and the least amount of traffic, you could hop on the 407 before exiting on the Don Valley Parkway and continuing into the city. If you’re driving during off-peak hours, you can skip the toll costs and use the 401. Alternatively, you can also travel on the GO bus and read a book or listen to your favourite podcast instead of worrying about traffic.

Toronto might be the most popular destination outside of Peterborough, but it’s far from the only metropolis around. Other nearby cities include Barrie, a commute that takes a little over two hours.

If you go via the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 7, the challenge is in getting around Lake Simcoe, which takes you further north than as the crow flies. However, we are sure you will love the scenery along the way. When you’re not catching glimpses of the lake, you’ll definitely pass by some beautiful countryside fields and quaint towns.

If you need to get to a larger city, Oshawa is the closest option, which lies approximately 82 km south west along Highway 115. Peterborough’s location in Central Eastern Ontario makes it highly convenient and desirable for anyone who wants to be close to a major city without all of the headaches and drawbacks.

Still have questions, like how far is Peterborough from Toronto, and as well as the distance to other nearby cities and towns? Learn all you need to know in the posts below:

Why Leave Peterborough at All?

A lot of thought goes into choosing a new town or city when relocating. The list of considerations seems to get longer the more time you spend thinking about it.

Is it close to good schools? Is the area safe? Are there any fun things to do? Or possibly even, will the dog be happy here? (If you’re anything like us, you love your pets as much as some of your other family members.)

When you look at the elevated quality of life you can enjoy in Peterborough, the question changes. It’s not so much about how easy it is to come and go, but rather, why would you ever want to leave in the first place? (Unless, of course, it’s to travel to the breathtaking Kawarthas. Technically, though, that’s all part of the region, so it doesn’t count.)

Consider every conceivable reason someone might have for relocating.

If it’s in search of a bright career, Peterborough has thriving sectors in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, education, conservation, and hospitality.
Are you in pursuit of a higher education? Trent University is one of Canada’s top post-secondary institutions, and we are also home to Fleming College.
Has the cost of buying a house or renting an apartment in the GTA left you reeling? You have come to the right place! New residents tend to be thrilled with how much house they get for their money in Peterborough. You’ll also fall in love with our stunning green spaces, cycling trails, and an entertainment and dining scene that is absolutely thrilling.

The more you think about all that Peterborough has to offer, the more you’ll start to question whether you ever need to leave at all.

Business Is Booming in Peterborough!

Our favourite city is the ultimate destination if you have been overtaken by an entrepreneurial spirit and are looking to launch a successful startup of your own. Forget Toronto and its high costs of everything before you can even open your doors.

You can’t ask for a better place than Peterborough, thanks to mentorship and training programs, workshops, networking opportunities, and a robust business library that includes sales and marketing support and advice for creating a business plan.

That’s in addition to Starter Company Plus, a program for young business owners, and the Innovation Cluster, an initiative that helps startups in cleantech, agtech, digital and healthcare companies.

Best of all, you’ll have an educated workforce to help grow and nurture your budding enterprise. Peterborough’s booming economy isn’t just attractive to entrepreneurs and business headquarters.

It also helps make it an exciting and convenient place to live. Just take a look at a few of the shops, services, restaurants, cafes, and points of interest in the Business Improvement Area in downtown Peterborough. (Coincidentally, if you do own a business in this area, you can get listed on “The Boro” for free.)

Planning a new home purchase? Start building your strategy by reading the posts below:

Take in the Scenery and the Entertainment

Sometimes, people relocate to Peterborough and are pleasantly taken aback by how picturesque and beautiful the city is. Other people might come here just for the scenery.

With more than 100 parks throughout the city, it’s easy to see the appeal. A quick, afternoon stroll turns into a photo op, and those images could easily become a postcard. It’s not all about tranquility and relaxation, though.

Some of these parks are actually the site of exciting events and other community gatherings. Like Del Crary, for example, where you can join in the fun at MusicFest with the view of the lake in the background.

In Peterborough, you can look forward to an easy commute, an abundance of conveniences and amenities, and a lifestyle where the excitement never ends. What more could anyone ask for?

Do you want to know more about relocating? Our Peterborough real estate agents are here to guide you through each step. Reach out to team@jeffandkatie.ca or call 705-243-9797 to start the conversation today.