04.8.22 | Peterborough

Why You Should Consider Moving to Peterborough

Is there a move coming up for you, and you’re still unsure what your best next step should be? With housing prices spiralling out of control in Toronto and the GTA, some buyers are looking elsewhere. But what if you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and excitement of the city? Where else can you go that compares? It turns out, you don’t have to go very far to find one of the best alternatives.

Peterborough – Your Home Away From the GTA

Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing, or just tired of suburban sprawl, the good life awaits you in Peterborough. Visit for a day, and you’ll see why it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in Ontario. You’ll find all of the urban comforts and conveniences of big city life, without the traffic! You can get anywhere you want to go, usually in fifteen minutes or less. 

To top it all off, there are parking spots everywhere! The ample availability of parking is what surprises people from Toronto the most. 

With countless dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities available, you’ll never be hard pressed for something to do.


There is always something fun happening in Peterborough for all ages! Here are a few exciting events you should know about:


Nature Lovers Paradise 

Thanks to the 1.8 million acres of protected Greenbelt, you can rest assured that Peterborough will retain the scenic beauty that it is famous for. If you enjoy nature, you’ll love the breathtaking hiking and biking trails that surround you everywhere you go. Waterfront recreational areas like Millenium Park make for a peaceful way to spend an afternoon. 

A Thriving Downtown Core

Downtown Peterborough is hopping with a thriving art scene, including multiple art galleries, shows, workshops and festivals. There are over 350 cultural and creative-centred businesses throughout the city. You’ll find something exciting to do or see every day of the week, whether you enjoy live entertainment, movies, plays, musicals, sports events or comedy shows.

Festivals and Events

Whether the sun is shining or the snow is falling, there is always something going on. At Peterborough Musicfest, the music keeps playing all summer long. Canada’s longest music festival runs for a solid eight weeks at beautiful Del Crary Park off of Little Lake. 

This years’ lineup has yet to be confirmed, but the event has featured renowned artists like the Crash Test Dummies, Big Wreck, Our Lady Peace, and Tegan and Sara. Food vendors are available throughout the park, and admission is free! 

Is relocating to Peterborough the right choice for you? Find out more in our Relocation Guide, which you can download right here.

Top-Rated Healthcare

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre is a state-of-the-art 715,000 square foot facility dedicated to bringing innovative, high-quality care to Peterborough residents. It is also the largest employer in the city. However, medical practitioners of all kinds are readily available, including family practitioners, dentists, physiotherapists, massage therapists and more. 

First Rate Education

Peterborough is home to some of the finest post-secondary educational institutions in the country, including Trent University, Fleming College and Seneca College. It is also supported by a network of primary and secondary schools, and has many highly-rated childcare centres. An advanced library system and multiple educational museums make Peterborough a popular place for growing families.


A great place to live and invest? Find out more about opportunities in Peterborough below:


Shopping

You could spend days shopping at all of the different outlets and never run out of places to visit. The major shopping centres include Queensgate Shopping, Landsdowne Place, Peterborough Square and Parkway Centre. 

If you want to avoid big-box stores and prefer to support small businesses, check out Westgate Arcade. This branch of Queensgate Shopping is dedicated to independently-run stores and boutiques. And don’t forget the many unique shops and specialty stores you’ll find within blocks of each other in the downtown core. Throughout the year, there are also bustling farmer’s markets where you’ll find fresh local produce, gourmet prepared foods and fresh-baked goods.

Peterborough is working hard to build housing for new residents. Here are Five New Developments that We Can’t Wait to See!

Could Peterborough Be Your Next Home?

With all there is to see and do, it’s easy to see why many people are moving here and calling Peterborough home. The city is experiencing record growth from all walks of life.

Growing Families

If you want a safe and peaceful place to raise a family, look no further. Top-notch schools are easily accessible, and there are countless activities for families and children to enjoy, including sports teams, community centres, numerous parks and museums.

First Time Buyers

Why settle for a tiny, cramped condo in Toronto when you can have a whole house for less? Peterborough has many opportunities for career-minded people and is a great place to invest in your first home. You’re right in the heart of everything, a vibrant nightlife, exciting festivals and rich culture.

Active Retirees

Peterborough’s excellent transit system and accessibility make it one of the most popular destinations for downsizers. You can enjoy an active lifestyle and busy social life while always being close to high-quality health care. 

Is retirement on the horizon? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Retiring in Peterborough

Still on the fence about moving to Peterborough? Check out this video from a real Peterborough relocator here: