Decisions, decisions! Life is full of them, and the stakes are high when deciding where to buy your next home. For those of us who struggle to agree on the best ice cream flavour or pizza toppings, choosing a neighbourhood is even more difficult. 

Many people, especially the young and hip, have their sights set on Toronto. As Canada’s most populated city, it’s easy to see the appeal. The shopping, the waterfront, the parks are just the beginning, and the list goes on.

Moving to Toronto also just seems to be the “in” thing to do. However, if the crowds or the outrageous prices have you feeling a little hesitant, Pickering is a fantastic alternative.

Here, you’ll also find incredible shopping, stunning scenery and a waterfront that will take your breath away. 

Once you get a feel for the Pickering lifestyle, you may just never look back again. If you’re still on the fence, here’s a side-by-side comparison that might nudge you off the edge.

Housing Affordability

It’s a tough challenge to find a way to use the word “affordable” in the same sentence as “Toronto real estate,” but let the record show that we have pulled it off! At the time of this writing, the average price for a detached home in Ontario’s capital city is $2,375,519. That’s a far cry from what most people would think of as affordable. 

You could pay a little less for a small condo or even a townhouse. But why settle for that when you could get a large family home in Pickering? Compared to the averaged sized Toronto condo, a Pickering new build would feel like a palace, and the average price is also less at $1,413,908 for a detached home.

That said, condo life isn’t always just about getting a lower price. Often, it’s about a more convenient and carefree lifestyle. In Toronto, pre-construction condos can cost as much as $1,500 to $1,800 per square foot compared to $1,000 per square foot in Pickering, which means we win the affordability contest hands down! 

Many first time buyers, as well as new immigrants to Canada, will benefit greatly from these lower housing prices. And that’s just the beginning of what makes Pickering a fantastic place to put down roots.

Want to know more about what life is like in Pickering? You can catch a glimpse in the posts below:

• Is Pickering Going Green?
• What Does Pickering Offer Empty-Nesters?
• What You Need to Know About Pickering’s Hot Condo Market

Availability of Houses

Affordability is only one of the challenges today’s home buyers face. With so much of the nation in a housing crisis, availability is a whole other issue. Though fierce bidding wars have abated (for now), there are still not nearly enough houses of any style for the amount of people who are searching for them.

• When buying in Toronto, this often means taking whatever you can get while stretching your budget far beyond your comfort level. 
• As popular as Pickering is becoming, there is still a relatively abundant amount of housing inventory. On top of the many new builds that have recently been completed throughout the city, new projects are also in the works.

Seaton is one of the largest developments in Canada’s history, and hundreds of residents have already settled in. Once completed, the community will accommodate as many as 200,000 people. And this is just one of many upcoming developments happening in Pickering! Here, you can still find low-rise condos, townhouses, and beautiful, modern spacious homes from some of the best developers in the GTA.

If you’re looking to break into the market with a brand new condo,  Universal City Condos or Pickering City Centre are well worth exploring. These are two of our favourite upcoming projects that we can’t wait to see!

Housing supply is another win for Pickering over Toronto, particularly for the many newcomers who are arriving in Canada and who want a dynamic city full of opportunities and convenience. Here, you have options, whether you’re searching for a spacious detached home for your family or a trendy new build with the latest technology.

More Space for Less Money

Houses aren’t just less expensive in Pickering than in Toronto, but you also get more space for your money. Many homes are newer, which also means you’re less likely to face steep maintenance costs or repairs shortly after moving in.

Think of it: You turn the key on moving day, and the sheer amount of living space astounds you. Instead of worrying about how you’ll squeeze in your existing furniture, you may even have room for those trendy accent pieces you’ve always dreamed of. That space doesn’t just apply indoors. 

Outside, you have a sprawling backyard with enough room for a garden, a gazebo, and maybe even a swimming pool. Street parking is plentiful and mostly free of charge. Not that you’re likely to need it since most detached homes will have a driveway, if not a garage. When buying a condo, parking is typically included.

This lifestyle is almost unattainable in Toronto for all but the most affluent residents. The luxurious amount of living space is yet another win for Pickering!

Less Traffic, Fewer Crowds

Have you seen Toronto traffic lately? The congestion and endless bottleneck often make the news, and that’s on a good day. Rush hour is something else altogether.

Pickering can also get busy during peak hours. However, our roads and highways were designed to accommodate a growing population. The result is a much better flow of traffic and a commute that actually doesn’t make you tear your hair out. Relief from congestion and the constant honking of horns is perhaps the most compelling reason to favour Pickering over Toronto.

Is a house purchase coming up in your future? The posts below will help you stay on track:

• How NOT To Buy a House
• Should You Buy or Sell First?
• Can You Make a Home Offer Appealing Without Paying More Money?

The Convenience

We will concede at least half a point for Toronto here, as it’s hard to beat in terms of convenience. However, what you may not realize is that Pickering also has a thriving shopping and dining scene, as well as some exciting entertainment venues.

The main shopping district along Kingston Road features the Shops at Pickering City Centre and Steeple Hill Shopping Centre. You’ll find hundreds of stores, restaurants, and services with everything you’d ever want or need. 

Pickering is also home to spectacular entertainment venues, such as The Arena and the new Casino Resort. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for an exciting outing, whether you’re taking in a concert from a best-selling artist or testing your luck at the slots.

Though Pickering does give Toronto a run for its money in terms of convenience, we still have to give some credit where credit is due. So congratulations, Toronto, you’re finally on the board! All in all, however, Pickering offers superb housing choices, unparalleled amenities, and an elevated lifestyle where every dollar stretches further.

For many people, the choice is clear. Buying a house here isn’t just the “in” thing to do; it’s the right thing to do. It’s hard to find a better place to call home, and you can look forward to many years of fond memories and happiness.

Do you want more guidance in finding your next home? Our Pickering real estate agents are here to help with everything you need. Reach out to info@teamrajpal.com or call 647-875-8000 to connect with us today.

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