The GTA might be mostly associated with the majestic skyscrapers and bustling streets of downtown Toronto. But there’s so much more to know and love about the largest and most multicultural urban centre in Canada! The region is home to 25 separate communities, beginning in the west with Burlington and extending all along Lake Ontario right through to Durham region in the east.

With superb education at all ages and outstanding career opportunities in every sector imaginable, it’s unsurprising that the GTA is quickly attracting families, young professionals, newcomers to Canada, and even retirees–not just for the opportunities, but for the lifestyle. 

Within the GTA, you’ll also find the Durham region. And forget downtown Toronto because Durham is where the action is! Hands down, this is the fastest-growing region in the entire GTA, where safe communities and excellent amenities are the envy of the province. Let’s take a look at Durham and what makes it so appealing to so many people.

The Undeniable Appeal of Durham

The Durham region is one of southern Ontario’s most vibrant economic powerhouses, where you’ll find incredible amenities and entertainment along with some of the most affordable condos in the GTA. As a hub of innovation and green initiatives, it’s a great place to live and invest.

The location along the shores of Lake Ontario provides breathtaking scenic beauty for residents and visitors alike, with parks, trails, and conservation areas in abundance. Opportunities right within the region mean residents can work close to home, and downtown Toronto is a short drive away, which opens up even more possibilities. 

The vibrant lifestyle Durham has to offer is one reason more and more people have their eyes on the region. But the biggest reason is likely the availability and affordability of housing. It is the least expensive place to buy a house in the GTA, thanks to an abundance of new construction projects. 

Durham itself is made up of 8 communities, including Pickering, which is quickly attracting the attention of many people relocating to the GTA.

Are you getting ready to search for your new home? Here are a few resources to get you started:

• How NOT To Buy a House
• Inside the Hunt for a House in the GTA
• What Creative Solutions Are Available for First-Time Buyers?

Pickering Under the Microscope

Are you looking for a beautiful home in a safe community that is also one of the most affordable in all of Durham and the GTA? The City of Pickering has everything you’re looking for. 

An influx of recently-completed developments means the real estate landscape consists of modern homes with generous floor plans and plenty of outdoor living space. The high quality of life and affordable price points have experts projecting a 50% growth in Pickering’s population over the next 15 years. Recent condo developments include:

• Pickering City Centre: Located right in the heart of downtown, Pickering City Centre consists of 10 mixed-use towers offering both residential and commercial space. This walkable, self-sustaining community also features the most affordable condos anywhere in the GTA. Though priced to sell, these units offer world-class amenities such as a roof-top infinity pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and much more.
• The Grand at Universal City: Chestnut Hill Developments has already opened registration for The Grand at Universal City, one of the most highly anticipated condo buildings in Pickering! This beautiful highrise provides phenomenal city views and is located steps away from stores, restaurants, and entertainment. Fun fact: This incredible complex is also a short six-minute drive from our office on Brock Street, just South of the Seaton Community. The Grand offers incredible value with amazing incentives along with one of the best deposit structures in the GTA, making it a fantastic option for investors, downsizers, and first-time buyers. 

Want to see the latest pre-construction projects in Pickering and around the GTA? Learn more here!

World Class City Amenities

The beautiful parks and trails of Pickering are a huge draw for families and nature lovers. It’s hard to pick a favourite with so many options to choose from. But if you ever get the chance to visit, we think you’ll agree that Beachfront Park and the Seaton Trail are some of the best places to escape the crowds.

Though part of the GTA, Pickering has a thriving economic sector of its own, and is an industry leader in the fields of Energy and Engineering. With 11 post-secondary colleges and universities nearby, all within a short drive to Toronto, Pickering is the place to be if you want to advance to the next level in your career. 

Pickering is also home to Seaton, one of the most exciting master-planned communities in all of Canada. This is one of our favourite up-and-coming developments that we just can’t stop talking about! 

Is Seaton the Ultimate Family Friendly Community?

The modern and innovative master-planned community of Seaton began with a vision by some of the top developers in the GTA. The goal was to create a safe, beautiful, and vibrant neighbourhood that is truly unique in all of Canada, where families from all backgrounds could grow and thrive. 

Today, that vision is becoming a reality as hundreds of families have already made Seaton their new home. Located in North Pickering, this upcoming community is well on its way to accommodating 70,000 residents and providing 35,000 jobs. 

As an upcoming hub of residential, employment, and commercial developments, Seaton offers everything you need within a short distance. Family-friendly restaurants and cafes are sprinkled throughout the community, where you’ll also discover fun activities, including a movie theatre nearby and the Seaton Centre. 

Plus, 50% of Seaton’s 7,900 acres is dedicated to nature and sustainability; with expansive open spaces and stunning greenery, there are endless trails and parks to enjoy.

Learn even more about what Seaton has to offer in Exploring Seaton: Pickering’s Hidden Gem in the GTA.

Access to Modern Amenities 

A high-quality education system is one of the greatest hallmarks of a family-friendly community. Once completed, Seaton will offer three high schools and 14 elementary schools in total. 

This alone helps to provide children with fantastic opportunities now and in the future. Excellent education is one claim to fame, but it’s far from the only benefit of living in Seaton. A long list of amenities and conveniences include:

• Fire halls, an EMS station, and a police station right in Seaton
• Recreation centres complete with library facilities
• A vast abundance of parks, trails, and greenery 
• A transit depot

Chestnut Hill Recreation Centre is one of our favourite local hotspots in Seaton. With a skating rink, meeting room, and massive indoor swimming pool, it provides a great place for family activities and social gatherings. 

What are some of the other family-friendly places in the GTA? Find out in the posts below:

• Does Markham Have Highly-Rated Schools?
• Why Should You Upgrade Your Family Home in Pickering?

A Varied Real Estate Landscape

As one of Canada’s newest master-planned communities, your real estate options consist of spacious homes that are both modern and spectacular. Since most houses are newly built, you can expect generous floor plans with plenty of space to accommodate your family’s needs. There is something for everyone from all backgrounds and income levels. 

Below is a list of some of the top builders who are transforming this mastermind community and attracting everyone from first-time buyers to move-up families and retirees. 

• Opus Homes
• Deco Homes
• Sundial Homes
• Mattamy Homes 
• Brookfield 
• Aspen Ridge 
• Tower Hill 
• Fieldgate 
• Lebovic Homes 

Many of the early developments sold out quickly, which goes to show how desirable Seaton is becoming! Fortunately, a new release of detached homes and townhouses is on the horizon. Let’s take a look at some of these upcoming developments that will soon be available.

• New Seaton: The newest batch of townhouses from reputable builders such as Aspen Ridge, Brookfield Residential, and Tower Hill Homes is coming soon in 2024. 
• Seatonville: These stunning detached homes and townhomes from five of the top builders in the GTA can be summed up in a single word: exquisite. These uniquely designed residences will be conveniently located near neighbourhood parks, schools, shopping and dining, and protected natural heritage lands.

Between access to excellent education and subsequent employment, Seaton residents have everything they need to prosper in the community, both socially and economically. It’s the perfect combination that means your family can settle down for the long term.

Do you want to know more about the exciting developments in Pickering? We can’t wait to tell you all about it! Reach out today to 647-875-8000 or info@teamrajpal.com to start the conversation. 

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