Living in Niagara has its benefits. Let’s take a stroll through Niagara-on-the-Lake.
With so much to offer in 12 gorgeous municipalities, picking a city in which to live might be difficult! Which is why the expert realtors at McGarr can help you decide with this series of blogs highlighting the benefits and flavour that each city offers. Even if you are from Niagara you may not realize just how awesome our region has become.
Let’s start with home prices. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the actual (not seasonally adjusted) national average price for homes sold in Canada in January 2017 was $470,253, almost unchanged (+0.2%) from where it stood one year earlier.
In Niagara, however, the residential average sale price of $345,294 was 23.7 per cent higher than last January. The average days on market decreased from 62 to 36 in the residential freehold market and decreased from 82 to 44 in the condominium market. (Source, CREA stats).
The average price of a home in Hamilton-Burlington over the same period was $516,128 while the Greater Toronto Area was $770,745.
Aside from awesome home prices, Niagara offers resident benefits by the bushelful. Let’s talk specifically about one of Niagara’s 12 municipalities: Niagara-on-the-Lake.
If wide open spaces and a town steeped in history is your cup of tea, this is the place for you.
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake was founded in 1970 following the amalgamation of the former town and townships of Niagara. It includes the communities of Virgil, Old Town, Queenston, St. Davids and Glendale, as well as the surrounding rural areas.
Formerly called Newark, the Town was chosen as the capital of Upper Canada following its creation in 1791. John Graves Simcoe was named the first Lieutenant Governor. Steeped in history, the Town, Fort George and the surrounding areas served as a background to fighting between British and American forces during the War of 1812.
From newcomers to longtime residents, people love this area due to its relaxed pace. The micro-climate also allows for bountiful agriculture and tender fruit crops. The engaging community and service clubs such as the Rotary, Kinsmen, Lions and Optimists allow for locals to get involved in whatever way they wish. Let’s not forget about the picturesque scenery too!
Aside from Old Town NOTL, the real estate opportunities in Virgil, Queenston, St. Davids and Glendale offer families rural and residential neighbourhoods. These areas are complemented by services such as shopping centres, health care facilities, a first-rate volunteer fire department and a council that cares deeply for its residents.
Local amenities include a vibrant restaurant scene, yearly festivals and events, the Shaw Festival, art galleries, an abundance of wineries and specialty farms, historical properties such as Fort George, nearby highways and U.S. border access, as well as opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and water sports.
Post-secondary educational opportunities present themselves at nearby Brock University and Niagara College. Transit to both institutions are available, with additional fixed routes linking the communities of Old Town, Virgil and Glendale. There is also a seasonal shuttle that operates from May to October between Historical Old Town and Fort George. Some specialized transit operated by the Niagara Region is also available between municipalities for riders who meet eligibility requirements.
Looking for family fun? The NOTL Public Library and Community Centre both offer a variety of recreational programs for families and children. The Town’s Parks and Recreation department offers programs throughout the year. From public skating, swimming and summer camps; all of which use the Town’s sports fields and two arenas.
Also – and we may have mentioned this – Niagara-on-the-Lake and its surrounding communities are beautiful places to live. For people with green thumbs or those who enjoy the gardening efforts of others, NOTL is the perfect community for you.
Need to know more about Niagara-on-the-Lake? Visit the Town’s website at www.notl.org.
McGarr Realty Corp. agents know Niagara, love Niagara, and they want you to come love it too. 
If you are ready to start searching, give our office a call at 905-468-9229 in Niagara-on-the-Lake or 905-687-9229 in St. Catharines.