Small towns at the north end of York Region are about to get bigger, offering affordable housing in desirable communities. Real estate sales representative with Royal LePage York North, Brokerage independently owned and operated, Lee Sitarz is ready for the growth. She’s a resident of Mount Albert, a little village that represents about 13 per cent of the 22,000 residents of East Gwillimbury. She notes that East Gwillimbury is one of the region’s designated growth areas set to hit 40,000 by 2016.
The area is well situated, just 15 minutes from Newmarket and its extensive amenities. Big Box stores have already sprung up within East Gwillimbury’s borders. There is access to major transportation routes including the 400 through Newmarket. There is also a transportation service from the northerly community to Newmarket.
Sitarz has “a full knowledge of new subdivisions” in the area. Current residents are stepping up the real estate ladder to newer and larger homes, creating resale housing stock. The agent says the average cost is $382,000 for a three- to four- bedroom detached home on a “fairly decent sized lot”.
She cites the small town atmosphere as one of the benefits of living in a village. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the community, says Sitarz, including volunteering in the schools, sports groups and community organizations.
Currently living in Keswick, Kevin Strong grew up in Newmarket and also lived in Bradford. This Royal LePage York North real estate agent knows first-hand why home buyers are being enticed to live in these areas of York Region.
Anchored on the south shore of Lake Simcoe, Keswick takes in half of the 40,000 residents of the Town of Georgina. It began as a cottage area and is still “largely influenced by the lake” he explains, with its marinas, beaches and activities like ice fishing, skating and snowmobiling.
The proposed 404 extension is attracting residents to the area as well as affordable home prices, says the agent. A great investment and more affordable than Newmarket, just a 20-minute drive away, the average detached home in an “up and coming neighbourhood” sells for $270,000.
Bradford is located next to Hwy. 400, half way between Toronto and Barrie with direct GO train service to Union Station. With a population of 25,000 including West Gwillimbury and Holland Marsh, in the past Bradford was known for its agriculture. It still retains its small town feel downtown while newer areas and industry are transforming and modernizing the town.
To contact the Royal LePage York North agents, go to
www.royallepageyorknorth.ca.
