Shawn DeLaat
St. Catharines is the largest city in the Niagara Region, and it holds approximately a third of the region’s residents. It is filled with over 4 square kilometres of parks, gardens, wineries, and trails which is why St. Catharines has been coined “The Garden City”. The unique location of the city being nestled in between two great lakes and sheltered by the Niagara Escarpment causes it to be one of the top 5 warmest places to live in Canada. The houses for sale in St. Catharines will be sure to beat out the competition, so here is a guide for living in the city, courtesy of the team at Davids & DeLaat.
Easy Access
St. Catharines has an incredible transportation infrastructure that allows for tourists and residents to commute with ease. There is an extensive line of public bus routes that cover the entire city of St. Catharines and even bordering cities such as Niagara Falls, Welland, Fort Erie and more. If you are looking to travel by car the QEW runs directly through the city for easy access where you can travel to Toronto in just over an hour or Buffalo in less than an hour. There is also Highway 406 to service all your southward needs. There are multiple rail solutions for your travel needs provided by VIA Rail and more recently GO Transit who now offer a train route to Toronto. Additionally, there are several smaller airports surrounding the area and two major hubs including Toronto Pearson International and Buffalo Niagara International. Arguably one of the most important transportation methods in St. Catharines is the Welland Canal that connects the two great lakes, Erie and Ontario. St. Catharines operate 4 locks in the canal that help to guide over 3,000 ships a year down the 42km stretch of waterway.
Neighbourhoods
There are a little over 25 different neighborhoods in the city of St. Catharines, many of which have been amalgamated into the city over time. Each neighbourhood has its own unique contribution to St. Catharines, commonly the city is broken down into the following sections:
Central/Downtown – built up of about 5 different communities, downtown St. Catharines is known for being the historical site of the city featuring landmarks such as the popular Montebello Park which was designed back in 1887 by the same man who designed New York City’s Central Park. This landmark is known for having one of the largest rose gardens that has over 25 varieties and 1300 bushes to admire. If you want to see more of nature, only steps away is Burgoyne Woods Recreational Park and Dog Park, covering over 0.5 square kilometers. Downtown is also home to a new multi-million dollar performing arts centre and the new Meridian Centre arena that can seat over 5000 people. There are many renovations and new construction happening in central St. Catharines that are sure to keep the community thriving.
North End – consists of around 8 little communities, all closely nestled to Lake Ontario. The north end of St. Catharines is one of the most sought-after areas in the city and is the perfect spot for everyone from families to retirees. It is well known for having excellent schools, a multitude of parks, beaches, trails, and many mature homes on spacious lots. One of the most well-known attractions in the north end is Lakeside Park located in Port Dalhousie. There is no shortage of activities to check out while you are spending the day at the beach such as the volleyball courts, parks, the harbour, lighthouse and of course the historical carousel where you can still enjoy a ride for just 5 cents.
South End – has approximately 6 small neighbourhoods and is most well known for being the home of Brock University. This end of the city houses many students and is a great opportunity for investors with a desire for rental properties. The university isn’t the only great thing about the south end, spend the day shopping at The Pen Centre or you can even spend some time in nature between 12 Mile Creek or Decew Falls. Not far from Brock University is Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital which is a health and rehabilitation centre that specializes in complex care, geriatrics, and rehabilitation services.
West End – built up of only 4 or so communities, the west end is a mix of both new suburbs and rural farming communities. It is a perfect place for a family with sought-after schools in the area and it is also home to Ridley College, a reputable private school. This up-and-coming area in St. Catharines has many big box retailers and new development, including a new state of the art Hospital and Cancer Treatment Centre, St. Catharines General. There is also a great assortment of recreational facilities such as a sports field, four-pad hockey arena, skate park and several award-winning wineries including Henry of Pelham Winery, Hernder Estates and Harvest Estates.
East End – made up of around 5 different neighbourhoods, the east end is a combination of old buildings with history and new developments. Merritton is a well-loved and proud community in the east end that is often coined “the heart” of St. Catharines. While Secord Woods is a sought-after neighborhood for families and first-time home buyers. The east end has direct access to both the QEW and the 406 making it easy for commuters. At the edge, the Welland Canal draws the line between St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake and is home to landmarks such as the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canal Centre. If you are looking for a more leisurely day be sure to stop by St. Catharines Golf & Country Club or Garden City Golf Course.
Want to invest in real estate in St. Catharines? Davids & DeLaat Real Estate Team Can Help!
There are many different communities in St. Catharines that each offer their own perks and we want to help you find the best fit for you and your family. Whether you are a current resident in St. Catharines or you are thinking of moving to the area, the Davids & DeLaat team can help. We pride ourselves in our dedication to customers and we want to help find you exactly what you are looking for. If you’re looking to invest in real estate take a look at our available properties in St. Catharines today, or get in contact with one of our agents to talk about future opportunities.
