Born and raised in Durham Region, I’ve always had a front-row seat to what makes this place special. And lately, I’ve noticed a growing trend: more and more people from Toronto are packing up their lives and heading east. Why? Because Durham isn’t just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle upgrade.Destinations such as Slabtown Cidery and Second Wedge brewery in Uxbridge, delicious entrees at Yardbird restaurant in Bowmanville or leaning to skydive at IFly in Whitby, Durham has become the destination of choice.
Here are five smart (and slightly surprising) reasons Torontonians are calling Durham Region home:
1. Port Perry & Lake Scugog – Where Cottage Life Meets Commute Life
Did you know Lake Scugog is man-made? Built partly to support the Trent–Severn Waterway, you can actually launch a boat in Port Perry and make your way all the way to Georgian Bay. It’s cottage country vibes—without the three-hour drive.
2. Agriculture & Apples – The Land of More Than Just Lawns
Clarington is home to Algoma Orchards, the largest apple producer in the entire country. That’s right—Canada’s biggest apple grower is right in Durham. But it doesn’t stop there. We’ve got farms raising cattle, chickens, and sheep, plus some of Ontario’s best veggie producers. And yes, even one of the country’s largest vertical greenhouse farms at 7,500 square feet. Move over, Bay Street—this is where real growth happens.
3. Easy Access – Freeways, Fast Trains, and Fresh Air
Durham Region is uniquely connected. It’s home to the only free stretch of Highway 407—from Brock Road in Pickering to Highway 115 near Peterborough. And if you’d rather ride than drive, the GO Train gets you from Oshawa to Union Station in under an hour. Who says you can’t have it all?
4. Jobs That Build the Future – Especially in Manufacturing
With more than 355,000 jobs in manufacturing, Durham is where things get made—cars, aerospace components, pharmaceuticals, and more. That’s a lot of opportunity for anyone looking to trade traffic for a paycheck with purpose.
5. Lakeridge Health – Healing, Hiring, Thriving
Healthcare is big business in Durham, too. Lakeridge Health employs over 5,400 staff and 760 doctors, with over 10,000 health-related roles in total. Whether you’re in medicine or admin, this is a growing hub for professionals who want meaningful work and a 10-minute commute.
And Then There’s Real Estate…
Here’s the deal:
- Oshawa average detached home: ~$850,000
- Toronto average detached home: ~$1.72 million
- Mississauga: ~$1.47 million
- Oakville: ~$1.9 million
It’s simple math—and it adds up to a better quality of life. You could leave Loblaws with a full picnic basket and be on a scenic farm road in under 10 minutes. Fresh air, fresh food, and financial breathing room.
Ready to make your move?
Click here to book a call and discover more reasons why Durham Region could be your smartest next chapter.
Lindsay Smith has been a Real Estate broker for the past 39 years and can be reached at lindsay@buyselllove.ca or 905-743-5555. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.