Recent events have created an opportunity for many people to re-examine where they choose to call home. With the increase in our ability to work remotely, no longer are we tied to the big cities - so suddenly the world is our oyster. Combine this with a desire to slow down and rethink what's truly important to us, and you have the perfect motivation to pack up the kids and find your utopia.
For me, this also included packing up a horse and a couple of cats and moving to Niagara to enjoy the country life. I couldn't be happier I did it.
I recently shared my story with my marketing colleagues from Duliban Insurance Brokers who also proudly call Niagara home. A special thank you to the team at Duliban for capturing my story and allowing us to share it with you here.
Planting roots in Niagara
The Niagara Region’s bountiful agriculture is not the only thing rooting in this developing region. Newcomers to Niagara are quickly planting roots in this community. Whether you are in pursuit of waterfront property in charming Niagara-on-the-Lake or desire close access to the Bruce Trail along the Niagara Escarpment in Beamsville, Niagara has it all. Twelve municipalities complete Niagara, each equipped with their charm, there is an abundance of recreational activities available to Niagara residents. With an extremely competitive real estate market, it is no surprise Real Estate professionals are seeing a diverse range of individuals moving to the Niagara Region.
When Kerry accepted an opportunity to take the ne
xt step in her career as Chief Marketing Officer with PenFinancial Credit Union, a life further away from the city and closer to the country seemed like a perfect fit. Before taking on the new role, she did not consider settling in Niagara but always enjoyed visiting well-known wineries and tourist attractions in the region. We asked Kerry to explain what it is like to find a home in Niagara.
What was your experience like looking for a home in the Niagara region?
It was incredible how well it came together – and how quickly. I bought the first house I saw. But I would say that was a combination of a little bit of good luck and also working with a local agent who listened very closely to what I wanted and came back to me with the listing. It ticked all my boxes.
How quickly did you buy/ sell your home?
From my initial (virtual) meeting with my realtor to signing an offer happened within a couple of weeks. I found the market here to be incredibly active. I was also able to sell my home in Hamilton very quickly.
How did home prices in Niagara vary compared to other areas in Ontario?
Moving from Hamilton, I found that my money went further for sure, and I have also been finding that the cost of living has also gone down, at least for me. Less commuting has been one of the biggest savings.
What do you enjoy most about living in Niagara?
The proximity to nature, the friendliness of the people, and the genuine willingness for people to want to help and welcome you to the area. I also love being among the vineyards and surrounded by outdoor activities.
Living in Niagara
Niagara is also an incredible place to live, work, and attend school. With a secure education system and world-class post-secondary programs at Brock University and Niagara College, it is a great place to raise a family. Competitive salary and growing employment in several sectors make for many desirable work opportunities. The Top Five Sectors by Employment in Niagara are accommodation and food services, retail trade, health care, and social assistance, manufacturing, and construction.
In addition to a top-notch education, investment in transportation makes Niagara a simple region to navigate. Metrolinx has also announced a GO expansion that includes improvements that will transform transit access from the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GHTA) to Niagara. Furthermore, its proximity to Toronto and the United States of America make either destination accessible within an hour. Pearson, Hamilton, and Buffalo international airports make travel within Canada and abroad easy and convenient.
What to Discover in Niagara
Across the region, you will find picturesque hotels, top-rated restaurants, quiet retreats, and bustling downtown life. There is so much more to the region than a budding wine industry and tourism activities though, we recommend you explore those too! Exciting things are happening in Niagara, and more people are calling it home.
Now that Kerry has immersed herself in the community, we asked her what advice she would give prospective buyers or those considering moving to Niagara? She responded:
Do it! You will not regret it. I would also recommend getting a referral to a local real estate agent. It is also worth mentioning that you should consider locally offered professional services, such as financial institutions and insurance brokerages who can equip you with valuable knowledge prior to moving. Once you land in Niagara, it is pretty easy to get involved in the local community. Getting involved is a great way to learn more about the area and set down some roots. Also, make sure to support local businesses – there are so many incredible places to discover here.
