Have you been eyeing houses for sale in Barrie for quite some time now? Well, you are not alone - GTA homebuyers and investors have also been increasingly turning their eyes towards Barrie.
Compared to major cities like Toronto, Barrie houses are usually more wallet-friendly. The average price of homes in Barrie is currently around $800,000 while it is around $1.3 million in Toronto.
Apart from affordability, Barrie offers its residents the perfect balance of urban conveniences and small-town feeling. The city has a beautiful waterfront, ample parkland, and a heritage downtown. This means you can relish scenic wilderness and recreational activities anytime you want. Also, the city’s close proximity to Toronto ensures you are close to all modern conveniences.
It is because of these many appealing factors of the city and its growing population that the prices of homes for sale in Barrie have slowly been rising over the years. The average selling price in Barrie peaked at over $840,000 in July 2022, a significant climb as compared to previous years.
So, if you always had a dream to call Barrie home and buy a property there, you should not delay the process any further. Here are some affordable places in Barrie where you can buy a home without stretching your finances too thin.
Within Barrie City:
There are several neighbourhoods within Barrie City that top the list when it comes to affordability. These neighbourhoods in the real estate Barrie market are ideal for all kinds of aspiring homeowners - young professionals, families with children, and retirees. Out of all the wallet-friendly neighbourhoods in Barrie City, the three best options are Letitia Heights, Sunnidale, and Parkhill.
The average price of homes in Letitia Heights is around $650,000 slightly lower than the city average. This neighbourhood in Barrie City has many parks, playgrounds, and schools such as St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School. Thus, in case you have been hunting for an affordable place to move in with your family, Letitia Heights can be the one. The safe streets and the welcoming community of this neighbourhood make the area perfect for raising kids.
The next affordable neighbourhood in Barrie City is Sunnidale where the price of houses for sale in Barrie is around $580,000. You can snag an apartment or townhouse for even lower prices in this neighbourhood. The growing job opportunities in the nearby industrial park and easy access to Highway 400 are attracting many young professionals to this area. Sunnidale is nested on the east of Bayfield Street and south of Highway 400, providing easy access to other areas of the city.
The #3 affordable place where you can buy a home in Barrie city is Parkhill. The median price of homes in this neighbourhood is around $580,000 and townhouses and apartments are even more affordable. This real estate Barrie area is particularly famous because of its family-friendly amenities. This includes top-notch schools like Parkview Public School and St. John Vianney Catholic Elementary School, along with many parks and playgrounds.
This area in Barrie City is also quite popular among young professionals and retirees. Parkhill’s proximity to downtown Barrie and Highway 400 make it super convenient for day-to-day commute to work. The quaint vibe, close-knit community, and easy access to amenities also create a comfortable and convenient environment for retirees.
Apart from these 3 wallet-friendly areas, aspiring homeowners can also look into Allandale and Cundles. Allandale has tons of waterfront parks and trails while Cundles has many green spaces in all its neighbourhoods.
The prices of houses for sale in Barrie in these areas are much cheaper than the city’s average. You can snag a detached house in Allandale and Cundles for just $500,000. Rental properties in these areas are also on the wallet-friendly side with condo apartments starting at just around $1,500.
In Allandale, you will find a wide range of housing options such as bungalows and waterfront properties. But, the lakeside properties are a bit more expensive. Properties in Cundles mostly consist of single-family homes sitting on large lots, making it a perfect option for families with kids.
Surrounding Areas near Barrie:
In case the prices of homes for sale within BarrieCity seem too much for your wallet, you can look into surrounding areas near the city. Nestled around the bustling Barrie city, places like Innisfil and Midhurst offer home buyers affordability, natural charm, and top-notch amenities.
These places are perfect for homeowners on a budget who are willing to let go of the hustle and bustle of the city for a relaxed and small-town vibe. Innisfil and Midhurst are located close to stunning landscapes such as lakes and forests. This can be a plus point for all those who enjoy outdoor activities and want to live close to nature.
These neighbourhoods surrounding Barrie City also do not compromise in any way when it comes to amenities. These real estate Barrie areas provide residents easy access to shopping, dining, healthcare, and recreational facilities.
When it comes to affordability, Innisfil and Midhurst don't disappoint either. Compared to Barrie’s average home selling price of 800,000, Innisfil has a median price of $675,000. Midhurst home prices sit even lower at $525,000. This makes the areas amazing for first-time homebuyers or those seeking larger homes on a budget.
Apart from affordable houses for sale in Barrie, both Innisfil and Midhurst have low property taxes and cheaper day-to-day expenses. Groceries, utilities, and transportation costs in these areas tend to be easier on the wallet.
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Additional Tips!
In case the prices of homes in the Barrie areas are off your budget charts, you still have one option to call the city home. Consider renting a property instead of buying a home for sale in Barrie for a few years. The average rent of a 2-bedroom apartment in Barrie is only around $1,995.
While you are living on the rental property, do your best to pool up money to buy a house that you can call your own in Barrie. We are sure by following this tip and with the assistance of a local Realtor, you can make your Barrie homeownership dream true soon.