Do you fancy the idea of living in a small city or town? You are not alone! Ever since the pandemic, Canadian homebuyers have shifted their focus from big cities towards smaller ones.
People prefer the relaxing, slow-paced lifestyle in small cities which one usually cannot find in the hustle and bustle of big cities. And of course, living in a small city saves your wallet a lot of stress.
One such small city that has become a key player in the Canadian real estate market is St.Catharines, the city located in the Niagara Region of Southern Ontario. Houses for sale in St. Catherines are more affordable as compared to major cities, allowing homebuyers to enjoy a tranquil lifestyle without paying a high price tag.
The demand for St.Catharines properties has also been steadily increasing because of the growing popularity of the city. Thus, existing or aspiring real estate investors in St. Catharines stand to benefit immensely by putting their money in this city.
Below, there are a few interesting facts about St. Catharines that will help you know more about the city. You need to know this if you are planning to buy a property or invest in homes for sale in St. Catharines soon.
1. It truly justifies its tag of "Garden City"
St. Catharines truly lives up to its claim of “Garden City”, making the city a haven for nature lovers. St. Catharines has over 900 acres of green spaces that include serene gardens, bustling sports fields, shoreline walkways, hiking trails, and even dog sparks. Some popular green spots in St. Catharines are Montebello Park, Merritt Island, and the scenic Niagara Escarpment.
The abundance of parks and green trails makes houses for sale in St. Catharines attractive for families looking for a healthy and tranquil lifestyle for their kids. Studies have also shown that properties near parks and trails tend to appreciate in value faster than those without nearby access. This is a cherry on the cake for both homebuyers and real estate investors in St. Catharines.
2. It allows residents to live peacefully while still being close to bustling city amenities
Compared to the bustling metropolises, this city doesn’t see as much traffic congestion - another reason for the popularity of homes for sale in St. Catharines. Residents can easily travel within and outside the city without being stuck for hours in traffic. This, along with the abundance of green spaces keeps the living environment of St. Catharines peaceful.
However, do not worry, by living in St. Catharines, you won’t have to stay away from the wonders (amenities and job opportunities) of big cities. St. Catharines is located just one hour’s drive from Toronto and 45 minutes from Hamilton. So, if you have a job, have a family or friend to say hello to, or simply want to visit a cafe or restaurant in these big cities, you won’t have to worry about hours of travelling.
Also, the world-famous Niagara Falls is just a 20-minute drive away. You can go to this top-tier vacay destination literally anytime you want from your new house for sale in St. Catharines you are planning to buy.
3. It is home to the most picture-perfect beaches and top-notch wineries
Several sandy beaches grace the southern shores of Lake Ontario. As a city sitting on the southern shore of the lake, St. Catharines provides residents easy access to all these beautiful beaches such as Lakeside Park Beach, Sunset Beach, and Jones Beach.
In case you do not like the crowded beaches, St. Catharines has some hidden gems that see less footfall. Nickel Beach and Morgan's Point Beach in the city are such places that are perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of crowds and enjoying a peaceful time.
Another compelling reason why you should buy a home for sale in St. Catharines is that the city is just a short drive away from Niagara-on-the-Lake - the world-famous wine region. This region has over 80 wineries like Peller Estates, Inniskillin, and Jackson-Trigg offering a delightful wine-tasting experience. So, by living in St. Catharines, you won’t have to catch a flight or drive miles to relax on a sandy beach or to relax and chill in a winery.
St. Catharines’ touristy locations also offer many benefits to real estate investors. By converting houses for sale in St. Catharines near beaches and wineries as vacation rentals, you can earn a significant income, especially during peak season. The growing popularity of the region also adds to property value stability and potential long-term appreciation.
4. It is exhibiting steady growth and development, enhancing the quality of life
Though not at the top of Canada’s growth charts, the city has been showing tremendous growth and potential, driving up the demand and prices of homes for sale in St. Catharines. Between 2016 and 2021, St. Catharines’ population saw a 2.8% increase, showing consistent growth.
Several revitalization projects are also underway in the city like the Inspiration Port Credit and the Hurontario-Lorne Revitalization. Through these initiatives, the government aims to attract more tech and life science companies, that can create more jobs in the city and foster economic growth.
There are many reputed companies in St. Catharines such as General Motors, Vale, and Standard Tube. Different sectors such as food and beverage, information technology, and AI in St. Catharines are also growing and expanding. This in turn is attracting many new investors in the city and talented individuals. As more professionals flock to the city for work and living, the demand for houses for sale or rent in St. Catharines climbs through the roof.
So, there you have it, these were some interesting facts about St. Catharines that make the city a true hidden gem. With its perfect blend of affordability and small-town charm, the city is a top pick for homebuyers. And when it comes to investors, the immense growth and development, scenic locations, and proximity to Niagara Falls promise them a true profit potential from their St. Catharines investment.