Jenny Kotulak Oakville Real Estate

Potential buyers will often ask me which parts of Oakville they should not move to. I can honestly tell them that there are no undesireable residential areas in Oakville. We are very fortunate that Oakville is a very safe and vibrant community.

Oakville has a couple of areas that are deemed up and coming or in transition. The Kerr Street area has seen huge changes over the last few years. There has been a huge revitalization which can be seen in both residences and businesses. This neighbourhood is now known as Kerr Village. The sidewalks have been improved with planters and benches and many of the apartment facades above the storefronts have had recent facelifts.

Kerr St. is Oakville's second downtown area. Because the cost per square foot to lease is less expensive than Lakeshore Road store frontage, a number of excellent restaurants have found a home here. Fishbones Oyster Bar & Grille, Stoneys Bread Company, Oki Japanese and Sushi and Tokyo Bay are just some of the popular dining spots. There are also a number of antique stores located on the street and Kerr Village is fast becoming a popular tourist area.

A farmer's market with fresh locally grown produce takes place every Saturday in Heritage Square from June until October. In November Heritage Square is once again front and centre for the annual tree lighting ceremony. Also in November the Santa Claus parade makes its way down Kerr Street. Kerr Village has a very strong and dedicated Business Improvement Association.

Real estate prices have taken a dramatic jump in this area for a couple of reasons. The original smaller homes on tree lined avenues are seeing major renovations plus the location is an enviable one. Not only can you walk to the shops in Kerr Village but it is also a short stroll to downtown Oakville, the harbour and Lake Ontario.

This neighbourhood has more of a downtown Toronto feel. Narrower lots mean you get to see and know your neighbours. Churches and schools are all within walking distance. You can make daily visits to the market and bakery. Transportation is close by. Many residents have lived in their homes for 40 years.

Besides detached homes, there are also condominium apartments and rental apartments in the area. A senior's residence is in close proximity as is the Lions Foundatioin of Canada Guide Dog training centre. This neighbourhood is well represented in the community by the West River Residents Association.

Detached homes in the Kerr Village area are available from $350,000 +. Condo apartments sell for just under $200,000 and up.

For Oakville, Ontario real estate information check out www.oakvilleontariorealestate.ca

Oakville, Ontario is located in an enviable geographic position. Sitting on the shores of Lake Ontario, and centrally located between the large cities of Toronto and Hamilton, the Town of Oakville with a population of approximately 170,000 still retains a small town community feel.

The GO commuter trains are full every morning with Oakville residents travelling to their jobs in downtown Toronto. Luckily, the Town of Oakville has a number of large employers, allowing many residents to live and work in close proximity.

Here is a list of Oakville's Top Ten Employers

1. Halton District School Board - 4000

2. Ford Motor Company of Canada Ltd. - 3491

3. Regional Municipality of Halton - 1650

4. Halton Healthcare Services Corp. - 1600 (Hospital)

5. Sheridan College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning - 1500

6. Tim Hortons - TDL Group Corp. - 761 (Franchisers, warehouse & head office for coffee & baked goods)

7. Corporation of the Town of Oakville - 690

8. Goodrich Landing Gear / Goodrich Aerospace Canada Ltd. - 600

9. Omron Dualtec Auto Electronics Inc. - 600

10. G.E. Water & Process Technologies - 550

Many people are under the assumption that Oakville is not an affordable community to live in. While it is true that Oakville is an affluent community and many neighbourhoods boast high end homes, there are many areas where home prices are very affordable.

Most of the recent growth in Oakville has taken place north of the Queen Elizabeth Highway. Builders began developing subdivions in the early 1980's and the new home construction continues today. While the older sections of Oakville boast large lots and century old homes and trees, these newer areas appeal to buyers for many reasons. Parks, trails, community centres, shopping, new schools, sports fields are all readily available to enjoy.

Oakville has it's share of shopping plazas and malls. One of the major reasons, despite being the size of a city, that it retains it's small town vibe is due to the downtown district. Oakville's downtown is welcoming and attracts residents and visitors to annual festivities such as Midnight Madness, the Waterfront Festival, Jazz Festival, Sidewalk Sale, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, plus much more.

There are pancake breakfasts, tiny tot parades, bathtub races, big bike ride for Heart and Stroke, just to name a few more events and activities.

First time buyers in Oakville can find condo apartments for under $200,000. Condo townhomes range from $210,000 up, and freehold townhomes and some semi detached can still be purchased just under $300,000. Check out www.oakvillecondominiums.ca

Older detached bungalows are also available in the $300,000's , many with great sized yards. Fixer uppers are also available for the handyman. Many keen renovators have been able to turn a profit on reno projects here. We are findiing that many of today's buyers are looking for turnkey homes, as not everyone has the time or energy to do their own renovations.

Larger executive style homes can be purchased for just under $500,000 and up. Custom built homes and estates are also available from $1,000,000.

Here are the current statistics for available listings in Oakville

$100,000 - $500,000 = 208

$501,000 - $1,000,000 = 255

$1,001,000 + = 175

For information on current listings please check out www.oakvilleontariorealestate.ca

The Town of Oakville has three heritage districts as designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

• Old Oakville Heritage Conservation District
• Trafalgar Road Heritage Conservation District
• First and Second Street Heritage Conservation District

heritage conservation districts map (pdf, 60 kB)

These three districts are all located in the real estate area called Old Oakville. Each individual neighbourhood is situated within walking distance of Oakville's vibrant downtown core, Lake Ontario and the Oakville Harbour. Many homes on Trafalgar Road back onto the 16 Mile Creek.

All three very desireable neighbourhoods are located on leafy tree lined streets. Stately century old homes sit amongst new custom built homes and upscale townhomes and condos. Some of the newer townhomes even offer elevators. Many of the historic homes have been updated carefully to retain it's original charm and integrity. Many proudly display historic plaques with the date and original owner's name. The Oakville Historical Society is a wonderful source of information not only for homeowners who purchase historical homes but also for anyone interested in Oakville's rich history, all stemming from our beautiful harbour at the mouth of the 16 Mile Creek.

Living in Old Oakville has it's benefits. Namely Restaurants, Cafes, Boutique Shopping, Performing Arts Centre, Library, Lakefront walking trails, Oakville Club, Curling Club, Tennis Clubs, Boating Clubs and more.

Century old Churches also grace the downtown core. The Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital currently resides on Reynolds Street until the new hospital begins construction in North Oakville in a few years. Other medical arts buildings and many other professional offices are located on and near Lakeshore Road.

Residents in these areas are in close proximity to Fortinos on Lakeshore Road and Whole Foods on Cornwall and Trafalgar for all their shopping needs. Many area residents walk to the GO Station daily to ride the commuter train to Toronto to work.

Old Oakville and the heritage districts are not generally known as first time buyer areas. Smaller starter homes in these areas rarely come on the market for under $500,000. Some buyers are paying $600,000 - $800,000. for properties, only to demolish the present home and build large custom homes. Some townhomes sell for over $1,000,000. Estates on Lakeshore Road or fronting on to Lake Ontario sell for well into the millions.

You don't have to live in the historical districts of Oakville to enjoy what this area has to offer. The Towne Square in the middle of Oakville's downtown is a gathering place for those out with their kids or dogs, or those looking for a great spot to enjoy a coffee or ice cream cone.

Oakville really is a wonderful community to call home.

Bronte Village is one of Oakville's most charming neighbourhoods. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario and at the mouth of the 12 Mile Creek, Bronte Village offers a mix of old and new when it comes to real estate. An evening stroll down Fisherman's Wharf and to the Bronte Outer Harbour Marina are reason enough to want to call Bronte Village home.

Bronte has seen many changes over the years, with older cottages being replaced with modern executive style town homes and detached homes. The downtown shopping area has been reviatalized and now many boutiques, cafes and restaurants service the area residents plus the many visitors to the area. Bronte is the type of neighbourhood where people do not move away from very easily. If they outgrow their home or need to downsize, they search the Bronte area to find the exact property to meet their future needs.

Highrise lakefront condos offer a lifestyle option condusive to those who no longer want to maintain a yard but still want to keep active. Many of these condos offer every amenity imaginable. Executive townhomes offer luxurious finishings plus the ability to walk to all amenities including the harbour and pier.

Older bungalows and one and a half storey homes built in the 1940's and 1950's sit on oversized treed lots. Many of these homes are being replaced with brand new custom homes. There is also a selection of two storey and split level homes built in the 1970's, that sell for $400,000 +.

Starter townhomes are priced under $300,000 while executive town homes list for $500,000 and upwards. Condos with lake views can be purchased for just over $400,000. and up, depending on the square footage and interior condition.

For those who love living close to the lake and harbour, Bronte Village offers a wide selection of types of homes at different price points. One bedroom condos will suit the single crowd. Young families are taking advantage of the larger lots and mature individuals are buying up the newer townhomes.

Bronte Village is an integral part of Oakville with its rich history and vibrant revitalization.

The neighbourhood of Glen Abbey in Oakville is well know for many reasons. First because it was a planned community that first began developing in the early 1980's. The second reason is for the world famous Glen Abbey Golf Club, the semi-permanent and unofficial home of the Canadian Open Golf Tournament.

The Glen Abbey Golf Club was built in 1976 on the site of a former monestery. In 1977 it hosted the Canadian Open for the first time and this week it is home to the Open for the 25th time. This year's tournament is the 100th anniversary of Canada's national open golf championship.

When the "Open" comes to town, Oakville becomes a hub of activity. This week many celebrities showed up to play in the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic. Not only did Kevin Costner play a round but his band also entertained the crowd one evening.

Other well known celebrities who joined in were Michael Jordan, George Lopez, Tom Cochrane ( a well known local boy) who also played music as well as golf. Many familiar faces from the hockey, golf, and other sports worlds attended and played.

The Glen Abbey neighbourhood of Fairway Hills is located alongside the course. Many homes back right on to the holes. These large executive homes in the Fairway Hills enclave, range in price from approximately $900,000 and up. There are many other types of properties available in Glen Abbey. Condo apartments can be purchased starting around $200,000.

Glen Abbey Real Estate includes freehold townhomes from $300,000 and up. The most common home style in Glen Abbey is a two storey, brick four bedroom home with a double car garage. Most have 2.5 bathrooms, a main floor laundry room, and a family room in addition to a formal living room. The square footage of these homes range from 2000 to over 4000.

Glen Abbey offers an abundance of parks, playgrounds, walking and biking trails. Schools and Churches are in place and major transportation routes are close by. The Glen Abbey neighbourhood appeals to young families looking for their first homes and also move up buyers. Because Glen Abbey is such a desireable community in Oakville, homes usually sell very quickly after coming to market.

Just yesterday a home in this area sold for over $1.3 million dollars. Hmmm, maybe Kevin Costner or Michael Jordan are moving to Oakville???