Less than an hour-and-a-half drive outside of Toronto, you’ll find one of Ontario’s most sought-after, appealing regions. The Niagara Regional Municipality, often just referred to as Niagara, is a gorgeous area famed for its unparalleled natural beauty and appealing cities such as St. Catharines and Welland. It also has an unmatched food and wine scene that makes it a haven for foodies and nature lovers alike.
While some go to Niagara for a day trip or vacation, others eye a more long-term move to this region, which is one of the most appealing places in Ontario. Let’s explore what makes Niagara one of the most sought-after places in Ontario for buyers.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation
There are many contributors to Niagara’s appeal. However, its incredible natural beauty draws most tourists and visitors to the area. Niagara is known as the area that houses Niagara Falls, one of the largest waterfalls on the planet and a site that can’t be missed. But while Niagara Falls is a must-see, there’s much more to Niagara’s nature and outdoor recreation.
The Niagara region borders Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, making it ideal for those who love the water. In the summer, it is a hub for boaters, anglers, swimmers, and sunbathers, and numerous trails and forests are waiting to be explored. During autumn, Niagara is one of the most popular parts of Ontario for fall foliage peeping, as the pristine natural setting transforms orange and red. Winters in Niagara are popular times for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating.
Food, Drink, and Culture
Niagara’s wine industry has played a major role in increasing the area’s profile. The Niagara wine region is among the biggest in Canada, with more than 50 wineries lining the shores of Lake Ontario. This area produces amazing flavors and is popular for tours and tastings.
Niagara also has an excellent food scene. The many vineyards and breweries get the attention, but there are high-end restaurants and farm-to-table options throughout Niagara, such as swanky steakhouses and locally-owned seafood restaurants. There are also many museums and events that make Niagara a cultural hotspot. The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival is one of the year’s biggest events, and the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre is a popular family-friendly destination.
Appealing Communities with Rising Values
Niagara is an area filled with towns and cities that excite homebuyers. There are bigger cities, like St. Catharines, which is home to more than 140,000 people and located along the shores of Lake Ontario. St. Catharines has excellent museums and a thriving food and arts scene. For an appealing small town, Niagara-on-the-Lake stands out. This small community is situated near St. Catharines and is famed across the country for its lakefront scenery and top-notch wineries.
Niagara has long been considered a gem of the Ontario market, and prices have risen steeply in recent years. While this makes it harder for buyers to enter the market, it also makes it likelier that buyers’ home values will continue to climb if they do. Based on data from June of this year, single-family home prices in Niagara surged 14.6% year-over-year, according to an article published by Re-Max Canada. While a downturn may be in the future due to market conditions, the value of a home in one of the most sought-after regions in Canada will continue to remain strong.
