If you’re lucky enough to call or have called St. Catharines your home, then you already know this beautiful city contains many different areas or neighbourhoods that feel much like small towns of their own. Nestled right in the heart of the Niagara Region, this is only one of the things that makes St. Catharines such a special place to live, work, and play.

If you weren’t raised here and are considering a move to St. Catharines, there’s no better place in Ontario to begin or continue your career or even raise a family. In this blog we’ll meander through some of the best areas and highlight the attractions each one of them has the offer.

Port Dalhousie

This community is well known for being a sea-farers dream, hosting beautiful beaches, a large and well-equipped marina, luxurious waterfront properties, expansive parks, and recreational walking/biking trails. Port Dalhousie is also home to the world renowned Royal Canadian Henley Regatta where international competitive rowing is held on Martindale Pond every year. The area is also historically significant as the entry point for the first three routes of the Welland Canal built beginning in 1820.

Port’s Lakeside Park has it all from the beach and the pier to the recently erected 1.8-million-dollar Neil Peart Pavilion, aptly named after Rush’s infamous drummer who grew up in the area. This park has been enjoyed by families for many years, and for good reason. The historical Lakeside Park Carousel is another excellent reason to visit this area. This beloved attraction has entertained children of all ages in its current spot since 1921 and still is to this day. Port Dalhousie is also well known for great shopping, dining, and excellent schools, making it an attractive choice to raise a family.

North End

Take a step back in time where homes were spacious on big, beautiful tree-lined lots. Where the foliage is mature, and the people still value good neighbouring. Where there is a school on almost every block to accommodate a smaller group of children, as opposed to the big city norm. This is the North End of St. Catharines, the ideal place to settle down and raise a family, or even retire to. With the large amount of amenities the area has to offer, you’ll never need to leave the neighbourhood if you don’t want to. Lining the south side of the North End, the QEW gives its residents easy and accessible connections to all other parts of the city as well as neighbouring towns and cities.

Glenridge

Also known as Old Glenridge, this community was developed in the early 1900’s and to this day is one of the most desired places to live in St. Catharines. Situated in the South End, Glenridge’s charm lends to a time when grandeur was on every corner. When stately, Tudor style homes were the norm and every doctor or lawyer in the city wanted to raise their families here. Today people from all walks of life are flocking to the area to enjoy its many parks like Burgoyne Woods, trails like Twelve Mile Creek, and historical schools like Oakridge Public School. The area of Glenridge is also close in proximity to the trendy downtown area, the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club, and Brock University. This area has been sought after for many years and will continue to be for many more to come!

Port Weller/Lakeshore

Situated at the north end of the Welland Canal, Port Weller is a tiny community within the city of St. Catharines that was named after John Weller, an engineer on the first Welland Canal. The community is split in half by the canal itself and extends from Lake Ontario to Read Road and from Linwell Rd to Walkers Creek. Originally settled by United Empire Loyalists and called the Lower Ten, this thriving area is now home to not only the old dry docks for ship repair, but also many homes, schools, Happy Rolph’s Bird Sanctuary and Malcolmson Park. Port Weller’s Lakeshore Road is as scenic and rural as it is long, running all the way to picturesque Niagara on the Lake. All of St. Catharines residents flock to this lovely community known for its roadside markets selling fruits, vegetables, and flowers every year. The old Avondale Dairy is another landmark famous for freshly made ice cream served right there on the farm. If you are considering moving to St. Catharines, Port Weller should be high on the list of putting roots down considerations!

Louth (West End)

This area was named for Louth, Lincolnshire in England and is the largest community in St. Catharines. Much of it is farmland, but with the recent growth in popularity and population, Louth’s amenities are growing by leaps and bounds! Situated between the west side of St. Catharines and the hamlet of Jordan Station and Rockway, Louth has fast become a place many people want to call home. This desirable area has it all, the convenience of big city shopping, great schools, parks, and recreation, all within a short distance from peaceful, rural living. The convenience of the largest hospital and specialized clinics so close by are also a definite plus when raising a family or in the retirement years of life.

Conclusion

Living, working, raising a family, or retiring in St Catharines is a good lifestyle plan no matter which neighbourhood you choose to settle down in. And McGarr Realty is here every step of the way to help all through the process. Check out our website or give us a call today, any one of our experienced Agents would love to help!

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