Many homebuyers across Ontario are starting to recognize Barrie as one of the most attractive real estate markets in Ontario for various reasons. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a retiree looking for a less hectic life, or someone dreaming of a luxurious family home on or off the water, Barrie isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive!

Located just north of Toronto along the shores of Lake Simcoe, Barrie offers the perfect combination of urban amenities, scenic natural beauty, and a more affordable housing market compared to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). With a broad selection of housing options, from entry-level to luxury condos to high-end luxury estates, there truly is something for everyone when it comes to Barrie real estate.

In this blog, we’ll talk about what makes Barrie such a great place to put down roots. It really is an excellent investment opportunity for home buyers at all stages of life.

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Growth in size, Oopulation and Equity

The population growth is largely due to Barrie’s position as a central hub of Simcoe County, less than an hour away from Toronto, Collingwood, and Muskoka. This central location has spurred the development of services and amenities and created jobs while providing a convenient and beautiful place to live.

Barrie has been designated as an Urban Growth Centre by the province of Ontario. This designation aims to reduce urban sprawl and concentrate higher-density development within the City of Barrie. Yahoo Finance positions Barrie as one of the top 10 cities in Canada for growth at a projected 8.41%.

.From 1991 to 2017, the population grew from 62,728 to an estimated 147,000. By 2031, the population is expected to exceed 200,000. Despite the rapid growth, Barrie has received top marks for its transit system, park and recreation programs, cultural events, diverse attractions, and sense of community.

Real estate values are expected to keep rising as Barrie continues to grow in population and attract new businesses and amenities; buying now allows you to build equity in a rapidly appreciating market, making Barrie an excellent long-term investment for homeowners. Whether buying your first home, moving up to a luxury property, or downsizing in retirement, Barrie provides fantastic potential for financial growth.

At the time of writing, Barrie is experiencing as much price growth as the GTA but in a more affordable market while prices are down in the rest of Canada. A simple top-line way to show the difference in affordability is to look at the average price. In the GTA, the average home price is $1,135, 215, In Barrie, it is just $752,858 (TREB and BDAR data from October 2024)

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Are you planning your home purchase? Some background information on the market will help:

• How Does Real Estate Negotiation Work In Today’s Market?
• Why Is It Critical to Buy and Sell a Home in the Same Market?
• What Do the Seasons Mean for the Barrie Real Estate Market?

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A Diverse Market with Homes for Every Stage of Life

Whether you’re just starting out, downsizing for retirement, or looking for your dream luxury home, Barrie’s real estate market offers an incredible range of options to suit every budget and lifestyle.

First-Time Buyers: Affordable Options Without Compromise

For first-time homebuyers, Barrie is a fantastic option compared to the expensive real estate prices in the GTA. Barrie’s property market offers entry-level condos, townhomes, and semi-detached homes that are well-priced compared to Toronto, Vaughan, or Markham.

For example, we recently bought a 1-bedroom waterfront condo with a spacious layout and an enviable view with a balcony for $330,000. Try that in the GTA!

With the average price of a home in Barrie being significantly more affordable than in many parts of the GTA, you can simply get more for your money. You’ll have the chance to build equity in a growing market while still enjoying a safe, vibrant city with access to great schools, shopping, dining, and outdoor activities.

In addition to its affordability, Barrie is a city with a strong sense of community, and it continues to invest in infrastructure and amenities. For first-time buyers, Barrie offers an ideal balance of urban convenience with a laid-back but exciting lifestyle without the overwhelming prices and competition of larger cities.

Retirees: A Peaceful, Convenient Place to Call Home

Barrie has become an increasingly popular destination for retirees. The city offers quiet, peaceful neighbourhoods and easy access to essential amenities. All of these benefits make it an excellent choice for those looking to downsize or retire in comfort.

Many retirees come to Barrie because of its proximity to both nature and urban conveniences. The city is home to beautiful parks, walking trails, and the waterfront, providing ample outdoor activities like walking, cycling, or relaxing by the lake.

At the same time, Barrie has all the services retirees need. For healthcare, you’ve got facilities like Royal Victoria Hospital, which is a medical care hub for Simcoe County. You’ll also find many varied shopping centres and a lively arts and cultural scene, as well as senior activity centres that are very popular with residents. They host a wide variety of activities and events, from dance classes to euchre nights to art lessons — you name it.

For retirees, Barrie offers everything from low-maintenance condos to bungalow-style homes and even adult-lifestyle communities. Many of these homes offer features that make aging in place easier, such as wheelchair access, ground-level living, and proximity to key services. With a growing population of older adults, Barrie is quickly becoming one of Ontario’s top retirement destinations.

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Enough talk about business! What makes Barrie such a great place to live? Find out in the posts below:

• Is Barrie a Good Place to Live With a Young Family?
• What Are the Best Retirement Communities in Barrie?
• Is Barrie, Ontario, a Safe Place to Live?

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Luxury Homes: Upscale Living with a Small-Town Feel

For those seeking a more luxurious lifestyle, Barrie has no shortage of high-end luxury homes on and off the water, with options ranging from stately properties in quiet neighbourhoods to sprawling estates on large lots and, of course, waterfront havens. Snow Valley, Ardagh Bluffs, North Shore, Tollendale, and Innisfil Heights are a few areas known for offering high-end homes with sophisticated finishes, ample space, and privacy.

Many of these properties are situated on larger lots, giving owners the peace and seclusion they desire while remaining close to the city’s amenities. Barrie offers a variety of upscale options, from contemporary homes with sleek designs to traditional, family-friendly estates with sprawling gardens and private backyards.

While waterfront properties are the most famous, many non-waterfront luxury homes offer spectacular views of the surrounding hills and conservation areas, as well as easy access to Barrie’s golf courses, ski resorts, and lakeside parks. Luxury buyers also enjoy access to high-end services and lifestyle amenities, with exclusive shopping, fine dining, and a strong community of professionals and affluent families. Barrie is a prime location for those seeking a luxurious but more affordable alternative to the larger and more expensive cities in the GTA.

By now you may have guessed that Barrie is more affordable than Toronto while still offering a high quality of life. But there’s even more to it than that! Here’s Why People Are Moving From Toronto to Barrie.

Barrie is a Great Place to Live, Invest, and Grow

Barrie’s real estate market remains more financially accessible for buyers of all types. In recent years, it has become a very attractive option for those priced out of larger cities.

For example, while detached homes in the GTA can easily reach over $1.5 million, in Barrie, you can still find quality detached homes for under $1 million— sometimes even less. If you want your budget to stretch further, Barrie deserves your consideration.

Additionally, many of Barrie’s new developments are still in the works, providing a variety of affordable options, with some offering substantial discounts. It’s an excellent place for buyers who are hoping to purchase a new home in an emerging area, like Springwater or Coldwater.

Barrie is still experiencing strong real estate growth despite being more affordable than the GTA. Over the past decade, the city’s housing market has seen steady appreciation, with both entry-level homes and luxury estates benefiting from consistent value increases.

If you’re considering buying in the region, Barrie is undoubtedly a great place to call home! The Weeks Group, as top Barrie Real Estate agents, are here to offer expert guidance and get you settled into the community. We grew up here, and we know how to get it done.

Are you ready to start your home search or just want to talk more about your options? We are here to help! Reach out to us today at 705.305.4174 or email hello@weeksgroup.ca.