ontario real estate

If you're considering a move but aren't sure where to settle down, you might want to check out listings in this Ontario small town. Boasting beautiful lake views, sandy beaches and outdoor adventures, it's worth checking out.

U-Haul, a moving truck company, has released its Growth Index, highlighting the 25 top growth cities in Canada for 2024.
The cities were ranked based on the net gain or loss of one-way truck rentals over the course of a year, using data from more than 2.5 million annual moves in Canada and the United States.Despite being last among the 2024 Canadian growth provinces, Ontario boasts 16 of the country's top 25 growth cities.

"Ontario will always be the economic heart of Canada and has so much to offer its residents," Jake Spelic, U-Haul Area District Vice President, said in the study.

"What is interesting on our growth cities list is that all the top destinations in Ontario are smaller cities, and most are considered four-season recreational areas. The trend seems to be people are looking for more affordable housing in popular recreational areas with less hustle and bustle than the larger cities."

Among the 25 destinations featured in the roundup is Innisfil, a picturesque town nestled on the shores of Lake Simcoe. Just an hour and a half away from Toronto and easily accessible via GO Transit, it's a convenient spot for commuters.

The town is dotted with local shops and experiences, including an ice skating trail, and boasts 258 kilometres of trails you can explore. Innisfil Beach Park is a popular summer destination where you can relax on sandy shores and enjoy sparkling waters.

The area is surrounded by local farms and markets, including Laura's Farm Stand, where you can find colourful blooms in the summer and pumpkins in the fall.

A highlight of Innisfil is Friday Harbour Resort. According to Experience Simcoe, it's "an all-season lakefront paradise unlike any other," offering shopping, restaurants, events and more.

As the Innisfil website states, the town's "natural beauty, attractions, and balance between urban and rural areas mean more people who work here in Innisfil live here too."

It offers "more space, larger lots, and quieter streets compared to Toronto and surrounding communities" along with "better, more competitive levels of housing affordability when compared to Ontario."

Whether you're thinking about moving or just want somewhere new to explore, Innisfil's lakeside charm and breathtaking scenery might make it the perfect fit.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.