An easy 90 minutes from Toronto, Kawartha Lakes has become a home-buying hotspot over the last few years. A big part of this growth has been the area’s attraction from families and it’s sure not hard to see why. 

With a quaint atmosphere, great schools, plenty to do, and more, it’s hard to find a place that’s better suited to families than Kawartha Lakes. Want to know more? Keep on reading!

The Down to Earth Vibe

One of the main reasons that families love Kawartha Lakes is the unique rural-meets-urban atmosphere. While Kawartha Lakes is a city on paper, that title may be a little misleading to someone who’s never been here. The City of Kawartha Lakes isn’t like your typical city where you’ve got a handful of close-quarter neighbourhoods surrounding a single centre. Instead, Kawartha Lakes is actually made up of 24 different towns and villages, which are spread out across a 3,000 square kilometre area. 

So, while Kawartha Lakes shares many of the lifestyle perks of a small city, the local atmosphere is much more country-inspired. Some of the larger towns include Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls, Kirkfield, Lindsay, and Omemee. There are also more than a dozen small villages and hamlets each with their own flavour and personality. Altogether, these communities have a collective population that’s a little shy of 85,000. 

Great Homes (At Affordable Prices)

One of the main drivers behind Kawartha Lakes’ steady growth is affordability. Not only have most incoming families been able to find a home that meets their needs and their budget out here, but the overall lower costs of living makes it easier to get a jump start on saving for the future. 


Looking for a home in our neck of the woods? You may find these other blog posts helpful. 


Great Schools & Recreation

Regardless of how old your kids are, finding a great school is a big deal for most parents. Luckily, Kawartha Lakes is home to some of the best schools in Ontario – and there’s no shortage of selection. Families in Kawartha Lakes fall under the public Trillium Lakelands District School Board and the faith-oriented Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland, and Clarington Catholic District School Board (with Francophone learning options). Both of these school boards are well-regarded for their faculty, quality of education, and extracurricular options. 

Of course, your child’s growth and development isn’t just limited to the classroom and Kawartha Lakes’ one-of-a-kind lifestyle provides truly endless opportunities for discovery. As a natural outdoor paradise and hub of arts and culture, there’s an abundance of activities to enjoy together as a family.

It’s also next to impossible to talk about Kawartha Lakes without mentioning the waterfront lifestyle. There are more than 250 lakes and rivers found in Kawartha Lakes – so there’s no shortage of fun to be had. Whether your family is into swimming, boating, tubing, kayaking, ice skating in the winter, or all of the above Kawartha Lakes is an outdoor recreation paradise. 

Kid-Friendly Events All Year Round

Like most towns in our neck of the woods, Kawartha Lakes is all about community. One of the best ways this community spirit comes through is in the city’s diverse mix of events, festivals, and celebrations – which take place throughout the year! 

Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls, Kinmount, and Lindsay each host their own fairs and exhibitions during the summer months. There’s also Maple Weekend, which is a two-day festival dedicated to Kawartha Lakes’ maple syrup heritage and industry. 

For a splash of culture, there’s also a good blend of arts events, concerts, and theatre performances to check out at one of Kawartha Lakes’ dedicated venues, which include unique gems like Bobcaygeon’s Globus Theatre. Every summer, the City plans a few ‘movie in the park’ nights, which are an especially big hit with families. 


Curious about other communities in Durham Region near Kawartha Lakes? Check out these blog posts next!


Ready to Find the Perfect Family Home?

With so many fantastic communities, great homes and schools, exciting events and amenities, it’s not hard to see why families love Kawartha Lakes. That said, if you’re not super familiar with the area, finding the right home for you can be a challenge. Luckily, we’re here to help! 

With more than 175 years of combined experience in our local market, we know everything there is to know about homes in Durham Region and Kawartha Lakes. Whatever you’re looking for in a family home, we can help you find it. 

Searching for the perfect place to call home? We can help. Call 905-985-7300 to reach our team or click here to send us an email. 

Stay Connected

With local real estate when you sign up for our newsletter. Join our mailing list here to get updates on the latest listings and expert insights.

Keep In Touch

Connect with our team by joining our mailing list. You’ll receive updates on the latest listings, as well as community information and local industry trends you need to know to stay ahead.