Relocation Guide
Relocating to
Durham Region?
Thinking about leaving the GTA for more space, better value, and a higher quality of life? Durham Region offers all of that and more, and we are here to help you make a smooth, informed move.
By Keith Williams & Lisa C. Follows, Brokers, Willows Realty Group
Why Durham?
Why Durham Region?
More and more families, professionals, and retirees are making the move east. Here is why Durham Region has become one of Ontario's most popular destinations.
Better Value
Significantly more home for your money compared to Toronto. A detached house in Durham costs a fraction of what you would pay for a condo in the city core.
Shorter Commutes
GO Transit and the 401 make commuting to Toronto and the GTA accessible. Plus, many jobs are moving east. Durham is a growing employment hub in its own right.
Diverse Communities
From historic waterfront towns to growing urban centres, each community has its own personality. You can find your perfect fit whether you prefer lakeside, countryside, or suburban living.
Outdoor Lifestyle
Lake Ontario, Lake Scugog, the Oak Ridges Moraine, and countless trails and conservation areas. Durham is a paradise for nature lovers, cyclists, boaters, and hikers.
Find Your Fit
Choosing your community
Every town in Durham Region has its own character. Here is a quick guide to help you decide where to focus your search.
Pickering
Closest to Toronto with excellent GO Transit access. Beautiful waterfront parks, the Pickering Museum Village, and a mix of urban amenities and natural green space. Ideal for professionals and families who want a short commute and suburban comfort.
Best for: Commuters, families, young professionals
Ajax
A rapidly growing family-friendly community with great schools, the Ajax Waterfront Trail, and a strong sense of community. More affordable than Pickering while still offering convenient GO access and all essential amenities.
Best for: Growing families, first-time buyers, commuters
Whitby
One of Durham's most desirable communities, offering a charming historic downtown, excellent schools, and beautiful waterfront. A favourite for move-up buyers and families looking for a blend of character and modern amenities.
Best for: Families, luxury buyers, downsizers
Oshawa
Urban energy meets historic charm. Oshawa offers the most affordable entry point into the Durham housing market, plus Durham College, Ontario Tech University, and growing employment in advanced manufacturing and healthcare.
Best for: First-time buyers, students, investors, young families
Clarington
Comprising Bowmanville, Newcastle, and rural communities, Clarington offers a quieter, more relaxed pace of life. Affordable housing, good schools, and proximity to the 401 make it a hidden gem for families seeking space and value.
Best for: Families, rural property seekers, commuters
Port Perry
The jewel of North Durham. Historic downtown, stunning Lake Scugog waterfront, and a vibrant community that feels like a year-round resort. Port Perry is the definition of small-town charm with everything you need.
Best for: Waterfront lovers, retirees, families seeking community
Uxbridge
Known as the Trail Capital of Canada, Uxbridge offers beautiful countryside estates, rolling hills, and the Oak Ridges Moraine. A perfect choice for those seeking acreage, privacy, and a connection to nature without sacrificing community.
Best for: Estate buyers, nature lovers, equestrian enthusiasts
Brock
If you dream of true country living, Brock delivers. Stunning waterfront properties on Lake Simcoe and Lake Scugog, rolling farmland, and a tight-knit rural community. Space, privacy, and a slower pace of life await.
Best for: Waterfront buyers, rural lifestyle seekers, investors
Planning Your Move
The move: what to expect
Moving communities is a big undertaking. Here are some practical considerations to keep in mind as you plan your relocation to Durham Region.
Timeline
Give yourself at least 60-90 days from the decision to move. This allows time to explore communities, secure financing, find the right home, and coordinate the moving logistics. We can help you build a realistic timeline from day one.
Home Prices
Be prepared for a different price landscape than Toronto. While you will get significantly more space for your money, pricing varies considerably between communities and property types. Pre-approval and market education are essential first steps.
School Registration
The Durham District School Board and Durham Catholic District School Board serve the region. You can register online after confirming your new address. School catchment areas vary significantly. We can help you find homes in your preferred school zone.
Utilities Setup
Major utility providers include Elexicon Energy and Ontario Power Generation for hydro, Enbridge Gas for natural gas, and local municipalities for water/wastewater. Some rural properties rely on well water and septic. We can help you understand what to expect based on your chosen community.
Healthcare
Durham Region has excellent healthcare facilities including Lakeridge Health (Oshawa, Whitby, Port Perry, Bowmanville) and numerous walk-in clinics. Finding a family doctor can take time so register with Healthcare Connect or start asking locally as soon as you choose your community.
Rural Considerations
If you are moving to a country property in North Durham, be aware of well water maintenance, septic system care, and private road agreements. These are manageable but worth understanding upfront. We specialize in rural and waterfront properties and can guide you through every detail.
Getting Around
Commuting & transportation
One of the biggest questions for anyone moving from the GTA is "How is the commute?" The answer is better than many people assume. Here is what you need to know.
GO Transit
The Lakeshore East GO line connects Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Oshawa to Union Station in about 30-50 minutes depending on the stop. The Stouffville line reaches Unionville and Union Station from the North Durham area. Express trains and regular weekday service make commuting feasible for most professionals.
Highway Access
The 401 runs through the southern part of Durham with multiple exits serving all lakeshore communities. The 407 ETR provides an alternative for those willing to pay tolls. From North Durham, Highways 7, 12, and 48 connect to the 401 and points west.
Typical Commute Times
Pickering to downtown Toronto: 30-40 min by GO. Whitby to Toronto: 45-50 min. Oshawa to Scarborough: 25 min. Port Perry to north Toronto: 50-60 min. Remote and hybrid work have made these commutes even more manageable for many families.
Local Transit
Durham Region Transit (DRT) provides bus service across all communities, with connections to GO stations. Many communities are also increasingly bike-friendly, with trails and dedicated lanes being expanded every year.
Quick Commute Reference
Times are approximate and vary by time of day and exact locations.
Making it home
Moving to a new community is about more than finding a house. It is about finding your place. Here in Durham Region, you will discover welcoming communities, vibrant local events, farmers' markets, festivals, and a slower, more connected way of life.
Our advice? Get involved early. Join local Facebook groups (like The Port Perry Bulletin with 23,000+ members), visit the farmers' market, explore the waterfront trails, and introduce yourself to your neighbours. Durham is the kind of place where people still wave hello.
Settling In
From newcomer to neighbour
We have helped dozens of families make the move from Toronto and the GTA to Durham Region. The feedback we hear most often is how quickly people feel at home. The pace of life is gentler, the community spirit is stronger, and the connection to nature and outdoor living becomes part of daily life.
Whether you end up on the shores of Lake Ontario, tucked into a country estate in Uxbridge, or enjoying the historic streets of Port Perry. Durham Region has a way of making you feel like you belong here.
Last updated: July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about relocating to Durham Region.
How far is Durham Region from Toronto?
Is Durham Region more affordable than Toronto?
What is the commute like from Durham Region to Toronto?
What should I know before relocating to Durham Region?
Ready to explore your new community?
Whether you are just starting to explore or ready to make the move, we are here to help you find the perfect place to call home in Durham Region.
Also explore our community guides: