Oshawa
Learn About The Oshawa Community and
Real Estate In Oshawa, Ontario
Oshawa, Ontario
Oshawa is one of those places that has changed a lot over the years, but it still has that strong community feel that makes people proud to call it home. It’s a city with established neighbourhoods, newer developments, lots of parks and green space, great local businesses and easy access to everything you need.
One thing I love about Oshawa is how much there is to do outside. You can head down to Lakeview Park for a walk along Lake Ontario, spend the afternoon at the beach or follow the Oshawa Waterfront Trail on foot or by bike. Oshawa Second Marsh and McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve are also nearby and are great spots if you enjoy walking, bird watching or just getting out into nature.
Oshawa has plenty of parks tucked throughout the different neighbourhoods too. Memorial Park is right in the heart of downtown and is home to events throughout the year, while Lakefront Park and Children's Arena are popular with local families. There are also lots of smaller neighbourhood parks and playgrounds, so it’s easy to find somewhere close by to get outside.
The downtown area has a lot of history and is seeing plenty of new life. King Street, Simcoe Street and the surrounding downtown streets are home to restaurants, cafés, shops and local businesses. The Robert McLaughlin Gallery is right downtown and is a great place to check out local and Canadian art, while the Canadian Automotive Museum is a must-see if you’re interested in cars and Oshawa’s automotive history.
And speaking of history, you can’t really talk about Oshawa without mentioning Parkwood Estate. The former home of the McLaughlin family is one of the city's best-known landmarks, with beautiful gardens and a fascinating connection to Oshawa’s automotive past. It’s also a popular spot for events and seasonal activities.
For families, Oshawa has lots of schools throughout the city, including O’Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute, R.S. McLaughlin Collegiate and Vocational Institute, Maxwell Heights Secondary School and Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School. There are also plenty of elementary schools, sports programs and recreation facilities throughout the community.
One of the things I really like about Oshawa is the variety of neighbourhoods. You can find established streets with mature trees and older brick homes, newer subdivisions with larger family houses, townhomes, condos and everything in between. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, raising a family or looking to downsize, there are lots of different options depending on what you’re looking for.
There are also lots of everyday conveniences close to home. Oshawa Centre has just about everything you need for shopping, while Harmony Road, Taunton Road and King Street are lined with restaurants, grocery stores, services and local businesses. If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a coffee or a bite to eat, there are plenty of local favourites to choose from. Aves Coffee Co. is a great downtown spot for coffee, while Avanti Trattoria is a longtime favourite for Italian food. Oshawa also has a growing food scene, with lots of independent restaurants and cafés popping up throughout the city.
For commuters, Oshawa GO Station is a huge bonus, with GO service into Toronto and other communities across the GTA. Highway 401 also runs right through the city, making it easy to get around Durham and beyond.
Oshawa really does have a bit of everything. You get more space and generally more home for your money than in many parts of Toronto, but you’re still close to the lake, parks, restaurants, shopping, schools and transit.
It’s a city with a lot of history, but also a lot going on right now, and once you get to know the different neighbourhoods, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to stay and put down roots here.
Why People Love Oshawa
- Wide variety of housing
- More affordable options than many GTA communities
- Established family neighbourhoods
- Lake Ontario waterfront
- Lakeview Park
- Oshawa Second Marsh
- Parkwood Estate
- Canadian Automotive Museum
- Growing downtown
- Tribute Communities Centre
- Ontario Tech University and Durham College
- Oshawa GO Station
- Easy access to Highway 401
- Lots of restaurants, shopping and recreation
Thinking About Calling Oshawa Home?
If you’re looking for more housing options, plenty of parks and recreation, GO Transit access and a community with a lot of history and room to grow, Oshawa is definitely worth exploring. Let’s find a neighbourhood that feels like home. Get in touch with Laura Cooper today!
Local Favourites
Best Coffee: Aves Coffee Co.
Best Bakery: The Little Bird Bakery
Best Restaurant: Avanti Trattoria
Best Park: Lakeview Park
Best Walking Trail: Oshawa Waterfront Trail
Best Shopping: Oshawa Centre
Best Place for a Day Out: Parkwood Estate
Best Community Spot: Tribute Communities Centre
Schools in Oshawa
Eastdale Collegiate and Vocational Institute
O’Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute
R.S. McLaughlin Collegiate and Vocational Institute
Maxwell Heights Secondary School
Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School
Ontario Tech University
Durham College
*School boundaries may change, so it's always recommended to verify catchment areas before purchasing.
Botanical Gardens
Parks
Golf Courses
Oshawa Centre
Restaurants
- Ciao Amici - Italian
- Legend Of Fazio’s - Italian, Steakhouse
- Shrimp Cocktail - Seafood, Bar
- Baton Rouge - Steakhouse & Bar
- Teddy’s Restaurant & Deli - Home Style Cooking
Attractions
- Oshawa Centre
- Canadian Automotive Museum
- Tribute Communities Centre
- Robert McLaughlin Gallery
- Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden

Thinking of Buying or Selling Real Estate In Oshawa
Get In Touch With Laura
