Preparing Your Home for Listing Photos: A Seller's Guide

Oakville is a popular place to live in Ontario — it offers an excellent quality of life, top schools, proximity to Toronto, and much more. Its neighbourhoods each have different conveniences and amenities, so if you’re considering a move, checking out open houses can help you find the right home in the perfect area. 

Keep reading to explore Oakville’s top neighbourhoods, learn how open houses can guide your decision-making, and discover what to look for and ask during your visit.

Why Neighbourhood Selection Matters

When buying property in Oakville, Ontario, choosing the right neighbourhood matters as much as purchasing the right home. Even if the house is right for you, the area can impact your living experience.

Living near high-quality schools is often a priority for families. Oakville has many top-rated schools, which can boost home values and future appeal. Access to public transit, parks, and shopping centres are also neighbourhood perks.

Open houses allow buyers to see many styles of homes and get a feel for the neighbourhoods. Walking around at different times of the day and even throughout the week can be an eye-opener to the area's character, making it easier to find a home that suits their lifestyle.

Several other factors can affect your decision when choosing a neighbourhood, such as:

• Safety: Crime rates change between areas. Researching local safety stats or speaking with residents can help you understand neighbourhood safety.
• Future development: Planned and new projects can affect a neighbourhood’s character and value. Some homebuyers prefer future growth, while others prefer quieter, well-established areas.
• Commute: Being close to highways or public transit can make travelling to work or running errands easier. A shorter commute can improve your quality of life and lower stress.
• Noise levels: Noise from traffic, airports, or industrial areas can affect your day-to-day living.
  

Understanding Oakville’s Real Estate Market

Two major trends impacting Oakville’s housing market are rising interest rates and high inventory. New construction projects are limited, and those in progress may be delayed because of higher borrowing costs, rising material prices, and labour shortages. 

Single-detached homes, mainly bungalows, will likely see the highest demand by the end of 2024. To cope with increasing costs, many young buyers in Oakville are teaming up with family members to purchase homes or renting for longer than anticipated.

Despite decreasing interest rates — we continue to see homes stay on the market longer. At the end of September, the average home stayed on the market for 29 days, with an average selling price of $1.6 million, a 13.2% increase over the past month.

A Look at a Few of Oakville’s Top Neighbourhoods

Looking to settle in Oakville but not sure where to start? Here are some top neighbourhoods to explore that might be the perfect fit for your next home:

Neighbourhood #1: Old Oakville

Old Oakville combines historical character with conveniences, including shops, fine dining, and cafes. You can stroll along the waterfront boardwalks, relax in nearby parks, and enjoy the mix of peace and city conveniences.

If you're into contemporary living, check out the stylish, low-maintenance downtown condos and townhomes. For those who love character, there are gorgeous heritage homes and spacious detached houses surrounded by beautiful gardens. And if you're looking for luxury, you can’t go wrong with the stunning lakefront estates with amazing views and private docks.

Old Oakville has fantastic schools like New Central Public School and Oakville Trafalgar High School, known for their strong academics. There are also great spots like the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts and the Oakville Club for community events, fitness, and cultural happenings. 

Neighbourhood #2: Bronte

Bronte has a mix of homes that fit different lifestyles. If you're into low-maintenance living, check out the townhomes or condos with lake views — perfect for young professionals or couples. For more space, detached homes like cozy bungalows and two-story houses with big yards are great for growing families. If you dream of luxury, the waterfront properties with stunning Lake Ontario views and marina access will catch your eye. 

Families love Bronte because of its top-notch schools like Eastview Public School, Gladys Speers Public School for the younger ones, and T.A. Blakelock High School for teens. The QE Park Community Center offers many programs, sports, and events to help you stay active and participate in the community.

Neighbourhood #3: Joshua Creek

Joshua Creek is a newer, upscale community in Oakville with large modern homes and high-ranking schools. The neighbourhood is famous for its families and includes many amenities like the Oakville Place Shopping Centre and Iroquois Ridge Community Centre. Joshua Creek is connected to major highways, including the 403 and 407, for quick access to Hamilton, Mississauga, and Toronto.

The community has many parks and recreation options, such as Joshua's Valley Park, Iroquois Shoreline Woods Park, and Joshua Creek Arenas. Nearby schools include Joshua Creek Public School and Iroquois Ridge High School. Because of the area’s desirability, property values have the potential to grow.

Neighbourhood #4: Glen Abbey 

Glen Abbey is a popular Oakville neighbourhood known for the prestigious Glen Abbey Golf Course and its well-established community. The area has a strong community and convenient access to shopping, parks, and highways, providing suburban comfort and city convenience.

This neighbourhood is a great place for families, especially regarding education. Glen Abbey Public School focuses on community and offers a curriculum that keeps learning fun for kids. If you're interested in faith-based education, St. Mary Catholic Elementary School emphasizes character development alongside academics.

As your children grow, Abbey Park High School offers strong academic programs and exciting extracurricular activities, allowing students to pursue their interests. Another good option is St. Ignatius of Loyola Secondary School, which emphasizes character education.

Neighbourhood #5: River Oaks

River Oaks mixes older and newer homes filled with young families, commuters, and active retirees. There are many green spaces, playgrounds, and sports fields for outdoor activities, like River Oaks and Glenashton Parks. The area is well-connected, with quick access to major highways like the 401 and QEW, plus public transit options such as Oakville Transit and nearby GO stations. 

The schools in River Oaks cater to kids of all ages. River Oaks Public School is a popular elementary school with solid academics and active community involvement. For middle schoolers in grades 6 to 8, Iroquois Ridge Middle School has a supportive atmosphere and many extracurricular activities to keep students engaged. 

When it’s time for high school, Iroquois Ridge High School is a solid choice, focusing on academics, arts, and sports. If you’re looking for a faith-based option, St. Andrew's Catholic Elementary School emphasizes learning and character development. There’s also the prestigious Rotherglen School, a private school, in this neighbourhood.

LET'S TALK REAL ESTATE!