Just outside the eastern boundary of the Greater Toronto Area and tucked away on the banks of the Otonabee River, Peterborough is the town once called the “Electric City” for being the first town in Canada to use electric street lights.
Although that nickname still speaks to the city’s historical technological and manufacturing economic base, the Peterborough of today is more well known as being surrounded by Onatrio’s prime cottage country.
If you’re considering making the move to Peterborough – or are just curious about what it’s like – read on! By the end of this post, you should have a good sense of whether or not Peterborough is the right place for you.
Overview of What Life is Like in Peterborough
Peterborough is a city of around 80,000 people in the heart of cottage country. It’s located about two hours northeast of Toronto and one hour west of Kingston. The city has a long history dating back to when it was first settled by Europeans in 1792.
Today, Peterborough is known for being a great place to raise a family. It has a low crime rate and is home to a number of excellent schools, both public and private. The city also has a thriving arts and culture scene. There are plenty of things to do in Peterborough, whether you’re into the outdoors or prefer to stay indoors.
In the summer, you can enjoy swimming, fishing, and hiking in the nearby lakes and trails. In the winter, you can go snowboarding or cross-country skiing at one of the area’s many ski resorts. There are also a number of festivals and events that take place throughout the year.
Some of the most popular include the Peterborough Folk Festival, Art in the Park, and the Kawartha Lakes Winter Carnival.
History of Peterborough, Ontario
Peterborough is a city in Ontario, Canada. It is the seat of Peterborough County. The city is located in Central Ontario, on the Otonabee River.
The area was first settled by the Mississaugas, a First Nations people, in the early 1600s. The name “Peterborough” was given to the area by John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada. The city was officially incorporated in 1847.
Today, Peterborough is known for its arts and culture scene, as well as its outdoor recreational opportunities. The city is home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Peterborough Folk Festival and Art in the Park.
Real Estate in Peterborough, Ontario
If you’re thinking of moving to Peterborough, you’ll be happy to know that the cost of living is relatively affordable. The average price for a detached home in the city is around $400,000.
The job market is also good in Peterborough. The city has a number of large employers, including Trent University, Peterborough Utilities Group, and OPG. There are also plenty of small businesses and startups in the area.
Jobs and the Economy in Peterborough
As mentioned earlier, Peterborough’s economy is based largely on its historical manufacturing base. However, in recent years the city has been making a name for itself as a great place to do business.
There are a number of major companies that have operations in Peterborough, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and McCain Foods. The city also has a thriving startup scene, with a number of accelerators and incubators supporting entrepreneurs.
The job market is good in Peterborough, with a number of large employers and a healthy startup scene.
The Cost of Living in Peterborough
The cost of living in Peterborough is more affordable compared with nearby metropolitan areas like the GTA, Barrie, and Kingston.
Peterborough’s population is made up of around 80% white people, with the remaining 20% being made up of people of other racial backgrounds. The city has a relatively young population, with a median age of 39 years.
What is There to Do in Peterborough, Ontario?
Peterborough is known for its arts and culture scene. There are plenty of things to do in the city, whether you’re into the outdoors or prefer to stay indoors.
In the summer, you can enjoy swimming, fishing, and hiking in the nearby lakes and trails. In the winter, you can go snowboarding or cross-country skiing at one of the area’s many ski resorts. There are also a number of festivals and events that take place throughout the year.
Some of the most popular include the Peterborough Folk Festival, Art in the Park, and the Kawartha Lakes Winter Carnival.
Recreational Activities in Peterborough Ontario
As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of things to do in Peterborough. In the summer, you can enjoy swimming, fishing, and hiking in the nearby lakes and trails. In the winter, you can go snowboarding or cross-country skiing at one of the area’s many ski resorts.
There are also a number of festivals and events that take place throughout the year. Some of the most popular include the Peterborough Folk Festival, Art in the Park, and the Kawartha Lakes Winter.