Brantford is a city best known for its most famous residents, Alexander Graham Bell and Wayne Gretzky, but aside from its historic qualities it has plenty to offer people looking for a mid-sized Ontario town to live, work, and grow in.
Read on to discover what it’s like to live in Brantford Ontario and whether it’s the city you’ll want to call home.
Basic Facts About Brantford, Ontario
The city has a population of just over 100,000 and is growing steadily. The average home price in the city is around $832,184 which is keeping pace with the boom in the Greater Toronto Area Real Estate market.
Located directly west from Hamilton and Lake Ontario, Brantford is known as the Telephone City, situated on the banks of the Grand River. The banks of the river are lined by several public parks, trails, and conservation areas that give lovers of the great outdoors plenty of opportunity to enjoy nature.
History of Brantford
Originally named Brant’s Ford, the city got its name from the famous Mohawk chief Joseph Brant who was granted the site in 1784 for Six Nations settlement. Non-indigenous settlement began about 20 years later in 1805 and developed into the agricultural and industrial centre it is today.
Brantford’s industrial past is no surprise, considering its proximity to Hamilton, the Steel City. Modern Brantford’s industries include textiles, auto, refrigeration equipment, and agriculture.
Like most of Southern Ontario’s cities, Brantford grew slowly throughout the 19th century until experiencing a boom throughout the 20th century as railroads, industry, and infrastructure continually improved access to the rest of the Province.
This trend had transformed Brantford into an industrial city until the economy took a turn in the 80’s and it became more suburban.
Notable Landmarks in Brantford
You can’t say Brantford without Alexander Graham Bell coming to mind. The famous inventor’s father homesteaded near the city in a place that is now a Canadian National Historic site. The event that really put Brantford on the map took place in August 1876, when Bell was on the receiving end of the first one-way long-distance call transmitted from nearby Paris, Ontario over telegraph wire.
A few other notable features include Ontario’s oldest Protestant Church built in 1785. Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks still stands to this day at the South-Eastern end of the city.
Indigenous Heritage sites include Chiefswood, birthplace of American poet Pauline Johnson, and Kanata Iroquois Village, a recreation of a 1600’s longhouse and settlement. Each year in August there’s an annual Six Nations Native Pageant in the area.
Real Estate in Brantford, Ontario
Thinking of making Brantford your home? Browse current real estate listings in Brantford, Ontario or keep reading about the real estate market in Brantford.
The question on everyone’s mind is how much do homes cost in Brantford? With a real estate market boom throughout most of Ontario, buyers from the GTA and beyond are always search for a great deal, even if it’s a bit outside of the major metropolitan area.
Unsurprisingly, Brantford’s home prices are keeping pace closely with the GTA, Barrie, and other populous parts of Ontario.
2021 was an extraordinary year for real estate in the region, setting all-time sales records according to John Oddi, President of the Brantford Regional Real Estate Association.
At least in part due to an increase in the demand for detached homes, Brantford home inventory has been down to record lows as well.
Regardless of market conditions, our associates are always there to help buyers find the perfect property for them. Reach out to us online and by phone and we’ll leverage 30 years of experience to help you find the property that’s right for you.
Is Brantford Ontario a Good Place to Buy a Home?
Whether you’re a young professional, starting a family, or looking for a cozy community for retirement, Brantford has something to offer you. However, if you’re looking for that big city experience, Brantford isn’t the place to find it. Larger nearby cities like Toronto or Mississauga may be a better fit.
Work life is what most pre-retirement home buyers are interested in, and Brantford’s economy doesn’t disappoint. In fact, in 2018 Brantford was named the best city in Ontario to buy a home.
With a population over 100,000, there’s enough happening in the city for families and young professionals to stay occupied without the hassles that come with big city living. A booming downtown scene is the big draw for many people who settle in Brantford, with music, restaurants, and shopping to boot.
Schools and Education in Brantford
Like most smaller towns in Ontario, one of Brantford’s big attractions for young families is the school system. Residents of the GTA and larger suburban communities move to smaller cities in search of smaller class sizes and more intimate school boards.
Brantford has plenty of schools to choose from with both English and French immersion options as well as Catholic and public schools.
What to Do in Brantford
There’s no shortage of activities to enjoy in this Ontario town. Casual recreation includes sports, clubs, outdoor amenities, and plenty of venues for music, clubs, and gatherings of all kinds.
As far as cultural appeal, there’s a Canadian Military Heritage Museum, Art Galleries, or even a stroll downtown to see some of the historic buildings.
Opportunities for cycling, walking, and running abound at the many river-side parks including Waterworks Park and the Brant Conservation Area.
Seasonal events like music festivals, an Annual Rib Fest, and a Winter Carnival offer residents activities year round.
Getting Around in Brantford
Without a subway system or light rail public transit, most Brandford residents count on busing or personal vehicles to get around. Due to the city’s size, Brantford’s public transit doesn’t offer the same frequent service you’ll find in larger towns, but it gets residents where they need to go.
Criss-crossed by highways, the city has low commute times and just a fraction of the traffic of the GTA. The 403 conveniently connects Brantford to nearby Hamilton, and the GTA isn’t far down the 401 from there.
VIA rail service is also available for inter-city commuters looking to stretch out on their way to other parts of Ontario.
The Verdict
With rapid growth, a relatively mild climate for Ontario, and a relatively short distance to the GTA, it’s no surprise that Brantford is growing rapidly. If you’re looking for a mid-sized town to call home in Southern Ontario, Brantford should definitely be at the top of your list.
Buying Real Estate in Brantford
For more information on what it’s like to live in Brantford, please visit our website or give us a call. We would be happy to help you find the perfect home in this great city.
You can also browse current MLS real estate listings in Brantford or reach out to one of our specialists to conveniently find the type of property you’re looking for in the area.
Thank you for reading! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here to help!
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