Known as the “Sunshine City” with a stunning waterfront, Orillia borders both Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe while offering great proximity to cottage country, small town amenities and local colour, and plenty of recreational and cultural activities for tourists and permanent residents.
Overview
Just over 130 kilometres away from Toronto, Orillia has a population of just over 30,000 people and is known as a tourist destination, especially for nature lovers and cottagers. That’s because of its lakefront location and proximity to world-famous Muskoka. Orillia’s economy is based largely on service industries, although there are some manufacturing businesses located in the city.
Orillia is a great place to live, work, and buy real estate. The city has a strong economy and offers many recreational opportunities. It’s also a culturally diverse city with plenty of festivals and events to enjoy. If you’re looking for a great community to call home, Orillia is a great option.
Orillia is a culturally diverse city, and its many festivals and events reflect this diversity. Some of the most popular festivals in Orillia include the Mariposa Folk Festival, the Jazz & Blues Festival, and the Orillia Winter Carnival. There are also several art galleries and museums located in Orillia, including the Orillia Museum of Art and History, the Orillia Opera House, and the Couchiching Conservatory of Music.
Read on to learn about this historic Ontario community whether you’re thinking of settling here permanently, interested in the cottage lifestyle, or just thinking of passing through.
History of Orillia
Orillia’s history dates back to the 1600s, when French missionaries first arrived in the area. The city was officially founded in 1828 and has since grown into a prosperous community. Orillia played an important role in Ontario’s early history, and many of the province’s most important historical figures are associated with the city.
Jobs and the Economy in Orillia
Orillia’s economy is based largely on service industries, although it’s also known for manufacturing and government services. The city has a number of banks, law firms, and other professional services businesses, though most new residents coming to the area do so to enjoy their retirement or live closer to nature.
Since the town is located less than a two hour drive from Toronto, some of its working-age residents commute into nearby cities, especially nearby Barrie which is just a short drive away down Highway 11.
Culture in Orillia
Orillia is a culturally diverse city and its many festivals and events reflect this diversity. Some of the most popular festivals in Orillia include the Mariposa Folk Festival, the Jazz & Blues Festival, and the Orillia Winter Carnival. There are also several art galleries and museums located in Orillia, including the Orillia Museum of Art and History, the Orillia Opera House, and the Couchiching Conservatory of Music.
Recreational Opportunities in Orillia
Cities of Orillia’s size offer a variety of cultural and social activities which more metropolitan cities don’t cater to. Folk festivals, close proximity to nature and outdoor activities, and rustic splendor that big cities lack are just a few of the options in towns like Orillia.
For starters, this charming Ontario town has over 150 shops and events to explore that would appeal to all types of people. The city’s website has a comprehensive list of activities, but a few of the highlights include:
- Boating and fishing on Lake Simcoe
- Hiking and biking in nearby forests, parks, or along the waterfront
- Golfing at one of the city’s many golf courses
- Shopping and dining in downtown Orillia
- Attending a concert or play at the Orillia Opera House
- Participating in one of the city’s many festivals or special events.
One of the town’s draws is a “Downtown Dollars” program. These local denominations of currency serve as gift certificates that work at most downtown shops and restaurants. They’re just another piece of unique local appeal which incentivizes activity in the community and creates a sense of community around Orillia’s historic downtown core.
Real Estate in Orillia
Orillia is a great place to live and work, but what type of properties are available if you’re thinking of purchasing a home?
Outside of central Orillia’s downtown grid of post-war homes and historic buildings, the city is quickly growing in terms of newer suburban subdivisions and developments.
Most of the real estate in the area is either mixed-use residential or single family residential real estate. Although Georgian College has an Orillia Campus, highrise developments are practically non-existent in the area and most students find housing in the community.
Some real estate highlights include Couchiching point, which has gorgeous homes on a peninsula overlooking the lake, and Tafton, a small subdivision in Orillia’s north end which affords residents lakeside views and large lots.
If you’re thinking of purchasing in the Barrie/Orillia/Lake Simcoe area, be sure to take a look at our community search tool. It’s a fast, easy, and convenient way to browse MLS property listings from all across GTA and the Southern Ontario area.
Use it to search specific regions in Ontario based on your personal criteria, or check out the custom property search tool – the fastest way to find your dream home in Toronto and the GTA.
Transportation in Orillia, Ontario
Orillia is a great place to live, work, and buy real estate. The city has a strong economy and offers many recreational opportunities. It’s also a culturally diverse city with plenty of festivals and events to enjoy. If you’re looking for a great community to call home, Orillia is a great option.
Orillia is well-served by transportation options. The city has a network of roads and highways that make it easy to get around, and there are several bus routes that connect Orillia with nearby communities. Orillia also has a small airport that offers flights to Toronto and other destinations. If you’re looking for a great community to call home, Orillia is a great option.
Thinking of Buying Real Estate in Orillia, Ontario?
Frank Leo & Associates are here to put 30 years of experience helping 1,000’s of people buy and sell homes to work for you. Browse our Toronto & GTA homebuyers guide for a comprehensive understanding of how to find the right approach when buying real estate in today’s market, or connect with one of our friendly, helpful staff to get started on your home buying journey.
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*featured image courtesy of CC 2.0, Bill Onasil (Flikr)