The Humber River is a major waterway that flows through several GTA communities before it enters the city of Toronto. It starts in Bolton, Ontario, and goes all throughout York Region including Pickering and Whitby for example.
The most populous town in the Caledon region, Bolton serves as a quiet alternative to nearby suburban communities like Brampton & Vaughan. Packed with greenspace, Bolton is a particularly attractive place to settle for families who love the great outdoors.
The town of Bolton, at one time known for its vast mineral wealth and now more commonly associated with the GTA is a short drive from larger settlements. The area boasts rich history which can still be felt in this small community’s landmarks like those seen on any street corner or throughout various homes built centuries ago!
Reach out to our friendly representatives with any questions about Bolton real estate if you’re thinking of buying. Our team has 3 decades of experience buying and selling homes all over the GTA, and we’ll put that experience to work to help you achieve your real estate goals.
The History of Bolton
The town of Bolton was first settled by James Boltons, an Englishman who traveled down from Norfolk to set up house in 1818. He wasn’t alone though; his nephew would soon join him and establish a small mill around what is now known as Queen Street South & King Street North intersection back then called “Golborne.”
By 1840 the settlement was going by the name Bolton Mills and included over a dozen families as well as 2 stores, blacksmiths, a cobbler, tailor, and even a hotel.
Bolton’s historic core is still in use to this day, located at the intersection of King and Queen Streets. Although it isn’t a major tourist attraction, it’s incredible to think the surrounding lands were inhabited by Indigenous peoples who travelled the waterways in canoes.
The Turn of the Century in Bolton
By 1857, Bolton had ballooned to 700 residents. It’s municipal status as a village was cemented as it was included in the Township of Albion under the newly-formed Peel County.
Railway access played an important role in Bolton’s development as a population centre. It fell on the proposed Toronto, Grey, and Bruce railway line. Land in the town could be bought for $40 to $50 an acre, further helping population growth.
Although today’s housing prices are a far cry from those of the early 20th century, Bolton is still a great place to purchase real estate at a great value.
If you’re thinking of buying or selling property in the Bolton area, Frank Leo & Associates have 30 years of experience getting clients top dollar for their homes and helping people find the perfect properties for their budgets. Get in touch to find out how.
Suburban Development in Bolton
Historically an agrarian community, Bolton’s development as a GTA suburb didn’t really take off until the late 20th century.
Developments began North of the Humber River in the 1970’s. The river provides a natural geographic division separating the suburbs from the urban area immediately to the south.
Concurrent with the suburban boom, the Bolton’s urban centre was growing around Queen & King St. An increasing population also launched an industrial boom to the southwest throughout the 70’s and 80’s.
The city continued to grow at a rapid pace, and by the latter part of 20th century had expanded into both western and southern areas.
Overview
Industry, business, and natural beauty all come together in Bolton. Situated on the Oak Ridges Moraine, the town is home to numerous nature reserves and ecological projects like the Bolton Resource Management Tract and the Nashville Conservation Reserve.
Despite the conservation area, the cul-de-sacs and crescents of Bolton’s suburban community are rife with space for growing families or retirees to enjoy their privacy.
North Bolton is a growing town with plenty to offer. The historical centre and most of its residential zones are in this area, while southwards there’s industrial development that includes both international corporations as well local businesses operating within the municipality – all waiting for you!
Real Estate in Bolton
As a genuine small town of just 26,000 residents, Bolton doesn’t offer much in the way of high-density residential real estate. It’s for this reason that many Ontarians choose to call Bolton home.
The vast majority of residential housing in the town is fully-detached. There is a bit of semi-detached housing sprinkled throughout, mostly semi-detached homes and row houses.
In addition to residential real estate opportunities, Bolton is rife with commercial real estate. The town’s proximity to major metropolitan areas and relatively small size has made it a hotspot for industrial development on the peripheries.
For more guidance navigating the real estate market in Bolton, contact one of our representatives or check our listings for up to date information on the latest offerings in the area.
Shopping
In addition to typical suburban shopping fare consisting of big box stores and strip malls, Bolton is a hotspot for thrill-of-the-hunt shopping experiences and charming local boutiques and shops in the city’s historic quarters and beyond.
The historic intersection of King St. and Queen is not only the centre for shopping in this small town, but it’s also home to some great restaurants! There are plenty more places just like these two suburban venues on either side where you can find everything from clothing stores or bars if that’s your fancy – whichever one catches your attention first will be the perfect choice.
Recreation
With 2 recreation centres and abundant outdoor activities to boot, Bolton offers residents numerous recreational opportunities.
Both types of recreational amenities are exceptionally well-appointed and sure to accommodate nearly anyone’s preferences.
PARKS
The natural beauty of Bolton is often why residents choose to call it home. The greenspace isn’t limited only in large conservation areas, but can be found across all suburban communities as well!
While conservation lands dominate most of the town’s extremities, especially around the Humber River and its valley, numerous smaller parks are scattered across the town’s suburban communities.
What the area is really known for when it comes to natural assets is the Oak Ridges Moraine. Prized for its dramatic geographic features, the Moraine not only serves local residents with its natural splendor but attracts visitors from all over the GTA.
RECREATION CENTRES
Bolton residents coming from more populous cities will be thrilled to learn of the extent of recreational amenities at Bolton’s 2 rec centres.
Between the Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness and the Albion Bolton Community Centre, amenities include:
- Arena with seasonal ice & floor
- Auditorium and banquet hall (venue space)
- Rentable meeting rooms
- Parent-child early years centre
- 2 rock climbing walls
- Gymnasium
- Pool
- Squash courts
- Youth centre
- Sensory garden and Snoezelen sensory room
- 2 seasonal skating rinks
This extensive range of amenities is only the beginning. Clubs, campgrounds, and community groups exist all over the Caledon region, making it an excellent place to live for people who love to stay active and social.
Schools
Schooling is of paramount importance for many suburban residents. Those who choose to call Bolton home aren’t disappointed.
Public schooling in the region is administered by the Peel District School Board and the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board. Although French Immersion programming is available at bot the secondary and primary levels, French-language boards don’t service the town due to its size.
In addition to Bolton’s public schools there are numerous private schools, tutoring services, and music academies available to residents.
Transportation
Being so close to Toronto, Mississauga and Vaughan makes it easy for people in Bolton to access whatever they need without taking up too much time. The railway line that runs through this town serving mainly industrial purposes rather than for passenger use.
TRAVELLING BY CAR
Aside from the industrial area and town centre, most local streets follow the typical suburban pattern of cul-de-sacs and weaving crescents. They provide safe, convenient travel for daily life and not much in the way of traffic.
In terms of inter-city travel, Bolton is well connected by both 400 series highways and smaller county roads. Highway 400, which connects Barrie with Toronto, runs Parallel to Bolton to the east.
Also parallel and even closer lies Highway 427, offering a convenient avenue into Brampton, Mississauga, and beyond.
Bolton’s main street – Queen St. – also runs straight down into Etobicoke as a 2-lane highway.
PUBLIC TRANSIT
Public transit in Bolton is covered by Brampton’s ZUM transit, GO Transit, as well as specialized transit services. Although routes are not numerous, the option is there for those who don’t drive.
For a complete list of public transportation options, consult the Town of Caledon website.
Have Questions About Real Estate in Bolton?
Curious about real estate in Bolton?
Get in touch! With 30 years of real estate experience buying & selling homes all across the GTA, our team will be able to answer any question you might have about your real estate journey.
Contact us through our website, call 416-917-5466, or simply get started browsing GTA home listings with our property listing search tool.