The suburb of North End and its communities have continued to remain popular for many decades now. It is home to the largest proportion of St. Catharines residents. Originally a farmland region, the area was mostly developed in the 1960s and 1970s, as the architecture reflects, and some of the original farmhouses are still scattered within the area. The properties are built on good size plots, something not seen a lot today, and the town layout is very pleasant with crescents, circles and cul-de-sacs.
North End and its neighbourhoods of Lakeshore, Niagara/Linwell, Lakeport, Port Weller East, and West are home to families, pensioners, empty nesters, and water enthusiasts. A lot of the homeowners are from original families in the area, attesting to the fact that many have stayed rooted to the area helping give it its air of neighbourliness. It is not uncommon to see people enjoying a chat outside their homes or as they go about their daily routine.
Lake Ontario forms the northern border of the North End and its neighbourhoods. The breezes coming off the lake help cool down this lakeside area in the hotter summer months. Families with young children enjoy the abundance of public amenities, like letting their children play at Cherie Road Park and Walker’s Creek Park. Joggers, walkers and cyclists enjoy the Waterfront Trail that connects the area with Port Dalhousie. The Welland Canal also has a paved path that is great for these activities.
There are some excellent schools to choose from in the area and every home in the North End is within walking distance to a public school. Residents have shopping amenities nearby for their convenience and are close to the downtown shops and farmer’s market, packed with the fresh produce grown in the area.
Sunset Beach, with its splendid beauty, is not just meant to be enjoyed at sunset, but also throughout the day. Besides the beach, the community of Port Weller also has 11 parks, six playgrounds and lots of sporting facilities. Located in Port Weller East is the 9/11 Memorial Park, situated on the Lake Ontario shoreline. Each tree was planted in memory of one of the Canadian lives lost in the World Trade Centre. Just south of the park is Happy Rolphs Bird Sanctuary.
The vibrant community of Facer Street has many Canadian residents with roots from Poland, Ukraine and Italy and many stores have signs in the native language of the owners. Facer Street also celebrates its heritage with a European Street Festival every year where everyone is welcome to enjoy music, food and fun.
Entertainment, arts and culture, and excursions can be enjoyed mostly in downtown St. Catharines where there is no shortage of lovely restaurants, museums, art galleries, theatrical companies and annual festivals.
Driving across one of the canal bridges, residents are just a few minutes away from the wine lands of the region.
The homes in the area vary in size and affordability and some locations are particularly sought after, especially those that back the ravine and the waterfront.
The real estate market in St Catharines continues to remain vibrant. It has become a popular choice for people looking for a quieter lifestyle and there has been a steady increase in sales.