Trying to make a decision about where to move? Maybe you’re heard about all of the great things happening in Windsor? You’ve heard about the amazing prices of Windsor real estate? Deciding on your next home’s location is a process that can be absolutely paralyzing if you don’t know where to start. Often, we’re forced to move to a specific area because of work or family obligations. Other times the itch to move starts when you’re exposed to the opportunities and unique qualities of a new area.
We may be biased, but we believe that it’s easy to fall in love with Windsor, Ontario. Whether you’re already on the hunt for a team of Windsor real estate agents or you’ve just started thinking about putting your house on the market, it never hurts to learn more about the town you’re settling in.
Today, we’re going to cover some of the reasons we love Windsor, and why we think you will too.
10 Reasons To Buy Real Estate in Windsor
Many people initially think of the automotive industry when they think about Windsor. Despite that historical association, there’s so much more to this city than cars.
Because of its close proximity and connections to Detroit, this region has the distinction of being North America’s most populated trans-border urban area. This gives residents of Windsor lots of opportunities otherwise unavailable to people farther north of the border.
Here are just some of the reasons why so many people have chosen to settle in Windsor.
1. Warm Climate
Due to its southerly location within Ontario, Windsor enjoys some of the mildest weather in the country. You can expect to see sunshine and weather above 10°C for 223 out of 365 days of the year.
You won’t need huge snow boots or a parka. It only snows more than 1cm about 50 days of the year. This lighter snowfall makes many aspects of homeownership a lot easier. No one likes shoveling their driveway every day between December and March!
2. Entertainment
When it comes to entertainment, Windsor has something for everyone. If you love eating well, enjoying live music, and the thrill of blackjack or poker, there are four casinos locally, including Caesars Windsor, which contains a 5,000-seat theatre and music venue called the Colosseum.
Not a gambler? You can enjoy the beautiful Sandpoint Beach on a summer’s day, explore the local green spaces in Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve or Black Oak Heritage Park, or take a day trip to Peche Island in the Detroit River.
With Detroit just across the river, it’s really easy to cross the border to visit the Motown Museum, or picnic in Rouge Park.
3. Safe Communities
Most residents in Windsor feel extremely safe in their homes and communities. The region’s crime levels are on par with the national average, but with less frequent severe crimes like homicides. In fact, Windsor sees at least 22% fewer of these serious crimes than larger cities like Vancouver, or Toronto. The majority of Windsor residents feel extremely safe walking alone through their city, even at night.
4. Major Sports
As with most people who live in smaller Canadian cities, it’s difficult to pick a favourite national sports team. In terms of hockey, most Windsor residents are split between the Red Wings and the Leafs- a real struggle between nationality, and proximity!
If you want to watch an NBA game in person, the Detroit Pistons play at Little Caesars Arena. Baseball fans can find the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park which is located right next door Ford Field where you’ll find the Detroit Lions. All venues just 5-10 minutes away from the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel border crossing. If you’ve settled on being a Leafs, Blue Jays, or Raptors fan, Toronto is less than a 4-hour drive away, making a sports-focused weekend getaway easy.
5. Wineries
If you’re not living in this area, it may surprise you to learn that Essex County is one of Canada’s up-and-coming wine regions. With more than 17 wineries established in the area, it’s never been easier to go for a quick tasting and tour, or host a milestone event in a lush landscape surrounded by vineyards.
Even if you can’t get out to the winery itself, many local LCBOs are proud to stock a huge selection of Essex County wines, making it easier than ever to support these local businesses.
6. Affordable Housing
If you’re from a city like Vancouver or Toronto, the availability and price of Windsor real estate is extremely exciting. The average house for sale in Windsor sells for around $329,000 (as of October 2019). House prices are rising steadily, but the average Windsor home has remained affordable for many families.
Purchasing real estate is becoming less and less realistic in many larger Canadian cities. The urban amenities of Windsor combined with the area’s reasonable housing costs make this a unique and exciting place to put down roots.
7. Proximity to the United States
There are many opportunities that come from living in Canada with the United States on your doorstep. Finding a job in the United States is possible, which means that you’ll be paid in American dollars and reap the rewards of the favourable exchange rate. You can also enjoy shopping in American department stores like Target and Nordstrom, and stock your pantry in grocery chains like Meijer and Kroger.
Although Detroit is extremely close, don’t forget about other American cities like Toledo, Cleveland, and Chicago. These regional hubs are all less than 5 hours away from Windsor.
8. Waterfront
The Detroit River snakes its way around Essex County and Windsor, and the beaches and riverfront walkways that line its banks provide endless opportunities for both exercise and relaxation.
Whether you’re riding a bike along the Riverfront Trail or Ganatchio Trail, or enjoying some windsurfing at Sandpoint Beach, there are lots of ways to enjoy the local waterfront.
9. Festivals
People in the Windsor area and throughout Essex County love to celebrate their local community with festivals. The Windsor International Film Festival has been taking place for 15 years, and is one of the region’s most celebrated arts and culture festivals. In addition to a 10-day festival week in the Fall, the organizers plan several movie nights every month at the Capitol Theatre.
Every summer, it seems like every Essex County town around Windsor hosts its own community gatherings. Some of these festivals and events include the 166-year-old Harrow Fair, the Leamington and Amherstburg Rib Festivals, the LaSalle Strawberry Festival and the delicious and traditional Ruthven Apple Festival. Within Windsor, Windsor Bluesfest draws huge crowds to the Riverfront Festival Plaza every July.
10. Pizza!
Finally, who could forget about the most delicious local secret- Windsor-style pizza! It’s unlike any other type of pizza in the world. In a brilliant stroke of genius, Windsor pizza-makers shred their pepperoni into matchsticks instead of leaving it circular, which means that every bite contains delicious, crispy-edged morsels of cured meat.
When you ask for a Windsor special, your slice or pie will have delicious matchstick-sliced pepperoni, as well as a generous helping of canned mushrooms. These brined mushrooms stand up well to the high heat of the oven.
Finally, Windsor-style pizza must have cheese from Windsor’s own Galati Cheese Company Ltd. Without it, it’s just regular pizza.
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Looking for a Windsor Real Estate Team?
Making the decision to move to Windsor might seem like a big leap for your family, but take it from us- you won’t regret it. Windsor provides the perfect mixture of city amenities with small-town living, along with ample opportunities for work, entertainment, and family life.
Want to learn more about the next steps? Whether looking at private house sales or real estate investment opportunities in Windsor, we can help! The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our favourite Windsor attractions, or explore the housing options that are available for your family.
