Guelph provides the best of both worlds when it comes to urban vs. rural lifestyles. No matter which neighbourhood you live in, you’ll always be close to what you need in Guelph. With a tight-knit community and plenty of activities on offer, Guelph is the perfect spot to set down roots, raise a family, or start your career. Homes for sale in Guelph are cheaper than what you’ll find in Toronto, but with all the conveniences that come with being in a developed city. If you are looking for a fresh start with homes for sale in Ontario, Guelph is a fantastic place to begin your search.
Guelph, ON Real Estate Market
While Guelph’s average home price is initially lower than what you would find in Toronto real estate market, what you’ll likely end up paying could be much higher than that. In January of 2022, there were a total of 12 homes for sale in Guelph, making for an incredibly competitive market. Like many Canadian cities, it’s a great time for sellers and a difficult time for buyers.
However, when you do find a home for sale in Guelph, its listing price will likely be around $720,000. Be prepared to pay a bit more, though, since the market is competitive. The average sale price for these single-detached homes ends up being between $900K and $1M. A majority of homes in Guelph are single detached homes, while the rest are townhouses and small apartments.
Guelph Average Property Prices
- Average detached home sale price: $900K
- Average townhouse sale price: $831K
Guelph Neighbourhoods
You’ll be able to find modern urban homes and roomy rural homes in Guelph; you just have to know where to find each one. Guelph has a number of distinct neighbourhoods that will suit every kind of resident. From parks to great schools to charming eateries, Guelph’s neighbourhoods have it all. Here are just a few that you have to choose from:
Downtown Guelph
One of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Guelph, Downtown, is where you will find a lot of the urban spots that city-lovers spend their time at. Downtown Guelph is conveniently in the heart of the city, and residents of this neighbourhood are within walking distance from parks, services, and amenities. Downtown Guelph homes for sale include mostly classic architecture, with victorian homes and bungalows making up a majority of the home types. Downtown is the perfect mix of historic and modern.
The West End
Situated in the northwest corner of Guelph, the West End is an excellent family neighbourhood that can often go overlooked by home buyers. Since it’s so far to the west, many forget to check out how great this area is. West End Community Centre provides a great spot to spend the day with family, and Guelph’s only Costco is located in the West End! There is a lot of room to roam in the West End and more developments are popping up day after day.
Old University
Many students and young professionals choose Old University as their home base. This neighbourhood is right next to Downtown Guelph and is the location of the University of Guelph (hence the name). Old University has a lot of charming homes that have been in the area since the 1970s. Many small homes and bungalows are found in Old University, but there are also a lot of rentals. Due to the student population here, this could be a great place to invest in rental properties if you are interested in that.
Westminster Woods
Often considered the best neighbourhood in Guelph, Westminster Woods is on the city’s South End. With its close proximity to the highway, new homes, parks and trails, and excellent schools, Westminster Woods is highly desired. Young families flock here to take advantage of the strong sense of community and well-maintained environment. You’ll mostly find post-90s homes in Westminster Woods, meaning if you want a more modern home, this is the neighbourhood for you.
Guelph Schools
There are four school boards that serve Guelph: Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB), Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB), The Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud, and Conseil scolaire Viamonde. There are several great schools in Guelph, from private to public to French to Catholic. No matter what kind of education you prefer for your child, Guelph is sure to have it.
Here are some of the schools you’ll find in Guelph:
Junior Elementary Schools (K-8)
- Sir Isaac Brock Public School
- Edward Johnson Public School
- St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic School
- Westminster Woods Public School
- St. Paul Catholic Elementary School
Secondary Schools (9-12)
- Centennial C.V.I.
- College Heights C.V.I.
- Guelph C.V.I.
- Our Lady of Lourdes C.H.S.
- Saint James C.H.S.
Post-Secondary Institutions
- University of Guelph
- Conestoga College (Guelph Campus)
Guelph Real Estate FAQs
What postal codes are in Guelph, Ontario?
The postal codes in Guelph include:
- Guelph Central: N1G
- Guelph North: N1E
- Guelph South: N1C
- Guelph East: N1L
- Guelph Northwest: N1H
- Guelph West: N1K
Where is the nearest commercial airport in Guelph, Ontario?
Guelph is conveniently located just 14.5km away from the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF).
How Far is Toronto From Guelph, Ontario?
Toronto is 94.9km from Guelph, making for a 45-minute to an hour drive, depending on where you are coming from.
What is The Average House Price in Guelph, Ontario?
The average price for single-family homes for sale in Guelph is around $720K.
Living In Guelph, Ontario
Guelph can often feel like two completely different cities; the exciting urban town centre surrounded by the outskirts of suburbs and farmland. The perfect mix of natural landscape and modern activities, Guelph has a relaxed but active ambience.
On the outer suburbs of Guelph, you’ll find quieter neighbourhoods and top-notch schools. The outskirts of Guelph make for an excellent place to raise or start a family. Homes line the streets with plenty of land to spare, and well-kept parks are available on every corner. Unique restaurants, pubs, and shops are sprinkled throughout the area, most of them family-friendly. In other areas of rural Guelph, there are acres and acres of farmland, some of which local agricultural businesses are run from.
Scoot in closer to the city centre and you’ll find the hustle and bustle of downtown Guelph. Young professionals and students are buzzing from class to work, and young families are taking in the sunshine at local parks. Walk a mile through these tree-lined streets and you’ll have passed dozens of modern eateries, boutiques, activities, and clubs.
The best part of living in Guelph is that no matter which area you reside in, you get to take advantage of both worlds. Whether you want plenty of space or a plethora of neighbours, Guelph has it. However, if you are looking to change things up a little bit, you won’t have to go far to find it.
Guelph Jobs
Guelph has historically had one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada. In both 2011 and 2016, it actually had the lowest rate in the entire country! The economy is diverse and consistently strong, as the city is not dependent on a single industry. The primary economic sectors in Guelph are manufacturing (specifically in auto-parts), education, agri-food, and biotechnology. The leading manufacturing employer in the area is Linamar, with 22 manufacturing plants and accounting for 26% of jobs in Guelph.
Guelph Transportation
Highway 401 runs straight through Guelph, making it extremely easy to get around the city by car. If you are in the outskirts of Guelph, it’ll be a little bit harder to get from place to place on foot, but the closer you are to Downtown, the better walking accessibility you’ll have. If you don’t have your own car but want to live in a more rural suburb of Guelph, the Kitchener Line at Guelph Central Station can help you out but has limited options; we would recommend choosing a home that is closeby to a bus stop.
Distance to Major Cities
- 23 Kilometres to Kitchener, ON
- 42 Kilometres to Brampton, ON
- 44 Kilometres to Hamilton, ON
- 48 Kilometres to Mississauga, ON
Things To Do In Guelph, Ontario
We’ve compiled some of the best spots and activities Guelph has to offer. From tourists to locals, from city folk to nature lovers, Guelph has something for everyone. If you’re new to the area, let this list be your jumping-off point to discovering what an amazing city Guelph is.
- Wander Around Royal City Park
Not only does Royal City Park have lots of room to roam, but it also offers a number of walking trails to explore. As the place where the Speed and Eramosa Rivers meet, you’ll have a gorgeous view while getting some fresh air and exercise. - Discover Downtown Guelph
An extremely walkable area, downtown Guelph is a great place to discover cool restaurants, visit new salons and services, and check out some epic nightlife spots. Great for a day out with the family or time to wind down afterwards, Downtown Guelph has a world of things to offer. - Buy Fresh Produce at the Farmer’s Market
The Guelph Farmers Market is the top place to buy local produce and support Guelph small business owners. It’s located behind City Hall and happens every Saturday. You can find fresh flowers, baked goods, cheeses, and more all in one place! - Do EVERYTHING at The Bookshelf
Ever wonder if there’s a place where you can buy a new book, watch a movie, try some local pastries, and end the night salsa dancing? The Bookshelf will give that to you. This wild adventure of a shop is a bookstore and movie theatre, with pool tables and salsa dancing upstairs and a bistro next door. It’s sure to keep you busy all night long! - Browse Through the Art Gallery of Guelph
The Art Gallery of Guelph opened in 1978 and houses a permanent collection of more than 5000 works by Canadian and international artists. The gallery’s mandate is to provide the opportunity for appreciation of visual art throughout Guelph and Wellington County and the Region and to provide hands-on experiences with art. - Explore Riverside Park
With sports fields, benches, picnic spots, and gardens, Riverside Park offers a beautiful place to spend the day outdoors. If you want to take it a step further, the Speed River Trail will take you all the way to Royal City Park and you can have two park days in one! - Try Some of Guelph’s Breweries
If you love to taste test the local brews of any place you go, you have a number of options in Guelph. Some of the most popular breweries in town include Brothers Brewing, Fixed Gear Brewing, Royal City Brewing, Sleeman Brewery, and Wellington Brewery. For history buffs, Wellington Brewery is Canada’s oldest independently-owned microbrewery! - Catch a Guelph Storm Game
You can’t live in an Ontario city without catching at least one OHL game; it would be blasphemy! The Guelph Storm’s home base is right here in Guelph at Sleeman Centre Arena, so there’s no excuse not to catch a Friday night game. - Visit One of Guelph’s Many Festivals
It’s rare to walk through Downtown Guelph without seeing some festival or event going on. Some local favourites include EatStreet: A Moveable Brunch, Art on the Street, Guelph RibFest, and Guelph Jazz Fest. These are a great way to support local businesses and connect with your community. - Soak in the Fresh Air at the Arboretum
Located near the University of Guelph, the Arboretum is a 400-acre green space with trees, gardens, and trails for miles. Whether you want to visit for a picnic, a walk, or research, the Arboretum offers it all. Make sure to go on a sunny day, though!
