Kitchener is one of the most beautiful, fastest-growing cities in southwestern Ontario. Known for its famous festivals, gorgeous natural features, top-notch educational opportunities, and tranquil atmosphere, Kitchener is a magnet for families and young professionals looking for affordable homes for sale in Ontario. The city leads in innovation and has developed into a booming tech business hub while maintaining strong connections to its rich German heritage. Residents love Kitchener’s convenient location and transportation options, family-friendly cultural venues, and hiking trails among beautiful scenery. Looking to make Kitchener your home? This guide will help you wrap up your decision.
More About Kitchener Real Estate Market
Kitchener is part of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. The neighbouring city of Cambridge and Kitchener’s twin city, Waterloo, are also part of the same Municipality. As the biggest town in the region, it covers 136.86 square kilometres (52.84 sq mi) and has a thriving population of more than 240,000 people. Kitchener is located about 100 kilometres southwest of Toronto and 65 kilometres from Hamilton to the northwest. One of the city’s main geographical features is the Grand River.
German cultural heritage plays a vital role in everything Kitchener is today. Traditions, tourism sites, and events like the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, the biggest one in the world outside Germany, are a testimony of Kitchener’s firm ties with its Bavarian history. The city’s first settlers were mostly German-speaking Mennonites from Pennsylvania, but a few Germans from Europe arrived around 1819. German roots were so strong in Kitchener that the city didn’t even have that name until 1916. Throughout the whole 19th century, Kitchener was named Berlin, Ontario.
Kitchener ON Real Estate Market
Due to its increasing popularity and growing population, Kitchener’s real estate market is on the rise. 2020/2021 was record-breaking for the housing business in the city. Dwellings in almost all of Kitchener’s neighbourhoods are in high demand, which translates into escalating prices. However, this Ontario area is considerably less expensive than some parts of the nearby Greater Toronto Area (GTA), located an hour or less away.
About half of the homes for sale in Kitchener are single-family detached homes. Apart from that, homebuyers can find townhouses, semi-detached homes, and low-rise and high-rise apartment buildings. 30% or so of the city’s dwellings were constructed between the 1960s and 1980s, but several new developments offer freshly-built properties in some of Kitchener’s best communities.
A house in this city has a listing price of $767,000 on average, and the majority of dwellings stay on the market for about 11 days before closing the deal. The city’s population is split nearly equally between homeowners and renters. The majority of the homes in the city are occupied by homeowners (60%), while a minority are leased (40%).
Kitchener Average Home Prices
- Average detached house price: $878,000.
- Average condo price: $451,000.
- Average townhouse price: $733,000.
Kitchener Neighbourhoods
Whether you are looking for a neighbourhood that is urban or suburban, has luxury properties or affordable housing options, there’s a place for you in Kitchener! Keep reading to get some insights about popular communities in the city:
Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley is filled with tree-lined, winding streets and cul-de-sacs with upscale homes, many of them with stunning views of the Grand River. Private, quiet, and well-located, this neighbourhood has many shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities close by, as well as excellent schools children can attend.
Deer Ridge
Tucked between the Grand River and two golf courses, Riversedge Golf Course and Deer Ridge Golf Club, is this highly regarded neighbourhood that comprises tons of newly-developed housing options. Deer Ridge boasts scenic trails, historical sites, and high-end amenities.
Idlewood
Ideal for individuals, couples, or families looking for a suburban oasis, this tiny and calm neighbourhood features well-maintained single-family homes mostly built in the ‘80s. Amenities like restaurants, stores, and groceries are within walking distance, as well as pools and indoor and outdoor sports facilities for active residents. It is also surrounded by forests with lush trails for nature lovers to enjoy.
Huron Park
Lively and family-centred, this neighbourhood offers close proximity to everything from highways to schools and has plenty of green spaces, golf courses, playgrounds, and parks. Most properties are detached with 3+ bedrooms and backyards that appeal to maturing families.
Grand River South
Located in the east-end of the city, this picturesque and quiet neighbourhood is on the banks of the Grand River. It offers access to the Walter Bean Grand River Trail for outdoor family fun. The housing stock is mostly made out of single-family homes and townhouses, with many new construction dwellings available. Several schools are nearby, as well as shopping and dining spots.
Doon
Popular among students due to its proximity to Conestoga College, Doon is a big, dynamic neighbourhood that offers homebuyers detached homes, townhouses, and apartments. Most of the properties were constructed in the ‘80s but there are also new developments. Doon has numerous natural areas, parks, and golf courses, a paradise for nature enthusiasts and hikers.
Kitchener Schools
There are about 50 elementary schools and nine secondary schools in Kitchener, operated by four different boards. The two main ones are The Waterloo Region District School and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. The Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir and the Conseil scolaire Viamonde handle the French-language schooling alternatives in all levels around southwestern Ontario. As far as post-secondary education goes, two colleges and two universities have campuses in Kitchener offering various programs, including business, pharmacy, law, and social work. Here are some of the best schools you can enroll your child in if you are planning on moving to Kitchener:
Kitchener Elementary Schools
- Brigadoon Public School – Grades: K-6
- Lackner Woods Public School – Grades: K-6
- St. Teresa Catholic Elementary School – Grades: K-8
- St. Mark Catholic Elementary School – Grades: K-8
- Saint John Paul II Catholic Elementary School – Grades: K-8
Secondary Schools
- Resurrection Catholic Secondary School – Grades: 9-12
- Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute – Grades: 9-12
- St. Mary’s High School – Grades: 9-12
- Huron Heights Secondary School – Grades: 9-12
- Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate & Vocational School – Grades: 9-12
Post-Secondary Institutions
Conestoga College
Have two campuses located in Doon and Downtown Kitchener.
triOS College
With a campus in Downtown Kitchener, it has programs in healthcare, business, and law.
University of Waterloo
It has a health sciences campus in Downtown Kitchener.
Wilfrid Laurier University
Its Faculty of Social Work is in Downtown Kitchener.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchener Real Estate
What’s The Best Area To Live In Kitchener Ontario?
- Best urban neighbourhoods: Mount Hope, East Ward Auditorium, Downtown Kitchener.
- Best suburban neighbourhoods: Brigadoon, Huron Park, Idlewood.
- Best luxury neighbourhoods: Deer Ridge, Hidden Valley.
- Best neighbourhoods for schools: Beechwood Forest, Grand River South.
- Best neighbourhood for commuting: East Ward Auditorium, Stanley Park.
Is Kitchener A Part of Toronto?
No. Kitchener is about 100 Kilometres west of Toronto and is part of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo.
What is the postal code for Kitchener?
The city of Kitchener, Ontario has more than 400 postal codes. These are some of the basic ones per area:
- N2G: Kitchener Central
- N2A: Kitchener East
- N2K: Kitchener North
- N2H: Kitchener North Central
- N2B: Kitchener Northeast
- N2M: Kitchener Northwest
- N2R: Kitchener South
- N2C: Kitchener South Central
- N2P: Kitchener Southeast
- N2E: Kitchener Southwest
- N2N: Kitchener West
Where is the nearest commercial airport in Kitchener?
The Region of Waterloo International Airport is only 19 minutes away from Kitchener.
Living In Kitchener ON
What is living in Kitchener Ontario like? Keep reading to discover everything the city offers in terms of amenities, entertainment, job opportunities, transportation, and more. Knowing what to expect in Kitchener is crucial before you pack your bags.
Kitchener is a green city. Every neighbourhood has at least one small park for you to jog or relax, kids to play, and doggos to walk. There are plenty of large parks and conservation areas packed with paths and trails for further outdoor exploration, including McLennan Park, Victoria
Park, and Huron Natural Area.
By moving to Kitchener, you are actually relocating to a well-connected tri-city area, so be ready to have plenty of things to do, see, and enjoy not only in your town but also in the neighbouring cities of Waterloo and Cambridge.
Kitchener has a rich German history but is also largely multicultural. That diversity reflects in a myriad of cultural events year-round and a flourishing culinary scene with restaurants from everywhere in the world. One of the best places to experience local food is the Kitchener Farmers’ Market.
Kitchener is a city of well-known events. The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, a 9-day celebration of the city’s German heritage, is considered the second largest in the world. There’s also The TD Kitchener Blues Festival, one of the largest blues festivals in Canada.
Due to its location in the province’s southwest, Kitchener has a humid climate with warm summers and chilly winters. Not being close to the Ontario Great Lakes keeps Kitchener away from Lake Effect snow.
Kitchener Jobs
Kitchener has booming insurance and manufacturing industries that have played a vital role in the city’s economic growth and development throughout the years. Still, the digital media and tech sectors are significant competitors. The city has around 1000 start-ups developing automation, artificial intelligence, fintech, and robotics solutions. Kitchener also boasts some of Canada’s biggest tech companies, including Deloitte, Faire, ApplyBoard, and Arctic Wolf. Established tech multinationals such as Google, SAP, and BlackBerry also have presence in town.
Kitchener Transportation
Home-owners can rely on Kitchener’s varied and accessible means of transportation. Public transit alternatives are great for commuting both within Kitchener and across the other two cities in the Waterloo region. The Grand River Transit operates light rail rapid transit and bus routes. The ION light rail connects Kitchener and Waterloo, offering a quick and easy method to travel between the two cities, and there are about 40 bus lines and plenty of bus stops near Kitchener homes for sale. To move around the city by bike is also convenient due to its fairly extensive cycling network. For those who prefer driving, the city is close to several main routes and roads like the ON-8, which extends southwest, or the 401 Highway, located just minutes away to the southeast. For air travelling, Kitchener residents trust the Region of Waterloo International Airport.
Distance to Major Cities
- 55 Kilometres to Hamilton, ON
- 69 Kilometres to Mississauga, ON
- 93 Kilometres to Toronto, ON
- 104 Kilometres to Markham, ON
- 109 Kilometres to Scarborough, ON
Things To Do In Kitchener ON
Kitchener, Ontario is a vibrant city known for its culture and heritage. It’s also home to many great attractions that you can visit. We have put together a list of some of our favourite places to get you started:
Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum
Being the largest community museum in Ontario, the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum is dedicated to preserving the region’s history in an engaging and educational way. It offers locals and visitors of all ages indoor galleries and exhibits, child and youth programs, and the Doon Heritage Village, a 60-acre real-live historical exhibition.
Victoria Park
Kitchener’s oldest and largest park, Victoria Park, comprises scenic trails and paved and gravel paths for walks and hikes. Families can also find picnic spots, duck and goose ponds, a kid’s playground, and beautiful landscapes. The park hosts several events throughout the year, including a festive light display during the holidays.
Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery
This public art gallery has been around since 1956, and it’s a great place to connect art buffs in the city with visual art trends and creators. The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery specializes in contemporary art, focusing on works by Canadians and international artists. Admission is free.
Huron Natural Area
This 250-acre conservation area is beautiful any time of the year. It boasts protected forests, wetlands and meadows, and offers Kitchener residents and tourists over 7 km of scenic trails to explore! If you are looking to have a relaxing lunch outdoors or soak in some nature, this is the spot for you.
Chicopee Ski & Summer Resort
Chicopee Ski & Summer Resort is a trendy sports club in the city, worth visiting in winter and summer. You can enjoy snowboarding and skiing in the vertical drop of 200 ft during the winter months. Rather visit it during the summertime? Put your climbing skills to the test at the rock-climbing wall, hit the mountain bike trails, or plan a tennis or volleyball tournament.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
Happening each October and extending for nine days, this culture and food festival celebrates all things Bavarian in Kitchener. Based on the original Germanic event, Kitchener’s Oktoberfest has fun activities like barrel races, concerts, parades, contests and, of course, a never-ending supply of locally brewed beer.
Bingemans Grand Experiences
Bingemans Grand Experiences is a top destination for family fun in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. This huge multipurpose recreation centre offers minigolf, beach volleyball, arcade games, bowling lounge, and a big water park for adults and kids to enjoy. They host family-friendly seasonal events as well.
Doon Heritage Village
Within the Waterloo Region Museum, a must-visit is this quaint living replica of a 1914 local village. Guides and interpreters dressed in authentic 20th-century clothing to interact with the visitors, and everything is surrounded by historic buildings and farm animals. This is a trip back in time that the whole family would absolutely love.
The Museum
This cool museum is all about hands-on fun. Interactive and unique, The Museum is a great space for kiddos. Here they can draw graffiti on a wall, lie on a nail’s bed, walk on a huge piano, or create an animated film. There is also an indoor garden, a large screen for shadow playing, art installations, and a fish tank of 125 gallons.
Rockway Golf Course
Golf lovers of all skill levels can escape for a day and play at this beautifully kept mature 18-hole golf course situated in the city’s heart. With superb services and facilities, you can book a tee time to play solo or reserve a space for a tournament with a group of friends or colleagues. Either way, it will be worth it!
