Northumberland
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Welcome to Northumberland County, a gorgeous lakeside community on the shores of Lake Ontario. Enjoy the outdoors to the fullest: ride the mountain bike trails in Ganaraska Forest, practice your angling skills at Rice Lake and Lake Ontario, or hike on any of the 20 trails in the county. However, there’s more to the appeal of Northumberland County than its outdoor attractions.
Whether you’re curious about Northumberland because you’re looking for a new place to live with your family, this guide will give you an idea about Northumberland County, Ontario and the homes for sale in the area.
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DISCOVER A BEAUTIFUL LAKE BEACH TOWN
Northumberland County is a laid-back lake beach town with all the conveniences of big city living. It’s located on the traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishinaabeg and covers a total area of 1,905 square kilometres or about 735 square miles. To the north lies Rice Lake, and to the south is Lake Ontario. Northumberland County is approximately a 90-minute drive from downtown Toronto and approximately 3 hours from Ottawa.
Northumberland is currently home to almost 90,000 residents. The population sees a steady annual increase of 4.4% and the average population density of the area is about 46.9 people per square kilometer.
The county is primarily known for the abundance of outdoor activities, thanks to Rice Lake and Lake Ontario on its northern and southern shores. There are also plenty of hiking trails within the Northumberland County Forest. One of the highlights of the year is the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival at Cobourg Beach every summer.
Northumberland is located on the historical lands of the Alderville First Nation, home of the Mississauga Ojibways. Irish, Scottish, English, and later American immigrants settled in the area. The county was originally established back in 1792 and was integrated with Durham County to form the Newcastle District of Canada in 1802. Eventually, Durham County was absorbed into nearby Ontario County to form the Regional Municipality of Durham. Northumberland became a county, incorporating some areas from when it was still combined with Durham in the 1970s.
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HOMES FOR SALE IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, ONTARIO
Single-family homes make up the majority of the local housing stock in Northumberland County, Ontario. Single-family homes come in different shapes and sizes and have different amenities and features. Statistically, most single-family homes have 3-4 bedrooms or more, but there are also 1-2 bedroom homes and studio-type homes available as well. The size of outdoor living spaces of homes for sale in Northumberland County, Ontario vary, too.
The local housing market also has semi-detached homes, row houses, apartments or duplex flats, land, and other property types available for sale. Most homes in the area were built between 1960 and 1990, followed by homes constructed between 2000 and the present. There are also quite a few heritage homes in Northumberland County, built in Greek Revival and popular styles from the 19th century, such as Neoclassical and Federal styles.
The wide variety of homes for sale in Northumberland County, Ontario makes it a highly sought-after location for those looking to move to the area. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a real estate investor, it’s important to work with a seasoned real estate professional with local knowledge and experience in the industry.
Notable towns and neighborhoods
Northumberland County is made up of seven municipalities, each with its own unique appeal and vibe. If you’re looking for homes for sale in Northumberland County, Ontario, the first thing you have to figure out is which neighborhood or municipality suits your needs. Here is a quick tour of Northumberland’s municipalities, including the Rice Lake Region:
- Brighton
Brighton shines with tradition, as it continues to preserve the spirit and tradition of the area’s early settlers. This municipality is home to some of the finest apple orchards in Canada. In fact, every fall, the area celebrates the annual Applefest. Known as a summer resort town, this area also has plenty of great dining locations with beautiful views of Lake Ontario at Presqu’ile Bay.Homes for sale in Brighton range from charming bungalows to luxurious custom homes. Options include modern developments with open houses and renovated traditional homes, catering to diverse buyer preferences.Learn more about Brighton here • Explore luxury living in Brighton here • Inquire about homes for sale in Brighton here
- Cobourg
Cobourg is the largest town in Northumberland County and has a hometown feel to it. The town has plenty of shopping and dining places with views or access to the water. The municipality also boasts of several parks and recreational spots, including the Cobourg Conservation Area and the Ecology Garden.There are a couple of tours around Cobourg, including a self-guided walking tour of heritage homes. Cobourg also loves to celebrate, with annual events like the Waterfront Festival, Sandcastle Event, Winterfest, and the Rotary Ribfest.Cobourg offers a variety of housing options, including bungalows, modern townhomes, and spacious detached homes, which fit a variety of budgets and lifestyles.Learn more about Cobourg here • Inquire about homes for sale in Cobourg here
- Colborne
Colborne is part of the Cramahe Township along with Castleton. It’s located on the shore of Lake Ontario and is also known for being at the center of the region’s apple production. The area has a rustic, small-town feel with all the modern conveniences. The town has plenty of vintage architecture to see, and the widest main street in all of Northumberland. Downtown, some buildings are covered in beautiful murals.Colborne is also known for Victoria Square, a picturesque park at the center of town with large shade trees and a gazebo. There are also walking tours of the place.Homes for sale in Colborne vary from charming bungalows to modern farmhouses. Properties typically feature 2 to 4 bedrooms, expansive yards, and a mix of modern and rustic designs.Inquire about homes for sale in Colborne here - Grafton
Grafton is known for its gently rolling hills and vast open spaces. The town is part of the Alnwick/Haldimand Township, which is also known for beautiful views throughout. Within the township, there are Northumberland Forest’s hiking and cross-country ski trails. Grafton, in particular, is home to Ste. Anne’s Spa, a venue for luxurious treatments and nature. Grafton also has quite a few driving tours that will take you to see the area’s main attractions.Homes for sale in Grafton include cozy bungalows and expansive family homes with 3 to 6 bedrooms. Properties priced from $800,000 to more than $1 million often feature large lots, custom finishes, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and Lake Ontario.Inquire about homes for sale in Grafton here
- Port Hope
Port Hope has the best-preserved main street in Ontario. Just like Colborne, Port Hope also has plenty of vintage architecture in the form of beautifully restored homes and properties, which one can now enjoy as bed and breakfast accommodations.Port Hope strikes a balance between tradition and modernity, having both the vibrance of a city with the familiar ambiance and friendliness of small towns. The municipality hosts the All-Canadian Jazz Festival, and other fun, family-friendly events.Learn more about Port Hope here • Inquire about homes for sale in Port Hope here
- Rice Lake Region
Farmlands and rolling hills with maple, oak, and pine trees surround the Rice Lake Region. The area is known for marshes rich with wildlife. It’s a popular area for fishing and there are quite a few small neighborhoods that provide a highly desirable quiet, lakeside lifestyle. Homes for sale in the Rice Lake Region include charming cottages with water access, as well as luxurious waterfront homes in excess of $1 million. Most homes feature beautiful lake views, spacious interiors, and large lots, making them ideal for both vacation retreats and year-round living.Inquire about homes for sale in the Rice Lake Region here - Trent Hills
North of Highway 401, along the Trent Severn Waterway is the Municipality of Trent Hills. This community also balances rural and urban lifestyles. People can enjoy outdoor activities on the rivers and lakes nearby.Waterfront properties here are plenty. Listings include single-family homes with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, many featuring spacious lots and scenic views.The area is also convenient due to its proximity to Peterborough, Cobourg, and Belleville. You can also take a stroll through the Ferris Provincial Park and the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge nearby.Inquire about homes for sale in Trent Hills here
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LIVING IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, ONTARIO
There’s more to Northumberland than just being a laid-back lakeside town. There are plenty more reasons why living in this area is a real treat, especially for those looking to raise a family or those looking for a quiet place to retire. Here are some things you should know about living and settling down in Northumberland County, Ontario.
Lifestyle
Northumberland County has plenty of unique spaces and places that cater to different lifestyles and paces of life, from urban areas to scenic rural and historic towns, as well as laid-back waterfront locations. Although the lifestyle opportunities are varied, the single thread that connects all of these is the warm and welcoming culture of the people.
For those seeking a vibrant outdoor lifestyle, there are 37 trails, 15 conservation areas, two provincial parks and forests, and a nature reserve in the county alone. There are also plenty of programs that support visual and performing arts as well as local heritage.
Education
Ontario prides itself on its public education. Northumberland has around 32 elementary schools, 6 secondary schools, 1 private school, and several colleges and universities nearby. The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board oversees the local schools, while the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board manages the Catholic schools in the area.
Some of the local universities and college campuses in the area include: Fleming College- Cobourg Campus, Loyalist College-Belleville, Durham College-Oshawa Campus, Trent University- Peterborough and Oshawa Campuses, and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. The county also supports Distance Education through Contact North and apprenticeships through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
Economy
Northumberland County’s economy is robust and growing. The county offers residents opportunities to start businesses, grow careers, and establish companies through its collaboration and networking services.
In fact, the average annual income in Northumberland County is around 5-6% higher than the national average. The local economy is supported mostly by the health care, retail, manufacturing, construction, education, and public administration industries. The most common occupations include sales and service, trade, business, finance, education, and healthcare.
Aside from these industries, Northumberland is also proud of its Apple Route, a special region of Ontario with more than 200 years of rich agricultural history. The area features many farms, antique stores, beaches, public parks, spas, and country inns. The region is primarily known for its apple production, but there are 50 farm-gate destinations here as well.
Getting in and around Northumberland
There are a lot of ways to get around Northumberland County. Many residents commute to work to their offices, but there is a significant number of people working at home. Out of those who commute to work, a majority drive their own vehicles or carpool. Commute times to work around Northumberland typically take 15 minutes or less. The county has a well-maintained network of County Roads that take residents around the area efficiently.
As for mobility in general, the county has plenty of accommodations for pedestrians, cyclists, and those who take public transport. In fact, Northumberland has invested in many cycling routes and trails throughout. The Ontario By Bike network lists many bicycle-friendly restaurants, attractions, and businesses in Northumberland County and Ontario. You can also visit the cycling page of the Northumberland Tourism Department for maps of some popular cycling routes in the county.
As for public transit, there are a couple of networks and services residents and visitors can use. For example, the Town of Cobourg and the Municipality of Port Hope each have their own bus services for residents and visitors. These two areas also provide VIA Rail services with routes to destinations across Canada.
Shopping
How special is shopping in Northumberland? Let us count the ways.
The county has a resource on their Tourism website specifically for those looking for a great shopping experience. The website includes a list of local shops like The Bee Works in Port Hope, which specializes in honey and other bee-related products, such as honey habanero sauce, popcorn, skincare products, and candles. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind gifts and handcrafted trinkets, The Nooks is a great place to shop.
If it’s an unexpected experience you’re after, Primitive Designs features products and designs made by artists from around the world. Their shop even features giant robots made from recycled parts. Weekender’s Vintage features retro memorabilia, kitschy pottery, and conversation pieces from days gone by.
For fashion-forward folks, Northumberland also features several boutiques and shops that can help you find the right pieces for your wardrobe. Ravenswood Boutique features sustainable clothing and inclusive sizing at great prices. Gemini Boutique is a women-owned shop for women that offers fun pieces, kid’s clothing, bags, and accessories. Lastly, Rino Ferreri Menswear is an experience. Imagine browsing classic and trending styles and local and international brands while enjoying your favorite drinks and charcuterie.
Dining
The ultimate food trip lets you try out lots of things – from fresh local produce to classic and eclectic local restaurants. Fortunately, Northumberland County has all that and more.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour. The tour takes you to different bakeries and pastry shops in the region. It isn’t only about the butter tarts though, because the tour lets you taste and explore other local pastries as well. How about spending a weekend touring local brews? Take your friends and plan an exciting weekend at local craft breweries and taprooms using Northumberland’s Cheers Tours guide.
If you can’t decide where to eat, the Northumberland tourism website also has a page dedicated to restaurant reviews from a local foodie and Cultivate Food Festival founder, Jeff Bray. Some of the best-reviewed restaurants include Black Cat Cafe, which is according to Bray, one of the best coffee spots in Cobourg. McGilliacafey’s Pub and Eatery is a family-friendly dining spot with great views of the water. His recommendations include the House Smoked Beef Brisket and the saffron-infused cocktail. If you want to explore the local history through cuisine, you should try out The Whistling Duck. The menu is vast and generous, but the star will always be the Honey Balsamic Brussel Sprouts.
Things to do in Northumberland
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Birding is big in Northumberland County, where puffins are frequently sighted
It doesn’t matter if you’re an outdoor enthusiast or not, there’s something to do in Northumberland, Ontario. Here are some of our recommended activities to enjoy alone or with your friends and family:
- Chill at the beach
Stay cool and enjoy the waters of Rice Lake and Lake Ontario all summer long with Northumberland’s beaches. Northumberland has the 4th best beaches in Canada because of its pristine waters and sandy shoreline.
Port Hope’s beach is popular with families because it’s equipped with a playground and change rooms. If you’re worried about the beach being too public, there are more private areas further down the beach. Cobourg’s beaches are very popular as well with its splash pad, playground, and canteen. It also has a beautiful marina leading to the Ecology Garden and the rocky West Beach.
If you want to extend your stay at the beach for a whole day or two, you can get a day pass through the Ontario Parks Reservations webpage to camp and stay at the beach with family.
- Enjoy fishing and boating
Northumberland is home to some of the best spots for boating and fishing with over 350 lakes and rivers in its territories, including Rice Lake, Lake Ontario, Ganaraska River, and Trent River. Anglers can fish for more than 15 species of fish in 16 fishing areas, including walleye, crappie, bass, carp, muskellunge, trout, salmon, and pike.
There are also several marinas and spots for recreational boating. Trent-Severn Waterway is especially popular from late May to mid-October. There are spacious camping spots, washroom facilities, canoe, and kayak accessibility, and public and private boat launches as well. The local tourism website has a downloadable guide for boating in the county.
- Explore the many biking and hiking trails
Northumberland is paradise for those looking to traverse the vast stretches of dual and single-track mountain biking trails in the Ganaraska Forest, complete with hill climbs and wide forest roads.
There are also over 45 kilometres of hiking trails across the county, which go through forests, wetland, tallgrass prairie, savannah, and sand barren, and gently rolling hills. Some of the popular hiking trails include the Beagle Club Trails at Harwood. These trails range from 1 kilometre to 14 kilometres. Another popular hiking trail is the Oak Ridges Trail at Morris Road. From the trailhead, hikers can go 8.5 kilometres either to the east or west.
- Go bird watching
There are plenty of birdwatching spots in Northumberland County, thanks to its scenic countryside and the Greenbelt, which includes Oak Ridges Moraine, Rice Lake Plains, Peter’s Woods, Ganaraska, and Northumberland Forests. There’s also the Presqu’ile Provincial Park, Ferris Provincial Park and 15 other conservation areas. Plus, there’s the 70 kilometres of Lake Ontario shoreline, rocky and sandy fields, and cedar bogs.
Must-visit places and yearly events
At Northumberland County, Ontario, the fun lasts all year long. Take note of the local attractions and calendar of yearly events here. These are just some of our favorite festivals and attractions:
- Northumberland Scottish Festival & Highland Games
The Northumberland Scottish Festival and Highland Games is hosted every year by the Cobourg Highland Games Society. Originally, the festival was held in Cobourg, but has since moved to Port Hope. The event is held as a celebration of the Scottish immigrants and their heritage.
- Cobourg Waterfront Festival
The Cobourg Waterfront Festival is the municipality’s main summer event and is part of the local Canada Day celebrations. The event was first celebrated in the 1960s and has since grown into a huge celebration which includes parades and live entertainment.
- Port Hope Arts Festival
Port Hope hosts one of the biggest arts festivals in Northumberland County. The one-day celebration is usually held in August at the back lawn of the Town Hall and features local vendors, merchants, and artisans and their wares. The festival runs alongside the Port Hope Farmers Market.
- Brighton Concerts in the Park
The annual Concerts in the Park is Brighton’s annual summer celebration of local musicians and performers. The event is held from June to August and features live performances every Wednesday at the Memorial Park. The Brighton Municipality website lists the year’s lineup.
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SECURE YOUR DREAM HOME IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY WITH THE EXPERTS
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Northumberland County is rich with attractions, family-friendly events, and unique experiences. Explore all these and more when you secure your dream home in this gorgeous corner of Ontario with Jacqueline Pennington and her team of seasoned experts.
As one of the leading real estate frontiers in Northumberland, we use our deep local knowledge, marketing expertise, and customer service to deliver top-notch services to our clients. Our approach centers on our clients and understanding their real estate goals. We take the guesswork out of the home-buying and selling process so that our clients, especially first-timers, can focus on making the important decisions to realize their goals.
Looking for more information about homes for sale in Northumberland, Ontario? Interested in selling your property? We can guide you through the entire process from start to finish.
Connect with Team Pennington today by calling 905.375.0062 or by sending us an email to get started on your real estate journey with confidence.