If you’re looking for a change of scenery, then one place to strongly consider is Barrie, Ontario. Barrie ranked 57th on the MoneySense’s 2016 Canada’s Best Places to Live list. Its high income and healthy population growth were two major factors in its ranking. The following are seven other reasons why you should consider moving to Barrie:
1. Beautiful Scenery Protected by the City
Barrie is known for its beautiful scenery. This is no surprise considering that it sits right on Kempenfelt Bay on Lake Simcoe. The city designates 40 percent of its residential growth to established neighbourhoods. This ensures its gorgeous parks and beaches are protected. It also reduces the impact of its population growth on the natural scenery.
2. A Low Crime Rate
Barrie has a very low crime rate considering the growth of the city over the past few years. In fact, its crime rate has dropped by 29.6 percent over the last 5 years. Barrie has also been voted twice as the safest city in the country, based on Statistics Canada data.
3. Easy Accessibility to Other Cities
Barrie is close to almost everything. No matter where you live in Barrie, you’ll be roughly less than a 10 minute drive from the nearest highway. It is less than a one hour to drive to Toronto, North York, Vaughan and Newmarket, to name a few nearby cities.
4. Lots of Amenities to Enjoy
Barrie has many restaurants, shops, bars and cafes that residents can enjoy. As well as water sports and recreational activities on the lake, and skiing during the winter. Barrie is also home to the MacLaren Art Centre and Kepmenfest, one of the biggest outdoor arts and craft festivals in Ontario.
5. High Walkability
Residents love Barrie for its high walkability. Downtown Barrie boasts a beautiful streetscape with tons of shops, restaurants and cafes. The ability to walk alongside the lake for a stunning view is also a huge plus for outdoor enthusiasts.
6. Great Healthcare
Barrie is home to four Medical Clinics and the Royal Victoria Hospital. The Hospital is particularly impressive following the $450 million renovation done in 2012.
If you’re planning on relocating, then be sure to take a close look at the city of Barrie for these reasons and more.
1. Beautiful Scenery Protected by the City
Barrie is known for its beautiful scenery. This is no surprise considering that it sits right on Kempenfelt Bay on Lake Simcoe. The city designates 40 percent of its residential growth to established neighbourhoods. This ensures its gorgeous parks and beaches are protected. It also reduces the impact of its population growth on the natural scenery.
2. A Low Crime Rate
Barrie has a very low crime rate considering the growth of the city over the past few years. In fact, its crime rate has dropped by 29.6 percent over the last 5 years. Barrie has also been voted twice as the safest city in the country, based on Statistics Canada data.
3. Easy Accessibility to Other Cities
Barrie is close to almost everything. No matter where you live in Barrie, you’ll be roughly less than a 10 minute drive from the nearest highway. It is less than a one hour to drive to Toronto, North York, Vaughan and Newmarket, to name a few nearby cities.
4. Lots of Amenities to Enjoy
Barrie has many restaurants, shops, bars and cafes that residents can enjoy. As well as water sports and recreational activities on the lake, and skiing during the winter. Barrie is also home to the MacLaren Art Centre and Kepmenfest, one of the biggest outdoor arts and craft festivals in Ontario.
5. High Walkability
Residents love Barrie for its high walkability. Downtown Barrie boasts a beautiful streetscape with tons of shops, restaurants and cafes. The ability to walk alongside the lake for a stunning view is also a huge plus for outdoor enthusiasts.
6. Great Healthcare
Barrie is home to four Medical Clinics and the Royal Victoria Hospital. The Hospital is particularly impressive following the $450 million renovation done in 2012.
If you’re planning on relocating, then be sure to take a close look at the city of Barrie for these reasons and more.
