Just 30 minutes east of Toronto, Whitby is considered to be the economic hub of the Durham Region. With a bustling urban and industrial area in the southern part of the town, and beautiful rural areas to the north, Whitby is a great place to call home whether you work within the town itself or in other communities across the GTA.
Whitby is popular among young families, having some of the best schools in the region. There are more than 23 public, separate and private elementary schools in the municipality, housing over 12,000 students. Whitby is also home to the headquarters of the Durham District School Board.
Named after the seaport town of Whitby, Yorkshire, England, the Town of Whitby was first settled in the early 1800s. In 1836, the downtown core and business centre was established by Peter Perry, Whitby’s founder. In the early days, the town’s trade was centred around the harbour and agricultural production.
During World War II, Whitby was the site of Camp X, a secret spy training facility founded by Sir William Stephenson. Today, a monument stands on the former site, which is now called Intrepid Park, inspired by Stephenson’s code name. In 1974, Whitby became part of the newly formed Durham Region, and is considered part of the larger Greater Toronto Area.
Close proximity to the 401, the new 407 extension, and excellent public transportation services from GO Transit and Durham Region Transit make the Town of Whitby a popular place for commuters to find their perfect home.
There’s a lot to see and do in Whitby. With over 70 parks, 4 community centres, and 3 libraries, the town hosts many family-friendly events throughout the year. Whitby is also home to the Iroquois Sports Complex, which is comprised of 6 ice pads, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, 6 tennis courts, 5 baseball diamonds, a soccer pitch, skate park and even a food court and restaurant. For culture lovers, the Town of Whitby features the Whitby Courthouse Theatre, Station Gallery, Centennial Building, the Camp X Historical Site, and the Whitby Museum.
Both rapid industry and population growth have led to the creation of new communities within the Town of Whitby. With condo developments springing up near Whitby’s shores and large suburban subdivisions constructed in the northernmost part of the region, there is no shortage of apartments for rent and condominiums or homes for sale in Whitby.
Real estate in Whitby is mostly comprised of single-family dwellings, including detached homes, semi-detached homes and townhouses. Surrounding the town’s centre at Brock Street and Dundas Street, you’ll find neighbourhoods of beautiful historic homes interspersed with newer builds, conveniently located near the downtown core.
If you are looking to sell or buy a home in Whitby, you’ll need a real estate agent who is familiar with the current housing market in the area. Brian Kondo is an expert Whitby real estate agent who understands the particularities of selling and buying homes in the Durham Region. Contact Brian today to list your home, or begin your search for your dream home!