When buying a home, one of the top considerations for families is often proximity to quality schools. Peterborough offers a variety of neighborhoods with access to highly-ranked schools, making it an excellent choice for raising a family. By understanding the school rankings and what they indicate, you can find the right home in a neighborhood that supports your children’s education and your family’s lifestyle.

Why School Rankings Matter

The Fraser Institute evaluates schools across Canada annually, offering a snapshot of their academic performance. These rankings, based on standardized test results, provide parents with valuable insights when choosing where to live. While academic performance isn’t the only factor to consider, it’s a helpful starting point when determining which neighborhood is best for your family.

Top-Ranked Schools in Peterborough

Public Elementary Schools

• Westmount Public School (Rating: 6.3)
  Located in a family-friendly neighborhood, Westmount is known for strong academic programs and a vibrant community feel.
• Edmison Heights Public School (Rating: 6.2)
  This school serves families in a safe and quiet area, perfect for young children to grow and learn.
• James Strath Public School (Rating: 6.1)
  James Strath is situated near amenities and parks, making it ideal for active families.

Catholic Elementary Schools

• Monseigneur-Jamot Catholic School (Rating: 6.6)
  With a reputation for academic excellence, this school attracts families seeking a faith-based education.
• St. Paul’s Catholic School (Rating: 6.4)
  Located in a close-knit neighborhood, this school fosters a strong sense of community among families.

Schools in Surrounding Areas

• Chemong Public School (Bridgenorth) (Rating: 7.0)
  If you're considering the Peterborough outskirts, this top-ranked school offers a rural charm and a high-quality education.

Neighborhoods to Consider

West End

With access to Westmount Public School and James Strath Public School, the West End is a popular choice for families. This area features spacious homes, parks, and close proximity to shopping and recreational facilities.

North End

Home to Edmison Heights Public School, the North End is a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood. It offers affordable housing options and a welcoming community vibe.

Suburban Communities

If you’re looking for a more rural lifestyle, communities like Bridgenorth and Cavan offer excellent schools such as Chemong Public School and North Cavan Public School, along with larger properties and a peaceful atmosphere.

More Than Just Rankings

While school rankings are a great starting point, it’s essential to visit the neighborhoods and schools you're considering. Look for features like safe streets, nearby parks, and family-friendly amenities. Talk to local parents or attend school events to get a feel for the community.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a neighborhood to raise your family is about more than just finding a house; it’s about creating a home in a supportive community. By considering school rankings and the surrounding neighborhood, you can make an informed decision that benefits your children’s education and overall quality of life.

Looking for help finding the perfect home in Peterborough? As a local Realtor, I’d be happy to guide you through the process. Let’s work together to find a home and neighborhood that fits your family’s needs. Reach out today!

Raising a family in the west end of Peterborough offers a combination of community warmth, access to amenities, and excellent educational opportunities, making it one of the region's most desirable family-friendly neighborhoods. According to the Fraser Institute’s 2024 school rankings, three of the top five elementary schools in Peterborough are located in this area, underscoring the west end’s appeal for families prioritizing high-quality education.

Top Schools in the West End

The west end boasts highly rated elementary schools, including Monsignor Jamot, Westmount Public School, and St. Catherine Catholic Elementary School. These schools have consistently earned high scores in math, reading, and writing—key indicators the Fraser Institute uses to assess school performance across Ontario. With these top-ranked schools nearby, families benefit from accessible, high-quality education that supports children’s academic growth and development.

Community and Family Life

Beyond educational quality, the west end offers a strong sense of community with plenty of parks, recreational facilities, and family-focused events. Jackson Park, for example, is a local favorite with its scenic trails, picnic spots, and playgrounds—perfect for families who love outdoor activities. Additionally, the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre is located nearby, offering year-round programs for all ages, from swimming to basketball. These amenities make it easy for families to spend quality time together while staying active.

Housing and Safety

The west end is known for its residential feel, with a variety of housing options that cater to growing families. Homes in this area tend to have larger yards, tree-lined streets, and proximity to essential services like grocery stores, libraries, and medical facilities. This neighborhood also enjoys a strong reputation for safety, which many parents find reassuring when choosing a place to raise their children.

In conclusion, the west end of Peterborough stands out as an ideal location for families. With some of the region’s top-ranked schools, excellent community amenities, and a supportive neighborhood atmosphere, this area provides the perfect environment for family life, helping children grow and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Many of our clients have upcoming mortgage renewals, and we want to ensure you make the most informed decisions.

Here are some important points to consider:

Negotiate Your Renewal Rate: Don’t automatically accept the first rate your bank offers. Many people are unaware that they can negotiate for a better rate.

Consider Changing Lenders: Switching to a new lender might secure you a lower rate. However, keep in mind that you will need to re-qualify for the mortgage. If you stay with your current lender, re-qualification is not necessary.

Make a Lump Sum Payment: Only 2% of Canadians take advantage of making a lump sum payment at renewal, which can significantly reduce your interest costs and shorten your mortgage term.

Addressing Payment Concerns: If you’re worried about higher payments with your new mortgage rate, many banks allow you to extend your amortization period back to the original term length. For example, if you have 20 years left on a 25-year mortgage, you can extend it back to 25 years. This will lower your monthly payments but will result in paying more interest over the life of the mortgage.

Navigating your mortgage renewal can be an opportunity to secure better terms and reduce your financial burden. By negotiating your renewal rate, considering a switch to another lender, making a lump sum payment, or adjusting your amortization period, you can make informed decisions that align with your financial goals. Remember, this is a crucial time to reassess your mortgage strategy and ensure it fits your current and future needs. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your lifetime. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned investor, navigating the complexities of the real estate market requires careful consideration and attention to detail. While it’s easy to get swept away by the aesthetics of a property, focusing solely on the surface-level features can lead to costly mistakes down the road. Here, we’ll explore the biggest pitfalls buyers often encounter and how to steer clear of them.

Prioritizing Style Over Substance

Mistake: Falling in love with the outward appearance of a home without thoroughly inspecting its structural integrity and mechanical systems.

Why It Matters: It’s tempting to be swayed by beautiful interiors or a picturesque garden, but cosmetic enhancements can often mask underlying issues. As the saying goes, “You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.” Ignoring the foundational aspects of a property can result in unexpected expenses for repairs or upgrades later on.

Solution: Before you fall head over heels for a home, conduct a comprehensive viewing. Look beyond the surface to assess the condition of the roof, plumbing, electrical systems, and foundation. Understanding the age and maintenance history of these critical components can help you make an informed decision and avoid unpleasant surprises post-purchase.

Overlooking Location Dynamics

Mistake: Focusing solely on the property itself without considering its location and neighborhood dynamics.

Why It Matters: A home is not just a physical structure; its surroundings play a crucial role in your quality of life and long-term investment potential. Factors like school districts, proximity to amenities, crime rates, busy roads and future development plans can significantly impact your satisfaction with the purchase and potential resale value.

Solution: Take the time to research the neighborhood thoroughly. Visit at different times of day to get a feel for the area’s ambiance and traffic patterns. Engage with local residents or use online tools to gather insights about community dynamics. Ensure the location aligns with your lifestyle preferences and long-term goals.

Neglecting Financial Preparedness

Mistake: Underestimating the true cost of homeownership, including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses.

Why It  Matters: Purchasing a home involves more than just the down payment. Failing to budget for ongoing expenses can strain your finances and impact your overall financial health.

Solution: Create a comprehensive budget that accounts for all associated costs of homeownership. Factor in potential repairs or upgrades based on the inspection report. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to ensure you’re prepared for both the initial purchase and ongoing expenses.

Skipping Due Diligence

Mistake: Rushing through the due diligence process or forgoing professional guidance.

Why It Matters: Buying a home is a complex transaction with legal and financial implications. Skipping essential steps or trying to navigate the process alone can leave you vulnerable to legal disputes, undisclosed issues, or financial setbacks.
 

Solution: Work with an experienced real estate agent who understands the local market and can guide you through the entire buying process. Additionally, enlist the expertise of a reputable home inspector. Taking these precautions can safeguard your interests and ensure a smoother transaction.

Ready to make a move? Don’t just dream about your perfect home—take action! Start by prioritizing structural integrity, location dynamics, and financial planning. Our expertise in buying homes in Peterborough & Kawarthas ensures you’ll navigate the market with confidence. Let’s find your ideal home together—a place where comfort meets investment potential. Reach out today and let’s get started on your journey to homeownership!