Ardagh, Simcoe

Ardagh in Barrie, Ontario, is a great place to live, offering nature, convenience, and a strong community feel. The beautiful Ardagh Bluffs have over 17 kilometres of scenic trails to enjoy.

The local schools, like Ardagh Road Public School, are well-rated, making this neighbourhood perfect for families. It's a safe area with plenty of parks and playgrounds that create a welcoming atmosphere. There are also local restaurants, shopping centres, and sports facilities to meet everyone’s needs.

For commuters, Ardagh has easy access to Highway 400 and public transit, making travel to Barrie and beyond simple. Overall, Ardagh offers the perfect mix of comfort, convenience, and natural beauty, a community where you can truly be home.

Ardagh has an excellent quality of life. The neighbourhood is safer than much of Barrie, with crime rates 12% below the city average. While the cost of living is slightly higher, just 1% above the Barrie average, it’s a small trade-off for the area’s safety, natural beauty, and strong community appeal.

Ardagh is a relatively safe neighbourhood, with crime rates 27% lower than the national average and violent crimes 24% below the same benchmark. Residents face a 1 in 33 chance of becoming a victim of crime, which is better than many areas in Ontario. In fact, Ardagh is safer than 41% of cities across the province. Additionally, year-over-year crime in Barrie has decreased by 18%, highlighting a positive trend for safety and security in the area.

Ardagh's population density is 23% higher than Barrie's, indicating a more compact community. The median age in Ardagh is 3% lower, suggesting a slightly younger demographic. The neighbourhood is also culturally diverse, with 3.48% of the population identifying as South Asian, 2.91% as Black, and 1.62% as Latin American, reflecting a multicultural community.

Ardagh has a predominantly English-speaking population, with a smaller percentage speaking other languages. The following table highlights the linguistic diversity in comparison to the broader Barrie and Ontario averages:

• Holly
• Allandale
• Painswick
• Letitia Heights

Schools

• Ardagh Bluffs Public School
• Ferndale Woods Elementary School
• St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School
• Bear Creek Secondary School

Restaurants

• Ol' West Wing
• Sicilian Gourmet Pizza & Pasta
• Cocelli Pizza
• Pizza Pizza

Shopping Malls

• Park Place
• Georgian Mall
• Bayfield Mall
• SmartCentres Barrie South

Hospitals

• Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
• Barrie Community Health Centre
• Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre
• Barrie Urgent Care Clinic

Ardagh has many attractions and popular destinations, including a large shopping mall, several parks, and more.

Ardagh Bluffs

Ardagh Bluffs is a beautiful natural area with over 17 kilometres of trails that are great for everyone. Whether you like hiking, biking, or just walking peacefully, this place is perfect. The trails go through thick forests, open meadows, and gentle creeks, letting you feel close to nature. It's a great way to escape the city and enjoy some quiet time surrounded by greenery.

Summit View Park

Summit View Park is a family-friendly space perfect for all ages. It has large open areas for playing, walking paths for a relaxing stroll, and playgrounds where children can have fun. It’s a great spot for a family picnic or simply spending time outdoors. The park’s calm setting and well-maintained facilities make it a favourite for those who love being outside with friends and family.

Shear Park

Shear Park is the place to go for outdoor sports and community activities. It features sports fields that are perfect for soccer, baseball, or just a casual game of frisbee. The park also has space for gatherings and events, making it a popular spot for community meetups and outdoor fun. It’s well-kept, and there’s usually something happening, from local games to casual fitness activities.

Nearby Kempenfelt Bay

Although not in Ardagh itself, Kempenfelt Bay is just a short drive away and offers a scenic waterfront experience. You can enjoy breathtaking views, participate in water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding, or just walk along the water's edge. There are also several dining options nearby where you can relax with a meal while enjoying the lovely view of the bay. It’s a fantastic destination for a day trip and a great way to enjoy the beauty of Barrie’s waterfront.

Local Art Galleries and Studios

For those who appreciate art, Ardagh has access to small, independent art galleries and studios. These places showcase the works of talented local artists, celebrating creativity and community spirit. Visiting these galleries is a wonderful way to connect with the local culture, discover unique art pieces, and support the creative community. The art venues are often cozy and welcoming, providing a relaxed environment to explore different styles of artwork.

Ardagh residents will always find something to do. The area is known for its nearby shopping centres, as well as its beautiful green spaces and well-designed parks. There are also plenty of activities available for locals to enjoy.

Hiking and Nature Walks

The Ardagh Bluffs have over 17 kilometres of beautiful trails. These trails are perfect for everyone, whether you want a gentle walk or a good hike. You can walk through forests, open fields, and next to small creeks. The paths are easy to follow, and you’ll get to enjoy nature while staying active.

Cycling Adventures

Ardagh has great trails for cycling. Whether you’re a beginner or love cycling long distances, these paths are perfect. They’re smooth and safe, so families with children can also enjoy riding here. The scenery along the way is beautiful, with many spots where you can stop and relax.

Community Events

Ardagh has a lot of community events and seasonal festivals all year round. These events are often held in the local parks or community centres and are a great way to meet neighbours. From summer barbecues to holiday markets, there is always something fun to do that helps build a strong neighbourhood feeling.

Outdoor Sports

If you love playing sports, Ardagh is a great place for you. There are sports fields like Shear Park, where you can play soccer, baseball, or frisbee. These fields are well-kept and are great for both kids and adults. It’s a fun way to get some exercise while enjoying time outdoors.

Family Picnics

Ardagh has wonderful parks that are perfect for family picnics. You can pack your favourite snacks and head to one of the local parks to relax. Many parks have playgrounds, picnic tables, and lots of shaded areas. They are clean and family-friendly, making them great for spending time with loved ones.

Photography Opportunities

If you like taking pictures, Ardagh has many beautiful spots. The Ardagh Bluffs have great nature scenes, with thick forests, flowers, and quiet streams. Summit View Park is also a nice place to take photos, with open spaces and lively activities. Whether you are learning photography or experienced, you’ll find many beautiful things to capture.

Ardagh’s strategic location in Barrie, Ontario, ensures excellent connectivity to key destinations within the city and beyond. Its proximity to major roads, including Highway 400, makes commuting convenient for residents.

• Downtown Barrie: 6–8 km
• Georgian College: 12 km
• Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre: 10 km
• Toronto Pearson International Airport: 90 km
• Park Place Shopping Centre: 6 km
• Kempenfelt Bay Waterfront: 7 km

Ardagh, being a predominantly residential neighbourhood, may not have large commercial markets within its borders. However, its proximity to Barrie's vibrant shopping hubs ensures that residents and visitors can easily access popular markets and shopping areas. Here’s an overview of popular markets near Ardagh:

1. Park Place

Located just a short drive from Ardagh, Park Place is one of Barrie's most popular outdoor shopping centres. It features a mix of high-end retail stores, local boutiques, and dining options. The market offers a vibrant atmosphere, ideal for leisurely shopping or dining with friends and family. Seasonal events and live music often make it a bustling spot for locals.

2. Georgian Mall

As the largest shopping mall in Barrie, Georgian Mall is a go-to destination for residents of Ardagh. It houses over 150 stores, including major brands and local retailers, offering a wide range of products from fashion to home goods. Its central location and variety make it a favourite for those looking for one-stop shopping.

3. Barrie Farmers’ Market

While not directly in Ardagh, the Barrie Farmers’ Market is a popular attraction for the entire city. Located at City Hall, it operates year-round and offers fresh produce, handmade crafts, baked goods, and artisanal products. This market is perfect for supporting local vendors and exploring unique items.

4. Bayfield Mall

Bayfield Mall is another nearby shopping area that residents of Ardagh frequently visit. It features essential services, local shops, and a relaxed shopping environment. It’s particularly known for its community-oriented stores and services.

5. SmartCentres Barrie South

For convenient shopping, SmartCentres Barrie South is a major retail hub near Ardagh. With big-box stores like Walmart, Canadian Tire, and Home Depot, it’s an excellent option for residents looking to run errands or shop for essentials.

The table below compares different demographic statistics across three locations: a neighbourhood, a larger city, and a province. It includes population, population density, median age, gender ratio, percentage of married couples, and families with children at home.

Ardagh, with its family-friendly environment and abundance of green spaces, offers a variety of activities for both kids and pets. Here’s a detailed guide to making the most of your time with your little ones and furry companions:

• Picnics in the Park: Pack lunch and head to a local park where kids can play on the equipment while pets enjoy the grassy spaces.
• Outdoor Games: Include everyone in games like frisbee or fetch, which both kids and dogs can enjoy together.
• Photography Adventures: Capture family moments with your kids and pets while exploring scenic spots in Ardagh Bluffs.

Below is a table showing Ardagh's cost of living index. The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100, which means a score above 100 is higher than average, and a score below 100 is lower than average. The breakdown covers various categories such as goods & services, groceries, healthcare, housing, transportation, and utilities.

The real estate market in Ardagh, Barrie, is highly sought-after, from spacious single-family homes perfect for families to affordable townhouses and low-maintenance condominiums for professionals and retirees. The neighbourhood's appeal lies in its competitive pricing, excellent schools, and proximity to amenities like parks, shopping centres, and major roads like Highway 400, ensuring easy commutes. With steady property value growth, Ardagh is ideal for homeowners and presents promising opportunities for investors seeking stable rental yields. Its modern amenities, natural beauty, and family-friendly charm make it a thriving hub for long-term investment and living.