Cathedraltown, York

Craighurst is a charming community located in Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Simcoe region, this quaint village offers a tranquil and scenic setting. Known for its small-town charm, Craighurst attracts residents and visitors seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Surrounded by natural beauty, Craighurst provides opportunities for outdoor activities, with nearby parks, trails, and recreational areas. The community fosters a close-knit atmosphere, with local businesses contributing to its unique character. Simcoe County is renowned for its diverse natural attractions, including lakes, forests, and conservation areas. Craighurst's proximity to larger urban centres such as Barrie ensures residents have access to essential amenities while still enjoying the serenity of rural living. Whether exploring nature trails or participating in community events, Craighurst embodies the warmth of a welcoming Canadian village in the heart of Simcoe.

Here are details of Craighurst’s livability and lifestyle score: Craighurst is relatively safe, with a crime rate of 50.87%, considerably below the national average. Violent crimes are 31.47% lower than what's seen across Canada. Here, the odds of becoming a crime victim are just 1 in 40. Craighurst’s safety record is considerably higher than almost half of Ontario's towns, making it a safe and secure place.

Craighurst boasts a close-knit community with a rich cultural tapestry. Residents take pride in their diverse backgrounds, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. The town's charm lies in its vibrant local events and festivals that celebrate its people and heritage. 40% of Craighurst's population earns $20,000 or less. While 50% of the population thrives on incomes averaging $80,000, the remaining 10% earns above $300,000. It reflects considerable economic diversity. Craighurst is largely bilingual, with mostly English and French being spoken as the primary languages. Other languages are spoken but the majority of the residents opt for English as their primary means of communication.

Craighurst presents itself as a hospitable sanctuary attending to the varied requirements of its inhabitants. Infused with vibrancy, this community ensures easy access to top-notch education, healthcare amenities, an array of culinary delights, and lively shopping destinations.

Schools

There are many catholic and public schools in and around Craighurst, such as:

• Hillsdale Elementary School
• Elmvale District High School
• W R Best Memorial Public School
• Treasured Kids School
• Rama Central Public School

Restaurants

You will find a variety of cuisines offered in the Craighurst area by various restaurants located across the county:

• Kim’s Kitchen
• Scoopz
• Lock 42 Grill
• MENU – R’Kitchen
• Gold Palace Chinese Restaurant
• Best Living Motel & Restaurant

Shopping Malls

Here’s a list of some of the stores and malls in the Craighurst locality:

• Canoe Fresh Food Market
• Summerland General Store
• Northern Necessities
• Oliver’s Coffee
• Walmart Supercentre
• Steven’s Your Independent Grocer
• McDonald’s
• The Home Depot
• Foodland

Hospitals

Craighurst is a small locality without a dedicated hospital. However, there are several nearby hospitals and medical centres which meet medical needs:

• Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
• Huronia Health Centre
• Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital
• North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services
• Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre

Craighurst’s allure is in its captivating locales where nature seamlessly intertwines with community vibrancy. Craighurst offers an enchanting store of experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Spirit Catcher

Perched along Barrie's waterfront, the Spirit Catcher, a creation of sculptor Ron Baird for the 1986 EXPO in Vancouver, draws inspiration from indigenous oral traditions in the Pacific Northwest. Symbolizing the Thunderbird, this 20-ton Corten steel masterpiece became part of the Barrie Gallery Project in 1987.

Snow Valley Ski Resort

Opened in 1952, Snow Valley Ski Resort offers 20 runs for skiing. Snowboarding and snow tubing are also offered among other activities. The resort runs during the winter months between November and March. There is free Wi-Fi, with an on-site bar and restaurant. The establishment is also wheelchair-friendly.

Hardwood Ski and Bike

Located in the heart of Oro-Medonte Township within Ontario's picturesque Lake Country, Hardwood Ski and Bike is just an hour north of Toronto. Offering a spectrum of activities including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and mountain biking, this outdoor haven also serves as a prime venue for various races. From the renowned Canada Cup, showcasing top Canadian riders each spring, to the family-friendly Hardwood Wednesday Night Race Series spanning May to August, the facility promises a diverse range of recreational delights.

Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club

The Settlers' Ghost Golf Club stands as a complete 18-hole course, proudly hosting two CPGA Class golf professionals. Rooted in the region's rich history, the golf club pays homage to its initial inhabitants—the Huron Indians—and later settlers from the British Isles who shaped the township's agricultural landscape.

Horseshoe Valley Memorial Park

Horseshoe Valley Memorial Park in Oro-Medonte near Craighurst boasts a range of amenities, including a playground, basketball court, outdoor rink, picnic shelter, and tables. It's a charming spot with tennis courts, a children's play area with sand toys, and occasional outdoor movie nights on a large screen. Perfect for walks, the park features picnic tables, benches, and an accessible outhouse. During winter, the park transforms into a fabulous skating rink.

Craighurst has a variety of things to do for visitors and its residents providing ample opportunities for enjoyment. Here are some distinctive recommendations to explore in and around the area: Local Sightseeing: There are many picnic spots and parks in and around Craighurst like the Horseshoe Valley Memorial Park and the Elmvale Jungle Zoo. There is an abundance of lakes as this is in the lake area of Ontario. You can visit beautiful lakes like Orr Lake, Little Lake, and Mud Lake, just to name a few where you can go fishing, boating, or just spend a lazy day by the lakeside. Visit Historical Sites: There are numerous historical plaques like the Penetang Historical Plaque, Peter White Historical Plaque, and the Schooner Town Historical Plaque. You can also visit places like Betty’s Bog, the Inactive Mill, and Crown Hill. Beaches: You can spend a day at the numerous beaches that spot the area like Woodland Beach, New Wasaga Beach, Georgian Beach, and Balmy Beach along the coastline of the Georgian Bay. You can also visit the various beaches along the banks of Lake Simcoe. Off-road Biking and Skiing: You can go skiing or off-road biking depending on the season at Hardwood Ski and Bike at Oro-Medonte, an exciting outdoor recreation area.

Craihhurst provides easy accessibility due to its outstanding transportation links, ensuring effortless navigation around the neighbourhood.

• Oshawa Executive Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport are the nearest airports at 94 km and 95 km respectively which can both be reached in about an hour.
• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is also close by at 104 km and it takes just over an hour to reach it.
• Walmart Supercentre is 28.1 km away and it takes about 17 minutes to reach by road.
• Horseshoe Valley Memorial Park is 6.4 km away from Craighurst and is a 5-minute drive away.
• Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital is 27.3 km away from Craighurst and it takes roughly 23 minutes to drive there.

Craighurst has its fair share of markets where you can stock up on provisions like vegetables, fruit, groceries, meat, processed foods, and baked delicacies. As Craihurst is surrounded by farms, most of the markets are farm-based.

Hewitts Farm Market & Bakery

At Hewitts family farm, visitors enjoy an authentic experience with a year-round market offering fresh, locally sourced produce and hand-picked products. Embracing "Quality-Homemade-Local," the farm caters to all shopping needs, from freshly baked goods to farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, and groceries.

Valley Farm Market

Nestled in the heart of a family-owned farm, Valley Farm Market exudes a genuine love for farming and community support. The farm takes pride in its lush fields and bountiful seasonal produce, as well as a selection of premium meats. Beyond its offerings, Valley Farm Market celebrates a collaborative spirit, showcasing products from like-minded farms and artisans who share a passion for quality.

As of the 2021 census, 23,017 people were living in the area covering 8,636 private residences out of a total of 9,510 dwellings. The population density of the area has been estimated at 39.2/sq. km.

There is a variety of things that families can do to spend quality family time with children and pets:

• Pawsome Playdate at Horseshoe Valley Park: Unleash joy with furry friends at this pet-friendly park. Kids and pets can explore the scenic trails, play fetch, and enjoy the designated off-leash areas.
• Pet-Friendly Picnic at Copeland Forest: The kids can engage in nature scavenger hunts while pets revel in the fresh air. This serene setting offers the perfect backdrop for family fun and fur-friendly adventures.
• Simcoe County Off-Leash Dog Park: Let the kids and pets burn off energy at Simcoe County's dedicated off-leash dog park. With ample space to run and play, it's an ideal spot for families to enjoy quality time together.
• Petting Zoo Adventure at Barrie Hill Farms: Bring the family, including pets, to Barrie Hill Farms' petting zoo. Kids can interact with friendly farm animals while pets enjoy the outdoors.

The average cost of living in Craighurst is 5% lower than in Ontario and 15% lower than the national average. The price of goods and services is 6% higher than the national average According to the 2021 census conducted by Statistics Canada, the average monthly rent in Simcoe County is $1,500, and the average monthly costs for a homeowner (including utilities and taxes) are $2,030. Here is a table featuring the cost of living in Craighurst on a scale of 1-100:

Craighurst presents a varied array of real estate opportunities. Property prices range from $255,750 to $305,130 for buyers covering a broad range of preferences and budgets. Alternatively, renters can explore options ranging from $2,324 to $3,720 per month. The real estate market is dynamic, presenting diverse options for homeowners and renters, highlighting the neighbourhood's well-developed and attractive real estate market.