The Ultimate Guide to Living in Uxbridge, Ontario

Many cities and towns proudly proclaim themselves as caring, welcoming communities, but in Uxbridge, Ontario, we truly walk the walk. This is the ultimate family-friendly environment; however, it’s not just for families.

Single professionals, young couples, retirees, and newcomers to Canada all find a warm and friendly atmosphere, one that feels like “home” the minute you pass the “Welcome to Uxbridge” sign from Regional Road 47.

In this post, we’ll paint a picture of what your life could be like as a valued part of our community.

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A Premium Location and Lifestyle
Uxbridge’s Unique History
Vibrant Entertainment and Culture
A Heart for Community
Pristine Natural Beauty
Uxbridge Events to Mark on Your Calendar
An Unparalleled Shopping Scene
An Overview of Uxbridge Real Estate

A Premium Location and Lifestyle

“Where is Uxbridge, Ontario” is one of the first questions clients have when we first meet. It is part of the GTA, a fact that may surprise you when you experience its calm and serene environment. The township is located approximately an hour northeast of downtown Toronto.

Not that you need to go far; an abundance of great shopping opportunities, hiking trails, and unique and tasty eats are all right at home in Uxbridge. However, close proximity to larger urban centres does open up a world of employment opportunities within a short drive.

Looking for even more details about Uxbridge and why we love it so much? The story continues in the posts below:

Uxbridge’s Unique History

History buffs could get happily lost for hours in the rich and fascinating story of Uxbridge! The town wasn’t founded by prospectors looking for wealth or a military in search of conquest. Instead, the Quakers were the first permanent settlers in the region, with the intent of building a peaceful society where everyone watched out for each other.

These early residents also placed a high priority on literacy and education and constructed the first schoolhouse in 1817. The original log structure may be gone, but the brick schoolhouse still stands today, as does Uxbridge’s commitment to excellent education for children of all ages.

It wasn’t all about learning and studying. Entertainment was one of our first industries. The Uxbridge Cabinet Organ Company was first established in 1873. During its peak, the company produced as many as 30 organs each week. In 1879, they changed the name to Uxbridge Piano and Organ Company. Though they closed in the early 1900s, you can view some of their masterpieces at the Uxbridge Historical Centre.

Gold Medal Radio and Phonograph Company once spanned an area of five acres and was one of the largest phonograph manufacturers in Canada. Some of their early models are on display at the Uxbridge-Scott Museum and Archives.

Uxbridge also has an intriguing political history. In fact, Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A MacDonald, once hosted a large picnic in a bid for re-election right here in what is now known as the Uxbridge Fall Fair ground in Elgin Park near Downtown Uxbridge.

In 1954, Uxbridge received an official coat-of-arms, which was the second town in Canada to do so. This monument is proudly displayed in front of the Music Hall, where you can still take in drama and musical performances.

Does all this talk about history and culture have you ready to pack your bags? Discover houses for sale in Uxbridge, Ontario right here in our featured listings.

Vibrant Entertainment and Culture

Our town has been a hub of entertainment and culture ever since Lucy Maud Montgomery made her home and wrote 11 of her famous books right here in Uxbridge, including some of her Anne of Green Gables novels, as well as Anne’s House of Dreams and Anne of Ingleside. Note: her former residence at Leaskdale Manse is now a National Historic Site open to visitors.

Live performances are a staple of Uxbridge life, thanks to venues like Uxbridge Music Hall and The Second Wedge Brewing Co. Whether you love music, sports, plays, or all of the above, your schedule will always be packed with events to look forward to.

If you’re just looking for a bite to eat with family or friends, your options are endless. Establishments like 9 By Tin, Slabtown Cider, One-Eyed Jack, Fig Kitchen and Market, and Wixan’s Bridge are among our favourite restaurants in Uxbridge, Ontario. Sundays Restaurant is another must-visit location that has earned a coveted Michelin Green Star and bib-gourmand recognition.

It goes without saying that a house in Uxbridge is a valuable asset! If it’s time to sell, the posts below can help:

A Community with Heart

The Town of Uxbridge has come a long way from its Quaker roots, but the dedication to community is as strong as ever. A supportive environment with excellent schools and numerous outreach programs has resulted in a safe, engaging environment for residents of all ages. Access to recreation helps, and Uxbridge is brimming with activities and events all year long.

This community is as organized as it is friendly, and you might be interested to know just how many of our events are all run by volunteers! Initiatives like Uxbridge Loaves and Fishes Food Bank aim to ease food insecurity for our most vulnerable citizens, while the annual Thanksgiving Dinner for Seniors helps to make sure everyone feels connected and appreciated.

The Optimist Club of Uxbridge sponsors the Uxbridge Youth Centre, which in turn provides a safe space for teens to hang out and meet new friends. It could mean getting together and learning how to cook a tasty meal, playing a friendly game of street hockey, or enjoying a cozy movie night. Best of all, the activities are free to enjoy, which means no one is left out.

The Cindy Wood Team is proud to get involved by supporting many programs, including various local charities, sports organizations, the Rotary Christmas Home Tour, and many more. The new Uxbridge Hospital is particularly close to our hearts. Cindy Wood serves on the board at the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation. We also donate a portion of every transaction to support the new hospital and enhance the future of healthcare in Uxbridge.

Are you curious about the development of the new hospital in Uxbridge? Dive even deeper in Uxbridge Hospital: How It Impacts Real Estate.

Pristine Natural Beauty

The moment you lay eyes on the Town of Uxbridge, you will be mesmerized. Picturesque, natural beauty may be the attribute we are most famous for, as evidenced by our official designation as the Trail Capital of Canada.

With a location right on the Oak Ridges Moraine, it’s unsurprising that Uxbridge is full of rolling hills and spectacular views. Its protected status will ensure our landscape remains pristine and beautiful for generations to come.

The town is intertwined with over 300 km of trails and forests, where scenic, outdoor adventures await, all day, every day. Even the downtown core is known for its greenery, thanks to Elgin Park, a natural paradise of woodlands, ponds, and marked trails.

An accessible asphalt loop and playground mean everyone can join in the fun, young and old. There’s also a baseball field for friendly games and the Uxbridge Horsemen’s Association (UHA), which hosts shows, horseback riding lessons, and other events for the equestrian enthusiasts among us.

Uxbridge walking trails include The Oak Ridges Trail as well as access points to the Trans Canada Trail. If you want to combine natural scenery with fascinating history, come and explore The Historic Trail as it winds through the oldest parts of town.

When you really want to escape into paradise, be sure to check out some of our breathtaking conservation areas, like Glen Major Forest, Durham Regional Forest, and East Duffins Headwaters. That these are among the best places to see fall foliage goes without saying!

Uxbridge’s stunning mountain bike trails (managed by the Durham Mountain Biking Association) also attract many avid cyclists every weekend. When you take in the incredible scenery, it’s easy to see why.

Uxbridge Events to Mark on Your Calendar

There are too many incredible Uxbridge attractions and festivities to name! Some are exciting one-offs; others we eagerly look forward to every year, such as the Uxbridge Fall Fair. This celebration of all things agriculture typically happens the weekend after Labour Day.

The event draws thousands of visitors with its exhilarating Demolition Derby and other classic fair attractions. Midway rides and livestock exhibits are all part of the experience!

Music lovers take note; the Springtide Music Festival happens each June. This multi-day celebration welcomes musical talent from various genres. The music, naturally, is accompanied by food, games, and a vibrant festive atmosphere.

Whatever the season, there are always plenty of fun things to do in Uxbridge! The Pumpkin Patch and Sunday Farmers’ Market are must-visits in the fall, while Uxbridge tubing is a great way to make the most of winter. If you’re the first one bounding out the door during the first snowfall, you’ll love all of the skiing, tubing, and snowboarding activities at Dagmar and Lakeridge Ski Resorts!

Do you want to know even more about exciting events to expect in Uxbridge? Read the posts below next:

An Unparalleled Shopping Scene

We are passionate about supporting local businesses, and we believe you will also love the unique shopping scene Uxbridge has to offer. The town is synonymous with independently-owned boutique shops and services, where the owner and staff make you feel like part of an extended family.

The Passionate Cook Essentials, Rutledge Jewellers, Jillian’s Downtown, and Blue Heron Books are all high on our list, whether we’re looking for a treat for ourselves or that perfect gift for someone else. Other favourites include Lemonade Stand and the Mini-Mall on Brock Street, where you can browse the unique offerings at Keith’s Flowers and Gifts, Threads Boutique, or snag a sweet treat at Sugar F/X. This is also a great place to pick up a custom gift basket and one-of-a-kind party decor.

Are you ready to begin your search for homes for sale in Uxbridge? The posts below will help set you up for success:

An Overview of Uxbridge Real Estate

There are relatively affordable options for younger buyers, including some bungalows, condos, and townhouses. By a large margin, however, Uxbridge real estate predominantly features spacious detached homes on generous sized lots. This extra living space and privacy are particularly appealing to families moving into the area.

Options include stunning century homes, perfect for those history buffs or anyone fascinated with Victorian and Gothic Revival architecture. For the more modern-minded individual, many newer builds are in the works or already available. With the many benefits that Uxbridge offers, it’s hardly surprising that home buyers are starting to take notice!

Are you in the market for a new home and want to explore your options in more detail? Our Uxbridge real estate agents are happy to help with anything you need. Contact us today at Cindy@Cindywood.ca or call 905.852.6143 to get started.