Is Oshawa a good place to live?
Yes. Oshawa is Durham Region’s best-value city for first-time buyers and investors. It has a GO station, Highway 401, 407 and 418 access, a major hospital, two campuses and a wide range of housing. A typical detached home was about $751,000 in September 2026, among the lowest detached benchmarks in the GTA.
- Best for: first-time buyers, investors near the campuses, families wanting more space for the money, and downsizers.
- Typical price (Sept 2026): $699,700 composite; detached $750,700; townhouse $489,300; condo $409,000 (TRREB MLS® HPI).
- Getting downtown: about 55–65 minutes from Oshawa GO to Union Station on the Lakeshore East line.
- Neighbourhoods to know: North Oshawa (Windfields, Kedron), Samac, McLaughlin, Downtown, Lakeview and Eastdale.
Updated October 2026 by the Thomas Team, Century 21 Percy Fulton Ltd., Brokerage.
About Oshawa, Ontario
Oshawa is best known as the home of General Motors of Canada, and its auto heritage is still visible at Parkwood Estate, the former home of GM Canada founder R.S. McLaughlin. Today its economy also leans on health care, education and skilled trades.
The north end is the city’s growth area, with Ontario Tech University and Durham College, newer subdivisions in Windfields and Kedron, and quick access to Highways 407 and 418.
Central and south Oshawa have mature neighbourhoods, a revitalizing downtown with the Tribute Communities Centre and Regent Theatre, and Lakeview Park on the waterfront. GO train service is planned to expand east with new stations in Oshawa.
| Fact | Oshawa |
|---|---|
| Population (2021 Census) | 175,383 |
| Region | Durham Region |
| Area | About 146 km² |
| Benchmark price, all homes (Sept 2026) | $699,700 |
| Benchmark price, detached (Sept 2026) | $750,700 |
| GO station | Oshawa GO (Lakeshore East) |
| Major highways | 401, 407 East, 418 |
| Campuses | Ontario Tech, Durham College, Trent Durham |
📍 Oshawa, Durham Region, Ontario
Oshawa Neighbourhood Guide
North Oshawa (Windfields / Kedron)
North Oshawa is the city’s main growth area, with newer subdivisions near Ontario Tech, Durham College, big-box shopping and Highway 407.
- Newer subdivisions and towns
- Near Ontario Tech and Durham College
- Highway 407 East access
- Shopping at Taunton and Simcoe
Samac
Samac in north-central Oshawa has mature family streets, parks and schools such as Maxwell Heights, with easy access to the campuses and shopping.
- Established family neighbourhood
- Close to schools and parks
- Near post-secondary campuses
- Convenient north-end shopping
McLaughlin / Central Oshawa
McLaughlin and central Oshawa have mature tree-lined streets and older homes close to Parkwood Estate, downtown and Lakeridge Health Oshawa.
- Parkwood Estate
- Lakeridge Health Oshawa
- Mature streets and older homes
- Close to downtown
Downtown Oshawa
Downtown Oshawa is revitalizing, with restaurants, the Tribute Communities Centre, the Regent Theatre, Trent University Durham and new condos.
- Tribute Communities Centre
- Regent Theatre and galleries
- Trent University Durham campus
- Entry-level condos and rentals
Lakeview / South Oshawa
South Oshawa has Lakeview Park, the Waterfront Trail and the Second Marsh, with post-war homes that offer some of the lowest prices in the GTA.
- Lakeview Park beach
- Waterfront Trail and Second Marsh
- Close to Oshawa GO
- Renovation opportunities
Eastdale / East Oshawa
Eastdale and east Oshawa have established family homes, parks and schools close to Highway 401 and Courtice.
- Eastdale Collegiate
- Parks and schools
- Highway 401 and 418 access
- Close to Courtice
| Neighbourhood | Best for | Typical housing | Price point |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Oshawa (Windfields / Kedron) | newer family homes | New detached, semis, towns | Mid to upper |
| Samac | established family homes | Detached and semis | Mid |
| McLaughlin / Central Oshawa | character homes | Older detached and bungalows | Entry to mid |
| Downtown Oshawa | urban convenience on a budget | Condos, older homes, rentals | Entry |
| Lakeview / South Oshawa | waterfront access and value | Post-war bungalows, older detached | Entry |
| Eastdale / East Oshawa | east-end families | Detached and semis | Entry to mid |
Oshawa Demographics
Who lives in Oshawa?
Oshawa attracts first-time buyers priced out of western Durham, students and staff at Ontario Tech and Durham College, health-care and skilled-trades workers, investors and downsizers.
Growth and housing demand
Growth is concentrated in North Oshawa and around the planned GO expansion, with new stations proposed in Oshawa on the line to Bowmanville. Downtown is adding condos and rentals. Prices were down about 6% year over year in September 2026.
Schools in Oshawa
Public and Catholic schools
Maxwell Heights Secondary School
Public secondary · north OshawaConfirm catchment with DDSBR.S. McLaughlin Collegiate & Vocational Institute
Public secondary · central OshawaConfirm catchment with DDSBO’Neill Collegiate & Vocational Institute
Public secondary · central OshawaConfirm catchment with DDSBEastdale Collegiate & Vocational Institute
Public secondary · east OshawaConfirm catchment with DDSBMonsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School
Catholic secondary · OshawaConfirm catchment with DCDSBMonsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School
Catholic secondary · south OshawaConfirm catchment with DCDSB| Board | System |
|---|---|
| Durham District School Board (DDSB) | English public |
| Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) | English Catholic |
| Conseil scolaire Viamonde | French public |
| Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir | French Catholic |
Colleges and universities nearby
Ontario Tech University and Durham College share a campus in north Oshawa, and Trent University Durham GTA is in Oshawa too.
Transit and Getting Around Oshawa
Oshawa GO station
Lakeshore East trains run from Oshawa GO to Union Station. An extension to Bowmanville is planned, with new stations in Oshawa.
Highways
Highway 401 runs through south Oshawa, and toll-free Highways 407 East and 418 serve the north and east.
Local and rapid buses
DRT routes and PULSE rapid buses connect downtown, the GO station and the north-end campuses.
Approximate commute times from Oshawa
| Destination | Typical time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Union Station (GO) | 55–65 min | Lakeshore East from Oshawa GO |
| Downtown Toronto (drive) | 50–80 min | Highway 401 / DVP |
| Whitby | 10–15 min | Highway 401 / 2 |
| Courtice / Bowmanville | 10–20 min | Highway 401 / 2 |
| Markham | 35–40 min | Highway 407 |
Things to Do and Local Amenities in Oshawa
Parks & Waterfront
- Lakeview Park
- Oshawa Second Marsh
- Waterfront Trail
- Harmony Valley Park
- Parkwood Estate gardens
Shopping
- Oshawa Centre
- North Oshawa big-box stores
- Downtown Oshawa shops
- Costco Oshawa
- Local plazas
Health & Education
- Lakeridge Health Oshawa
- Ontario Tech University
- Durham College
- Trent University Durham
- Oshawa Public Libraries
Culture & Recreation
- Tribute Communities Centre
- Robert McLaughlin Gallery
- Regent Theatre
- Canadian Automotive Museum
- Oshawa Executive Airport
Oshawa Real Estate Market (September 2026)
| Property type | Benchmark price |
|---|---|
| Composite (all home types) | $699,700 |
| Detached | $750,700 |
| Semi-detached | $598,100 |
| Townhouse | $489,300 |
| Condo apartment | $409,000 |
| Year-over-year change (composite) | -6.11% |
Source: TRREB MLS® Home Price Index, September 2026. Benchmark prices describe a typical home, not an average sale price. Ask us for current sold data on any street.
North Oshawa’s newer homes trade above the city benchmark, while central and south Oshawa offer some of the most affordable detached and semi-detached homes in the GTA.
Properties near Ontario Tech and Durham College attract investor demand. Rental rules and licensing vary, so check City of Oshawa requirements before buying an investment property.
Pros and cons of living in Oshawa
Pros
- Among the lowest detached prices in the GTA
- GO, 401, 407 East and 418 access
- Major hospital and three campuses
- Revitalizing downtown and waterfront parks
- Wide range of housing types
Cons
- Longest GO commute in Durham today
- Some older areas need renovation
- Uneven neighbourhood quality block to block
- GO expansion timing not final
Buying or selling in Oshawa? Here’s what our clients say
5-star Google reviews“Awesome Team. I like the fact they take the time to explain important things about real estate, I have never felt rushed when choosing and viewing a property.”
“Desemal is friendly, extremely reliable and results oriented. Always goes above and beyond the service she provides, exceeding our expectations each time!”
“Very efficient, Damali was able to show her expertise to maximize the chances on my side, very knowledgeable, even with complex landlord she knows how to set the tone. In 3 weeks I had everything ready.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Oshawa
Yes. Oshawa is a good place to live for buyers who want more home for the money, with GO train access, a major hospital, three post-secondary campuses and highway access in every direction. Conditions vary by neighbourhood, so street-level research matters.
In September 2026, the MLS® Home Price Index benchmark for all home types in Oshawa was $699,700. By type: detached $750,700, semi-detached $598,100, townhouse $489,300 and condo apartment $409,000 (TRREB).
Yes. Oshawa has some of the lowest detached and semi-detached benchmarks in the GTA, plus condos and townhouses below the Durham average, which makes it one of the most accessible markets for first-time buyers.
North Oshawa (Windfields and Kedron) for newer homes, Samac for established family streets, McLaughlin for character homes, and Lakeview for waterfront access and value.
About 55 to 65 minutes from Oshawa GO to Union Station on the Lakeshore East line.
Oshawa has steady rental demand from students, hospital staff and commuters, especially near the campuses and downtown. Check the city’s rental licensing and zoning rules before buying.
Yes. In September 2026 Oshawa’s composite benchmark was $699,700, compared with $897,200 in Whitby.
Yes. Oshawa has Lakeview Park, the Oshawa Second Marsh wetland and the Waterfront Trail along Lake Ontario.
Last updated October 2026. Written by Damali Thomas and Desemal Thomas, Realtors, and Jermaine Whyte, Mortgage Agent Level 2, at the Thomas Team, Century 21 Percy Fulton Ltd., Brokerage. Data: Statistics Canada 2021 Census; TRREB MLS® HPI; Metrolinx; local school boards.
