Is Port Perry a good place to live?
Yes, if you want small-town life within reach of the GTA. Port Perry has a walkable Victorian downtown, a waterfront on Lake Scugog, a local hospital and a close-knit community, with Oshawa and Whitby about 25–30 minutes south. Port Perry is the main town in the Township of Scugog, where the typical detached home was about $881,500 in September 2026. The trade-off is the commute: there is no GO train, so most people drive.
- Best for: families, retirees and remote or hybrid workers who want a small town, lake access and more space for the money.
- Typical price (Sept 2026): Scugog composite benchmark $877,800; detached $881,500 (TRREB MLS® HPI). TRREB does not publish a separate Port Perry index.
- Getting to Toronto: about 75–90 minutes to downtown by car, or drive about 30 minutes to Whitby or Oshawa GO for the Lakeshore East line.
- Areas to know: the historic downtown, established streets around the town centre, newer subdivisions on the town’s edges, waterfront and Scugog Island.
Updated October 2026 by the Thomas Team, Century 21 Percy Fulton Ltd., Brokerage.
About Port Perry, Ontario
The first homestead in the area was built in 1821. In 1848 Peter Perry laid out village lots on the lakeshore, and the town was named Port Perry in 1852. It was incorporated as a village in 1871, and the railway from Port Whitby arrived in 1872. The town’s grain elevator, built in 1873, is described as the oldest surviving one in Canada.
Port Perry’s downtown along Queen Street is lined with Victorian brick storefronts, many rebuilt after fires in the 1880s. The street slopes down to the waterfront at Palmer Park, and the area is known for independent shops, restaurants and the Town Hall 1873 performing arts centre.
The town joined the Township of Scugog in 1974. Today it has the services of a larger centre in a small-town package, including Lakeridge Health Port Perry hospital, a library, a high school and a busy calendar of festivals, from the Port Perry Fair (running for more than 150 years) to dragon boat races and StreetFest.
| Fact | Port Perry |
|---|---|
| Population (2021 Census) | 9,553 (Township of Scugog 21,581) |
| Municipality | Township of Scugog, Durham Region |
| Named | 1852 |
| Benchmark price, Scugog (Sept 2026) | $877,800 |
| Benchmark price, Scugog detached (Sept 2026) | $881,500 |
| Hospital | Lakeridge Health Port Perry |
| Major roads | Highway 7A, Simcoe Street, Highway 12 |
| School boards | DDSB, DCDSB, Viamonde, MonAvenir |
📍 Port Perry, Durham Region, Ontario
Port Perry Neighbourhood Guide
Downtown Port Perry
The streets around Queen Street and the waterfront, with Victorian and early 20th-century homes on mature lots. You can walk to shops, restaurants, the library and Palmer Park.
- Walk to Queen Street and the waterfront
- Older homes with character
- Ask about heating, wiring and foundations in older houses
- Limited supply, so good homes sell quickly
Established in-town neighbourhoods
Post-war and 1970s–90s streets around the town centre, close to schools, parks and the hospital. Good value for families who want a yard and a short walk or drive to everything.
- Close to schools and Lakeridge Health Port Perry
- Bungalows popular with downsizers
- Larger lots than newer subdivisions
- Short walk or drive to downtown
Newer subdivisions
Newer subdivisions on the edges of town offer modern layouts, attached garages and new parks, often at lower prices than comparable homes in Whitby or Brooklin.
- Modern layouts and finishes
- Some freehold towns and semis
- Easy drive south on Simcoe Street or Highway 12
- Ask about Tarion warranty on recent builds
Waterfront, Scugog Island and rural
Homes on Lake Scugog, on Scugog Island across the causeway, and country properties around town. These need extra checks on wells, septic systems and shoreline rules.
- Boating and fishing on Lake Scugog
- Wells and septic need inspections
- Check conservation authority rules for shoreline work
- Insurance and financing can differ for rural homes
| Neighbourhood | Best for | Typical housing | Price point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Port Perry | walkability and character | Victorian homes, older detached, small condos | Mid to upper |
| Established in-town neighbourhoods | families on a budget | Bungalows, back-splits, two-storeys | Mid |
| Newer subdivisions | newer family homes | Detached, semis, some towns | Mid to upper |
| Waterfront, Scugog Island and rural | lake and country living | Waterfront homes, acreages, farms | Upper to luxury |
Port Perry Demographics
Who lives in Port Perry?
Port Perry attracts families who want a small-town upbringing for their kids, retirees and downsizers drawn by the lake and the hospital, and hybrid workers who only commute a few days a week. Many residents work in Oshawa, Whitby or locally in health care, retail and tourism.
Growth and housing demand
Growth in Port Perry is steady but modest compared with south Durham. New subdivisions on the edges of town add family homes each year, while the downtown and waterfront stay protected. That keeps the small-town character but also keeps supply limited, especially for waterfront and in-town character homes.
Schools in Port Perry
Public and Catholic schools
Port Perry High School
Public secondary · Port Perry (grammar school dating to 1868)Confirm catchment with DDSBS.A. Cawker Public School
Public elementary · Port PerryConfirm catchment with DDSBR.H. Cornish Public School
Public elementary · Port PerryConfirm catchment with DDSBPrince Albert Public School
Public elementary · just south of townConfirm catchment with DDSBGood Shepherd Catholic School
Catholic elementary · Port PerryConfirm 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 in north Oshawa are about 30 minutes south. Trent University Durham GTA is in Oshawa, and Fleming College in Lindsay is about 40 minutes northeast.
Transit and Getting Around Port Perry
Roads and highways
Simcoe Street runs south to Oshawa and Highway 407, Highway 12 runs south to Brooklin and Whitby, and Highway 7A crosses east–west through town.
GO Train from Whitby or Oshawa
Whitby and Oshawa GO stations are about 30 minutes south by car, with all-day trains to Union Station.
Durham Region Transit
DRT offers limited service in Scugog, including on-demand rides. Check DRT for current routes before relying on transit.
Highway 407 access
The 407 ETR is about 20–25 minutes south and is the fastest route west to York Region and Toronto.
Approximate commute times from Port Perry
| Destination | Typical time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Oshawa | 25–30 min | Simcoe Street |
| Whitby / Brooklin | 25–30 min | Highway 12 |
| Union Station (GO) | 80–95 min | Drive to Whitby GO + Lakeshore East |
| Downtown Toronto (drive) | 75–90 min | Highway 407 + 404/DVP or 401 |
| Pearson Airport | 70–80 min | Highway 407 ETR |
Things to Do and Local Amenities in Port Perry
Parks & Nature
- Palmer Park waterfront
- Birdseye Park
- Lake Scugog boating and fishing
- Nonquon Provincial Wildlife Area
- Scugog Island trails
Shopping
- Queen Street boutiques
- Port Perry Plaza and grocery stores
- Local farms and markets
- Antique and home décor shops
- Bakeries and specialty food shops
Recreation
- Scugog Community Recreation Centre
- Scugog Memorial Library
- Marinas and boat launches
- Golf courses nearby
- Snowmobile and ski trails
Culture & Food
- Town Hall 1873 performing arts
- Scugog Shores Museum Village
- Port Perry Fair (Labour Day weekend)
- Dragon Boat Races and StreetFest
- Great Blue Heron Casino nearby
Port Perry Real Estate Market (September 2026)
| Property type | Benchmark price |
|---|---|
| Composite (all home types) | $877,800 |
| Detached | $881,500 |
| Semi-detached | $680,000 |
| Year-over-year change (composite) | -6.05% |
Source: TRREB MLS® Home Price Index, September 2026. TRREB does not publish a separate index for Port Perry. The table and first chart show the Township of Scugog, which includes Port Perry, Scugog Island and the surrounding countryside. Benchmark prices describe a typical home, not an average sale price. Ask us for current sold data on any street.
Most homes in Port Perry are detached, and in-town homes near downtown or the water command a premium. Newer subdivisions on the edge of town offer the most predictable layouts and condition, while waterfront and rural properties vary widely in price.
Rural and waterfront homes need extra due diligence: well water tests, septic inspections, shoreline rules and insurance quotes. We build these checks into the offer so there are no surprises after you buy.
Pros and cons of living in Port Perry
Pros
- Beautiful Victorian downtown on Lake Scugog
- Strong small-town community and events
- Local hospital, library and high school
- More space for the money than south Durham
- Lake and countryside on your doorstep
Cons
- No GO train; most people drive
- Long commute to downtown Toronto
- Fewer jobs locally
- Small market, so fewer homes to choose from
Buying or selling in Port Perry? Here’s what our clients say
5-star Google reviews“As a first time homebuyer, I was so pleased with the service that was provided to us by Desemal. She was very friendly and knowledgeable about the entire process. Des was very patient with us and was very understanding about our concerns as she guided us through everything. … It took a while but in the end we found our dream home at the right price.”
“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.”
“It is a pleasure working with Damali and Desemal of Thomas Team. They are very professional and tenacious in the services they provide for their clients. Another satisfied client, highly recommend for your real estate needs!”
Frequently Asked Questions About Port Perry
Yes, especially if you want a small town with real amenities. Port Perry has a walkable Victorian downtown, a waterfront on Lake Scugog, a hospital and a close-knit community. The main trade-off is the commute, since there is no GO train and most people drive.
Yes. Port Perry is the largest community in the Township of Scugog, one of the eight municipalities in Durham Region. Township services, property taxes and recreation are run by Scugog.
TRREB does not publish a separate Port Perry index. In September 2026, the MLS® Home Price Index benchmark for all home types in Scugog was $877,800, and the detached benchmark was $881,500. Waterfront homes usually sell well above that.
Port Perry is about 84 km northeast of downtown Toronto. Driving takes about 75 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic. You can also drive about 30 minutes to Whitby or Oshawa GO and take the Lakeshore East train.
Port Perry High School is the local public secondary school. Elementary options include S.A. Cawker, R.H. Cornish and Prince Albert public schools and Good Shepherd Catholic School. Rural students are usually bussed, so confirm the catchment and route for the exact address.
Plan for a well water test, a septic inspection and a check of shoreline and conservation authority rules. Insurance and financing can also differ for rural homes, so we line these up before you firm up an offer.
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.
