Why Are People Moving to Simcoe County? Here’s What’s Driving the Trend

kenpoolerealtor
Nov 20, 2025
2 min read

By Ken Poole, Engel & Völkers Barrie

If you’ve noticed more friends, coworkers, or GTA families making the jump north, you’re not imagining it... Simcoe County has become one of Ontario’s most desirable places to live. From Barrie to Innisfil, Oro-Medonte to Wasaga Beach, Orillia to the gorgeous beaches in Tiny, this region is attracting people at a pace we haven’t seen in years. But why is the migration so strong?

Here’s what’s pulling people to Simcoe County in 2025 and beyond - and why the momentum isn’t slowing anytime soon.

1. More Home for the Money

Affordability is the biggest driver. With GTA prices pushing many families out of the market, Simcoe County offers something rare: more value.

Here, buyers can often get:

A detached home instead of a condo
A bigger lot
More bedrooms and usable space
A newer build with modern features
A family-friendly neighbourhood, not a cramped high-rise

For many Toronto or York Region sellers, the equity they’ve built allows them to sell high and buy up, dramatically improving their lifestyle without increasing their budget.

2. A Lifestyle Upgrade

People aren’t just looking for a house… they’re looking for a better life. And Simcoe County delivers.

Residents love:

Being closer to lakes, trails, and outdoor recreation
Less traffic and congestion
Strong family-oriented communities
Slower pace, but still lots to do
Space for kids to grow, play, and breathe

From skiing at Horseshoe to paddleboarding on Georgian Bay to walking downtown Barrie’s waterfront, your weekend looks different here... in the best way!

3. Hybrid and Remote Work Changed Everything

With hybrid work becoming normal, the “must be within 30 minutes of downtown Toronto” rule has vanished. Now families can prioritize space, comfort, and quality of life.

Many of my clients now only go into the office:

1- 2 days per week
Or not at all

That shift has made the Simcoe region one of the most popular GTA-Plus markets in Ontario.

4. Top Schools, Safe Neighbourhoods, and Family Appeal

Simcoe County is filled with strong school zones, quiet streets, award-winning recreation centres, and continually developing youth programs. For parents, the decision often comes down to one thing:

“We want more space and a safer environment for our kids.”

That’s exactly what draws families to areas like specific Barrie neighbourhoods, or smaller communities like Alliston, Thornton, Midhurst (Springwater), Minesing, and East Oro.

5. A Strong Long-Term Investment

People aren’t just moving here for lifestyle; they’re investing in a region that is growing.

Simcoe offers:

A steady influx of GTA buyers
Expanding infrastructure
New commercial and residential development
Consistent long-term appreciation

For investors and long-term homeowners, Simcoe County is positioned for sustainable growth.

Final Thoughts

People are moving to Simcoe County because it offers something the GTA can’t: space, balance, lifestyle, and opportunity, all at a price that makes sense.

If you’re considering making the move or want to explore what life could look like up here, I’d be happy to walk you through the options.

📞 Ken Poole - Engel & Völkers Barrie. Helping families upgrade their lives, one smart move at a time.