Cambridge Ontario, part of the Tri-Cities, is comprised of three smaller municipalities; Galt, Hespeler, and Preston. Cambridge has many great attributes and is without a doubt, a great place to live and raise a family.
As with any city, there are some areas that are more amenable to family life than others. In this article, we outline a few of our top picks for family-friendly neighbourhoods in the city of Cambridge.
We have taken the following criteria into account when choosing our suggestions; proximity to schools, crime rates, access to green space, and nearby commercial centres and shopping. We have also included recent crime rate data from Statistics Canada, illustrating the safety of the neighbourhoods.
Let’s have a look at our picks for the best family areas in Cambridge!
Fiddlesticks in Galt
Fiddlesticks is a popular area for families, and for good reason. This family-friendly neighborhood is located in Galt, between Towline Rd and Franklin Blvd. Family homes abound in Fiddlesticks with popular subdivisions such as Shades Mills attracting those who like to be active and appreciate the great outdoors.
There are several elementary schools in Fiddlesticks that accommodate the many children in the area. These include; Saginaw Public School, Clemens Mill Public School, and St. Margaret Of Scotland Catholic Elementary School. The nearest secondary school is St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School (6.7)
Families moving to the Fiddlesticks area can rest assured that this neighbourhood is safe for its residents. According to Statistics Canada, Fiddlesticks ranks 53% below the national average for total crime, 51% below the national average for violent crime, and 53% below the national average for property crime.
Fiddlesticks is close to some incredible green space and natural amenities, encouraging healthy active lifestyles and participation within the community.
Fiddlesticks Community Centre is located beside the Ferguson Homestead Cambridge Spray Pad and greenspace, a great place for kids of all sizes to cool off on those hot summer days.
Perhaps the biggest outdoor bonus to living in Fiddlesticks is easy access to Shade’s Mills Conservation Area. Open all year long for day use, this park is the perfect place to get away from the city without having to leave the city!
Families enjoy; swimming, sport fishing, canoeing, hiking, and cycling along the 12 km of trails. During the winter months, residents can enjoy ice-fishing in the 80-acre reservoir, snow-shoeing, and cross-country skiing through the mature forests.
There is a fee to access the park, payable by credit card onsite per use or families can purchase a Grand River Conservation Areas Membership for unlimited seasonal use.
Fiddlesticks is just minutes away from grocery and retail commercial centres, including Cambridge Centre Mall which is very close by. The area is also easily accessible to Hespeler Road, which right off Highway 401, is packed with restaurants, gas stations, and all manner of retail and business.
580 BEAVER CREEK Road Unit# 266, Waterloo, N2J3Z4
580 BEAVER CREEK Road, Waterloo, Ontario N2J3Z4
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Hespeler Village in Hespeler
Bordered by the Jamieson Parkway, Townline Rd, Blackbrdige Rd, and Hespeler Rd, Hespeler Village is nice and close to all the amenities that are important to family life. An excellent choice for commuters, this area is very close to Highway 401 and all major big box store retailers and restaurant chains.
Elementary schools in the area include; Hespeler Public School and St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School. Jacob Hespeler Secondary School is the closest high school and is located next to Jacob Hespeler Stadium, a premium track, and field facility.
Hespeler Village is considered a safe place to live, sitting at 39% below the national average for total crime, 36% below the national average rate for violent crime, and 39% below the national average for property crime.
Hespeler Village is home to several parks and playgrounds including; Optimist Park and Spraypad, Woodland Park, and a larger greenspace, Winston Boulevard Woodlot.
In addition, bordering the north end of Hespeler Village is Hespeler Mill Pond. Just downstream from what used to be the textile mills, Mill Pond is actually just a wide spot along the Speed River. This location is a favourite for those who enjoy bird-watching.
Silver Heights in North Hespeler
For families looking for newer homes, Silver Heights located in North Hespeler may be the perfect location. Bordering the countryside, this tranquil and quiet area is home to great natural amenities and craft breweries.
Just on the edge of Cambridge, one is never far from the necessary amenities but can still enjoy a calmer, quieter environment.
Nearby schools include; Silver Heights Public School, St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School, and Preston Highschool.
Similar to Hespeler Village, Silver Heights scores fairly well for low crime rates according to Statistics Canada. The area sits at 35% below the national average for total crime, 33% below the national average for violent crime, and 36% below the national average for property crime.
In addition to enjoying Silver Heights Park, complete with a hiking and cycling trail, residents of this area are fortunate to be close to Chilligo Conservation Area. Hugged by the Speed River, this beautiful resource is made up of forest, meadows & marshland and offers a trail for hiking & cycling.
Local amenities for Silver Heights Park include; Northfield Immigration and Citizenship Services, Four Father’s Brewing Co, Sparrow Brewing and Roasting Co, and a spa. For grocery and retail, residents can make the short drive to the south end of Hespeler for a wide variety of options.
Conclusion
Choosing the right neighbourhood is a big decision for any family. Many factors come into play as we all want the best when it comes to the health and happiness of our loved ones.
Cambridge is a great place to set down roots and enjoy all the region has to offer, especially for families.
We hope this article has been helpful and are happy to answer any questions you may have about purchasing a home in Cambridge. We are here to help!