Cheapest Areas to Buy a Home in Cambridge

There are many reasons why home buyers might be in the market for a cheaper, more affordable property. Whether you are a first-time buyer looking to enter the market, an investor looking for a deal to flip, or just have a lower budget in general, you are sure to find what you are looking for in Cambridge.

In this article, we outline areas of Cambridge that are more affordable for home buyers. Despite being at a lower price point, these neighbourhoods offer great perks! Just because an area is affordable, does not mean it is not a good place to live or that it does not offer good value to the buyer.

• Silver Heights (in Hespeler)
• Preston Heights
• St. Andrew’s, St. Gregory’s, Tait (in Galt)
• City Core/Wellington (near ‘The Delta’)
• Coronation (west of the city core)
• Langs Farm (west Cambridge)
• Alison Neighbourhood (south-central Cambridge)
• Fiddlesticks & Shade’s Mills (east-central Cambridge)
• Greenway-Chaplin (central Cambridge)
• Hillcrest (east Hespeler)
• Churchill Park, Moffatt Creek (south Cambridge)
• Conclusion

Silver Heights (in Hespeler)

Silver Heights is a quiet area located in North Hespeler. Close to Highway 24/Hespeler Rd., this neighbourhood is home to detached houses and townhomes primarily built in the last decade. A great area for raising a family, Silver Heights does have its own elementary school within walking distance of most homes in the area.

This area does not contain many of the necessary amenities, however, it is a short drive to Highway 24/Hespeler Road South where there are many choices for grocery and retail.

Bordering the countryside, this tranquil area is home to great natural amenities. Residents of this area are close to Chilligo Conservation Area. This beautiful resource is made up of forest, meadows & marshland and offers a trail for hiking & cycling.

Preston Heights

Preston Heights is located on the western edge of Cambridge, close to Kitchener-Waterloo. Homes in this area are of a late 1980s vintage with several purpose-built, new builds dotting the neighbourhood. Bordering Highway 401, this area is an ideal location for commuters.

Just minutes from downtown Cambridge, all the important amenities are just a short drive or bus ride away. Preston Heights is also home to Parkway Elementary School for families considering the area.

With just a few small parks in the immediate area, residents can make the short trip over to Riverside Park, a large green space with river access, a bike track, a skate park, and a splash pad.

St. Andrew’s, St. Gregory’s, Tait (in Galt)

In this charming, out-of-the-way area of South-west Galt in Cambridge, one will find some older, mid-century homes, mature trees, and larger-than-average lots. Located very close to Highway 24, en route to Paris and Brantford, this neighbourhood borders the countryside offering an oasis from busy city life.

Close to schools (Tait Street Public School), this neighbourhood is just a short drive to West Galt where all the necessary amenities are located, including a Sobey’s grocery store and the LCBO.

Nature and exercise enthusiasts will love the close proximity to George Hancock Pool, Fraser Woodlot, and of course, the Grand River and its easy access to the Cambridge to Paris Trail.

City Core/Wellington (near ‘The Delta’)

Affordable homes can also be found in the city’s core. This area encompasses Wellington St., Dundas St N. as well as part of Highway 24. For those that don’t mind a busy city vibe, houses around the “Delta” (the area’s largest landmark) are typically from the late 1960s and like most from that era, offer larger lots and mature trees.

Close to the Cambridge Memorial Hospital, this area is home to everything from light industry to grocery stores. There are several schools in the area, including Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School, as well as excellent access to public transportation.

For those wishing to escape the city and get active outside, the Grand River runs just west of the city core, making it easy for residents to enjoy all river-related activities.

Coronation (west of the city core)

The Coronation Blvd area of Cambridge runs parallel to the Grand River, west of the city core. Houses along this corridor range from century homes to newly built, multi-unit condominiums.

Just off the Delta intersection, this neighbourhood is close to a major traffic route, which includes very close proximity to the Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Amenities such as grocery stores, gas stations, and other retail outlets are just a short drive away and public transportation is accessible.

Running alongside the Grand River, the Coronation area has plenty of nearby, green space to enjoy. On the east side lies Dumfries Conservation Area and on the west (riverside) West Devil’s Creek Falls.

Langs Farm (west Cambridge)

Perfect for commuters, Lang’s Farm is located between Highway 401 and Highway 24 / Hespeler Rd. Situated in the northwest part of Cambridge, homes in this area tend to date back to the mid-century mark.

A convenient neighbourhood for families, Lang’s Farm has several elementary schools, making walking to school a real possibility for students depending on which street they live on. All the necessary amenities are just a short drive away to either downtown Cambridge or Hespeler Rd.

Green space isn’t a major feature of this neighbourhood, however, there are several smaller parks and playgrounds around and Dumfries Conservation Area lies just south of Lang’s Farm.

Alison Neighbourhood (south-central Cambridge)

The Alison Neighbourhood of Cambridge is located on the east side of the city core. Home to mid-century houses, this area is also welcoming several new housing developments, namely townhomes.

Amenities are just a quick drive away with multiple large stores close by. This may not be the most convenient location for families with school-aged children, as there aren’t any schools located in the immediate area.

Located just east of Soper Park, a large recreational spot complete with gardens, hiking trails, a splash pad, and a pool, residents of this area are fortunate to enjoy this amazing green space all year long.

Fiddlesticks & Shade’s Mills (east-central Cambridge)

Fiddlesticks is a popular area for families. Filled with homes built mainly in the 1990s, this family-friendly neighborhood is located in Galt, between Towline Rd. and Franklin Blvd.

There are several elementary schools in Fiddlesticks, as well as one secondary school. Nearby shopping includes Cambridge Centre Mall very close by. The area is also easily accessible to Hespeler Rd. and Highway 401.

Perhaps the biggest outdoor bonus to living in Fiddlesticks is the close proximity to Shade’s Mills Conservation Area. 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.

Greenway-Chaplin (central Cambridge)

This area in central Cambridge is home to a number of townhomes and condominiums built in the late 1970s to the 1990s. Perfect for first-time buyers, young families, or investors, this neighbourhood is somewhat detached from the hustle and bustle of the city but still close to the necessities.

Amenities are plentiful in this neighbourhood. Running alongside Highway 24 / Hespeler Rd. those calling this area home are close to grocery stores, Cambridge Centre Mall, and several elementary schools.

Sandwiched between Dumfries Conservation Area and Shade’s Mill Conservation Area, outdoor activities are available in abundance for residents of Greenway-Chaplin. Trails also connect smaller green spaces in the area, specifically, Greenway Park and Northview Heights Look-Out Park.

Hillcrest (east Hespeler)

Hillcrest is an older neighbourhood located in the north end of Cambridge. With many older homes, some dating back over a century ago, the opportunity to purchase and update a charming house may be an appealing option for some home buyers.

Amenities are not plentiful in this area, so living here may require a vehicle for convenience. A short drive over the Speed River to Highway 24 / Hespeler Rd will bring you to everything you may need. For families considering the area, there are several elementary schools located in the neighbourhood.

Hillcrest is very close to Hespeler Mill Pond and its lovely, large green space and hiking trails. There are also several smaller playgrounds and parks for kids of all ages to enjoy throughout the neighbourhood.

Churchill Park, Moffatt Creek (south Cambridge)

Located on the very southern end of Cambridge, this picturesque area borders the countryside, giving the neighbourhood a rural feel. Homes range from those built in the 1960s to the 1990s and early 2000s.

Although there are several elementary schools and churches in the vicinity, residents will need to make the drive into South Cambridge for groceries, retail and other services.

On the west side of this area is Churchill Park. A large, beautiful natural area, this park is popular for its wildlife viewing and hiking trails. For the skateboarders in the community, there is a skateboard park located in the middle of the park.

Conclusion

When looking for cheaper areas to buy a home in Cambridge, it is important to remember that affordable does not mean low value. There are plenty of older, perhaps slightly less modern neighbourhoods that offer fantastic opportunities for families, young professionals, and investors.

If you are interested in finding an affordable property in the Cambridge area, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information. We are here to help!