Click Here to Read About the Bridgeport North Neighbourhood
Location
Welcome, welcome to the WRX Property Group Blog, where we hope to provide you with everything you need to know about real-estate in Kitchener-Waterloo. Can’t decide whether to live in Kitchener or Waterloo? Well, Bridgeport North might be the perfect place for you.
Find out why below – the answer might surprise you!
See Houses for Sale in Bridgeport North
Bridgeport North follows the contours of the mighty Grand River, which defines its eastern border. The western half of Bridgeport North runs along Woolwich Street, which serves as the primary way to access the neighbourhood from other parts of Kitchener-Waterloo.
Bridgeport North constitutes the northern extreme of the City of Kitchener, but for those hoping to run into and live by a polar bear or two, you’ll have to move a thousand kilometers or so to Hudson Bay (and I don’t mean the one at Fairview Park Mall) or visit a zoo.
But in all seriousness, it’s not very far north at all, coming in at around the same latitude as Conestoga Mall.
Remember how I said that Bridgeport North was a perfect place for people torn between moving to Kitchener or Waterloo? The answer actually isn’t all that surprising: it is situated right along the border between the two cities.
Families living on either side of the dividing line could conceivably organize a street hockey game between Kitchener and Waterloo residents, with nets set up in each respective city. Talk about an intercity rivalry! The opportunities available to residents living in such a unique location include, but are in no way limited to: being in two places at once; confusing Snapchat’s geofilters; and going for a ten-minute jog but bragging to strangers that you regularly run from one city to another and back again.
About Bridgeport North
Bridgeport North is a small neighbourhood, but it’s a beautiful one. Bridgeport North is sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the more densely-populated areas of Kitchener-Waterloo, and none of the city’s major, arterial streets run through its boundaries.
Traffic noise is thus kept to a minimal (it helps that the nearest highway [Conestoga Parkway/Highway 85] is, while still easily accessible by car, separate enough to minimize congestion and sound pollution.)
Most of the residential areas in Bridgeport North are quite new, with many of the houses having been built in the last decade. Look out for sleek, modern, spacious houses with clean lawns, as well as young trees and fancy little streetlights running along many of the streets.
This is a young neighbourhood providing families with the opportunity to grow up with it; ambitious parents can see if their children outgrow the tree in their front yard. The neighbourhood can be expected to grow in the years to come.
As a newer neighbourhood, in the northern extreme of Kitchener, close to the Grand River and separated from any of the major streets, understand that for shopping, it will be necessary to travel a bit further than in other, more centrally-located neighbourhoods.
This has its perks in terms of busyness, but it makes it a bit harder to pop over to the store, or do groceries without a car. The nearest grocery store (and Tim Hortons) aren’t overly far, though: Freshco, 7-Eleven, and Tim Hortons (among other shops) are at the intersection of University Avenue East and Bridge Street West.
There are also a hair salon, a pharmacy, and a family medical practice here.
Access to Nature
Nature lovers will likely fall in love with Bridgeport North. First and foremost is the incredible access to the Grand River (and a rather picturesque part of it, no less).
Carisbrook Drive Natural Area is a large expanse of natural land, with a lovely footrail that meets up with the Grand River and follows along it for a good stretch. It’s not particularly busy, but it truly is a beautiful area, perfect for a stroll at any time of day.
Those wanting more can follow the trail up to Old Cottage Place, on to Kestrel Street, and continue along through the Kestrel Street SWP (a small park) to another lovely footpath. Together, these trails form part of the much longer Walter Bean Grand River Trail.
Walter Bean Trail
The Walter Bean Grand River Trail runs an impressive 78 kilometers, following the twists and turns of the Grand River. It provides a safe way to appreciate the natural beauty running alongside the river, and a wonderful way to reconvene with nature just a few minutes away from the city.
From Bridgeport North, hikers, bikers, and dog-walkers alike can easily enter the Walter Bean Trail from Marsland Landing, near River Oak Drive and Kiwanis Park Drive. The trail bears Walter Bean’s name, a local businessman who loved hiking and wanted to open up the Grand River to exploration by those from Kitchener-Waterloo and beyond.
Be sure to check out the sturdy pedestrian bridge near the Pioneer Tower!
Youth Activities
Bridgeport North has close and easy access to a couple great youth opportunities (in addition to the aforementioned natural wonders of which they may easily (and freely) partake).
Scouts Canada
Scouts Canada is alive and kicking, and it’s available to Kitchener-Waterloo residents. Young people of any gender are eligible, from ages 5 up to 26. There is a wide variety of Scouts programs, and parents can pick whichever ones best suit their children.
Families moving to the Bridgeport North area will be pleased to know that they have incredibly easy access to the nearby Scouts Camp: Camp Mohawk. Despite being threatened with closure several years ago, Camp Mohawk’s gates remain open.
It is located nearby and within the aforementioned Carisbrook Drive Natural Area, and its beautiful grounds include a large playing field, a picnic area with an enclosed shelter, and a campfire circle. In all, Camp Mohawk is roughly 35 acres of land, with trees as far as the eye can see, and hiking trails through forested stretches, a sizeable meadow with smaller trees, and easy access to the Grand River and the Walter Bean Trail.
They even have their own crest:
Kiwanis Park
Though closed for renovations over the 2017 season, Kiwanis Park is a beautiful recreational area with a plethora of activities for young and old alike. It is conveniently located in the northern section of Bridgeport North.
In addition to its trails and beautiful natural areas, it has (to name a few): athletic fields, a beach volleyball court, an off-leash dog area, a children’s playground, and a lake-like swimming pool.
Life in Bridgeport North
By settling in Bridgeport North, you’re establishing a life in a self-contained, suburban slice of paradise separated from the sometimes-frenetic pace of the city. You’re never more than a few minutes’ walk from the Grand River and the natural beauty in its environs, where you can take advantage of strolls, photo-ops, and canoeing or kayaking, if that’s your cup of tea.
Bridgeport North’s a bit removed from shopping and restaurants, which has its own set of pros and cons. There are lovely parks and trails within Bridgeport North, and its residential areas are quite new. If you’re interested, please feel free to contact WRX Property Group at your convenience – find out anything you’re interested to know, and get a feel for what the size of house you’re looking for is likely to sell for.
Written by Will Kummer