Ajax Real Estate: Your Friendly Guide From Right Next Door

Here’s a little secret about Ajax: the best thing in town isn’t a building, it’s the lakefront, and it belongs to everybody. I live just next door in Pickering, so Ajax is basically my backyard, and I’m always happy to talk about it.

Wait, the whole waterfront is public?

Pretty much, and you can thank good planning for it. The Town’s first Official Plan, championed by former Mayor William A. (Bill) Parish, said the entire waterfront should be publicly owned parkland. Decades later, that decision still pays off.

Today you get about six kilometres of parkland and more than 150 acres of public space along Lake Ontario, tied together by the paved William A. Parish Waterfront Trail. It’s over seven kilometres long and part of both the Waterfront Trail and the Trans-Canada Trail.

Where should I start on the waterfront?

Rotary Park, at the mouth of Duffins Creek, has a beach and a small boat launch. Veterans Point Gardens, at the foot of Harwood Avenue, is dedicated to HMS Ajax, the Royal Navy ship the town is named after. The interpretive panels there are a great quick history lesson.

Further east you’ll find the Carruthers Marsh Pavilion (washrooms and a concession, which every parent appreciates) and Paradise Park, a long-time local favourite with beaches, tennis courts and playgrounds under big old trees. It’s an easy family-day-out kind of place.

Practical tip: paid parking applies at waterfront parks on weekends and holidays from May 15 to September 15. And there’s a trail connection from Ajax GO down to the lake, so you can leave the car at home.

Is Ajax good for biking?

It’s a designated Bicycle Friendly Community, with about 140 km of off-road trails, bike lanes and shared lanes. North Ajax has the Carruthers Trail and Millers Creek Trail, and the Great Trail follows Duffins Creek. My legs get tired just listing them.

Pickering Village is in Ajax?

Yes, and it confuses everyone at first. Pickering Village is Ajax’s heritage core and the Town’s only Heritage Conservation District, designated in 2013. It covers about 58 properties along Old Kingston Road and parts of Elizabeth Street and Church Street North.

If you buy there, some exterior changes may need a heritage permit. If you sell there, that character is part of the story I’ll tell buyers. The Town also runs a Community Improvement Plan with grants for facade, signage, patio, accessibility and interior upgrades to eligible businesses, which helps keep the main street looking good.

What about schools?

Ajax is served by the Durham District School Board (Ajax High School, J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate and Pickering High School, which, yes, is in Ajax) and the Durham Catholic District School Board (Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School and Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School). Always confirm boundaries with the board’s school locator.

How’s the commute?

Ajax GO is on the Lakeshore East line to Union Station. Highway 401 has interchanges at Westney Road and Salem Road, and Highway 412, just east of the Ajax-Whitby border, links the 401 to the 407. Durham Region Transit handles local buses.

A word from me

What I love about Ajax is that the lake is for everyone. You can walk the waterfront trail, then be back on the 401 or the GO train in minutes. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling the one you raised your family in, my team and I will guide you with honest advice and a plan built around you.

Selling in Ajax?

A lot of Ajax streets have similar homes built around the same time, so presentation and pricing are what get you the strongest offers. I price from recent comparable sales, suggest focused prep and staging, and market your home across Durham and the GTA. Get a free home evaluation or see how we market your home.

Buying in Ajax?

I’ll help you compare north and south of the 401, the waterfront and Pickering Village, check commutes and school boundaries, and write an offer you feel good about. Request recent sold prices or book a buyer consultation.

Moving somewhere outside Durham? We help families across Toronto, York, Peel and the rest of Ontario too. See how our plan works beyond Durham.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ajax, Ontario?

Ajax is a lakefront town in Durham Region, just east of Pickering and about 35 km east of downtown Toronto (straight-line).

Is Ajax’s waterfront public?

Yes. Following the Town’s first Official Plan, the waterfront is publicly owned parkland, with the paved William A. Parish Waterfront Trail running over seven kilometres.

Is Pickering Village in Ajax?

Yes. Pickering Village is Ajax’s heritage core and the Town’s only Heritage Conservation District, designated in 2013.

Does Ajax have a GO station?

Yes. Ajax GO is on GO Transit’s Lakeshore East line to Union Station.

Does AA Properties work in Ajax?

Yes. Our office is next door in Pickering, and we serve Ajax and all of Durham Region, plus Toronto, York Region and the GTA.

Programs That Put Money Back in Your Pocket

Ajax homeowners and buyers may qualify for our Good Neighbours Program: 10% of the commission AA Properties earns, paid back on closing. Conditions apply. Anywhere in Ontario, first responders, nurses, military members, teachers, ECE and school staff, adults 60+ and neighbours in need may qualify for our Everyday Heroes Program: 25% of the commission AA Properties earns, paid on closing. Conditions apply.

See how we do things differently and all our listing packages. Request your digital Beyond Listing Booklet now for FREE.

AA Properties, Crown Kingdom Realty Inc., Brokerage. 1725 Kingston Rd, Unit 18, Pickering, ON L1V 4L9. 416-845-8433 | alex@aaproperties.ca

Explore nearby: Claremont, Whitby, Oshawa, or read our Pickering guide.