By Alex Antsyferov, Broker, and the AA Properties team | Crown Kingdom Realty Inc., Brokerage, Pickering
The short answer: The best neighbourhoods in Ajax for families depend on what your family needs most. South Ajax has the lakefront trail and parks; Pickering Village has mature trees and a historic main street; central Ajax is close to the GO station and Highway 401; north Ajax has newer subdivisions. Visit each one at school drop-off time and on a weekend before you decide.
Here’s a little test I give families who are thinking about Ajax. Drive into a neighbourhood at 8:15 on a weekday morning. Roll the window down. Do you hear kids heading to school, dogs being walked, a neighbour saying good morning? Then come back on a Saturday afternoon and do it again.
You’ll learn more in those two drives than in any listing. But since you’re reading this with a coffee, let me give you a head start.
I know this topic personally. My wife and I have two daughters, five and seven, and we’re moving our own family to Claremont. So when I talk about schools, parks and “where can the kids ride bikes,” I’m not reading from a script.
A family room that opens to the backyard: a big wish-list item for families. (Photo from one of our Durham listings.)
What makes an Ajax neighbourhood good for families?
For most families I work with, it comes down to five things:
- Schools you’re comfortable with, close enough to walk
- Parks and trails for burning off kid energy
- A quiet street, ideally a crescent or court
- An easy commute to work, whether that’s Toronto, Pickering or Oshawa
- Room to grow, like a fourth bedroom or a basement for the play area
Rank those five. Your top two will point you to the right part of town.
South Ajax: lakefront living
If your happy place is outdoors, start here. South Ajax sits along Lake Ontario and the paved William A. Parish Waterfront Trail. Rotary Park sits at the mouth of Duffins Creek, with a beach, playgrounds and a splash pad. Paradise Park has beaches and tennis courts under mature trees, and Carruthers Marsh to the east has a splash pad too.
Pickering Village: mature trees and small-town charm
Don’t let the name fool you, this is in Ajax. Pickering Village is the historic heart of town around Kingston Road and Church Street. It has big old trees, character homes and a main-street feel. Expect bigger lots and more history than the newest builds. It’s the Town’s only Heritage Conservation District (designated in 2013), so exterior changes to some properties may need a heritage permit.
Central Ajax: close to the GO and the 401
If someone in your house commutes to Toronto, central Ajax deserves a look. The Ajax GO station and Highway 401 are close, so mornings are a little less stressful. Our Durham commute and lifestyle overview explains why so many Toronto buyers make this move.
Most family life happens around the kitchen; an open sightline to the family room helps. (Photo from one of our Durham listings.)
North Ajax: newer homes and room to grow
North Ajax has many of the town’s newer subdivisions, with modern layouts, attached garages and finished basements. Many homes here are move-in ready, with less maintenance. Test the 401 commute at rush hour.
How to choose (without losing your mind)
There’s no “best” neighbourhood, only the best one for your family. Do the two-drive test. Ajax is served by the DDSB and DCDSB, so check your address with each board’s school locator: the the Durham District School Board or the Durham Catholic District School Board. Boundaries change, and listings aren’t always current.
A good agent will tell you which crescent clogs with traffic at pickup and which backyard backs onto a trail.
Picture where Sunday dinners will happen. (Photo from one of our Durham listings.)
Ready to find your Ajax street?
See our Ajax real estate page, compare it with Whitby and Oshawa, or step back with our Durham Region guide. Get new Ajax homes with listing alerts. Selling first? See what your neighbour sold for.
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. Our Good Neighbours program offers 10% in Durham. Conditions apply.
Book your buyer consultation and tell me what your family needs. I’ll help you find the streets that fit.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best neighbourhoods in Ajax for families?
It depends on your priorities. South Ajax has the lakefront trail and parks; Pickering Village has mature trees and a historic main street; central Ajax is close to the GO station and Highway 401; north Ajax has newer subdivisions.
Is Ajax a good place to raise a family?
Many families choose Ajax for its parks, waterfront trail, schools, recreation centres and its commute to Toronto by GO train or Highway 401. Visit at different times of day to see if it fits your family.
Where is Pickering Village?
Despite the name, Pickering Village is in Ajax. It’s the town’s historic area around Kingston Road and Church Street, known for mature trees and older character homes. It is the Town’s only Heritage Conservation District.
How do I check school boundaries for an Ajax home?
Check directly with the Durham District School Board or the Durham Catholic District School Board, since boundaries can change and listings aren’t always current.
Can AA Properties send me new Ajax listings?
Yes. Sign up for listing alerts on our website, or book a buyer consultation and we’ll build a search around your family’s needs.
The information in this blog is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. It’s for general purposes only and isn’t legal, financial or tax advice.
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