Lakeshore

Waterloo’s Lakeshore neighbourhood is one of the city’s more mature and established communities. It’s located north centrally, immediately south of Northfield and west of King. Commuters enjoy near instant access to the expressway via Northfield or King Street, making the drive to the 401 well under 30 minutes. Public transit is very good, with plenty of local bus routes as well as the LRT tracks running right through the neighbourhood. The area has a calm, mature suburban feel while remaining relatively close to the heart of the city, making for easy living without the isolation the newer neighbourhoods often have.

What to Expect From Homes in This Neighbourhood

Buyers encounter a well established neighbourhood defined by wide, quiet streets and dense canopies of mature trees that give a sense of calm. The western portion of the community is predominantly single family detached residences built during the 1960s and 1970s. Moving closer to Albert and Weber Streets reveals a more diverse mix of housing types, including low-rise rental apartments and established townhouses. The Parkdale section on the southeastern side adds further character and housing variety. Pride of ownership shines throughout every street, with longterm residents and newer homeowners working hard to maintain property values.

Property Styles & Layouts

The architectural landscape features classic mid century design, a mix of raised bungalows, side splits, bungalows, semis and townhouses. The area is affordable and offers price points for every buyer. Due to the age of the properties, basements are usually fully finished, offering up valuable living space in homes that tend to have smaller interior spaces and fewer bathrooms compared to contemporary suburbia. In contrast, these mid-sixties and seventies properties are well built and sit on much more generous lots.

Construction & Mechanical Specs

Homes from this era are wood framed with brick, siding, or a combination of the two for exterior cladding. Foundations are poured concrete without sump pumps unless remediation was done. Heating is forced air gas although electric baseboards can be found in the older townhomes here. Cooling is definitely an upgrade from the original builds and is either AC or heat pump. Electrical service is typically 100 amp with breaker panels. Wiring here is copper, or less commonly, aluminum. The waste plumbing stack can be cast iron with copper or galvanized branch lines, transitioning to a complete ABS set up by the mid 70s. Water supply lines are always copper.

What I Like About Lakeshore

The quiet, winding, grown in streets of Lakeshore are particularly appealing to me. It’s an affordable suburb that offers up convenience and unbeatable access to modern city conveniences. Having the ION LRT running right through the neighbourhood makes life easy if you don’t want to drive. Plenty of green spaces, nearby conservation areas and recreational trails provides an idyllic outdoor lifestyle just outside your front door. Lakeshore strikes a fine balance of easy commuting, convenient shopping and access to city life with a remarkable sense of tranquility and quiet.

Who Is Lakeshore For?

Growing families looking for a family friendly environment with safe streets, good local schools and spacious lots will find Lakeshore very appealing. First-time buyers seeking entry level properties will appreciate the diverse housing stock. People seeking out an older more urban feel will love the larger lot sizes and fully grown in landscaping, happily knowing the neighbouring houses aren’t 5 feet away. Because this area offers affordability at all levels, buyers wanting to renovate and transform these 60s and 70s builds will see real value for every dollar spent.

Also Nearby

Conestoga Mall sits just a minute away, offering extensive grocery, retail and dining options. The nearby Northfield Sobeys is even closer. Want nature? Be sure to check out spectacular Laurel Creek Conservation Area. Waterloo Park, the RecPlex and RIM Park are all just a short drive away. Make sure to visit the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market as well, providing fresh local produce and a fun time out on a Thursday or Saturday.