Laurelwood

A benchmark for contemporary suburban living, Laurelwood sits in Waterloo’s desirable west end. It’s a large T shaped area bounded by Columbia Street, Fischer Hallman and Erbsville Road in the southern portion (older Laurelwood), and expanding, in more recent years all the way out to encompass both the hamlet of Erbsville and Conservation Meadows to the north. This master-planned community more or less surrounds the scenic and idyllic Laurel Creek Conservation Area, one of Waterloo’s crown jewels. Residents have unbeatable access to wilderness, modern community infrastructure and relative proximity to both of Waterloo’s universities. Families are especially drawn to the area for its top local schools, which consistently score among the highest in the region for EQAO and Fraser Institute rankings.

What to Expect From Homes in This Neighbourhood

Much of Laurelwood has a distinctly upscale, immaculate feel defined by contemporary architectural standards. Construction across the area spans a wide range, from the mid-1990s south of Laurelwood Dr. through to brand-new contemporary builds in the more northerly sections. Single family detached properties of a variety of sizes and styles dominate the suburb’s winding streets, alongside a selection of townhomes and limited condominium developments. A few rental properties sit at the southern end, with home ownership levels and income relatively high in Laurelwood. Future development will likely continue in the north end as long as available land remains.

Property Styles & Layouts

There are plenty of property styles to choose from, with the 2 storey home the most common. Bungalows and back splits are popular as well, albeit in smaller numbers. The southern-most reaches have the widest range of affordability, offering substantial 4 and 5 bed homes along with decidedly more modest starter homes with 3 beds, full siding and a single garage. Everything north of Laurelwood Drive has a newer and mostly higher end feel. These homes offer much more in the way of contemporary layouts and finishes. The Erbsville builds are executive level and very high end. Conservation Meadows is also nice but spans a bit wider price point, not unlike Laurelwood proper. Laurelwood’s townhouses are quiet, spacious and often back onto greenspace, a great option for price sensitive buyers. Basements in most of the homes here are routinely fully finished as recrooms, home gyms or extra bedrooms.

Construction & Mechanical Specs

Homes here are wood framed with brick, siding or a combination as cladding. Stucco and/or engineered stone is another less common cladding option seen in newer homes. Foundations are poured concrete with sump pumps. HVAC systems use forced-air natural gas, central air conditioning or heat pumps in newer or upgraded homes. The more expensive properties usually have an HRV as well. Water supply in homes older than the early 2000s will be copper, with PEX increasingly common the newer the home. Waste sewer lines in all ages are ABS, the industry standard. Electrical service is minimum 100 amp breaker with copper wiring. Larger, newer homes and those with car chargers will have 200 amps. The largest executive homes in Erbsville may have up to 400 amp service. Air tight building envelopes, thermal-pane windows and advanced insulation packages deliver strong energy efficiency in the newest homes..

What I Like About Laurelwood

Laurelwood’s blend of top tier suburban luxury and instant access to nature makes the area hard to beat. Having Laurel Creek and the smaller Stamm Woodlot integrated directly into the neighbourhood brings nature right to your doorstep. The scenic trails and wildlife are part of daily living here. Despite the northwest location, convenience is excellent. There’s a Sobeys at the southeast corner in addition to the Stork Family YMCA right across Fisher Hallman. Laurelwood provides a safe, active, family friendly environment where children can walk to great schools and parents enjoy easy access to shopping, the universities and outdoor recreation.

Who Is Laurelwood For?

Families seeking top ranked schools will find Laurelwood irresistible given the exceptional academic performance of its local schools. Executive buyers and tech professionals working at nearby innovation hubs will appreciate the high end homes available here. Outdoor enthusiasts, trail runners and nature lovers get to live and play in the city’s largest and arguably, nicest conservation area. Buyers wanting a modern, turnkey home in an established, prestigious neighbourhood will find long term value in every section of Laurelwood.

Also Nearby

The Stork Family YMCA sits right on the edge of the neighbourhood, offering fitness facilities, an indoor pool and a public library branch. The Boardwalk at Ira Needles is a few minutes away, offering vast retail options, restaurants, medical offices and a Cineplex. Laurel Creek Conservation Area provides year-round outdoor recreation including swimming, canoeing, hiking, and camping. The nearby Costco, St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, and several local gold courses ensure your shopping and leisure needs are met with a very short drive.