Lexington and University Downs

Lexington and University Downs are two tightly knit east-end Waterloo communities situated directly east of Bridge Street and south of the Eastbridge neighbourhood. Woolwich Street in University Downs marks the city’s southeastern boundary with Kitchener, a border straddled by the high end Kiwanis Park subdivision. Commuters enjoy immediate access to the expressway via University Ave. or Bridge Street for heading out to Guelph. Public transit is well established here with routes on the main arterial roads, although the LRT is a fair bit away. Surrounded by plenty of parklands, greenery and the Grand River, these two neighbourhoods deliver an ideal balance of convenient suburban living and quiet peaceful nature.

What to Expect From Homes in This Neighbourhood

Buyers discover a vibrant mix of housing options across a broad range of price points, catering to executives, first-time buyers, growing families and downsizers alike. Lexington is the more established and physically consistent of the two communities, with large homes on good sized lots in the northwest and western portions. The rest of this suburb is made up of single detached, and some semi-detached properties, on a slightly more affordable scale. Streets are wide and quiet with tree canopies fully grown in.

University Downs offers a fascinating glimpse housing in transition, featuring historic semi-rural properties along Woolwich that will be inevitably redeveloped. These properties sit right beside almost new developments of large contemporary luxury homes that are arguably part of the Kiwanis Park area that straddles the Woolwich border. The rest of University Downs closer to Lexington is a mix of 1990s properties that are more affordable, including townhomes and smaller detached properties.

Property Styles & Layouts

Housing styles reflect the distinct build eras seen in both neighbourhoods. Most of Lexington is made up of late 1990s to mid 2000s two-storey single detached homes, along with a fair amount of semis in the southeast end. Lexington Road itself contains a good number of custom 70s homes sitting on huge lots, but many of these have been torn down or completely rebuilt over the decades.

University Downs features an eclectic mix by comparison. The few remaining classic 1940s homes line both side of Woolwich Street, with the minority on the Waterloo side. The lot sizes are massive and there’s little doubt many owners are holding out for big cheques from builders eager to acquire additional lands. The Kiwanis Park section in Waterloo saw the newest construction begin in 2015 and many of these homes are large and spectacular, with open concept layouts, soaring ceilings and high end fixtures. The rest of University Downs may seem bit boring in comparison but offers plenty of choice including nicer high end homes built in the 90s. There’s a good selection of starter homes, including townhouses in the area as well.

Construction & Mechanical Specs

Homes feature wood frame construction on poured concrete foundations, with sump pumps in homes newer than 1985. Exterior cladding is usually brick, siding or a combination of both. Higher end newer homes will often have engineered stone and/or stucco as additional finish options. The mid-century 1940s properties along Woolwich can have cinderblock or poured concrete foundations. Heating and cooling across all eras rely on forced-air natural gas furnaces paired with central air conditioning or a heat pump, although some of the oldest homes may use oil heating still. Electrical service is 100-amp breaker with more prestigious homes having 200 or 400 amp panels. Copper wiring is standard. Homes built up to early 70s may have either a copper or more commonly, a cast iron sewer stack. Anything newer will use industry standard ABS. Water supply lines are copper, transitioning to PEX from the mid 2000s onwards. Air tight building envelopes, high efficiency windows and advanced insulation packages deliver strong energy efficiency in the newest homes.

What I Like About Lexington and University Downs

Lexington and University Downs are both unbeatable east end locations that feel connected to everything while keeping nature right at your doorstep. Easy access to the expressway takes much of the stress out of daily commuting and when running errands. Living next to greenspaces like Kiwanis Park and the Grand River give these communities a relaxed, almost rural feel. The diverse mix of housing styles and price points means buyers can grow within the same neighbourhood. Moving from a townhouse to an executive family home is possible without changing schools or daily routines.

Who Is Lexington and University Downs For?

Active families seeking a community founded on great local schools, sports and plenty of nature will love living here. Commuters looking for easy highway access to the 401 and the parkway will find this location. First-time buyers searching for well-maintained semi-detached homes or townhouses will find accessible entry points in both Lexington and University Downs. Luxury buyers and move-up families searching for modern executive builds on premium lots near the Grand River will not be disappointed.

Also Nearby

Kiwanis Park sits right on the border, offering an enormous outdoor swimming pool, dog park, athletic fields, beach volleyball and a public access point for boating on the Grand River. Nearby Bechtel Park has forested walking trails, sports fields and another dog park on the other side of Bridge. Golfers can hit up the 18-hole Grey Silo Golf Course, while sports enthusiasts play at nearby RIM Park, a world class sporting facility. Shopping and dining needs are easily met at Conestoga Mall, with the historic St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market just a short hop away.