Waterloo vs. Kitchener

Lisa Umholtz
CCE CONTRIBUTOR

If you’re in the market for a home, you’ve probably heard that owning a home in Waterloo is exponentially more expensive than in Kitchener. While this has traditionally been the case, Kitchener has seen a rise in housing prices over the last few years. You will definitely find more options in Kitchener on a lower budget than in Waterloo, but with a little patience, potential homeowners may now find exactly what they’re looking for without having to compromise on which part of the city they call home.

$150,000 — Lakeshore North District, Waterloo
323 NORTHLAKE Drive
2 bed, 1 bath

Pros: Great location with easy access to Highway 85 and major routes of Northfield, Weber, and King Street. And who needs a gym? Top floor unit makes for great daily exercise!
Cons: Small indoor space and no private outdoor area. Additional monthly maintenance fees of $257.50. You either need to bring your own laundry appliances or factor in the cost of the local laundromat.

$275,000 — Willowdale District, Waterloo
320 BRIDGEPORT Road East
2 bed, 2 bath

Pros: Huge lot and stunning back yard is a great draw if you love to garden or entertain outside.
Cons: Smaller rooms are the compromise for the large lot. Located on a very busy stretch where Bridgeport merges with Erb and Highway 85 exit ramp.

$450,000+ — Kitchener Central, Waterloo
129 ALBERT Street
4 bed, 1 bath

Pros: This stunning century home with modern updates could not be more perfectly located in the heart of central Waterloo, surrounded by our two local universities, Waterloo Park, and uptown amenities. Beautifully landscaped, back deck, mature trees, enormous fenced back lot.
Cons: Albert Street is a busy traffic bypass. With lots of student houses and traffic along the street, you might want to take a vacation during Welcome Week and St. Patrick’s Day.

$150,000 — Forest Heights, Kitchener
175 ELM RIDGE Drive
3 bed, 2 bath

Pros: Oversized windows brighten up the condo, the kitchen features modern updates. This condo also includes a fenced backyard – perfect for a family with children or pets.
Cons: Located a fair distance from the city centre, and need to factor in monthly condo fee of $255.35. A beauty on the inside, this older building lacks curb appeal of newer builds.

$275,000 — Laurentian Hills, Kitchener
41 RISTAU CRES
3 bed, 2 bath

Pros: High-end laminate flooring is a beautiful feature throughout the main and upper floors. Located on a quiet crescent with a large fenced back yard.
Cons: The skinny, rectangular shape of the basement rec room is more suited for a bowling alley.

$450,000+ —Country Hills, Kitchener
227 SOUTHWOOD Drive
4 bed, 4 bath

Pros: Doon Heritage Park and many other green spaces in close proximity. Close to Conestoga College, the 401 and Highway 7/8. Impress your friends with the marble floor and oak staircase, and invite the entire family over for awesome outdoor entertaining with 2-tiered back deck.
Cons: Bleams and Homer Watson are busy streets, but a treed backyard reduces noise. House looks like old man with white eyebrows and moustache – which could be a pro, if you like houses that have literal character.

$450,000+ — Waterloo Central, Waterloo
129 ALBERT Street 4 bed, 1 bath
Pros: This stunning century home with modern updates could not be more perfectly located in the heart of central Waterloo, surrounded by our two local universities, Waterloo Park, and uptown amenities. Beautifully landscaped, back deck, mature trees, enormous fenced back lot.
Cons: Albert Street is a busy traffic bypass. With lots of student houses and traffic along the street, you might want to take a vacation during Wel- come Week and St. Patrick’s Day.