2020 has been the year of staying home, and for many, re-evaluating their homes and yearning for more space. If you’ve been considering getting out of the city and getting a larger property, this article is for you.
Downtown Kemptville is a 40 minute drive from downtown Ottawa. It’s a really interesting alternative to a purchase in the suburbs since this is only 20 minutes further than the popular suburbs of Stittsville and Barrhaven. On a personal note, my in-laws live in Kemptville so while I know many areas well through real estate, I have also gotten to know Kemptville well in my off time.
The thing that sets Kemptville apart is that it is not a commuter town. Certainly, you can work in Ottawa and live in Kemptville, but it has a lively community and downtown with local shops, restaurants, and recreation. There are lots of interesting independent places to go (as well as the conveniences of the big box stores, LCBO, and plenty of fast food options). The downtown area is truly walkable and the box stores are a short drive.
Another (less glamorous) positive in this time is that the Kemptville District Hospital is highly rated, well-situated, and has short wait times.
Local Business Highlights
My personal favourite way to spend time in Kemptville is a round of golf at eQuinelle and some snacks at the Fat Les chip truck or the Dairy Barn. There are also loads of outdoor activities and paths, multiple gyms, a yoga studio, the rec centre, a bowling alley, the outdoor community pool, and the shiny and new North Grenville Public Library right on the Creek.
Now that we have sorted your weekend activities, on to the homes and the logistics of moving to North Grenville County …
Average price varies widely in this area. It is possible to get an incredible deal on a detached fixer-upper or a large older townhouse near the downtown (think low 300ks). You can also look at pristine new build bungalows on the golf course (~600k), or huge country properties with tons of acreage (800k+).
Waste collection is a bit different in Kemptville than the City of Ottawa. Garbage bag tags are $1.75 each at the local grocery stores, Canadian Tire, etc. Recycling is alternating blue and black boxes each week.
Water, depending on where you live, is city water or well water (large country properties outside the main area). The city water is hard water and you need to get a water softener (in a resale house that would likely already be in place).
Contact me to learn more about real estate in Kemptville!