If you’re thinking about moving to Peterborough, Ontario, here’s something worth knowing before you limit your home search to the city limits:

You have options. A LOT of them.

One of my favourite things about living in the Peterborough area is how quickly the landscape changes once you leave the city. Within the surrounding region, you can find small-town main streets, rural properties, established neighbourhoods, farmland, waterfront homes and cottage-country communities, while still having access to Peterborough for work, shopping, restaurants and services.

For buyers relocating from Toronto, Durham Region or elsewhere in the GTA, looking outside Peterborough can open up an entirely different type of lifestyle.

So, where should you look?

Here’s an introduction to some of the communities surrounding Peterborough, Ontario, including Lakefield, Bridgenorth, Ennismore, Millbrook, Norwood and Omemee, and what buyers should know about each.

First: Do You Have to Live in Peterborough to Enjoy Peterborough?

Not at all.

Peterborough acts as a regional hub for many of the smaller communities surrounding it. That means living outside the city doesn’t necessarily mean giving up your favourite Peterborough restaurants, shops, entertainment or amenities.

Depending on where you choose, you may instead be trading a traditional city neighbourhood for more space, a smaller community, proximity to lakes or a more rural setting.

The trade-off is that life outside the city can also mean more driving and different property considerations. Some homes may rely on private wells and septic systems rather than municipal water and sewer services. Rural roads, internet availability, property maintenance and winter access can also become more important considerations.

That’s why I always recommend choosing the lifestyle first, not just the house.

1. Lakefield, Ontario

If you picture a charming Ontario village where you can walk along the river, grab a coffee and still be a relatively short drive from Peterborough, Lakefield deserves a look.

Lakefield is located in the Township of Selwyn, north of Peterborough, and has a distinctly small-town feel.

You’ll find a walkable village core, local shops and restaurants, community amenities and easy access to the surrounding lakes and countryside.

Why might someone consider living in Lakefield?

Lakefield can appeal to buyers who want:

• A smaller community outside Peterborough

• A walkable village atmosphere

• Access to nearby lakes and outdoor recreation

• Character and older homes mixed with other housing options

• Local shops and amenities without needing to drive into Peterborough for absolutely everything

• A quieter pace while remaining connected to the Peterborough area

It’s also worth noting that weekday public transit through The Link connects Lakefield with other Selwyn communities and Peterborough.

For buyers searching for Lakefield Ontario real estate, don’t just think cottages. Lakefield is a year-round community and can be an interesting option for buyers who want small-town living without feeling completely removed from city amenities.

2. Bridgenorth, Ontario

Head northwest from Peterborough and you’ll find Bridgenorth, another community within the Township of Selwyn.

This is one I think buyers moving to Peterborough should know about because it gives you a different feel from living directly in the city while keeping Peterborough very accessible.

Bridgenorth sits beside Chemong Lake, so water and cottage-country scenery become part of everyday life.

Why might someone consider Bridgenorth?

Buyers may be drawn to Bridgenorth for:

• Proximity to Peterborough

• Access to Chemong Lake

• A smaller community atmosphere

• Nearby shops and everyday services

• A mix of residential and rural surroundings

• Easy access to more of the Kawarthas

If you’re someone who wants to be close enough to Peterborough for work and daily life but would rather come home to a smaller community, Bridgenorth is worth putting on your search map.

And if being near the water is high on your wish list, this entire area deserves some attention.

3. Ennismore, Ontario

Keep going beyond Bridgenorth and you reach Ennismore.

This is where things start feeling noticeably more rural and outdoorsy.

Ennismore is also part of Selwyn Township and sits among some of the waterways that make this region so special.

For buyers dreaming about more property, privacy or proximity to the lake, Ennismore can offer a very different lifestyle from living within Peterborough city limits.

Why might someone consider Ennismore?

Ennismore may appeal to buyers looking for:

• Rural or semi-rural living

• Larger properties

• Proximity to lakes and boating

• More privacy and open space

• An outdoors-focused lifestyle

• Access to Peterborough without living in the city

There are also active recreation and community organizations in Ennismore, including curling, hockey, youth sports and community programming.

One important consideration here is property infrastructure.

Depending on the home, buyers may encounter private wells, septic systems, waterfront considerations and rural property maintenance. These aren’t necessarily negatives, but they’re things you want to understand before buying.

For the right buyer, that extra responsibility is a pretty reasonable trade for morning coffee with a lake view.

4. Millbrook, Ontario

Southwest of Peterborough is Millbrook, located in the Township of Cavan Monaghan.

And if you have a weakness for historic homes and charming streets, you might want to add this one to your list.

Millbrook has a historic downtown and strong heritage character. The Township identifies dozens of historically designated buildings within the community, which helps explain why parts of the village have such a distinctive look and feel.

Why might someone consider Millbrook?

Millbrook may appeal to buyers who want:

• Historic and character homes

• A traditional small-town atmosphere

• A defined downtown area

• Community recreation and amenities

• Access to Highway 115

• Proximity to both Peterborough and communities farther south

The Cavan Monaghan Community Centre also provides an NHL-size ice pad, walking track, fitness space and community facilities.

Location is another interesting part of Millbrook’s appeal. The Township describes the community as approximately 15 minutes southwest of Peterborough and about 4 kilometres from Highway 115.

For someone who wants small-town living near Peterborough while regularly travelling south, Millbrook is definitely one to investigate.

5. Norwood, Ontario

Travel east of Peterborough and you’ll eventually reach Norwood, part of the Township of Asphodel-Norwood.

Compared with communities immediately bordering Peterborough, Norwood takes you farther into the countryside.

That can be exactly what some buyers are looking for.

Why might someone consider Norwood?

Norwood may be worth exploring if you’re looking for:

• Small-town Ontario living

• A community surrounded by rural countryside

• More distance from the city

• Access to eastern Peterborough County

• A quieter lifestyle

• A mix of village and rural property options

This could make sense for someone whose priority isn’t being five or ten minutes from Peterborough.

Instead, maybe you’re thinking:

“Give me some space, a backyard and somewhere quiet to come home to.”

If that’s you, expanding your search east of Peterborough may uncover options you hadn’t originally considered.

6. Omemee, Ontario

Head west from Peterborough toward the City of Kawartha Lakes and you’ll find Omemee.

Omemee is technically outside Peterborough County, but I still think it’s worth including for buyers searching the greater Peterborough and Kawarthas area.

Its location can make it interesting for people who want a smaller community while maintaining access toward both Peterborough and Lindsay.

Why might someone consider Omemee?

Buyers may look at Omemee for:

• Small-town living

• Access to the Kawartha Lakes region

• Rural properties surrounding the community

• Outdoor recreation

• A location between Peterborough and Lindsay

• An alternative to buying directly in Peterborough

It’s another reminder that your home search doesn’t necessarily have to follow municipal boundaries.

If your lifestyle and commute allow some flexibility, widening the map can sometimes completely change what you find.

Peterborough City vs. Living Outside Peterborough

So which is better?

That’s really the wrong question.

The better question is:

What do you want your everyday life to look like?

Living in the City of Peterborough may make more sense if you value being close to restaurants, shopping, schools, transit, healthcare, trails and city services.

Living in Lakefield or Millbrook may appeal if you like the idea of a defined small-town or village centre.

Bridgenorth can offer a smaller-community feel while keeping Peterborough relatively close.

Ennismore may appeal if space, privacy, rural surroundings and access to the water are higher priorities.

And communities like Norwood and Omemee can expand your search even farther if you’re comfortable trading some proximity for a different lifestyle.

There isn’t one community that’s right for everyone.

And that’s exactly why exploring the area before deciding where to buy matters.

What Should You Know Before Buying Outside Peterborough?

Buying a house outside Peterborough city limits can involve considerations you may not encounter with a typical city property.

Depending on the location and property, you’ll want to investigate things like:

Well water: Where does the home’s water come from? What are the well’s history, flow and water quality?

Septic system: What type of system is installed? Where is it located? How old is it, and when was it last pumped or inspected?

Internet and cell service: Don’t assume every rural property has the same connectivity you’re used to.

Road access: Is the road municipally maintained, privately maintained or seasonal?

Commute: Drive the route at the time you’d actually be travelling it.

Property maintenance: More land can mean more grass, trees, snow and general upkeep.

Waterfront considerations: Shoreline, docks, water levels, access, insurance and other factors can become important when buying near or on the water.

None of these automatically make a rural property difficult to own. They simply mean your due diligence may look different than it would when purchasing a home on a serviced lot in Peterborough.

What Are the Best Towns Near Peterborough, Ontario?

There isn’t a universal “best town near Peterborough” because each community offers something different.

If you’re researching where to live near Peterborough, start by considering:

Lakefield → village lifestyle + access to lakes
Bridgenorth → close to Peterborough + Chemong Lake
Ennismore → rural + outdoors + lake lifestyle
Millbrook → historic charm + Highway 115 access
Norwood → small-town + rural surroundings east of Peterborough
Omemee → Kawarthas lifestyle + location between Peterborough and Lindsay

Then narrow your search based on commute, budget, property type and the lifestyle you actually want.

Thinking About Moving to Peterborough or the Surrounding Area?

One of the biggest mistakes I see buyers make when relocating to the Peterborough area is deciding exactly where they want to live before they’ve explored what’s around it.

Sometimes the house you’re picturing isn’t actually in Peterborough.

It might be across the causeway in Ennismore.

It might be on a charming street in Lakefield.

It might be an old character home in Millbrook.

Or it might be somewhere on a country road you didn’t even know existed yet.

If you’re thinking about moving to Peterborough, Peterborough County or the Kawarthas, I can help you understand the different communities, property types and considerations that come with buying here.

Because finding the right home is important.

But finding the place where you actually want to live your life? That’s the fun part.

Carrie Brockhurst
Peterborough & Kawarthas Real Estate