The Windsor housing market is set to explode, with prices expected to have the highest increase in the entire country this year. Why the sudden jump? It’s partly due to the millennials flocking to the city, spiking demand for housing. It’s also partly due to a growing interest from businesses and individuals looking to take advantage of Windsor’s prime location by the American border. With all the talk of how rents will shoot up over the next year, now is the perfect time to get into a place in Windsor, locking in the current deals that are available.

Typical housing type:

Single-family, detached homes.

Side note:

In the past, Windsor hasn’t been the most diverse or welcoming place. That’s all changing now, though. There is a strong Middle Eastern community, as well as a growing Eastern European population. Basically, if the lack of diversity has pushed you away from Windsor in the past, it may be worth giving it a second look at this point.

Avg. rent by housing size:

Bach/studio: $718

1-bedroom: $858

2-bedroom: $819

3-bedroom: $1,519

Avg. rent compared to other Canadian cities

Windsor is 22% lower than the Canadian average

Windsor is in an interesting moment of transition. There’s an older population, who have often lived in the area for years. These locals are generally working class and were part of the previous automotive workforce. We’re talking tough as nails, salt of the earth types who have seen Windsor through it’s roughest times. On the other hand, there’s a vibrant young population that’s recently relocated to the city. This group is filled with millennials with post-secondary educations and who work in more creative fields. There are a lot of singles and single parents in the area, making the dating scene lively. Income levels are still on the low side, with a significant portion of the population earning less than $20,000 per year.

Perfect for: Young creatives looking to make their mark somewhere affordable.

Not-so-perfect for: Families with significant disposable income who love the high life.

The culture in Windsor is feeling some growing pains. There is a growing arts and trendy scene in the city, catering to the millenials who are moving in. At times, though, this can leave the older locals feeling pushed out of what they see as their city. They want to keep the down-to-earth vibe of the past, worried that the city could start to feel too hip. Hopefully Windsor will find its new balance, turning into a salt of the earth city with an cutting edge, hipster twist. In the meantime, though, there’s a touch of tension in the city.

The most noticeable feature is the Ambassador Bridge, which connects Windsor to Detroit. In terms of public transit, buses run throughout Windsor – and cross over into Detroit. There are a couple of malls, as well as several outlet stores in the area. It’s also common for locals to hop over to the States for shopping though. There are a few school options – and the University of Windsor is in the area. One of the most visually interesting places is the Windsor Sculpture Park, which is right on the water. Looking for light exercise? A stroll by the waterfront is a scenic way to get some fresh air. For more outdoor sports, head to Mic-Mac Park, which has a baseball field, trails, and even a pool. Over the next two years, other parks in the area will be getting facelifts, having accessible play spaces built within them. In the meantime, there’s no shortage of play spaces for adults at the local casino – Caesars.

Landmarks:

Dieppe Gardens

Jackson Park

Coventry Gardens

Ambassador Bridge

Windsor Sculpture Park

Art Gallery of Windsor

Windsor Riverfront

Ojibway Nature Centre

Olde Walkerville Neighbourhood

Willistead Manor

Our Lady of Assumption Church

Duff-Baby House

Sandwich Windmill

Pelee Passage Lighthouse