Neighborhood Overview
Located in the heart of Durham in Ontario, Canada, Downtown Whitby is a charming town with historic architecture, eclectic local businesses, and rich heritage. Whitby's downtown neighbourhood was created by local businessman Peter Perry, who built a general store in 1836.
In 1846, he submitted a plan of subdivision that became known as Perry's Plan. In 1854, local businessman, farmer, and political figure Asa Werden helped further develop the neighbourhood with Werden's Plan, which was registered the same year.
Over the past century, Downtown Whitby has emerged as a bustling centre of beautiful Victorian, Regency, and Craftsman-style houses and historical buildings occupied by a diverse variety of local businesses, restaurants, and shops. Located at the "Four Corners" intersection of Brock and Dundas Streets, this historic downtown commercial corridor is a wonderful neighbourhood to explore, shop, and soak in history.
| Livability | 83 |
| Amenities | A+ |
| Commute | A+ |
| Cost of Living | C |
| Crime | B- |
| Employment | C |
| Housing | A+ |
| Health | A+ |
| Schools | A+ |
Downtown Whitby is a vibrant, healthy, and safe place to live, with home prices 26% lower than the national average and 41% lower than Ontario. Here, total crimes are 22% less than the national average, and high school graduate rates are a steady 85%. There are also multiple hospitals, police and fire stations, and pharmacies, making this town a safe and serene place to live.
| Index | Downtown Whitby/100k People | Whitby/100k People | Ontario/100k People | National/100k People |
| Total crime | 3,281 (estimate) | 2,477 | 3,086 | 4,223 |
| Violent crime | 842 (estimate) | 636 | 792 | 1,042 |
| Property crime | 2,439 (estimate) | 1,841 | 2,294 | 3,181 |
Downtown Whitby is a charming historic town that is home to people of different ages and ethnicities. This close-knit town is also a lively centre of parks, recreation, and local businesses, making this a wonderful place to live for both young adults and families.
In Downtown Whitby, the median household income is 18% lower than the national average. However, the unemployment rate is 28% lower than the national average, reflecting the community's fortitude and resilience. Here, about 11% of residents earn $20,000 or less, and 10.5% of the neighbourhood's population earns between $80,000 and $100,000. Notably, about 1.3% of people earn $300,000 or more in the area.
| Index | Downtown Whitby | Whitby | Ontario |
| Median household income | $67,540 | $119,855 | $87,353 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 4.9% | 4.2% |
| In labour force | 56.1% | 63.2% | 61.7% |
The lively community of Downtown Whitby takes pride in its town's history, heritage, and neighbourly vibe. Interestingly, residents in Downtown Whitby hail from 95 different ethnic origins with 19% being first-generation immigrants and 25% second-generation immigrants.
About 35% of its residents have English backgrounds, followed by 27% Scottish, 26% Irish, and 10% German. Notably, 3.2% of residents contribute to the community with their South Asian heritage and background. Moreover, 1.51% of residents bring their Chinese heritage to the diverse ethnic tapestry of this community.
Linguistically, Downtown Whitby's diverse residential population prefers English as their first language to communicate, followed by French.
| Speak English | 92.7% |
| Speak French | 0.1% |
Downtown Whitby is a pleasant and convenient neighbourhood that caters to the various needs of residents and visitors alike. This sprightly hub offers easy access to multiple healthcare facilities, quality education, eclectic shopping and local businesses, quaint cafes and dining options. Its historic architecture, unique cultural charm, and picturesque shops add to this endearing town's unmistakable appeal.
Downtown Whitby features many great educational institutions, including public, private, and Catholic schools in this district. Here are some of the popular schools in the area:
In Downtown Whitby, there is a wide variety of delicious dining options ranging from quaint coffee shops and breweries to delightful bakeries.
Downtown Whitby's commercial street is a delightful mix of shopping outlets that offer residents and visitors alike a shopping experience like no other. Here, you can explore and discover one-of-a-kind finds in this vibrant mix of local businesses.
Downtown Whitby is a small town in the Durham Region of Ontario, Canada. It has several hospitals, pharmacies, and medical centres, including:
Explore Downtown Whitby's historic allure and innate ambience for exploration through its popular attractions, where heritage meets small-town charm. Take a postcard-like stroll down the downtown neighbourhood's commercial street to pop in and out of quirky stores, immerse in the vibrant cultural scene, witness the artistic murals across town, savour delicious treats, and more.
Starting in 1948 as a theatre group called Whitby Modern Players, the Whitby Courthouse Theatre is now a bustling 160-seat theatre haven of arts, culture and history. It offers theatre buffs a chance to take in local plays, acts, and music across genres.
Learn about the vibrant past, present, and future of this charming town and community at the Whitby History Museum. Founded in 1967 as the Whitby Historical Society, they organise educational programs and guided tours, visits to the Whitby Archives and Clarissa Lynde's Heritage Kitchen Garden, and more that offer visitors a glimpse into life in the 1800s.
Immerse yourself in literary works and history at the Whitby Public Library, which has been a town staple for over 100 years. The library has a wide variety of literary collections, resources, and programs for all ages.
Filled with historical architecture and over 450 local businesses, residents and visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational and leisure activities around town including a packed event calendar filled with over 200 community events a year. Here are a few recommendations:
Shopping and dining: Downtown Whitby is filled with eclectic local shops and businesses that are a treat for anyone with a penchant for one-of-a-kind treasures and retail therapy. There is also a string of delicious local culinary treats, breweries, international cuisine restaurants, and adorable cafes to try.
Arts and culture: Theatre buffs can take in a show at the Whitby Courthouse Theatre - a beautiful 160-seat theatre in the historic neighbourhood. There are also various events every week to immerse yourself in the local arts scene, including the Station Gallery, culture pop-ups, and movies in the park.
History and heritage of Whitby: History aficionados can explore the rich history and heritage of Downtown Whitby by visiting the Lynde House Museum, the Whitby Archives, or even by reaching out to local historical community groups. The town has several walking tours to explore the neighbourhood's historical architecture.
Neighbourhood parks: Teeming with small-town charm, Downtown Whitby has plenty of green spaces, including 10 parks and 8 playgrounds, such as Whitby Kindsmen Park, Rosendale Park, College Downs Park, and Regency Park.
Located just 40 minutes away from Toronto, Downtown Whitby offers easy and convenient access to major road networks and local neighbourhoods due to great transportation connections and public transportation.
At the famed Whitby Farmers' Market, explore local fresh produce harvested by local farmers, scrumptious pastries and baked goods, handmade artisanal products, and more.
Explore the beautiful outdoor market during the winter season that features tasty local treats from local food trucks and vendors, holiday shopping, live performances, festive activities, and more to celebrate the Christmas season.
The population density in Downtown Whitby is 194% higher than in Whitby. Moreover, the neighbourhood boasts a slightly older demographic, with a median age of 19% higher than Whitby's average. These unique characteristics contribute to Downtown Whitby's warm and peaceful small-town ambience.
| Statistic | Downtown Whitby |
| Area Code | 289 |
| Population | 13,977 |
| Population density (sq km) | 2,774 |
| Median age | 46.8 |
| Male/Female ratio | 1.1:1 |
| Married couples | 60% |
| Families with kids at home | 36% |
Downtown Whitby has a wide range of activities for families to enjoy with their children and pets:
The cost of living in Downtown Whitby is 15% lower than Whitby's average and 5% lower than the national average. The price of goods and services is at par with Whitby and 8% higher than the national average.
Meanwhile, housing is 39% lower than the rest of the country. However, the general sales tax in Ontario is 33% higher than the national average. A table showing the cost of living in Downtown Whitby (on 100) is given below:
| Index | Downtown Whitby |
| Cost of living | 95 |
| Goods & Services | 108 |
| Groceries | 100 |
| Health care | 103 |
| Housing | 61 |
| Transportation | 107 |
| Utilities | 130 |
Downtown Whitby in Durham, Ontario, offers a diversified range of rеal еstatе opportunities. Propеrty pricеs typically span from $600,000 to $2,109,000 million for those looking to buy. These properties are also available in various floor plans and configurations that cater to a wide range of needs, preferences, and budgets.
On the other hand, renters can еxplorе options ranging from $1,200 to $3,900 monthly. Thе rеal еstatе markеt in Downtown Whitby rеflеcts its blend of local business and small-town charm with a wide range of options suitable for prospective homeowners as well as people opting for rental accommodations.
The housing cost in Downtown Whitby ranges from $600,000 to $2,109,000 million, offering a wide range of housing options.
The rеntal cost for propеrtiеs in Downtown Whitby typically ranges from $1,200 to $3,900 per month.
Downtown Whitby is close to several popular neighbourhoods, including Ajax, Oshawa, Kinsale, Kedron Park and Taunton.
Downtown Whitby is filled with a diverse selection of homes available for sale, rent, or lease that cater to a wide and diversified range of requirements, preferences, and budgets.
Thеrе is a high dеmand for homеs in Downtown Whitby; however, houses for rent and sale in the neighbourhood are being offered at a steady pace.
Downtown Whitby stands out as a charming historic town that is the perfect blend of safe and vibrant small-town charm and convenient access to other popular areas and neighbourhoods in the wider Ontario region.
