Pinecrest, Durham

Pinecrest is a vibrant neighbourhood in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. It is situated in the northeast corner of Oshawa, nestled amidst lush greenery and tranquil parks. Pinecrest is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, abundance of green spaces, and convenient location close to schools, shopping centres, and recreational facilities. The area is calm and friendly, with many parks, big trees, and quiet streets. People from different backgrounds live here, creating a strong community vibe. Pinecrest is a favourite for families with kids because it's safe and has several fun outdoor activities to partake in. Pinecrest is a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting an impressive array of parks and green spaces. The Harmony Valley Conservation Area, with its scenic trails and tranquil ponds, is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Pinecrest Park is a family favourite with its playgrounds, sports fields, and splash pad. The neighbourhood is traversed by Harmony Creek and the East Branch of Oshawa Creek, providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the area's natural beauty. The residents in Pinecrest have convenient access to various shopping and dining options. The Taunton Road corridor, bordering the neighbourhood's northern boundary, features a bustling shopping centre with grocery stores, restaurants, and various retail outlets. Additionally, several smaller plazas and convenience stores are scattered throughout the neighbourhood, providing residents with everyday essentials.

The neighbourhood boasts an exceptional livability score of 82/100. Let us have dedicated gradings for each one of the livability criteria - With violent crimes occurring at a rate 58% below the national average, this neighbourhood is proudly holding an A safety grade, solidifying its reputation as one of the city's most secure communities. Residents here face a minimal chance of becoming a victim of crime. For detailed local crime statistics, please refer to the table below.

Pinecrest is a diverse community comprising young families, retirees, and professionals. The median age in Pinecrest is 39, slightly higher than the median age for Oshawa, which is 37. The neighbourhood is also home to many immigrants, with over 20% of residents born outside Canada. The most common languages spoken in Pinecrest besides English are French, Italian, Urdu, and Punjabi. Here are some statistics that offer detailed insight into the neighbourhood's demographics. The average household income in Pinecrest is 29% higher than the national average, wherein 2.8% of the people in Pinecrest earn about $20k or less, and 13.2% earn $80k - $100k. Only 3.1% of the people have a gracious income of $300k and more. Refer to the table below for a comprehensive insight into Pinecrest's demographics.

Nestled amidst the vibrant city of Oshawa, Pinecrest exudes a captivating blend of small-town charm and urban convenience. Its well-established network of schools, hospitals, restaurants, and shopping complexes caters to the diverse needs of its residents. From reputable educational institutions to delectable dining options, Pinecrest offers an array of amenities that enhance the lives of those who call it home. Let's explore some of the neighbourhood's finest offerings:

Schools

Pinecrest boasts a variety of schools and colleges within its vicinity. A few of them are listed below.

• Pierre Elliott Trudeau
• Gordon B Attersley
• Eastdale CVI
• Ecole Walter E Harris
• Maxwell Heights SS
• Vincent Massey PS
• Sir Albert Love Catholic School
• St. Joseph Catholic School
• ESC Saint-Charles-Garnier
• St. John XXIII Catholic School

Restaurants

The dining scene in Pinecrest is exceptional and not to be missed. Select from the finest restaurants in town for an extraordinary culinary experience.

• McDonald’s
• Crepe Castle Restaurant
• Tim Hortons
• Arby’s
• Sunset Grill
• G’Molly’s Fries
• Thai Express
• Boston Pizza
• Subway
• Makimono Sushi Bar and Restaurant

Shopping Malls

Indulge in a unique shopping experience by exploring a variety of antique stores, boutiques, and malls around Oshawa. Some of the top shopping destinations in Pinecrest are mentioned below.

• SmartCentre Oshawa North II
• Great hobbies
• Party City
• Carter’s OshKosh
• Mastermind Toys
• Mommy and Balloons
• Pet Smart
• SaphCo. Custom Cabinetry
• Sobeys Oshawa
• Canadian Tire

Hospitals

Various healthcare facilities and hospitals are available around the region in Oshawa, such as -

• Ritson North Medical Center
• Harmony Valley Medical Clinic
• Lakeridge Health Oshawa
• Scarborough Health Network - Centenary Hospital
• Durham Region Attendant Care Inc

There are various places to visit in and around Pinecrest. Some of the major places to visit are mentioned below:

Harmony Valley Conservation Area

A sprawling 28-hectare nature park features trails and designated off-leash zones. The park boasts diverse habitats like hardwood forests, coniferous plantations, open fields, meadows, and wetlands. Harmony Creek meanders through, while the historic Lake Iroquois Shoreline marks its unique geological boundary to the north. Nature enthusiasts, including walkers, hikers, and runners, are drawn to Harmony Valley Park's trails. The park also houses a well-loved off-leash area maintained by volunteers from the Oshawa Durham Area Walkers Group.

Memorial Park

Just outside Oshawa, Ontario, there's a beautiful place called Oshawa Regional Park. It's a huge 470-hectare area filled with natural beauty, perfect for people who love the outdoors. The park has a variety of landscapes, and you can explore different trails for an exciting experience. Whether you enjoy hiking, taking pictures of nature, or just want a leisurely walk, the park has trails for everyone.

Oshawa Second Marsh

The Oshawa Second Marsh is a special place in the heart of Oshawa, Ontario. It's a calm and beautiful spot hidden in the city. When you enter this green oasis, you're surrounded by a gorgeous view of nature and its sounds and fragrances.

Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens

At Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, enjoy a stunning mix of plants and a family-friendly vibe. Marvel at the towering Birds of Paradise amid vibrant flowers. Don't miss the picturesque bridge for great photo ops and peaceful moments.

There are numerous opportunities for exploration in and around Pinecrest. Here are some activities you can enjoy within the neighbourhood:

Do a Handful of Activities at Pinecrest Park

In Oshawa, Ontario, Pinecrest Park is a green oasis spread across 22 hectares. It's a serene spot for all ages, offering a chance to enjoy nature and have fun. The large playground echoes with children's laughter, where they explore slides, climb structures, and swing high in the sky. It's a place of endless play and imagination.

Explore the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve

Established in 1990, this 108-acre nature reserve, located next to their "green" Canadian Corporate Headquarters, is a haven for nature lovers. It houses nearly 400 diverse plant species and provides a habitat for various birds, mammals, and fish. With walking trails, viewing platforms for photographers and birdwatchers, and accessibility features like the Dogwood Trail, it's open year-round and free for all, including those in wheelchairs. The reserve is also connected to the Second Marsh Wildlife Area and Darlington Provincial Park.

Pinecrest enjoys proximity to significant locations in and around Markham, providing convenient access to several popular sites. The distances from Pinecrest to these key destinations are outlined below.

• Oshawa Golf and Curling Club: 2.5  kilometres and 5 minutes by car
• Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens: 1.7 kilometres and 3 minutes by car.
• Oshawa YMCA: 2.8 kilometres and 5 minutes by car
• Oshawa Go Station: 4.5 kilometres and 9 minutes by car
• Toronto Pearson International Airport: Over 80 kilometres away, 50 minutes by car.

Pinecrest hosts various shopping trails and markets nearby. The Pickering markets are a staple of the region and are open every Saturday and Sunday.

New Pickering Market

Oshawa's Central Marketplace is a vibrant tapestry of local entrepreneurship. Situated in a sprawling 90,000 sq ft area, this marketplace, formerly the Pickering Markets, has been a staple in the Durham Region since 1973. Every Saturday and Sunday, the market brims with an eclectic mix of merchandise, crafts, tantalising food, and rare collectables, all meticulously curated by vendors throughout the week. The Oshawa Central Marketplace is your go-to destination for an authentic shopping experience celebrating local businesses and crafts.

Pinecrest boasts a significantly higher population density than Oshawa, surpassing it by 137%. Additionally, the median age in Pinecrest is approximately 11% higher than in Oshawa. While the majority of the population in the neighbourhood is Black, what truly sets the region apart is its reputation for remarkably low crime rates, creating an ideal and secure living environment.

In the heart of Oshawa, Ontario, lies an oasis of fun and adventure for kids and their canine companions – Harmony Valley Park and the Off-Leash Dog Park. Nestled amidst lush greenery and tranquil trails, these parks offer a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing endless opportunities for furry friends and their human counterparts to frolic, play, and create lasting memories.

Harmony Valley Park: A Playground Paradise

Harmony Valley Park is a fantastic place for kids. It's packed with fun attractions that spark their imagination and keep them happy for hours. The big playground has a tall climbing structure, exciting slides, and high swings. The park isn't just about a playground; there are trails perfect for family strolls or energetic hikes. Kids can discover wildflowers, watch playful squirrels, and even see a majestic heron by the pond.

Off-Leash Dog Park: A Canine Carnival

Next to Harmony Valley Park is the Off-Leash Dog Park, a special spot for dogs to play freely. The large fenced area keeps them safe as they run, play fetch, and explore. It's a joyful scene with dogs of all sizes having a great time, wagging their tails excitedly.

Here is a brief account of the cost of living in Pinecrest compared to Oshawa and Ontario.

Pinecrest, located in Ontario, presents many real estate prospects. The median price for homes in this area is $533,155, compared to $481,861 in Oshawa and $834,032 in Ontario, indicating that the median property value in Pincrest falls behind the national average. Thе rеal еstatе markеt in Pincrest rеflеcts its dynamic naturе, with options suitablе for prospеctivе homеownеrs and thosе sееking rеntal accommodations, showcasing thе nеighbourhood's inclusivе and multifacеtеd housing landscapе.