Atherley, Simcoe

Atherley is a quaint neighbourhood in the Ramara township, part of Ontario’s Simcoe County. A scenic location near the northeastern shore of Lake Simcoe makes it a solemn and tranquil place to live. At the same time, the proximity to the city of Orillia provides much-needed urban convenience. Atherley is well-connected to other communities in Ramara, including Bayshore Village, Bayview Beach, Brechin Point, Concord Point, and more. It is largely known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, offering activities like boating, fishing, and hiking in a leisurely lifestyle.

Atherley's housing landscape features a variety of property types, including seasonal cottages and permanent residences. The neighbourhood also boasts a rich cultural heritage. Mnjikaning Fish Weirs, one of the oldest human developments in Canada, is located nearby. Other nearby landmarks include Casino Rama, Mara Provincial Park, and Tudhope Park. 

Apart from residential developments, community centres, beaches, and parks form a major part of Atherley’s local infrastructure. These significantly contribute to the neighbourhood’s overall appeal and make it a family-friendly area. Atherley is primarily accessed via local roads, including the nearby Highway 12 and Rama Road, which connects to the larger city of Orillia. Additionally, it is also linked to Orillia via the Atherley Narrows Bridge. While residents majorly rely on personal vehicles, the neighbourhood’s scenic routes make for pleasant and enjoyable commutes.

Atherley boasts a livability index of 45/100. Here is a detailed overview of the neighbourhood’s various livability indices:

Atherley in Simcoe County is safer than 58% of the cities in Ontario. Compared to the national average, crime rates in Atherley are 41% lower than the national average, while violent crimes specifically are 39% lower than the national average. Residents in Atherley stand a 1 in 41 chance of being victims of a crime. Here is a quick overview:

Atherley is a close-knit community with a modest level of diversity. The dominant minority groups in the neighbourhood include Chinese (2.62%), South Asians (1.59%) and African-Americans (0.73%). The maximum immigrant population in Atherley belong to Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. English remains the dominant language of this neighbourhood. Take a look at the linguistic overview of this area:

Atherley offers decent income opportunities to its residents. The neighbourhood’s median income is 1% higher than the national average. At the same time, the unemployment rate is 14% lower than the national average. A sizeable 14.6% of Atherley’s population earns between $80,000 and $100,000. Here is a holistic overview of the neighbourhood’s employment scenario:

Residents living in Atheley can easily connect to other neighbourhoods of Simcoe County. This proximity helps foster inter-locality relations and ensures easy access to a multitude of facilties. Here are some of the closely located areas near Atherley:

• Orillia
• Forest Home
• Longford Mills
• Bayshore Village

Schools

Atherley is served by several renowned schools that provide quality education to the community. The schools in the area are known for their strong academic programs, supportive learning environments, and various extracurricular activities. Families can choose from public, private, and faith-based schools, ensuring a well-rounded education for children of all ages. Some of the popular options include:

• Regent Park Public School
• Orillia Christian School
• St. Bernard’s Catholic School
• Orchard Park Public School
• Harriett Todd Public School

Restaurants

Atherley and its surroundings boast a diverse culinary scene. There is a wide range to explore, from cosy diners serving classic Canadian dishes to restaurants offering international cuisines. Here are some of the popular choices:

• 331 Atherley Diner
• Wild Wing
• Duckworth’s Fish and Chips
• Portage by The Lake
• Hills Maple Leaf Restaurant
• Bayside Restaurant

Shopping Malls

Designated shopping malls are few and far between in Atherley. The residents primarily depend on local markets for everyday items and necessities. Provided below is a mix of Atherley’s popular shopping hubs, including malls as well as local markets:

• Orillia Square Mall
• SmartCentres Orillia
• Orillia Farmer’s Market
• Fairgrounds Farmers' Market

Hospitals

Residents in Atherley enjoy ready access to medical assistance. The closely located hospitals provide various services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialised treatments. Some easily accessible options include:

• Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital
• Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Mnjikaning Fish Weirs

Explore one of Canada’s oldest human developments at Mnjikaning Fish Weirs, a National Historic Site at Atherley Narrows. Visitors can indulge in indigenous fishing techniques and connect to the long-dated roots of Canadian civilisation.

Casino Rama

Just a short drive from Atherley, this popular entertainment destination offers gaming, live concerts, dining, and luxurious stays. It is located on the Mnjikaning First Nation reserve and is a major regional attraction.

Mara Provincial Park

One of Atherley’s primary community places, the Mara Provincial Park, makes for a perfect family getaway. The park features camping, swimming, picnicking, and hiking trails along the shores of Lake Simcoe.

Boating and Fishing on Lake Simcoe

Take advantage of the proximity to Lake Simcoe and indulge in boating and fishing adventures. Spending leisurely time doing these activities together can be a great bonding exercise.

Hiking the Ramara Trail

Adventure lovers looking for a thrill can hike the ​solemn and scenic Ramara Trail. Built along an abandoned CN railway, the trail is perfect for walking, cycling, and running.

Visit Tudhope Park

Located nearby in Orillia, Tudhope Park offers beautiful lakeside views, walking trails, picnic areas, and sports facilities. Spending quality time in a quiet, leisurely atmosphere is a great choice.

Multiple recreational, commute and everyday facilties are located close to Atherley. Here are some closely located options:

• Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital is located 5.5 km from Atherley.
• Restaurants like 331 Atherley Diner, Portage by The Lake and Bayside Restaurant are about 2 kilometres away.
• Orillia Christian School and Regent Park Public School are located within 4 kilometres.
• Casino Rama is located 6.6 km from Atherley.
• Mara Provincial Park, Tudhope Park and Atherley Community Park are located within 2 km.
• Mnjikaning Fish Weirs National Historic Site is within 1 km of this neighbourhood.
• Orillia Farmer's Market is a short distance of 5 km from Atherley.
• Lake Simcoe Regional Airport is 24.4 km from Atherley.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a day at several farmers' markets in Atherley, which is a truly enriching experience. These markets include -

Orillia Farmer’s Market

Operating since 1842, the Orillia Farmer’s Market is one of the oldest markets in the region. It’s a go-to choice for Atherley residents who want to shop for fresh and locally produced goods. The market operates on Saturdays throughout the year and offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, baked items, and more. During the summer, it is held outdoors at the corner of Mississaga Street and West Street and moves inside the Orillia Public Library during the winter.

Fairgrounds Farmer's Market

The Fairground Farmer’s Market operates on Saturday mornings in Severn, a bit further from Atherley. It is a popular destination for fresh, locally produced goods. A wide range of vendors creates a friendly atmosphere at this market, which offers everything from fresh produce to artisanal crafts.

Atherley boasts a total population of 1,834 with a population density of 164 per sq. km. This population density is 604% higher than Ramra’s. Despite being on the higher end, Atherley’s median age is 7% lower than Ramara’s. Here is a brief overview of Atherley’s demographics:

Picnicking and Playing at Atherley Community Park

This local park offers open spaces for family picnics and expansive playgrounds for kids. Pets get plenty of room to run around freely and enjoy the outdoor areas.

An Evening at the Couchiching Beach Park

Couchiching Beach Park is in Orillia, a 10-minute drive from Atherley. The park features a large playground, a beach area, and plenty of open space for pets to roam.

Explore the Scout Valley Loop Trail

The Scout Valley Loop Trail offers easy-to-moderate hiking paths through beautiful wooded areas. This makes it a perfect hiking choice for kids without posing much risk. The trail can be reached by taking Highway 12 west from Atherley to West Street.

Atherley is a highly affordable place to live in Canada. This neighbourhood's average cost of living is 12% lower than Ramara’s. Moreover, the housing sector here is 30% more affordable than the national average. Here is a brief overview of Atherley’s living costs:

The housing market in Atherley majorly consists of single-family homes and cottages. Sale prices of residential properties in this neighbourhood range from $2.64 million to $16.88 million. Lake Simcoe’s scenic location is a primary factor that attracts home seekers to this neighbourhood. Investors typically prefer Atherley because of its peaceful, community-oriented lifestyle.