Horseshoe Valley, Simcoe Neighbourhood Guide

Horseshoe Neighbourhood Overview

Horseshoe Valley is a picturesque residential neighbourhood in south-central Ontario, coveted by investors and home seekers. At the heart of the neighbourhood lies the Horseshoe Resort, an all-season outdoor adventure destination that offers unbridled thrill and fun for visitors. Earlier known as Horseshoe Valley Ski Club, the sprawling resort spreads over 680 acres and serves as a welcome respite from the mindless pace of the cities. Starting in the 1960s, the resort became a preferred venue for family adventure getaways, corporate retreats, and weddings. The Horseshoe Valley neighbourhood has other charms, with Nordic Spas and local farmstands offering quaint experiences. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of Copeland Forest, Horseshoe Valley boasts a lively community of people who call this place home. The thriving social scene of the neighbourhood further adds to its alluring vibe. Located in the township of Oro-Medonte in Simcoe County, Horseshoe Valley ensures smooth connectivity for the residents.

Liveability & Lifestyle of Horseshoe Valley

The Horseshoe Valley location went by the name of the Hungry Hollow before a home builder named Bill Lohuaru selected it as the site for his ski resort in the early 1960s. It was called Hungry Hollow as it was an elevated area near the Georgian Bay and formed a natural U shape. Once the resort started functioning, it led to the overall development of the neighbourhood. Today, people living in the Horseshoe Valley location enjoy a high quality of life. The area ranks second amongst the neighbourhoods in Oro-Medonte. Horseshoe Valley counts itself as a pet-friendly neighbourhood. It enjoys an exceptional livability score. Several factors are taken into consideration to determine this score. They include employment, cost of living, crime rate, amenities, and so forth, as shown in the table below.

Liveability	83
Housing	A+
Amenities	F
Cost of Living	D
Schools	A
Employment	C-
Crime Rate	A+
User Ratings	A+

The neighbourhood Horseshoe Valley has come to be known as a safe locality in Simcoe due to its low crime rates. It is considered to be safer than 83% of the cities that are under the Ontario province.

Index	Horseshoe Valley/ 100,000 people (approx)	Oro-Medonte/ 100,000 people (approx)	Ontario/ 100,000 people (approx)	National/ 100,000 people (approx)
Total Crime	1,458	1,970	3068	4,223
Violent Crime	374	506	792	1,042
Property Crime	1,084	1,465	2,294	3,181

People & Culture of Horseshoe Valley

Horseshoe Resort began functioning in 1962. Since then, the resort and the neighbourhood have witnessed dramatic development and economic improvement as skiing has become a major sport. The resort expanded from a 200-acre facility to an expansive one covering 1,600 acres. At present, the resort spans the townships of Oro and Medonte. The resort's progress has, in turn, fuelled the development of the Horseshoe Valley real estate market. The Horseshoe Resort earns a revenue of $58.4 million and contributes significantly to the local economy. It employs 600 to 1,000 people as staff, thus creating earning opportunities. The resort also sources services and supplies from local businesses. This, along with a thriving real estate market, has turned the neighbourhood into a desirable destination for investors. One thing to note is that the cost of Horseshoe Valley houses is 5% lower than that of Ontario. This attracts a lot of potential home seekers to consider properties in this scenic neighbourhood. The neighbourhood has an unemployment rate that is 87% lower than the national average.

Index	Horseshoe Valley
Median household income	$160,720
Average unemployment rate	0.9%
Average In labour force	68.3%

English is the main language spoken by the people living in the neighbourhood of Horseshoe Valley.

Languages Spoken	Horseshoe Valley	Oro-Medonte	Ontario
English	90.9%	93.9%	86.1%
French	0.0%	0.0%	0.3%

Horseshoe Valley Neighbourhood Nearby

Horseshoe Valley is a small yet vibrant neighbourhood with plenty of spots to have a great time. A stroll down the area reveals several boho cafes, trendy restaurants, charming stores, and other places for entertainment and relaxation. A host of thrilling attractions also await visitors at the Horseshoe Resort, such as hiking, biking, golfing, snowshoeing, etc. The neighbourhood is marked by excellent basic amenities that make life smooth for the residents. Schools, hospitals, markets, and other necessities are close to the community.

Schools

Parents looking for schooling options in Horseshoe Valley can select from various well-established private and public schools. Many newly-constructed, state-of-the-art schools are also coming up in the area. Some of the top schools in and around Horseshoe Valley include the following:

Oro-Medonte Forest School
Treasured Kids School
Venture Academy
R. Best Memorial Public School

Restaurants

When it comes to the neighbourhood restaurant, Horseshoe Valley offers an impressive variety of options. Whether one wants to enjoy a quick snack or a gourmet meal, there are many great local restaurants. Some of the top restaurants in and around Horseshoe Valley include the following:

Settler's Ghost
Crazy Horse Sports Bar & Grill
Loobies
HQ Taphouse

Shopping Centres

A Horseshoe Valley visit isn't just about adventures and activities. It's also about indulging in retail therapy at the local stores and shopping malls and soaking in the community vibe. Some of the top shopping destinations located in and around Horseshoe Valley are as follows:

Georgian Mall
North Barrie Crossing Shopping Centre
Springwater Marketplace
SmartCentres Barrie North

Healthcare Facilities

The Horseshoe Valley neighbourhood scores high in terms of medical facilities as well. A wide range of healthcare facilities ensures that residents are never too far from medical centres. Some of the top healthcare facilities located in and around Horseshoe Valley are as follows:

Huronia Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic
Little Lake Health Centre
Gilda's Club Simcoe Muskoka
Barrie Endoscopy
Royal Court Medical Centre

Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Horseshoe Valley

Horseshoe Valley is an amazing getaway where one can experience a blend of outdoor activities and explore scenic surroundings. In additiona to the popular attractions, the neighbourhood has several offbeat experiences to delight visitors. It is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to escape the mundane feel of city life and indulge in eclectic activities to refresh the mind and body. Some of the top attractions in Horseshoe Valley include the following:

Copeland Forest

Copeland Forest is a Resource Management Area spreading over 4,400 acres. The forest presents a great place to hike, walk, and soak in the beauty of nature. There are several trails that one can explore on any day. It is also an amazing area for off-road cycling.

Chelsea Chocolate Company

Chelsea Chocolate Company is the perfect place for chocolate lovers to indulge their sweet tooth. While their handmade chocolates are delicious to relish, their creative designs make them all the more attractive. Also, the factory offers an assortment of delicacies to select from.

Heritage Estate Winery & Cidery

Heritage Estate Winery & Cidery is a boutique cidery and vineyard that offers locally made wine products and delicious cider. Visitors can go on a tour of the vineyard and taste the products produced. With more than 20 acres of lush orchards and grapevines, this place paints a lovely picture.

Things To Do In Horseshoe Valley

Horseshoe Valley is a destination with year-round adventures. An incredible variety of winter and summer activities and fall and spring adventures ensure that visitors have plenty to do at this place. While outdoor activities serve as the key attractions of this neighbourhood, there is no shortage of indoor attractions either. What's more, this place offers several night activities as well, ensuring that there's never a dull moment for anyone visiting this place. Here are some of the wonderful things that one can indulge in while on a visit to Horseshoe Valley:

Explore Outdoor Adventures

Horseshoe Valley is home to some of the best terrains for outdoor activities. One can go skiing, snowboarding, fat biking, snowshoeing, skating, snow tubing, snowmobiling, cross-country biking, hiking, treetop trekking, swimming in the outdoor pools, and golfing, to name just a few. The slopes of Horseshoe Valley are also an ideal location to enjoy the thrill of night skiing.

Go for Spa Indulgence

There's no denying that spas are a great way to relax. At Horseshoe Valley, visitors can pamper themselves with soothing spa sessions to make the most of their vacation. They can even go for Nordic spa sessions and rejuvenate with thermal healing after a day of outdoor adventures.

Enjoy Local Flavours

Horseshoe Valley has excellent dining options, and the food here is drool-worthy. From finger-licking snacks to sumptuous meals comprising delicious local dishes, this neighbourhood has a lot to explore.

Distance & Commute from Popular Locations

The distance between Horseshoe Valley and Toronto Airport (YYZ) is 5 km. There are trains, taxis, buses, cars, and town cars available to reach the airport from the station.
The Toronto Union Station is about 4 km away from Horseshoe Valley. Trains, buses, and cars are available for commuting from the neighbourhood to Toronto Union Station.

Popular Markets in Horseshoe Valley

Horseshoe Valley is a lively place with several buzzing markets. Residents and tourists can buy fresh fruits and vegetables from such markets. These farm markets also sell fresh dairy products, meat, and other items. Some of the popular farmers' markets in and around the Horseshoe Valley neighbourhood where one can buy fresh products are as follows:

Nicholyn Farms
Ego's Farm Market
Coulson Ridge Farm

Horseshoe Valley Demographics

Horseshoe Valley has a population density of 165 per square kilometre. It is 327% higher than that of Oro-Medonte. The relatively high population density of the area is one of the reasons behind the growth of the Horseshoe Valley real estate market. The population of this neighbourhood mainly comprises married couples. A major section of the families living here has kids at home. Many residents of this neighbourhood belong to different cultural backgrounds.

Statistics	Horseshoe Valley
Area Code	L4M 4Y8
Total Population	1,353
Population density (sq km)	165
Median age	50.5
Male/Female ratio	1.0:1
Married couples	82%
Families w/ kids at home	38%

Things to Do in Horseshoe Valley With Kids & Pets

People with kids will be delighted to find many activities at Horseshoe Valley to keep their young ones engaged and entertained for hours. Outdoor activities, such as off-road excursions through Horseshoe Valley and Yamaha riding adventures involving snowmobile, ATV, and motorcycle riding are among the top attractions for kids in this area. Horseshoe Adventure Park is another place that offers plenty of activities for kids, including biking, horseback riding, rock wall climbing, archery, and mini golf, to name just a few. Kids can also enjoy several recreational activities at the Barrie Centennial Park that stands with a sandy beach as the backdrop. The residents of Horseshoe Valley are a pet-friendly lot. That is why the neighbourhood and its surrounding areas have several pet-friendly places. Some of the popular pet-friendly places in this neighbourhood include the Horseshoe Resort, the Horseshoe Adventure Park, and the Horseshoe Resort Cross Country Lodge.

Average Cost of Living in Horseshoe Valley

The cost of living in Horseshoe Valley is comparatively lower than in the surrounding areas. It is 6% lower than the Oro-Medonte average. Housing in this neighbourhood is lower than the national average by 7%. The cost-of-living index is expressed through a national average of 100. So, a score of 95 would indicate that the cost of living is 5% below the national average, while a score of 105 would mean that the cost of living is 5% higher than the national average.

Index	Horseshoe Valley
Cost of Living	104
Groceries	100
Transportation	107
Health care	103
Goods & Services	108
Housing	93
Utilities	130

Real Estate Housing Market of Horseshoe Valley

The Horseshoe Valley real estate market has been growing considerably over the last few decades. It has now turned into a competitive market. With the popularity of Horseshoe Valley on the rise, the demand for residential properties in and around the neighbourhood is also increasing. Horseshoe Valley is a coveted residential destination for home buyers and rental home seekers. The neighbourhood features various homes, including bungalows, lofts, cottages, condos, and apartments. Buyers can find residential units of different sizes in this neighbourhood, ranging from 1-bedroom homes to 4-bedroom apartments.