South-Shore, Simcoe

South Shore neighbourhood is a picturesque community located in Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada, situated on the south shore of Lake Simcoe. The neighbourhood of South Shore is a popular summer vacation destination, offering a variety of outdoor recreational activities. One of the main attractions of the South Shore neighbourhood is its natural beauty. The community is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, with stunning views of Lake Simcoe. The lake itself is known for its clear waters and excellent fishing opportunities. Overall, South Shore is a beautiful and welcoming community that offers something for everyone, whether you're looking for a relaxing summer vacation or a year-round home in a picturesque location.

The South Shore neighbourhood is generally considered a highly livable and desirable community with a relaxed and friendly lifestyle. The area is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and small-town charm. The community is also home to a range of amenities and services, including local shops, restaurants, cafes, medical facilities, schools, and community centres. While the area is largely suburban, it is within driving distance of larger towns and cities, such as Barrie and Orillia, which offer additional amenities and services. The crime rate in the area is slightly lower than the national average, which makes it a relatively safer area to live in. The proportion of violent and property crimes is also lower than the national average.

The overall median household income is comparable to the national average of Canada, and the unemployment rate is extremely low. However, this area has a labour participation rate of only 54%. English-speaking residents make up the majority of the South Shore neighbourhood. Nearly all of the residents (92.6%) speak only English, with very few individuals being bilingual. Having a shared language can promote effective communication and social harmony among residents, as well as simplify the process of assimilation for newcomers joining the community.

It is a convenient place to live, thanks to the availability of numerous amenities in the neighbourhood of South Shore. There are several schools, hospitals, markets, and restaurants within close distance of the area.

Schools

There are several schools in and around the neighbourhood of South Shore. There is a nice mix of public and private schools to choose from. Some of the most prominent schools are listed below:

• Hyde Park Public School
• Maple Grove Public School
• Innisdale Elementary School

Restaurants

South Shore location is home to some notable restaurants and is close to several more. Here are some of the most well-known restaurants in the area include the following:

• Ferreras
• Tai Shan Express
• The Catherwood and the Kiln
• Barrel
• Simcoe Arms
• Gator BBQ
• Lily's Tacos

Shopping Malls

One of the amenities that make the South Shore location a convenient place to live is the proximity to several malls and shopping centres that can be accessed within a short drive. Here is a list of some of the most prominent places to shop.

• Georgian Mall
• Park Place
• Bayfield Mall

Hospitals

The South Shore location is home to various hospitals and medical centres that offer vital healthcare services to its residents within a couple of hours of driving. These facilities are operated by skilled medical personnel and are equipped with modern technology to cater to different healthcare requirements. Here are the names of some of the hospitals:

• Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
• Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital
• Stevenson Memorial Hospital
• Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care

For visitors to the area, there are numerous attractions and places to check out on your South Shore visit. Some of the best local attractions include the following:

Kempenfelt Bay

Kempenfelt Bay is a large bay located in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. The bay is part of Lake Simcoe and is surrounded by scenic parks and beaches, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities and water sports. The bay has crystal-clear waters make it an excellent location for swimming, boating, kayaking, and other water-based activities.

Hardwood Ski and Bike

Hardwood Ski and Bike is a year-round outdoor recreational facility located in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, Canada. The facility is known for its extensive network of cross-country ski trails and mountain bike trails that provide visitors with a range of outdoor activities for all skill levels. During the winter months, Hardwood Ski and Bike offer over 80 kilometres of cross-country ski trails that are suitable for classic skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing.

Lake Simcoe

Lake Simcoe is a large freshwater lake located in south-central Ontario, Canada. It is the fourth-largest lake in Ontario, with a surface area of approximately 722 square kilometres. The lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a range of recreational activities throughout the year. In the summer months, visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking. The lake is home to a wide variety of fish, including bass, perch, trout, and whitefish, making it a popular spot for anglers which you can check out on a South Shore visit.

Tiffin Centre for Conservation

The Tiffin Centre for Conservation is a nature reserve and outdoor education centre located in Utopia, Ontario, Canada. The centre is spread across 300 acres of land. The Tiffin Centre for Conservation offers visitors a range of recreational activities and educational programs.

Horseshoe Resort

Horseshoe Resort is a four-season resort located in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. The resort offers visitors a range of recreational activities and amenities. Horseshoe Resort is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts during the winter months. The resort has 28 ski runs and 6 lifts, making it one of the best ski resorts in Ontario.

The South Shore location offers a variety of activities and attractions for its residents. Notably, the area is well-known for its markets, museums, outdoor activities, and local events, providing plenty of options for locals to stay entertained. Some of the top activities include the following:

Visit Local Festivals and Events

An event called LocalLicious is a food festival that takes place in Barrie, featuring local restaurants offering special prix-fixe menus. You can also check out the Barrie Farmers' Market, which is a weekly outdoor market where visitors can purchase fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.

Visit Museums and Galleries

One of the most prominent art galleries is MacLaren Art Centre which is located in Barrie, the MacLaren Art Centre is a public art gallery that showcases contemporary and historical art from local and international artists. Another option is the Simcoe County Museum which is located in Minesing and features a range of exhibits that explore the history of Simcoe County, including artefacts and displays related to pioneer life, agriculture, and local industry.

Visit Local Restaurants and Eateries

South Shore offers a diverse range of local and international cuisine. You can visit restaurants such as Urban Dish Grill & Wine Bar, Kenzington Burger Bar, KoHyang House, and more in nearby Barrie. The restaurant scene is great and provides a getaway from daily life.

While the South Shore location is a suburban area, it is not too far from a variety of popular locations where you can enjoy both urban life and outdoor life. Here are some distances and estimated commute times from a South Shore visit to popular locations:

• Barrie (downtown): 10 km (about 15-20 minutes by car)
• Toronto (downtown): 95 km (about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic)
• Blue Mountain: 75 km (about 1 hour by car)
• Muskoka: 90 km (about 1 hour 15 minutes by car)
• Wasaga Beach: 30 km (about 30-40 minutes by car)
• Pearson International Airport: 100 km (about 1 hour 15 mins to 1 hour 30 mins by car, depending on traffic)

Please note that these are estimated travel times and may vary depending on traffic conditions, route taken, and other factors in the neighbourhood.

There are several popular markets in and around South Shore, Simcoe. The neighbourhood shops are a mix of farmer's markets, shopping malls, artisan markets, and so on.

Barrie Farmers' Market

The Barrie Farmers' Market is a vibrant outdoor neighbourhood shop open on Saturdays every week. It features a wide variety of fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheese, crafts, and more from local vendors. The market is a great place to stock up on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and support local farmers and artisans.

Orillia Farmers' Market

The Orillia Farmers' Market is another popular outdoor market held on Saturdays year-round. The neighbourhood shop offers a wide selection of fresh, locally grown produce, meats, cheese, baked goods, crafts, and more from over 40 vendors. The market is a great place to find unique, seasonal items and meet the people who produce them.

The Artisan Boutique

The Artisan Boutique is a popular store featuring a variety of vendors. It features a wide range of unique, handmade goods from local artisans, including jewellery, pottery, clothing, art, and more. The store is a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and support local artists and craftspeople.

There is a total population of 2,105 in the South Shore neighbourhood. The population density is quite average at 1,359 people per square kilometre. The median age in the neighbourhood is 55 years which shows that the population in the neighbourhood is older than the median age of the country.

During a South Shore visit, you can check out a variety of parks and trails that are perfect for exploring with kids and pets. The Tiffin Centre for Conservation is a great place to go bird-watching, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing in the winter. For pet owners, the Barrie Dog Parks are areas where dogs can run and play off-leash. There are plenty of family-friendly attractions in and around area for a South Shore visit, such as Horseshoe Resort, where you can find activities for all ages.

The cost of living in South Shore is comparable to that of Barrie and slightly above the national average. Housing costs in South Shore are comparatively lower than those in the other two areas, which lowers the total cost of living in South Shore, whereas the prices of groceries and healthcare are relatively similar. Goods and services, as well as transportation, are slightly more expensive than in Ontario, while utility costs are relatively much higher, which increases the cost of living in South Shore.

The South Shore real estate market is diverse, with a variety of properties available for different budgets and preferences. The average home price in the South Shore real estate market is lower than in the nearby city of Toronto but higher than in some other regions in Ontario. The neighbourhoods closer to Lake Simcoe, such as Innisfil Beach, Big Bay Point, and Belle Ewart, have higher-end properties with stunning lakefront views, and private docks are significantly higher in the South Shore real estate market.