Ballantrae, York

Ballantrae, York, is a charming hamlet situated in the Town of Whitchurch–Stouffville. It is inspired by the village of Ballantrae in Scotland and was established in the early 19th century. In the early 20th century, there was a significant decline in population due to extensive deforestation and erosion in northern Whitchurch Township, which eventually led to the formation of sand deserts. However, the Reforestation Act of 1911 and the Vivian Forest in 1924 played a crucial role in this restoration effort and initiated gradual reclamation of the affected areas. This locality provides amenities such as walking trails and a recreation centre. This magnificent rural hamlet combines natural beauty and the attraction of a small-town atmosphere which is surrounded by rolling hills and tranquil landscapes.

Let us go through Ballantrae's overall livability and lifestyle score: Ballantrae neighbourhood is ranked #2 in Whitchurch-Stouffville and #381 in Ontario. It ranks better than 82% of areas and has a Livability Score of 51/100. It is considered quite a safe neighbourhood as Ballantrae crime rates are 8% lower than the Whitchurch-Stouffville average. It boasts of a 54% lower crime than the CDN average, and 37% lower than Ontario. Here, the odds of becoming a crime victim are just 1 in 52, and its safety record surpasses that of 39% of Ontario's cities, making it a safe and serene place.

Ballantrae has a consistent population and is popular with people in their 50s – 80s. The median household income in Ballantrae is 57% higher than the national average, while the unemployment rate in Ballantrae is 83% lower than the national average. In Ballantrae, 2.2% of people earn $20,000 or less, 11.3% of people earn between $80,000 and $100,000, and 10.2% of people earn $300,000 or more The population of Ballantrae consists of people belonging to diverse cultures. 8.43% of the population is Chinese, who largely influence the food and language culture of the neighbourhood. 4.85% of the population is South Asian, who bring with them the heritage, culture, and diversity of the region. 2.20% of the population is Black, which further augments the diversity of the neighbourhood. Linguistically, several people residing in Ballantrae prefer to communicate in English. However, other prominent languages spoken here are Chinese, Indian, and Filipino.

The neighbourhood has a vibrant and peaceful vibe, and it represents a small community with a mix of older and newer homes. It has great schools, hospitals, parks with playgrounds, green spaces, and a peaceful atmosphere away from the city.

Schools

Some of the most popular schools in Ballantrae are:

• Académie de la Moraine
• Stouffville District SS
• École catholique Pape-François
• Blessed Chiara Badano CES
• Country Casa Academy

Restaurants

Some of the most popular restaurants are:

• Fishbone By The Lake
• Kyushu Yakitori Izakaya
• Slabtown cider
• The King's Landing
• Daldongnae Korean BBQ
• Hanson's Restaurant
• The Big Casserole

Shopping Malls

Some of the famous shopping places and malls in Ballantrae are:

• Shambles Market
• Shopping white
• York Information Centre & Gift Shop

Hospitals

For medical emergencies, you will find several medical and healthcare institutions in and around Ballantrae. Some of the most famous ones are:

• Np Health Clinic
• Uxbridge Health Centre
• Promenade Medical Centre
• Markham Stouffville Hospital

Here, you can discover some of the most stunning recreational and enticing top attractions in Ballantrae, where residents and visitors can enjoy adventurous activities, nature blends, local flavours, and the rich culture with their families and friends. Some of the most enchanting places to visit in Ballantrae are:

1. Ballantrae Golf Club

Ballantrae is known for its marvellous golf clubs, where you can experience incredible value with their multiple play packages, providing unbeatable opportunities for golf enthusiasts. The staff closely monitors the pace of play to enhance your overall golfing experience.

2. Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park

Bare Oaks is a naturist park that is open throughout the year and is located near Toronto, Canada. Here, families can indulge in traditional naturist activities, open spaces, woodlands, ponds, and streams and explore the beauty of the Ontario Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine. Other facilities include a clubhouse with year-round amenities, saunas, and a whirlpool.

3. Vida Surf Travel

This is one of the world's best surf destinations which offers the best beginner waves, amazing cultures, and majestic and natural settings. This is a sheer adventure for those who love the adrenaline rush they get from all-inclusive surf and yoga retreats where beginners can learn to surf in a welcoming and relaxed environment.

4. Gallucci Winery

One of the finest places to visit in Ballantrae is the Gallucci Winery where residents and tourists can enjoy exotic food and wine and also book events for a grand affair. It is a beautiful place where visitors relish the amazing wine-tasting experience along with the warm hospitality of the staff. The Gallucci patio is sprawling and spacious, surrounded by their vineyard, where you can enjoy a quiet and serene stroll with your loved ones.

5. Burd's Family Fishing

This is one of the best places where you can spend a worthwhile day and quality time with kids, families, and friends. Enjoy a good fish catch, make the most of its hospitable customer service, and enjoy a hearty meal after spending a whole day of fun and frolic with your near and dear ones.

Ballantrae is a tranquil neighbourhood in York that is mainly popular for its gold courses, activities like hiking, fishing, boating, and various kinds of recreational clubs. While it might be a small village, it has several attractions in and around the area. Here are a few recommendations:

• Visit Parks: Children and people of all age groups can have leisure time at the parks here, which feature playgrounds for kids and sports parks. There are 4 parks in this neighbourhood, with 16 recreational facilities in total. Some of the famous parks in the area include Ballantrae Park, Ballantrae Community Centre and Sports Fields, Latcham Gallery Park, Bruce's Mill Conservation Area, Wheelers Mill Park, and Sunnyridge Park.
• Shop and Dine: You must relish some of the most exquisite shopping and dining options at Ballantrae. You can try the pizzas, souvlaki, and burgers at Georgio's Pizza & Grill or just visit the farmers' markets at Simpson Family Farms.
• Local Sightseeing: When in Ballantrae, you cannot miss visiting the topmost sightseeing places like the Ballantrae Golf Club, the Patterson tract is a 2.9 km loop trail, Halltract – the 3.9 km long trail, the serene Eldred King Woodlands trail, and the Whitchurch Conservation Area is about an 11-hectare property in Whitchurch.
• Ballantrae Historical Background: Ballantrae's first residents were of Irish background and became the target of the lumber industry in the late 1800s. By the early 1900s, the population greatly diminished, and only after 1971, this place was replaced by the present-day Ballantrae in 1973. Since then, the locality and neighbourhood have experienced new growth in the 2000s with the emergence of new lifestyle communities.

There are convenient transportation connections, which makes it easier for residents to commute from Ballantrae to other parts of York. The walkability is low, bikeability is high, public transit is affordable, and greenspace is high.

• Time to the nearest shopping mall is 20 Minutes
• Time to GO Bus or Train Station is 15 Minutes
• Time to hospital is 20 Minutes
• Time to Toronto Pearson International Airport is 50 Minutes, and the distance is approximately 62.9 km.
• The time to the closest highway is 15 Minutes

Ballantrae constitutes a high percentage of retirees and a range of ethnic backgrounds. Some of the most popular markets in and around this place are:

1. Ballantrae Market

Ballantrae Market is located at the corner of Highway 48 and Aurora Road, which is lined by new businesses, grocery stores in the Lawrence and Warden area, and various dining places like Georgio's Pizza and Grill, which serves great pizza, pasta, and Greek food.

2. Stouffville Farmers Market

The Stouffville Market is a place where you can explore the talents of artisans, food enthusiasts, fresh produce vendors, crafters, and creators, all sharing the best of what they have to offer. Experience the lively atmosphere in downtown Stouffville that will entice you to return week after week as a diverse array of vendors and entertainers awaits your discovery.

Ballantrae is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, and it is a perfect destination for people of all age groups who live in the neighbourhood to enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. The population density in Ballantrae is 158% higher than Whitchurch-Stouffville, and the median age in Ballantrae is 63% higher than Whitchurch-Stouffville.

Ballantrae presents a diverse range of activities for families, residents, and visitors. One can indulge in outdoor exploration, historical site visits, culinary indulgence, and participation in local events. There is something for everyone, and there are several things you can do in Ballantrae with children and pets:

• Explore Arts: From Ballantrae, you can visit Downtown Stouffville, where you will find the Lebovic Centre for Arts and Entertainment, also known as Nineteen on the Park. This versatile event centre hosts a variety of local and professional events, including comedy shows, concerts, live theatre, film screenings, fundraisers, and more. It also provides year-round workshops, exhibitions, and diverse programs for adults, children, and local schools.
• Recreational Activities: The Ballantrae Community Centre, situated at 5592 Aurora Road, offers multiple meeting rooms for community functions and events. You can find 4 tennis courts with lights, a soccer field, and a baseball diamond. For nature enthusiasts, there are numerous conservation areas just minutes away from Ballantrae. You can make the most of scenic hiking trails, the Ballantrae Golf and Country Club, and indoor facilities like an indoor pool, exercise room, and tennis courts.
• Visit Historical Sites: Ballantrae's rich history is showcased through the charming streets of Ballantrae Village lined with heritage buildings. You can learn more about its history and culture at the Ballantrae Community Centre and Museum, which is home to artefacts and exhibits related to local history.
• Indulge in Local Cuisine: Try fresh seafood or traditional Canadian dishes at its delightful restaurants and cosy cafes. It is highly recommended to visit its local farmers' market, which offers fresh produce and artisanal products.
• Relax and Unwind: When visiting Ballantrae, you must treat yourself to a spa day at one of the luxurious wellness centres, enjoy its serene beaches, or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this charming Canadian town.

The cost of living in Ballantrae is 1% higher than the Whitchurch-Stouffville average and 13% higher than the national average. Ballantrae housing is 22% higher than the national average. The income tax is 40% lower than the national average, and the general sales tax in Ontario is 33% higher than the national average. A table showing the cost of living in Ballantrae is given below:

The median home price in Whitchurch-Stouffville is 28% higher than the national average, while the median rent is 100% lower than the national average. The average number of people per household in Whitchurch-Stouffville is 24% higher than the national average. The number of owner-occupied households in Whitchurch-Stouffville is 32% higher, and the number of renter-occupied households in Whitchurch-Stouffville is 66% lower than the national average. Ballantrae is located east of Highway 48 and north of Aurora Road, and the residential sector consists of large bungalows with exceptional architectural details and attached garages; detached homes, some with attractive features like dens and open concept layouts; and a mix of older and newer homes which are mostly owner-occupied. The locality also comprises Estate homes on premium lots, including Ballantrae Estates and Forest Trail Estates. Condominiums constitute 60% of the residential category while 49% of homes come with 2 bedrooms, 30% of homes are with 3 bedrooms, and 19% of homes come with 4 or more bedrooms.