Why Ajax, Ontario Is Quietly Becoming a Hidden Gem for GTA Homebuyers

If you’re house-hunting east of Toronto, Ajax might not scream headlines like Oakville or Mississauga - but it should. Nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario in Durham Region, Ajax is one of the GTA's most underrated cities offering a blend of community charm, green spaces, waterfront views, and excellent commuting options - all while remaining relatively affordable (for now).

Here’s everything you need to know about living in Ajax if you’re a buyer, seller, or just curious.

🌇 Neighbourhood Overview: Where Community Meets Convenience

Ajax is divided into several neighbourhoods - each with its unique character:

• South Ajax: Known for its waterfront trails, peaceful streets, and parks. Ideal for families and retirees.
• Central Ajax: The downtown area has great connectivity, shopping plazas, and access to transit.
• North Ajax: A newer area that’s seeing a lot of development, with bigger homes, newer schools, and more spacious lots.

Whether you're looking for a starter townhome, a detached family home, or a custom build, there's something in Ajax to match most needs.

🚆 Commute & Connectivity: Better Than You Think

For commuters, Ajax GO Station is a major win - offering direct service to Union Station within an hour. Highway 401 runs right through the city, and Durham Transit connects easily with TTC and GO services.

With the recent Metrolinx upgrades, transit time and frequency have improved, making Ajax a practical choice for downtown workers.

🏫 Schools in Ajax: Good Picks for Growing Families

Education is a key decision-making factor for homebuyers, and Ajax performs well:

Top-Rated Public & Catholic Schools:

• Eagle Ridge Public School
• St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic Elementary
• Ajax High School
• J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate

These schools have solid EQAO scores (often in the 80s) and supportive academic environments.

Stay tuned for individual school blogs with full Fraser rankings and EQAO highlights on broko.ai.

🌳 Lifestyle & Amenities: Green Living with Urban Comforts

• Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail: Walk, cycle, or relax along miles of scenic lakefront.
• Rotary Park & Paradise Beach: Great for families and weekend picnics.
• Ajax Community Centre: Hockey rinks, pools, and kids’ programs galore.
• Big Box Shopping: Costco, Home Depot, Walmart, and more all within 15 minutes.

You’re never far from what you need, but you also won’t deal with the crowding of Toronto or Mississauga.

🏘️ Real Estate Market Snapshot

As of August 2025, Ajax continues to offer great value per square foot compared to more central GTA cities. Detached homes are still available under $1 million in certain pockets, especially in North Ajax.

Ajax is seeing a gradual increase in new builds, townhomes, and mid-rise condo developments - which is perfect for first-time buyers and downsizers.

💡 Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a community-first city, good schools, affordable living, and an easy commute to Toronto - Ajax checks a lot of boxes. It’s a city on the rise, and now is the time to get in before prices catch up to its neighbours.

Ready to explore Ajax homes or sell your current one with smarter insights?

🔗 Start with Broko  - your AI-powered real estate companion.