Best Oshawa Neighbourhoods for Renting

Oshawa is a growing city on the eastern border of the GTA on the shoreline of Lake Ontario. 

Known historically as Motor City (General Motors Canada set up shop here and has ties in the community stretching back to 1907), Oshawa's strategic location makes it a popular landing spot for newcomers to Canada and international students. 

The name Oshawa originates from the Ojibwa term aazhawe, meaning “the crossing place.”

Ottawa's population is about 170,000, and it is linked to the rest of the GTA by major highways (most notably Highway 401) and the GO train.

Manufacturing and construction are two major growth industries, along with education and healthcare. 

Thriving downtown core

Oshawa features a thriving downtown area.  It also has a top-notch hospital in Lakeridge Health Oshawa, excellent schools, convenient transportation corridors, and an abundance of parkland and recreation facilities, with two large waterfront parks, Lakefront Park West and Lakeview Park, that have scenic picnic areas and plenty of recreational amenities.

Oshawa is the largest city in Durham Region (part of the Greater Toronto Area), which also includes Pickering, Ajax, and Whitby. It is considered a safe, family-friendly area ideal for commuters. 

Best and most popular neighbourhoods in Oshawa

Here are some of the best and most popular neighbourhoods to rent in Oshawa:

Lakeview Neighbourhood

Many first-time home buyers are on the lookout for neighbourhoods that fit into the category of being affordable. Lakeview is one of these, yet it offers this without compromising safety or convenience. This community resides in Oshawa and has a higher crime rate compared to other neighbourhoods within the same city. However, the lower crime rate here is still rated at an A+. Also, it is 25 percent lower than the national crime rate. The area is also well-scored for its amenities. All of this, along with the great selection of styles of homes, provides a great neighbourhood for the family who wants to reside in a great environment.

Taunton Neighbourhood

This neighbourhood has a very impressive livability rating score of 82. It has received A+s in amenities, crime, employment and schools. It is also well-rated for the calibre and choices of homes in this area. It has a 54 percent lower crime rate compared to the national average. Besides enjoying a safe environment, the neighbourhood is well recognized for its employment opportunities and the many amenities that the residents enjoy here.

 

Downtown Oshawa

For those who thrive on living in the hub of a busy, vibrant city, then Downtown Oshawa may be their best choice. It has all the amenities that big city living offers yet still has an urban feel. It has a 25 percent lower crime rate compared to the national statistics and, for this, is receiving an A+ rating. Not everyone wants to reside in a robust area, but this region really has a lot to offer its residents and businesses. There is plenty of space for relaxation as well as enjoying all of the activities that can be found here.

Donevan Neighbourhood

There are many qualities about this neighbourhood that are enticing for those who want to raise a family in a safe environment. The real estate prices are 13 percent lower than the Oshawa average. This, combined with the 40% lower crime rate than the national average, is something its residents appreciate much more. This includes different types of crimes, such as violent and property crimes. Children can play safely in this neighbourhood while adults enjoy all the amenities similarly.

Samac Neighbourhood

For a neighbourhood that has it all, then Samac in Oshawa should be considered. This is an excellent area for raising a family or for seniors who want a clean, quiet and safe neighbourhood to retire in. It has a 13 percent lower crime rate than the rest of Oshawa. Overall, it scored 81 on liveability tests. This is based on great amenities and employment as well as excellent schools. Those who live here can enjoy all that Oshawa has to offer without sacrificing anything because of its impressive livability score.

Beaton Neighbourhood

Beaton has an overall livability score of 79, which has allowed it to receive A+ ratings for amenities and crime. It is a well-known and established neighbourhood community that is a part of Oshawa. It has a 12% lower crime rate than many other neighbourhoods in this city. Another perk about this area is that the real estate prices are about 39 percent lower than others in the region. It is surrounded by other neighbourhoods and places with an excellent low crime rating.

Windfields Neighbourhood

Those who want to enjoy what Oshawa offers will want to consider the best neighbourhoods with low crime ratings. Within this category falls the neighbourhood of Windfields. It is an area that not only has an A+ for low crimes but also has a livability score of 76. It has excellent amenities, a good rating for housing, and top-notch schools. The same applies to employment, which has received an A rating. This is an excellent place for many residents to enjoy quality lifestyles without worrying about safety.

Northglen Neighbourhood

This is an average-sized community with a current population of about 4,664 individuals. It has a 76 livability score, considering Z+ ratings for amenities and crime. It has a 35% lower crime rate than other Oshawa areas. The neighbourhood holds the #6 spot for livability compared to others in this city. It also keeps the 941 spots for the entire province. Overall, this neighbourhood possesses some excellent scores in all essential characteristics for families who want to live in a great neighbourhood.

Northwood Neighbourhood

Overall, the city of Oshawa enjoys a low crime rate. This neighbourhood of Northwood has a 56 percent lower crime rate than all of the other areas in the town. It welcomes both renters and residential owners. It has some top-quality amenities that offer a safe environment for those who live or visit here. Housing has a high rating, just as the schools do. Those who decide to take up residence here should not be disappointed.

 

Northwood Neighbourhood

Overall, the city of Oshawa enjoys a low crime rate. This neighbourhood of Northwood has a 56% lower crime rate than all of the other areas within the city. It welcomes both renters and residential owners. It has some top-quality amenities that offer a safe environment for those who live or visit here. Housing has a high rating, just as the schools do. Those who decide to take up residence here should not be disappointed.

 

Kedron

While some great neighbourhoods within Oshawa have some excellent scores for low crime rates, Kedron is near the top of the list. It has a 59 percent lower average compared to other neighbourhoods. Compared to the national average, it scores 76 percent lower in crime rate. These scores give this neighbourhood the category of being a safe environment to live and work in. Overall, it has an excellent liveability score of 76, allowing it to take the 8th position for this within the city.