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Written By
Corinna Frattini
Sep 17, 2025
•Housing
Barrie, Ontario, is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, with a population of more than 142,000 people (City of Barrie, 2025). Just 80 km north of Toronto, Barrie offers newcomers a more affordable lifestyle while staying connected to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) by GO Train and Highway 400. With average rents around $2,080/month (Rentals.ca, 2025), Barrie is a popular choice for commuters, families, and students. Here are the best neighbourhoods in Barrie to rent in as a newcomer.
Finding the right neighbourhood is only part of the rental journey. As a newcomer, it’s vital to understand how the Canadian rental application process works. Landlords in Barrie often ask for documents such as identification, proof of income, and references before approving your application. Having these ready will help you stand out in a competitive market.
If you’re just arriving and need flexibility, consider short-term rentals or homesharing options. These options allow you to settle quickly while exploring neighbourhoods before signing a long-term lease.
Shared housing is common for students near Georgian College or in the East End. Discover more about Types of Housing in Canada.
Newcomer Tip: Use trusted platforms like Rentals for Newcomers (RFN) to find verified listings and avoid rental scams. Be cautious of landlords who ask for deposits before you see the unit, or request payment through untraceable methods. Always get a lease in writing and confirm landlord details.
Newcomers should consider renting in neighbourhoods that balance affordability, amenities, and access to transit. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, whether you prioritize commuting, family-friendly amenities, or scenic lakefront living. Here are some top neighbourhoods to consider.
Located in Barrie’s south end, Painswick is one of the city’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods. Its biggest draw is the Barrie South GO Station, which makes commuting to Toronto manageable for professionals.
Ideal for: Families seeking schools and green space, professionals commuting to the GTA, renters who want suburban convenience.
Access: Public Transit: Direct GO Train service to Toronto from Barrie South GO Station. Driving: Easy access to Highway 400, about 15 minutes to downtown Barrie, 75 – 90 minutes to Toronto.
Vibe: Suburban, growing, and family-friendly with plenty of shopping and dining along Big Bay Point Road.
Rental range: 1-bedroom apartments: $1,700 – $1,900; 2-bedroom condos/townhouses: $2,100 – $2,400; Detached homes: $2.800+.
Why newcomers like it: Multiple schools and a public library branch to support family needs; easy commuting by GO train or Highway 400.
Holly is a rapidly developing neighbourhood in Barrie’s south end. It’s one of the most sought-after areas due to its excellent schools, parks, and strong sense of community.
Ideal for: Families with young children; renters looking for a quiet suburban lifestyle.
Access: Public transit: Barrie Transit bus routes connect to downtown and GO stations. Driving: About 10 minutes to downtown Barrie, quick access to Highway 400.
Vibe: Family-focused with new subdivisions, parks, and shopping nearby.
Rental range: Townhouses $2,000 – $3,000; detached homes $2,600+
Why newcomers like it: Well-rated schools and family-friendly amenities; plenty of green space for kids to play, and access to Highway 400 for commuters.
If you’re looking to settle long-term, Holly offers larger rental homes with room for extended family, ideal for newcomers moving with relatives.
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARInnis Shore, in Barrie’s southeast, is one of the largest neighbourhoods in the city. It borders Kempenfelt Bay, offering lake views and access to parks and trails.
Ideal for: Families seeking large homes near schools; nature lovers seeking trails and lakefront access.
Access: About 15 minutes to drive downtown with easy access to Highway 400. Public transit offers local bus routes. Nearest GO access is Barrie South GO Station (10 – 15 minutes away).
Vibe: Scenic, spacious, and community-oriented.
Rental range: Townhouses $2,000 – $2,400; detached homes $2,700+.
Why newcomers like it: Top-rated schools and playgrounds, scenic trails and green spaces for outdoor activities, proximity to Wilkin’s Beach for family outings.
Sunnidale, in Barrie’s north end, is known for large lots, mature trees, and established homes. It’s a quiet neighbourhood with excellent schools.
Ideal for: Families seeking space, renters who want a quiet, established community.
Access: About 10 minutes to drive to downtown Barrie; close to Highway 400. Barrie Transit routes connect to downtown and the Allandale Waterfront GO Station.
Vibe: Peaceful and residential with a suburban feel.
Rental range: Detached homes $2,400 – $2,800.
Why newcomers like it: Many schools, including six public and four Catholic options; Sunnidale Park offers trails, streams and an arboretum; ideal for families looking for long-term stability.
This area has fewer apartments, so focus your rental search on single-family homes or basement apartments.
Bayshore is a well-established neighbourhood in Barrie’s south end, with several subdivisions. It features mainly detached homes with few condos or townhouses. It offers quiet, residential streets mixed with commercial strips, parks, and access to waterfront areas.
Ideal for: Families, including those with school-age children.
Access: Driving to downtown Barrie is quick, and access to Highway 400 is reasonable via connector roads. Several Barrie Transit bus routes connect to other parts of the city.
Vibe: Calm, residential, and close to parks
Rental range: Detached homes $2,500+.
Why newcomers like it: Lake proximity, family parks, and quiet streets.
City Centre overlooks Kempenfelt Bay and is the heart of downtown Barrie. It’s ideal for renters who want walkable access to shops, restaurants, and the waterfront.
Ideal for: Young professionals, students, or singles seeking apartments.
Access: The central location means short drives anywhere in the city; multiple Barrie Transit routes; close to the Allandale Waterfront GO Station.
Vibe: Urban, busy, and scenic with high-rise condos and apartments.
Rental range: 1-bedroom apartments/condos $1,800 – $2,200.
Why newcomers like it: Walkability to amenities and nightlife; access to the Allandale Waterfront GO Station; beautiful waterfront trails and views.
The East End is one of Barrie’s oldest areas and is home to Georgian College. It offers mature trees, older brick homes, and family parks.
Ideal for: Students attending Georgian College; families who prefer a quieter, older neighbourhood.
Access: About 10 minutes to drive to downtown Barrie; direct Barrie Transit service to Georgian College and downtown.
Vibe: Historic, residential, and student-friendly.
Rental range: Rooms for students typically cost $600 – $900/month; rentals/rooms: $600 – $900/month; detached homes range from $2,000 – $2,500.
Why newcomers like it: Close to Georgian College and Kempenfelt Park, a mix of student housing and family homes, quiet, established neighbourhood.
Ardagh is located in Barrie’s west end and sits next to the Ardagh Bluffs Natural Area, with over 17 km of trails.
Ideal for: Nature lovers; families seeking outdoor access.
Access: About 10 minutes to drive downtown. Public transit bus routes connect to downtown and GO stations.
Vibe: Residential, scenic, and active with access to nature.
Rental range: Apartments/condos near the waterfront $2,000 – $2,200; Detached homes: $2,600+.
Why newcomers like it: Trails, parks, and outdoor spaces like Bear Creek Eco-Park; mix of new condos and older homes; easy access to Highway 400.
If you love the outdoors but want affordability, look for condos near Ardagh Bluffs instead of detached homes.
Allandale is one of Barrie’s oldest and most charming neighbourhoods, with heritage homes, lake access, and the Allandale Waterfront GO Station.
Ideal for: Commuters and renters who appreciate heritage charm.
Access: Several Barrie Transit bus routes connect to other parts of the city. Driving to downtown Barrie is quick, and access to Highway 400 is reasonable via connector roads.
Vibe: Calm, residential, and close to parks
Rental range: Detached homes $2,400 – $2,700; Apartments/condos near the waterfront: $2,000 – $2,200.
Why newcomers like it: Historic homes and easy access to BarrieTrails, parks, and outdoor spaces like Bear Creek Eco-Park; a mix of new condos and older homes; easy access to Highway 400.
| NEIGHBOURHOOD | RENTAL RANGE* |
|---|---|
| Painswick | $1,700 – $2,800+ |
| Holly | $2,000 – $2,600+ |
| Innis Shore | $2,000 – $2,700+ |
| Sunnidale | $2,400 – $2,800 |
| Bayshore | $2,100 – $2,500+ |
| City Centre | $1,800 – $2,200 |
| East End | $600 – $900 (room) / $2,000 – $2,500 (home) |
| Ardagh | $1,900 – $2,600+ |
| Allandale | $2,000 – $2,700 |
Newcomers can find a variety of rental options in Barrie, including high-rise apartments downtown, heritage homes in Allandale and City Centre, family-sized houses in suburban neighbourhoods like Holly and Innis Shore, and modern condos near the waterfront. Read more about types of housing in Canada.
Yes. Rental prices in Barrie are generally more affordable than in Toronto, which is why it’s popular with commuters. Compared to Toronto, newcomers in Barrie can find larger rental units for the same price as smaller apartments downtown.
Yes. Many newcomers choose Barrie due to its commuter-friendly access. The GO Train connects Barrie to Union Station in Toronto, and Highway 400 provides a direct driving route. Neighbourhoods near the Barrie South or Allandale Waterfront GO Stations are especially popular with commuters.
Family-friendly neighbourhoods include Painswick, Innis Shore, Holly, and Sunnidale, all of which have schools, parks, and larger homes. Families looking for heritage character often choose Allandale or City Centre.
If you’re settling in a central or well-served neighbourhood (City Centre, Allandale, Painswick near GO), transit is reasonably good for commuting and daily errands. You may need a car if you live in newer or more peripheral suburbs.
Barrie offers a balance of affordability, job opportunities, and lifestyle. It’s a growing city with a strong economy, and it’s close to the GTA. Newcomers like its waterfront, outdoor activities, and diverse rental housing options. Check out our Living in Barrie guide to learn more about jobs, culture, and life in the city.
Barrie’s neighbourhoods offer something for every newcomer, whether it’s commuter convenience in Painswick and Allandale, family living in Holly and Innis Shore, or student-friendly housing in the East End. With average rents below those in Toronto, Barrie is a popular and affordable option for newcomers seeking space, community, and connection to the Greater Toronto Area.
WRITTEN BY
Corinna Frattini
Senior Editor, Prepare for Canada
Corinna Frattini is the Senior Editor and Content Director for Prepare for Canada. She contributes articles to help newcomers achieve their goals in key areas related to living, working, and settling in Canada. With an extensive background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.
© Prepare for Canada 2025
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