North Bay is a city located in northeastern Ontario that has a population count of around 64,000 people and a land area of approximately 790 square kilometers.
Situated to the north of Lake Nipissing, this city is rich in Canadian history.
In addition to being charted by legendary explorer Samuel de Champlain, it was also occupied by native tribes.
If you are a big fan of shopping, head on over to the Downtown area of North Bay!
There are several malls and shopping centers that are jam-packed with stores and restaurants.
It is worth noting that this development has led to an abundance of opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs to sell their services and goods.
If you time things right, you can catch one of the many festivals that are hosted in North Bay.
Go to the official city website to see where and when the next event will be happening.
North Bay has the convenience of providing a spacious natural environment for residents and visitors. With hundreds of sport fields and public parks available, people can participate in a wide variety of outdoor activities. There are many pathways that can be used for hiking or an intense cycling session. The winter is equally abundant in outdoor entertainment as you now have the option to participate in activities like show-shoeing, skiing and snowmobile rides. If you like boating, there are over 250 slips that will provide access to Lake Nipissing.
Main Sections of the City
North Bay is generally seen as two separate areas: Its urban area (located to the north) and its rural area (located to the south). Unlike other cities, it is not strictly divided into distinct neighbourhoods or townships. Each area has its own distinct characteristics that makes it unique to the other area. No matter the area that residents choose to reside in, you will experience an extremely high quality of life with respect to community togetherness, crime rates, fresh air, green space and plenty of clean water.
The urban area of North Bay is where the Downtown area is located. Alongside the shopping amenities discussed earlier is the North Bay Farmers’ Market, where fresh produce is sold during the summer season. The city’s main medical hospital is also located here, providing nearby inhabitants with easy access to top-tier health care in the event of an emergency. Additionally, there are several museums that show visitors the rich Canadian history contained within North Bay. This history dates back several centuries and many items have been successfully preserved.
North Bay’s rural region is where the majority of outdoor activities and sights are located. Beaches, golf courses, and marinas are just some of the things that you can expect to find here. Rural residents are able to enjoy the simultaneous benefit of the low-density living provided to them while having nearby access to the Downtown area via the city’s major roads.
Due to the urban nature of North Bay’s northern region, you can expect to find several condos that are located within walking distance to shopping malls and other amenities.
In addition, many rental apartments are available to post-secondary students who are looking for an affordable place in close proximity to their classes.
Young professionals and business owners have also found it beneficial to live within the city’s urban area.
Rural North Bay’s real estate market primarily consists of fully detached residential properties that have a traditional design to this.
This is not surprising considering that these are the oldest homes that are available in the city.
You will also find the occasional mansion or bungalow that takes up several thousand square feet in property space.
These homes are best suited for middle class families that prefer a quiet neighborhood and need more livable space.
Average Home Price: $199,900
Average Rent Price: $717
Average Condo Price: $224,500
Average Detached Home Price: $229,556
Home Style
Average Price
2 storey
Not available
Bungalow
Not available
Condo
$224,500
The following table, based on data taken from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA’s) National MLS® Report for April 2016 (the latest information available), demonstrates how homes in LSTAR’s jurisdiction continue to maintain their affordability compared to other major Ontario and Canadian centers.
Education
North Bay is home to four post-secondary schools: Nipissing University, CTS Canadian Career College, Modern College of Hairstyling & Esthetics, and Canadore College.
Each of these institutions provide unique strengths that make them distinct from one another.
University and college students will be pleased to see that there is always something for them and their career interests.
In terms of elementary schools (K-8), there are 32 schools under the Near North District School Board and roughly 30 catholic schools under a mix of school boards. In addition to these schools, there are several enrichment centers such as KUMON and the Oxford Learning Center.
Each of these centers provides tutoring and advanced learning to children who truly need it. These options have existed for many years and continue to be a great supplement to any child’s education path.
Economic Overview & Outlook
North Bay is extremely diverse with respect to the prominent industries that drive its economic growth. It was formerly a major center for fur trade in the past and still remains as such to this very day. The arts and culture sector has grown significantly due to the rise of artists, musicians and writers that have demonstrated great potential in their craft. This has made North Bay a hotspot for talent scouts that are scouting for the next star.
Other industries that contribute to North Bay’s economic well-being with respect to employment include health, education, tourism, transportation and government. The official city website provides residents with multiple resources through which they can employment and take on education programs that will lead to a future career. It is worth mentioning that the rise in post-secondary opportunities via institutions like Nipissing University have led to a rise in jobs within the information technology sector.