Durham is the east end of the GTA: the lakeshore cities of Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa strung along Highway 401 and the Lakeshore East GO line, with Clarington beyond and the rural townships of Uxbridge, Scugog and Brock to the north. It has long offered the best value for a detached home within a GO ride of Union.
Highway 407 now runs across the top of the region with the 412 and 418 links down to the 401, which changed the commute for the northern subdivisions. Ontario Tech University, Durham College and Lakeridge Health are the major institutions, centred on Oshawa.
Why people choose Durham Region
- Detached homes and townhomes from the 1970s to today, waterfront condos in Pickering and Whitby
- Four Lakeshore East GO stations with all-day service
- Lake Ontario waterfront trail, Rouge National Urban Park, Lynde Shores, the Oak Ridges Moraine
- Hospitals: Lakeridge Health Oshawa, Ajax Pickering and Bowmanville
Area guides
Communities in Durham Region
Journal
Reading about Durham Region
Commuting from York Region: the subway, three GO lines and Viva compared
Which station, which line and how long it really takes from each York Region community.
Read: Commuting from York Region: the subway, three GO lines and Viva compared
Durham or York Region: where does the same budget go further?
Comparing Pickering, Ajax and Whitby with Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill on house, commute and schools.
Read: Durham or York Region: where does the same budget go further?
Selling a tenanted property in Ontario: what landlords need to know
Showings, the N12 notice, compensation and the difference between selling with a tenant and selling vacant.
Read: Selling a tenanted property in Ontario: what landlords need to knowQuestions about Durham Region
Which Durham city is closest to Toronto?
Pickering borders Scarborough. Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa follow eastward along the 401.
How long is the GO train?
Roughly 35 minutes from Pickering and 55 to 60 from Oshawa to Union, with all-day service.
What are Durham's school boards?
Durham District School Board and Durham Catholic District School Board.