<p>St. Catharines is the largest city in Niagara, and the sixth largest urban area in Ontario. With over 130,000 residents, it’s no surprise the city is filled with several dynamic neighbourhoods.</p><p>But which areas are worth your attention and investment in 2023?</p><p>The entire Portfolio team put together our top 5 choices of neighbourhoods to watch in 2023.</p><h2>#1 – Western Hill</h2><p>Years ago there were several reports and excitement about reguler Go Train service coming to Niagara, and the St Catharines station is located in Western Hill. This caused a period of activity years ago.</p><p>Now, not so much.</p><p>But with the <a href="https://www.insauga.com/expect-huge-rise-in-go-train-service-as-region-renovates-st-catharines-niagara-falls-train-stations/">recent purchase of the VIA Rail stations in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines by Niagara Region</a>, that means by the end of next year, residents can expect a marked increase in GO Train service.</p><p>Coupled with its close proximity to Brock University and the Downtown Core, this makes Western Hill a cost-effective investment, especially for those desperate to break into the housing market.</p><h2>#2 – Merritton &amp; Secord Woods</h2><p>An affordable, family-oriented area that is already showing lots of development potential. Secord Woods especially seeing lots of infill and rededication of open land, including the <a href="https://phelpshomes.com/mc2-2-2/">Merritton Commons</a> and <a href="https://stkittsurbantowns.com/">St Kitts Urban Towns</a></p><p>The neighbourhood is swimming with R2 zoning, which opens up several possibilities to convert single family homes to multi-units. This allows young families and investors to create cashflow in their primary, or additional properties.</p><p>Current residents of Secord Woods &amp; Merritton have immeasurable pride in their community, and have long-standing roots in the area, some for decades or generations!</p><p>Spend the day in the area on Labour Day, and the comradery witnessed will prove this point!</p><h2>#3 – North End</h2><p>It may not be a community per se, but rather the large swaths of land north of the QEW. Home to the largest proportion of St. Catharines residents, It’s primarily suburban in nature, although development ranges from high-density to large upscale homes on the lakeshore.</p><p>This area is family-focused, first and foremost. Home to some of the best-rated schools in the city (Port Weller, is ranked #3 in the city). Nearby are several parks, waterfront trails, and community centres. And of course a local secret; Sunset Beach.</p><p>North End has been a hot spot for out-of-town buyers for years to settle down in. Lately, as outside buyers have slowed down, this leaves a window of opportunity to break into this hot spot.</p><h2>#4 – Downtown &amp; Fitzgerald</h2><p>The Fitz! If you know, you know.</p><p>The downtown and mid-town area has seen a resurgence in popularity over the last 10 years. At first due to it’s affordability, but as younger homeowners and families move in, the area has slowly transitioned into one of the trendiest and hippest areas to live.</p><p>Close proximity to the QEW allows for easy access for a daily commute. Also within walking distance to the Downtown Core, home to some of the finest dining spots in the city, the Meridian Centre, and the Performing Arts Centre.</p><p>Buyers looking to build sweat-equity in their home, purchasing a war-time property in this area and working as you live has been a popular starting point for first-time buyers.</p><h2>#5 – Port Dalhousie</h2><p>Of course, <a href="https://sellsniagara.com/contact-us/">the neighbourhood you can find our office!</a></p><p>Port Dalhousie in the summertime is the place to be in St Catharines. Incredible dining, shopping, community events, and easy access to the beach &amp; marina.</p><p>With the ongoing redevelopment of land, Port is seeing the resurgence it rightfully deserves. Thanks to the hard work of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PortDalhousieBWC/">Port Dalhousie Beautification and Works Committee</a> the local roots are deeper and stronger than ever. A tight-knit community that takes pride in their neighbourhood and is more than welcome to show it off.</p><p>Any areas we missed? <a href="https://sellsniagara.com/contact-us/">Feel free to let us know!</a></p>

FIVE ST CATHARINES NEIGHBOURHOODS YOU NEED TO WATCH IN 2023

Scott’s passion for real estate stems from his entrepreneurial background. From residential investor to commercial property portfolio management, to commercial investor, the natural transition was to a career selling real estate.

You may know Scott from his early venture in the The Jailhouse Cafe in Port Dalhousie or from the Factory Outlet Flea Market in Merritton, where he has been managing his family business since 2003. Scott and Adriana also recently opened “The Juniper Inn” in Port Dalhousie in the old Murphy’s building.

Born and raised in Port Dalhousie, Scott is now raising his son James with his wife, Adriana. Scott has deep ties in the Port Dalhousie community and he’s passionate about the Niagara Region. Scott stays on top of real estate trends and local news. His personal real estate motto is, “It’s not what you sell it for, it’s what you buy it for”.

A Brock alumni, Falcon board member, avid music and sports lover, Scott is the guy you want around for Trivia Night. More importantly, he is the Realtor you want in your corner to help get your sale done.

Scott Sweitzer