South End Guelph

South End Guelph is comprised of some of Guelph’s newest communities. First developed beginning in the late 1990s, South End Guelph real estate and the surrounding areas have exploded thanks to well-planned and executed city and developer masterplans.

With large retail plazas providing every amenity you need, South End Guelph has become a huge destination for those seeking a family-friendly neighbourhood with top schools and easy access to Hwy 401.

There are currently three more well-known pockets – Westminster Woods, Pineridge and Clairfields. Westminster and Pineridge share the same community boundaries while Clairfields is located west of Gordon Street making it is easier to distinguish.

As for Westminster/Pineridge, because they’re located in the same area and with the introduction of even more new development in surrounding areas in the 2010s and 2020s, the community is now viewed as essentially one big neighbourhood.

For now, we’ll separate Clairfields from Westminster Woods/Pineridge and take a closer look at the real estate options in both communities.

Westminster Woods/Pineridge

Developed starting in the late 90s and continuing to expand till this day, this area has become one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Guelph.

The area has exploded over the last 20 years to become one of the best planned suburban communities in Ontario. The community has a mix of detached, semi-detached, townhome and mid-rise condos with many community parks and interconnected and well-maintained walking trails throughout.

Much like East End Guelph, you are going to find newer homes are well-designed and appointed inside, but lot sizes are going to be smaller than older neighbourhoods. You can still fit a pool in many homes in Westminster Woods but it will take a more premium home to also get backyard space with it.

While the home above would be on the higher scale of homes in the area, there are plenty of smaller detached homes that are more affordable. You can also find small bungalows or bungalofts for those looking to downsize but still own a relatively new home. There are also semi-detached and freehold townhome options for those looking to break into the community at a more affordable price.

Clairfields

Clairfields is a smaller pocket of homes (developed in the late 90s and early 2000s) just west of Gordon Street that backs onto Preservation Park. The retail plazas at the intersection of Clair & Gordon are within walking distance, but there are no schools located within it. Residents would send children over to Westminster Woods PS in the neighbouring subdivision.

However, because this area has more homes that back onto Preservation Park, you have more options here for homes with larger lots.

Like Westminster Woods, this home would be considered premium in Clairfields. There are many more smaller detached homes available that will be more affordable.

Also, while there are no semis or townhomes in Clairfields, there are condo townhomes and newer midrise buildings south of Clair where the border between Clairfields and Westminster Woods admittedly gets a little more blurry. The 2010s and early 2020s saw many more midrise and condo buildings come to the area to continue to help with the demand for housing in the city.

If you move the map to the left you’ll see a new condo townhome development and to the right, across Gordon Street, are condos called “Gordon Square”. This whole area on both sides has been developed along with all of the retail just north on Gordon towards Clair.

Finally, there is a small pocket just west of Gordon at Clairfields where original homes from the 60s and 70s once stood that have been bought by developers. Some of the original homes still remain but the majority of the area has been redeveloped with detached homes, townhomes and even mid-rise condos. Streets have slowly been developed since the mid-2000s with new sets of homes popping up well into the 2020s.

Rolling Hills

I thought it would be good to mention another area of South End Guelph in case you’re driving by and say to yourself “what area is THAT?”

Rolling Hills sits just south of Clair Road closest to Victoria and is compromised of four streets and ~50 ultra mansions on enormous “hilly” lots – hence the name Rolling Hills. So, if you’re looking for ultra luxury then you can’t ask for a better location.