Community Guide
Living in Clarington, Ontario
A growing community that balances small-town charm with easy access to the 401 corridor and Lake Ontario shoreline. Courtice, Bowmanville, and Newcastle welcome you.
By Keith Williams & Lisa C. Follows, Brokers, Willows Realty Group
Local Answer
Who is the best realtor in Clarington?
The best realtor in Clarington depends on your needs, but Keith Williams and Lisa C. Follows of Willows Realty Group bring deep expertise across the entire Durham Region market, including Clarington. Both are licensed Brokers at Royal LePage Frank Real Estate with over 30 years of combined real estate experience and more than 1,000 homes sold across Durham Region. Read reviews from past clients and learn more about Keith and Lisa.
Durham Region's eastern gateway, built for growth
Clarington is one of Durham Region's fastest-growing municipalities, offering a rare mix of small-town warmth and big-city convenience. Spanning the communities of Courtice, Bowmanville, and Newcastle along the Lake Ontario shoreline, Clarington combines rural heritage with modern suburban growth and direct access to Highway 401.
Each of Clarington's three communities has its own distinct personality. Courtice is a family-friendly suburban hub with excellent schools and a commuter's dream location. Bowmanville boasts a charming historic downtown alongside expansive new subdivisions and rural estate properties. Newcastle blends village charm with Lake Ontario waterfront living and country acreage.
Compare Clarington with nearby communities like Oshawa and Port Perry. For current pricing trends, read our Durham Region home prices 2026 market update.
Quick Facts
Lifestyle
What it is like to live in Clarington
Three distinct communities united by Lake Ontario, growing families, and a welcoming small-town feel. Clarington is where Durham Region's future meets its past.
Courtice: Family Hub
Courtice is the most suburban of Clarington's communities, with family-friendly subdivisions, excellent schools including Courtice Secondary School and Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School, and quick access to Highway 401. The community is centred around the Courtice Recreation Complex with arenas, pools, and community programming. Courtice is ideal for commuters working in Toronto, Oshawa, and Whitby.
Bowmanville: Heritage & Growth
Bowmanville blends a beautifully preserved historic downtown with one of the fastest-growing residential areas in Durham Region. The downtown on King Street features heritage buildings, independent shops, restaurants, and the landmark Bowmanville Opera House. Bowmanville High School and Clarington Central Secondary School serve the community.
Newcastle: Waterfront Village
Newcastle is a charming lakeside village that marks the eastern edge of Durham Region. It offers Lake Ontario waterfront living, rural estate properties on acreage, and a close-knit community feel. Darlington Provincial Park, a premier Lake Ontario park with camping, beaches, and hiking trails, is the outdoor centrepiece of the area.
Community Events
Clarington's events bring the community together throughout the year. The Clarington Ribfest is a highlight of the summer. Bowmanville's Canada Day celebration, the Bowmanville Fall Fair, and the Newcastle Santa Claus Parade are beloved traditions. The Courtice Community Day celebrates local sports, food, and family activities.
Darlington Provincial Park
Camping, beaches, and Lake Ontario trails.
Bowmanville Opera House
Heritage performing arts venue.
Clarington Ribfest
Annual summer community festival.
Bowmanville Fall Fair
Agricultural tradition for over 150 years.
Real Estate
Housing types in Clarington
Clarington's real estate market offers remarkable variety and value, from modern family homes in Courtice subdivisions to historic character homes in Bowmanville and waterfront retreats in Newcastle.
Courtice Family Subdivisions
Modern family-friendly neighbourhoods with excellent schools, parks, and quick Highway 401 access for commuters.
Bowmanville Heritage Homes
Character-filled century homes in Bowmanville's charming downtown, with original architectural details and walkable amenities.
Newcastle Waterfront
Lake Ontario waterfront properties and village homes with shoreline access and a relaxed lakeside lifestyle.
Rural Estates & Acreages
Sprawling country estates on large lots with mature trees, outbuildings, and peaceful rural settings across Clarington.
New Subdivisions
New construction and master-planned communities in Bowmanville and Courtice attracting families from across the GTA.
Price Range
Roughly $750,000 to over $950,000. Waterfront and estate properties at the higher end. Great value versus west Durham.
Exact pricing varies by market conditions. For current listings and recent sales data, visit our Durham Region market snapshot or contact our team.
Local Businesses
Shopping, dining & services across Clarington
Each of Clarington's three communities offers its own shopping and dining scene, from Bowmanville's historic downtown to Courtice's growing commercial corridors.
Bowmanville & Courtice
- Bowmanville's historic downtown on King Street offers independent shops, restaurants, cafes, and the Bowmanville Opera House.
- Courtice's Highway 2 and Nash Road corridors feature retail plazas, grocery stores, and restaurants serving the growing population.
- The Bowmanville Farmers' Market runs seasonally, offering local produce, artisan foods, and prepared goods.
Newcastle & Services
- Newcastle's village core offers local shops, services, and restaurants for daily needs and community gathering.
- The Clarington Health Centre and Lakeridge Health Bowmanville provide healthcare services locally.
- The Bowmanville Public Library and Courtice Branch serve the community with excellent programming and resources.
Growing Economy
Clarington's expanding business community
Clarington is experiencing significant commercial growth. The Darlington Industrial Area along the 401 corridor is a major employment zone. The Bowmanville Business Improvement Area supports downtown merchants. Major retail developments are emerging along the Highway 2 corridor in Courtice and Bowmanville to serve the growing population.
The Clarington Chamber of Commerce actively supports local businesses through networking, events, and advocacy. Future GO Train expansion to Bowmanville will further boost commercial growth.
Parks & Outdoors
Lake Ontario, trails & outdoor recreation
From Darlington Provincial Park to the Waterfront Trail, Clarington offers outstanding outdoor recreation along the Lake Ontario shoreline and beyond.
Darlington Provincial Park
A stunning Lake Ontario park offering camping, beaches, hiking trails, and a pioneer homestead museum. It is one of the most popular provincial parks in the region for families and nature lovers.
Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail
The Waterfront Trail runs along Clarington's Lake Ontario shoreline, providing scenic cycling and walking routes connecting Courtice, Bowmanville, and Newcastle.
Clarington Fields
A premier sports and recreation complex with soccer fields, baseball diamonds, walking trails, and community gathering space in the heart of Clarington.
Bond Lake & Long Sault
Conservation areas near Newcastle offering nature trails, birdwatching, and outdoor exploration in protected greenspace managed by the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority.
Courtice Recreation Complex
A modern community centre with pools, arenas, fitness facilities, and programming for all ages. A central gathering place for Courtice families and community events.
Newcastle Beach
A Lake Ontario beach area in Newcastle offering waterfront access, swimming, and peaceful shoreline walks that define the village's relaxed lake lifestyle.
Education
Schools serving Clarington
Clarington is served by the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) for public education and the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) for Catholic education, plus French-language options through Conseil scolaire Viamonde.
Courtice Secondary School
Public (KPRDSB) · Grades 9-12
Serving the Courtice community with a comprehensive academic and extracurricular program.
Clarington Central / Bowmanville High
Public (KPRDSB) · Grades 9-12
Clarington Central and Bowmanville High are the two public secondary schools serving Bowmanville and surrounding areas.
Holy Trinity Catholic SS
Catholic (PVNCCDSB) · Grades 9-12
Located in Courtice, Holy Trinity serves Catholic secondary students across Clarington with a strong academic and faith-based program.
Elementary Schools
KPRDSB & PVNCCDSB · JK-8
Clarington has numerous elementary schools including Duke of Cambridge PS, Dr. Emily Stowe PS, Good Shepherd CES, and many more across Courtice, Bowmanville, and Newcastle.
Indigenous Heritage
Land Acknowledgement
Clarington is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat, and Haudenosaunee peoples. This land is covered under the Williams Treaties of 1923.
Acknowledging the Land
The Municipality of Clarington acknowledges that the land it now occupies is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat, and Haudenosaunee peoples. This territory is covered under the Williams Treaties of 1923 and has been home to Indigenous peoples since time immemorial.
We recognize and respect the enduring presence and contributions of Indigenous peoples to this community and express our commitment to reconciliation.
Williams Treaty Territory
1923 Treaty covering this area
The Williams Treaties of 1923 were signed between the Crown and several Mississauga and Chippewa First Nations, including Alderville, Beausoleil, Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Scugog Island, and Georgina Island. These treaties cover the land now known as Clarington and the surrounding Durham Region communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Clarington, answered by local experts.
What is it like to live in Clarington?
What towns make up Clarington?
Is Clarington good for commuters?
Is Clarington good for families?
What is the average home price in Clarington?
What schools serve Clarington?
What is there to do in Clarington?
Who are the best realtors in Clarington?
Buying & Selling
Clarington real estate: buyer & seller questions
Whether you are buying or selling in Clarington, here is what you need to know.
Buying: Best community for me?
Courtice is best for commuters and families seeking newer subdivisions. Bowmanville offers historic charm plus new builds. Newcastle is ideal for waterfront and rural estate living. We can help match you to the right community.
Selling: What is my home worth?
Clarington home values vary significantly by community. Contact Keith and Lisa for a free, personalized home valuation based on recent comparable sales in your specific area.
Buying: Schools are important?
Clarington has some of the best schools in eastern Durham Region through KPRDSB and PVNCCDSB. We verify school catchments directly with the boards for every property you are considering.
Buying & Selling: Market trends
Clarington is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Durham Region. Future GO Train expansion to Bowmanville and continued residential development are positive long-term trends. Read our market update for the latest.
Why Clarington
Reasons people move to Clarington
Every year families, commuters, and waterfront seekers choose Clarington. Here are the most common reasons.
Three Communities
Courtice, Bowmanville, and Newcastle each offer a distinct lifestyle, from suburban to historic to waterfront. There is a Clarington community for every buyer.
Highway 401 Access
Clarington has one of the easiest Highway 401 accesses in Durham Region. Courtice and Bowmanville offer quick on and off access for commuters heading west to Toronto or east to Kingston.
Excellent Schools
Clarington's schools across KPRDSB and PVNCCDSB are highly rated, with multiple secondary schools and many excellent elementary options.
Darlington Provincial Park
One of the GTA's best Lake Ontario parks, offering camping, beaches, and trails minutes from Courtice and Bowmanville.
Historic Downtown
Bowmanville's King Street is one of Durham Region's most charming heritage downtowns, with independent shops, restaurants, and the Opera House.
Growth & Value
Clarington is one of Ontario's fastest-growing municipalities. Future GO Train expansion and new commercial development make it a strong choice for long-term value.
Whether you are drawn to Courtice's family community, Bowmanville's heritage, or Newcastle's lakefront lifestyle, Clarington welcomes you home. Call or email us to start your Clarington journey.
Community Spotlight
Featuring Halenda's Meats Bowmanville
Curated by Keith Williams of Willows Realty Group. Each week we spotlight an independent business that makes Clarington a better place to call home.
Forty-five years of family butchery in Durham
Halenda's Meats is a Durham Region institution. Michael and Doreen Halenda started the business in 1979 at a flea market in Oshawa, opened their first store in 1981, and built it into a family chain that today includes the Bowmanville location on Waverley Road. In 2025 the company celebrated over 45 years of serving Durham families.
What keeps customers coming back is simple: quality. The display cases are filled with fresh cuts, house-made sausages, and prepared items, all backed by the kind of knowledgeable, friendly service that only a family-run operation can offer. The company is now led by the next generation, and the recipes and standards have stayed the same.
For a community like Bowmanville, Halenda's is more than a place to buy meat. It is a local anchor, a gathering spot, and a reminder that family businesses built on quality can thrive for generations. Supporting it keeps money in the community and keeps that tradition alive.
The staff are happy to help you pick the right cut, share cooking tips, and prepare custom orders, the personal touches that keep neighbourhood shoppers coming back week after week. The sausage plant and the original stores remain part of the operation, and every location brings the same dedication to the counter.
Who would love it? Home cooks, barbecue enthusiasts, and families who care about where their food comes from. If you are thinking about moving to Bowmanville or anywhere in Clarington, a stop at Halenda's is a great introduction to the town. Explore our Clarington community guide, see more Community Spotlights, or contact Keith and Lisa about homes in the area.
Curated by Keith Williams
Willows Realty Group, local broker and community supporter
Halenda's Meats Bowmanville
Family Butcher Shop | Clarington
| Address | 94 Waverley Road, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3W9 |
| Rating | |
| Hours | Mon Closed Tue - Wed 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Thu - Fri 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sat 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (905) 697-8454 |
| Website | halendas.com |
| Directions | Open in Google Maps |
Is Your Business the Next Spotlight?
We love featuring local businesses that make Clarington special. If you own or manage a business and would like to be featured, we would love to hear from you.
Request to Be FeaturedFrequently Asked Questions
What is Halenda's known for?
Where is the Bowmanville store?
Why does Halenda's fit the Bowmanville community?
Proud to spotlight Halenda's Meats Bowmanville in Clarington.
Call today to talk about your next move! Call Lisa or Keith at 905-985-9898.
Ready to explore Clarington?
From family-friendly Courtice to historic Bowmanville and waterfront Newcastle, we know Clarington and can help you find your perfect place.
Call today to talk about your next move! Call Lisa or Keith at 905-447-5842 or the brokerage at 905-985-9898.
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