Northwood

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Northwood

      History:

      The Northwood neighbourhood was created after the City of Oshawa was formed in 1974. The name makes reference to the fact that this neighbourhood is situated in the north part of Oshawa in a wooded ravine like setting. While the name may be new the community dates back to the 1790s when this section of Oshawa was originally part of Whitby Township and later on East Whitby Township.

      Throughout its history Northwood has been characterized by agricultural farms, woodlots, and gravel based concession roads lined with hedgerows and farm fences. Large homesteads dotted the Northwood landscape throughout the 1800s and 1900s. Rural residential development began in the mid 1950s and into the 1960s. The first residences were built on Thornton Road North and Conlin Road. These were followed by the Bickle subdivision developed in the mid 1960s.

      Overview:

      Northwood is situated near the northern tip of Oshawa’s urban area. It is enveloped by greenspace with Cedar Valley to the south and east and the Town of Whitby rural lands to the west. Oshawa Creek winds its way south through this neighbourhood. The dominant neighbourhood landmark is Durham College whose campus encompasses much of the north part of this neighbourhood. Ontario Tech University is situated just north of Durham College. With two prominent institutions of higher learning on its doorstep it seems only fitting that the street names in the Northwood neighbourhood are named after Canadian universities and colleges including: Canadore, Conestoga, Ryerson, Western, McGill, Concordia, Dalhousie, Erindale, Sheridan, Bishop, and Niagara.

      Lifestyle:

      Simcoe Street North has a plethora of shopping options. Some of these include a No Frills and  Freshco grocery stores as well as fast food restaurants.

      Homes:

      The Bickle subdivision was built in the 1960s. These were mostly ranch style bungalows and split-level houses on exceptionally wide lots. Larger detached homes were added to the neighbourhood in the 2000s. These are mostly detached homes with a combination brick and frame exterior and a prominent attached garage typically placed in front of the house. The entranceway to many of these homes features a semi-enclosed front porch, which adds charm and character to the overall design.

      Recreation:

      Cedar Valley Conservation Area is a large greenspace with a scenic trail that residents where residents can pursue a variety of recreational activities.

      Arts:

      The local Durham College offers full and part time students a myriad of arts based programs from fine art and design to painting classes.

          Northwood Stats

          Walkability:

          Low

          Bikeability:

          Medium

          Public Transit:

          Low

          Affordability:

          Medium

          Greenspace:

          High

          Recreation:

          Medium

           

          Legend: Low, Medium, High

          Commute Times

          Time to Closest Shopping Mall:
          15 Minutes
          Time to GO Bus or Train Station:
          20 Minutes
          Time To Hospital:
          15 Minutes
          Time to Toronto Pearson International Airport
          50 Minutes
          Time to Closest Highway:
          10 Minutes

          * All commuting times provided are approximate times only. Commute times may increase or decrease depending on where you live within the neighbourhood and the time of day i.e rush hour versus off hour commutes. Time estimates to public transit are based on walking distance or bus line connection whichever is quicker. All other commute times on the chart above are based on drive times.