Since you have already set your sights on Pickering, you probably already know this city is still one of the more budget-friendly pockets in the Greater Toronto Area. Right now, the average listing price of a Pickering townhouse for sale is $ 725,434 - the average selling price is $ 714,081 . Not just that, the Pickering real estate market has also been making waves with strong long-term price growth. According to the Pickering Housing Market Trends, townhouse prices have jumped by an impressive 58.78% over the last ten years, as of May 2026. So, when you mix lower price tags with solid long-term appreciation, it is not hard to see why Pickering has been turning heads among first-time homebuyers - and also for investors looking for a good bang for their buck and future growth potential.
Below, we will walk you through some of the key things you should know about Pickering before putting down roots here. However, if you would rather get straight to house hunting, simply scroll above - currently, there are 131 townhomes for sale in Pickering. You can schedule a private showing or stop by open houses for the townhouses that catch your eye - start your search.
Pickering is a city tucked into the eastern side of the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario. It sits along the northern shore of Lake Ontario and forms part of the Durham Region. Now, with Toronto right next door to the west, this city has become one of the closest suburban spots to Toronto - in fact, many people see it as the "gateway" between Toronto and the Durham Region. Back in the 2021 Census, Pickering's population was around 99,900 and ever since then, the city has continued to grow rapidly, fuelled by new housing developments and easy connection to Toronto.
Home prices in Pickering are usually a little easier on the wallet compared to what buyers often run into across many parts of the Greater Toronto Area. This is one of the biggest reasons so many people keep making the move here - a lot of buyers like the idea of getting a little more breathing room without having to pack up and move too far away from the GTA. Sure, Pickering property prices have gone up over the years, just like they have in most places. But Pickering is still seen as a spot where your money can go a bit further compared to several nearby cities.
The Pickering real estate market also gives buyers plenty to choose from -
Out of all these property types, Pickering townhomes for sale continue to be a real crowd favourite since they hit that sweet spot between affordability, space, and lower upkeep.
| Price Breakdown of Different Home Types in Pickering | ||
|---|---|---|
| PROPERTY TYPE | AVG LISTING PRICE | AVG SELLING PRICE |
| Detached Houses | $ 1,620,890 | $ 1,161,873 |
| Semi-Detached Houses | $ 867,018 | $ 827,854 |
| Townhouses | $ 725,434 | $ 714,081 |
| Condo Apartments | $ 506,811 | $ 510,610 |
Property taxes are one of those sneaky homeownership costs that can quietly take a bigger bite out of your monthly budget. So, it is always a smart move to look at them closely before buying a home. Now, when it comes to Pickering, property taxes are usually considered a little higher than what buyers may see in nearby GTA cities like Toronto and Markham. However, for many homeowners, that extra cost feels like a fair trade-off - that's because the city of Pickering brings bigger homes, quieter streets, and a more laid-back suburban lifestyle to the table.
Residential property tax rate in Pickering, Ontario (2025) -
1.288240 %
Source - WOWA
In Pickering, your dollar usually goes a little further compared to Toronto - here, everyday costs like groceries, eating out, and getting around do not feel quite as heavy on the wallet. That being said, Pickering is still part of the Greater Toronto Area. Hence, living costs in this city are not exactly cheap compared to smaller Ontario cities.
One of the biggest reasons people are pulled toward Pickering is how simple it is to get around - especially for anyone travelling into Toronto or nearby cities on a regular basis. The city sits right beside Highway 401, which makes getting across the GTA feel a lot less like a headache compared to many other suburban communities. On top of that, public transit is another strong selling point here - Pickering GO Station gives residents a direct connection to downtown Toronto through the Lakeshore East Line. The local transit around the city is also pretty solid - the Durham Region Transit links neighbourhoods, schools, shopping areas, and major hubs throughout Pickering.
A lot of neighbourhoods in Pickering are close to both public and private elementary and secondary schools. The public schools are part of the Durham District School Board and the Durham Catholic District School Board - both are well-known across the Greater Toronto Area for having a solid reputation.
| Most Highly Rated Schools in Pickering | |
|---|---|
| SCHOOL NAME | FRASER INSTITUTE RATING 2023/24 |
| Elementary Schools | |
| William Dunbar Public School | 8.4 |
| Elizabeth B. Phin Public School | 7.7 |
| Gandatsetiagon Public School | 7.6 |
| Secondary Schools | |
| Dunbarton High School | 7.3 |
| St Mary Catholic Secondary School | 7.1 |
When it comes to colleges and universities, Pickering is a pretty convenient spot too - there are several institutions within easy reach from Pickering by car or transit -
Pickering is generally considered one of the safer communities in the eastern Greater Toronto Area - crime rates here sit below the provincial average in several categories, particularly when it comes to violent crime and property crime. That said, like many growing cities, Pickering has also experienced some concerns related to car thefts, break-ins, and petty crime in recent years as the Durham region continues to grow. Even so, many residents still describe the city as comfortable and safe for everyday living. This is especially true in established residential neighbourhoods in Pickering, where neighbours often know each other and community involvement remains strong.
Crime rates in Pickering -
41% lower than the national average
Violent crime in Pickering -
38% lower than the national average
Chances of becoming a victim of crime in Pickering -
1 in 40
Source - AreaVibes
The city of Pickering is especially known for energy and engineering-related jobs because of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, which continues to be one of the city's largest employers. At the same time, there are a lot of industries growing steadily across the area -
Pickering is also seeing major long-term growth and investment - projects connected to downtown revitalisation, Durham Live, new residential developments, and commercial expansion are helping bring more businesses and jobs into the city. Another major advantage is that Pickering residents have access to a larger regional job market - many people are commuting to Toronto, Markham, Ajax, Oshawa, and nearby cities while still enjoying a quieter suburban lifestyle at home.
Rental prices in Pickering have been steadily climbing over the years - that's largely because more people are looking for extra space and better value outside Toronto. Even in the shorter term, rental prices have stayed fairly strong compared to many nearby areas.
Average townhouse price growth in 10 years
65.67%
Average townhouse price growth in 5 years
7.64%
Average townhouse price growth in 1 year
2.31%
Source - Pickering Housing Market Trends (May 2026)
For investors, this means better rental income potential along with a stronger chance of keeping a property occupied. At the same time, buyers who plan to live in the Pickering townhouse themselves can also benefit from the city's strong rental demand. For them, it is a layer of flexibility for the future - whether that means renting out a basement suite, leasing the home later on, or simply owning property in an area where housing demand continues to remain strong and steady.
Pickering is close to a major healthcare facility - Lakeridge Health Ajax Pickering. This institution provides residents across the Durham Region with -
Across the city, there are also family clinics, walk-in centres, pharmacies, and urgent care services that help make everyday healthcare a little more convenient. Several clinics across the city give residents access to family doctors, virtual appointments, and walk-in care for day-to-day health concerns - Bayly Family Practice and Pickering First Place Medical Clinic.
One of the nicest parts about living in Pickering is having Lake Ontario right in your backyard. It's quite easy to get outside and enjoy every season, as the city is filled with -
Whether it is an early morning walk by the water, a bike ride along the waterfront trail, or simply hanging out at Frenchman's Bay, the natural beauty gives everyday life in Pickering a calm and laid-back feel.
Getting to downtown Toronto or other parts of the GTA from Pickering feels much easier with convenient commute options -
At the same time, Pickering gives you a quieter and more relaxed lifestyle - it's far away from the busy and fast-moving feel of Toronto.
A lot of people are drawn to Pickering because it has a warm and welcoming atmosphere - the city helps people feel right at home with its mix of -
Pickering continues to see major growth in businesses, infrastructure, and housing developments. New investment projects, expanding employment areas, and planned transit improvements are helping the city grow while bringing more opportunities closer to home.
If you have been looking for a place that is close to Toronto with more affordable home prices, Pickering could be a great fit for you. With its growing economy, waterfront lifestyle, convenient connection to Toronto, expanding infrastructure, and more spacious homes compared to many GTA cities, Pickering offers a great balance of comfort, convenience, and long-term value. So, if you are ready to find a home in this city, scroll above and check out townhomes in Pickering for sale. However, if you would like to explore more townhouse options across the Durham Region, you can also take a look at nearby cities like Ajax, Oshawa, and Whitby.
Right now, the average listing price of detached houses is $ 1,620,890 and of semi-detached houses is $ 867,018 . Townhouses are listed for an average price of $ 725,434 while condo apartments at $ 506,811 .
Currently, in the Pickering real estate market, you can find 240 detached houses, 17 semi-detached houses, 131 townhouses, and 44 condo apartments.
No, Pickering is not part of Toronto. It is a separate city in the Durham Region located about 40 to 50 kilometres east of downtown Toronto. Many people choose Pickering because it offers easier access to Toronto while often providing more space and relatively lower home prices.
Many freehold townhouses for sale in Pickering come with private backyards that owners fully maintain themselves. Condo townhouses may also include a backyard or patio, although the size, maintenance responsibilities, and usage rules can vary depending on the condominium corporation and the specific townhouse community.
New townhomes usually come with Tarion warranty coverage, including one-year protection for workmanship and materials, two-year coverage for systems and water penetration, and up to seven years for major structural defects. Deposit protection and delayed closing coverage may also apply.