Moving to Kingston

Neighbourhoods

Where families look first

The right neighbourhood comes down to schools, commute and budget. Here is a quick guide to six areas families ask about most.

Rob Gibson on an upstairs balcony in a Kingston home

West end

Westwoods

Who it suits: Families who want a quiet street and room to grow.

Homes you will find: Mostly detached houses and townhouses built from the 1980s on, many with four or more bedrooms.

Good to know: Around 20 parks and green spaces nearby, including Cataraqui Woods Park. Schools within walking distance, but most errands need a car.

East end, near CFB Kingston

Greenwood Park

Who it suits: Military families and anyone commuting east or onto the 401.

Homes you will find: Newer two-storey family homes, many built by Tamarack.

Good to know: Close to CFB Kingston and the Third Crossing bridge, about 10 minutes to downtown. Parks, trails, schools and the Kingston East Community Centre nearby.

North of the 401

Glenburnie

Who it suits: Buyers who want space, land or a country feel inside city limits.

Homes you will find: Homes on acreage, small subdivisions and hobby farms.

Good to know: Rural and agricultural zoning. Glenburnie Public School and the Glenburnie Fire Hall Community Centre are the local hubs.

Lakeside, west of downtown

Portsmouth Village

Who it suits: Buyers who want history, the lake and a walkable village.

Homes you will find: Historic limestone houses, some heritage designated, alongside newer homes.

Good to know: Founded in 1784 and part of Kingston since 1952. Home to Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, the 1976 Olympic sailing venue, with St. Lawrence College on its western edge.

Central

Calvin Park

Who it suits: Buyers who want to be central, near schools and transit.

Homes you will find: Mostly 1960s and 1970s detached homes, plus larger apartment buildings.

Good to know: Quiet streets with Calvin Park Public School and Centennial Public School nearby, and around 10 bus routes.

West end

Strathcona Park

Who it suits: Families who want an established, mostly owner-occupied street.

Homes you will find: Mostly 1950s to 1970s detached homes and townhouses.

Good to know: Around 20 green spaces nearby, walkable primary schools and around 10 bus routes.

Sources: City of Kingston, Frontenac County and REALTOR.ca neighbourhood profiles, 2025 to 2026. Ask Rob about a specific street before you buy.

Military families

Posted to CFB Kingston?

Kingston is home to CFB Kingston and the Royal Military College of Canada. A posting means a short house-hunting window and a firm possession date.

Plan before you land
Neighbourhood shortlist and mortgage pre-approval done before the trip.
Only homes that fit
Showings limited to homes inside the plan, so the days on the ground count.
One timeline
Inspection, financing and possession dates tracked together.

First-time buyers

The two numbers to know first

Minimum down payment

5% on the first $500,000 of the price, plus 10% on the part between $500,000 and $1.5 million. Homes at $1.5 million or more need 20% down. With less than 20% down, you also pay mortgage default insurance.

Source: CMHC, 2025. Your lender confirms your exact number.

Ontario land transfer tax refund

Eligible first-time buyers in Ontario can get a refund of up to $4,000 of the provincial land transfer tax.

Source: Government of Ontario. Your lawyer confirms eligibility.