Although the Toronto real estate market continues at a very high level, the hottest area for price growth continues to be outside of the city in the surrounding rural areas, especially an hour or more away.

As a result, it is getting harder and harder to make the transition from Toronto homeowner to country gentlefolk.

Try finding a slice of rural paradise in Durham Region and you’ll likely be competing alongside countless other Torontonians just like one would in checking out a semi in Leslieville.

“The people who are ringing my phone are city dwellers who are dreaming of green pastures, fewer neighbours, more house and more land to call their primary residence,” said Odeen Eccleston, of Wiltshire Eccleston Homes, who works extensively both in the city and the surrounding regions especially east of Toronto.

In the last report from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, the areas that are seeing the most price appreciation are around the Orangeville area and to the east in Bowmanville. People aren’t just looking for that picture-perfect country home. They are also looking for land to craft their own.

“Yes, developable lands that typically used to sit on the market for months and sometimes even years are selling in a matter of days and after receiving multiple offers,” Eccleston said.

To that end, Post City asked Eccleston for five areas that are good options for those not looking to buy in at the top of the market.

Brock

The region along the east side of Lake Simcoe is attracting some attention and is pushing prices higher, but the area is far enough afield that there is still good land value especially for those cashing out in the city of Toronto and moving northeast. The towns of Beaverton, Sunderland, and Cannington are especially of interest, but there are some pockets of countryside of interest as well.

Cobourg

This historic and charming small town is located just far enough east to be out of the way at 104 kilometres, but not far enough to be completely removed from the centre of the universe. Coburg is located on Lake Ontario and has a wonderful waterfront area as well as a thriving downtown and arts community. It is often noted as one of the best small towns in the province. There are some gorgeous rural areas surrounding the town as well.