Essa Township Real Estate
CFB Borden neighbours, Angus community, and rolling Simcoe County farmland — Essa is Barrie's quiet rural backstage.
Living in Essa Township
Essa Township in southern Simcoe County is shaped by two dominant forces: CFB Borden — Canada's largest military training base, occupying a significant portion of the township's western lands — and the Nottawasaga River, which curves through the township's agricultural heart. Angus is the main community, a fast-growing village that has attracted military families and civilian commuters in roughly equal numbers. The Barrie GO corridor and Highway 400 make Essa one of the most accessible rural townships in Simcoe County.
The township's appeal is straightforward: newer suburban homes in Angus at prices 25–35% below comparable Barrie properties, with Barrie's full services 15 minutes away. Rural pockets between Angus, Thornton, and Baxter retain genuine agricultural character — dairy farms, cash crop operations, and hobby farms on Simcoe County's best soils. As Barrie's urban boundary reaches its limits, Essa's proximity will only deepen the spillover demand.
Angus Subdivision Homes
Angus has seen substantial subdivision growth serving military families and Barrie-area commuters. Detached homes, semis, and townhomes offer newer builds with modern layouts at prices well below comparable Barrie properties.
Rural Farmsteads
Essa's Nottawasaga River valley farmland hosts working farms, hobby farm conversions, and rural estate lots — productive Class 2 soils and gentle topography that attract serious agricultural buyers alongside lifestyle seekers.
Thornton Village Homes
The hamlet of Thornton offers established residential streets with century homes and modest bungalows — a quieter alternative to Angus growth, with direct Highway 400 access for Barrie or Toronto commutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Essa Township a good location for military families at CFB Borden?
Absolutely — Angus is the primary residential community for CFB Borden personnel, offering short commute times and good family amenities. Military families appreciate the newer housing stock, active community association, and relatively affordable prices compared to GTA postings.
How close is Essa to Barrie GO Train service?
Barrie South GO station is about 20 minutes from Angus. This gives Essa residents realistic access to GO Train service to Toronto — making it viable as a commuter township despite not having its own GO stop.
What are Essa Township's recreational highlights?
The Nottawasaga River offers fishing and canoe access; the nearby Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Area has trail networks. Barrie's waterfront, ski hills (Mt. St. Louis Moonstone ~30 min), and Georgian Bay are all within comfortable driving distance.
Are there good schools in Essa Township?
Essa is served by Simcoe County DSDB and Simcoe Muskoka Catholic DSB. Angus Morrison Elementary and Banting Memorial High School (Alliston, ~20 min) serve local students. Growth in Angus has driven new school investment in recent years.
Is flooding a concern along the Nottawasaga River in Essa?
Low-lying areas adjacent to the Nottawasaga River corridor are subject to NVCA (Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority) regulated zones. Most developed residential areas in Angus are on higher ground, but buyers should verify Conservation Authority regulated area status for rural and riverside properties.
What is Ontario's Land Transfer Tax?
Ontario's Land Transfer Tax applies to all Essa Township purchases: 0.5% on the first $55,000; 1.0% on $55,001–$250,000; 1.5% on $250,001–$400,000; 2.0% on $400,001–$2,000,000; 2.5% above $2,000,000. First-time buyers receive a rebate of up to $4,000. There is no municipal land transfer tax in Essa Township.