The Waverley Park neighbourhood is exactly what comes to mind when you imagine a community that is centred around its school.

Every morning and afternoon, sidewalks filled with schoolchildren stream out of the public primary school and into the surrounding crescents and cul-de-sacs. Quiet, safe and tree-lined streets set a beautiful backdrop for one of Guelph’s most popular family neighbourhoods.

The neighbourhood saw continuous development from the mid 1950’s through to the late 1990’s. Construction styles range from economical one-floor designs all the way up to custom-built sprawling two-storey homes. Homes with massive backyards that back onto the Guelph Country Club Golf Course are always in high demand and rarely become available. A great neighbourhood plan provides a series of winding and deep courts that seem to attract children from their backyards and into the peaceful streets. Lot sizes are considered to be generous, with most properties enjoying the privacy provided by mature trees and spacious distances from the neighbours.

The southern part of the neighbourhood is characterized by smaller homes and is incredibly popular with both younger families who love the big yards and down-sizers looking for easy main-floor living. As the neighbourhood expanded, newer designs including splits and two-storeys began to populate the streets.

The true heart of the neighbourhood both geographically and spiritually is Waverley Drive Public School. A series of sidewalks and paths lead through the school grounds to the various sports facilities including soccer fields, baseball diamonds and basketball courts. No matter what the season, the schoolyard is popular with congregating kids and provides a great place to play.

Home values have steadily increased from year to year and inventory tends to be slightly more commonplace than in surrounding neighbourhoods. Recent years have seen a more rapid movement of well-priced properties, with many selling for over their original listed value.

After attending Waverley Drive PS, children will move on to John F. Ross for highschool. Catholic school children will attend Holy Rosary before moving on to St. James for highschool.

With its friendly streets and affordable price points, young families and older couples alike should continue to flock to Waverley Park for years to come.