Living in Doon, Kitchener: A Buyer’s Neighbourhood Guide

Doon is one of the Kitchener neighbourhoods buyers ask us about most, and one of the hardest to describe in a sentence. It is a heritage village, a college town, a golf course, a river valley and a set of newer family subdivisions, all in the south end of Kitchener. Here is a buyer’s guide to living in Doon, Kitchener: where it is, what the homes are like, and the questions to ask before you buy.

Where is Doon in Kitchener?

Doon sits in the south end of Kitchener, near the Grand River and Highway 401. The old village lies between the river and Homer Watson Boulevard, and Doon South stretches west of Homer Watson. People use the name loosely. Locals talk about Upper Doon and Lower Doon near the old village, and Doon South for the newer streets further south. When you look at a listing that says “Doon”, check exactly where it is on the map, because the feel of the streets changes a lot from one part to the next.

What is Doon known for?

• Conestoga College’s Doon campus, the college’s main campus, on Doon Valley Drive.
• Heritage. The old village of Doon was home to the painter Homer Watson, and his house is now the Homer Watson House and Gallery. Doon Heritage Village is part of the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum nearby.
• Green space. Doon Valley Golf Course, the Grand River and its trails, and Homer Watson Park are all close, and the Huron Natural Area is a short drive west.
• Getting out of town. Highway 401 is minutes away, which is why commuters to Cambridge, Guelph and the GTA look here.

What kind of homes are in Doon?

You will find older homes and some character properties around the old village, 1970s to 1990s family homes in the established streets, and newer detached homes and townhomes in Doon South. Lots near the river valley and the golf course tend to be the most sought after. Close to the college, some houses are rented to students.

The questions to ask before you buy in Doon

Which schools serve the address?

Doon is served by the Waterloo Region District School Board and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, with French-language schools through Conseil scolaire Viamonde and Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir. South Kitchener has grown quickly, so check each board’s locator for the exact address and ask whether the home school is taking new students or directing them to another school.

Is the house near the college, and does that matter to you?

Being close to Conestoga means steady rental demand, which suits an investor. It also means more traffic at the start and end of term and more rented homes on some streets. Walk the street on a weekday evening during term before you decide.

Is there a rental unit, and is it legal?

Ontario allows up to three residential units on most urban residential lots, so second units are common near the college. If a home has a basement apartment or is being sold as an investment, ask for the permits and the current lease. A tenant’s rights continue through a sale under the Residential Tenancies Act.

Is the lot near the river or a slope?

Some properties near the Grand River valley and its creeks fall under the Grand River Conservation Authority’s regulations, which can affect additions, pools and decks. If you are planning work, check with the GRCA and the City of Kitchener before you firm up an offer. Ask about drainage and look for signs of water in the lower level.

What will the taxes be?

Doon is in the City of Kitchener, so the bill has three parts: the city, the Region of Waterloo and the provincial education rate. Ask for the seller’s last final tax bill.

Is the water heater rented?

Many Ontario homes have a rented water heater, and sometimes a rented furnace or air conditioner. The contract usually passes to the buyer. Get the monthly cost and buyout before you make an offer.

For the rest of the city, see our Kitchener community page. If you own in Doon already and are wondering what your home is worth, start with a free home valuation.

Want to see what Doon homes actually sold for? Join the Real Homes app with a free, confirmed account to see sold prices: www.realhomesapp.ca

Frequently asked questions

Is Doon a good area of Kitchener to live in?

For many buyers, yes: it has river valley trails, a golf course, heritage streets and fast access to Highway 401. The trade-offs are busier streets near Conestoga College during term and more rental homes close to campus. Visit at different times of day before you buy.

What part of Kitchener is Doon in?

Doon is in the south end of Kitchener, near the Grand River, Homer Watson Boulevard and Highway 401. People use Upper Doon, Lower Doon and Doon South for different parts, so check exactly where a listing is.

Is Doon good for a rental investment?

Conestoga College’s Doon campus brings rental demand. Before you buy, confirm that any second unit is permitted, read the existing lease, and remember that a tenant’s rights continue through a sale under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act.

Can I build an addition or a pool on a Doon property near the river?

Possibly, but some lots near the Grand River and its creeks are regulated by the Grand River Conservation Authority. Check with the GRCA and the City of Kitchener before you firm up an offer if you are planning work.

How do I find out which school a Doon home is in?

Use the school locators of the Waterloo Region District School Board, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board and the two French-language boards, and ask whether the home school is full and directing new students elsewhere.