Is Essa near CFB Borden?

Yes. CFB Borden, one of Canada's largest military training facilities, is located within Essa Township. Many military personnel and their families live in the Angus area.

How far is Essa from Barrie?

Angus is approximately 15 minutes south of Barrie by car. This makes Barrie's services, employment, and GO Train station easily accessible for Essa residents.

Is there transit in Essa?

No regular public transit serves Essa. Residents drive to Barrie for GO Train service or commute by car. This is a car-dependent community.

What is the Minesing Wetlands?

A provincially significant wetland in Essa Township offering nature trails, birding, and a unique natural habitat. It is one of the largest wetlands in southern Ontario.

Is Essa good for first-time buyers?

Yes, if you work in Barrie or remotely. Detached homes around $820K are among the most affordable in the TRREB region, and the buyer's market provides negotiating room.

Simcoe County

Area Guide

Simcoe CountyPop. 22,000Feb 2026 Data

Buying in Essa

Essa Township real estate: avg $778,967 in Feb 2026. Affordable Simcoe County living near CFB Borden and Barrie. Market stats and buyer insights.

Avg. Price

$750,000

-5.0% YoY

Median Price

$793,850

Sales / Month

Feb 2026

Days on Market

Buyer's Market

The Vibe

Essa Township, centred around the village of Angus, is closely tied to CFB Borden, one of Canada's largest military bases. This gives the community a unique character with a transient military population mixed with long-term residents. Affordable detached homes attract young families who work in Barrie or on the base, while the rural surroundings and Minesing Wetlands offer natural beauty. It is a practical, no-frills community focused on family life.

Who Lives Here

Population: 22,000
Growth: +4.5% (2016-2021)
Median Income: $95,000
Ownership Rate: 80%
Avg. Household Size: 2.9
Median Age: 38

Community

Military community influence from CFB BordenPredominantly European heritageWorking-class family orientation

Source: Census 2021, Statistics Canada

Who It's Good For

The types of buyers who tend to thrive in Essa.

🏅military

Military Families

Adjacent to CFB Borden, making Essa the natural choice for military personnel and their families.

💰affordable

Affordable Buyers

Detached homes averaging $820K offer strong value for families seeking space near Barrie.

🚗commuters

Barrie Commuters

Short drive to Barrie's employment centres and GO Train station for Toronto-bound commuters.

Price Breakdown by Home Type

Average selling prices in Essa based on TRREB MLS data for February 2026.

Home Type	Average Price	YoY Change
Detached	$820,000	-2.8%
Semi-Detached	$650,000	-3.5%
Townhouse	$580,000	-4.0%

Source: Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), Market Watch February 2026. Year-over-year change compared to February 2025.

Market Health

Key indicators showing whether Essa currently favours buyers or sellers.

SNLR

28.5%

Buyer's Market

Below 40% = buyer's market

Months of Inventory

5.5

Balanced supply levels

Avg. SP/LP

97%

Below asking — room to negotiate

Days on Market

LDOM

PDOM

Listing vs. property days on market

Neighbourhoods in Essa

Essa encompasses several distinct communities, each with its own character and housing stock.

Angus

Main village with commercial services, schools, and the majority of residential development.

Thornton

Small hamlet south of Barrie with rural properties and a country store.

Baxter

Rural area along Highway 90 with dispersed residential properties.

Also known as

Angus · Thornton

Getting Around

Transit, walkability, and commute information for Essa.

Essa has no regular public transit. The nearest GO station is in Barrie (Allandale Waterfront). Most residents commute by car to Barrie or the GTA.

Major Transit Lines

No regular transit serviceBarrie GO Transit (nearby Allandale station)

Commute to Downtown Toronto: 75-95 min by car via Highway 400; 90+ min via Barrie GO + train

Walk Score

Transit Score

Bike Score

Local Scene

What's on your doorstep when you buy in Essa.

Food & Dining

🍽️

Angus Glen Restaurant

Local dining in the village of Angus

🍔

Borden Canteen

Casual dining near CFB Borden

🍕

Angus Pizza

Village pizzeria with local following

☕

Tim Hortons Angus

Community coffee hub in the village

🍞

The Thornton General Store

Heritage country store in Thornton hamlet

🍳

Crossroads Kitchen

Home-style cooking and breakfast

Attractions & Amenities

🏛️

Base Borden Military Museum

Military heritage museum at CFB Borden

🌳

Angus Community Park

Central park with splash pad, sports fields, and playground

🪵

Minesing Wetlands

Provincially significant wetland with birding and nature trails

⚽

Jack Chicken Memorial Park

Sports facility with ball diamonds and community events

🌾

Essa Agri Park

Agricultural exhibition grounds with seasonal fairs

🚴

Thornton-Cookstown Trail

Multi-use trail connecting communities through countryside

Schools

School options available for families buying in Essa.

Public Schools

Catholic Schools

French Immersion

Private Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from buyers considering Essa.

As of February 2026, the average home price is $778,967 with a median of $793,850. Detached homes average about $820K, offering good value in Simcoe County.

Nearby Areas

Explore other areas close to Essa.

Innisfil

Simcoe County · Avg. $820K

New Tecumseth

Simcoe County · Avg. $780K

Adjala-Tosorontio

Simcoe County · Avg. $800K

Bradford

Simcoe County · Avg. $850K

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