When it comes to places to live in London, Ontario, there are plenty of neighbourhoods that would argue that they are the best of the best. But there is only one neighbourhood in the whole city that won the grand prize for the best neighbourhood in the Great Places In Canada Award, and that neighbourhood is Old South’s Wortley Village. For anyone who has walked through the charming streets of Old South, this award comes at absolutely no surprise.
The tree-lined streets ooze character. The neighbourhood is filled with historic homes with eye-catching architecture. Homes feature stunning brickwork, decorative gables, and incredible porch details. You can see the influences of historic architecture styles like the Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, and Edwardian Classical. Old South is filled with beautiful homes that look like they might just be holding secret entrances into Narnia within their walls. And while visually the neighbourhood is quaint, charming, and wholesome, it’s only one small part of why it’s no surprise that it was awarded one of the best places in Canada.
The Neighbourhood
When you think of idyllic neighbourhoods, what is one of the first things that comes to mind? For many, we picture friendly neighbours waving hello as they mow their front lawn. We think of the trustworthy family next door that has a spare copy of your key for those times when your forgetful teenager gets locked out again. We imagine helpful neighbours willing to lend a cup of sugar or help you shovel out your driveway when you’re running late for work in the snowy season. The people of Old South embody the word neighbourly.
The People
The people of Old South are friendly, kind, and helpful. On any given night you’re sure to find couples sitting out on their oversized porches greeting the passersby and keeping watch over the young ones playing in the front yards. Neighbours take evening strolls around the block, stopping to say hi to the porch-dwellers as they go. Kids run around together, playing tag in along multiple front lawns.
The neighbourhood association puts on multiple annual events throughout the year that are always well-attended by smiling neighbours. Every year, Gathering On the Green is the event that everyone gets most excited about. It’s a free event that is a day full of fun, games, live music, vendors, and unique handcrafted items. But the Chili Cook-Off and the Jazz and Blues Fest are also must-attend events year after year.
The Complete Package
Another piece of the “best place in Canada” puzzle is everything that Old South has to offer…and all within walking distance. Located just south of downtown, incredible nightlife and endless entertainment is just a snap of a 5-minute drive, a short, 10-minute bike ride, and a beautiful 30-minute walk. Within Old South, residents can spend an afternoon sipping cappuccinos at a cafe and leisurely strolling to boutique shopping and art galleries. They can walk to grab groceries and home essentials. They can spend time relaxing at the neighbourhood spas and salons. Old South harbours some of London’s greatest restaurant treasures, such as Roll Roll, Company Bar, and Plant Matter Kitchen. On warm summer days, you can find the neighbourhood pubs with bustling patios. Check out our ‘Why Wortley Village Is Secretly A Foodie Paradise’ blog for more insights to the best food spots in Old South!
Old South is a charming neighbourhood. It’s filled with stunning historic homes that look storybook-beautiful. It’s also a friendly neighbourhood, filled with individuals and families that embody the definition of neighbourly. And it’s a neighbourhood filled with amenities that are easy to walk to. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind neighbourhood and it is absolutely no surprise that it won such an incredible award. It truly is one of the best places in Canada.