A move from Toronto to Ajax can be stressful, and it’s not really anything to do with the drive.
The difficulty comes from the subtle changes: a new power supplier, a different garbage schedule, a new transit system, and a new way of making the commute to work.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide for anyone moving from Toronto to Durham Region. It covers why so many families are making the move, what changes once you cross the Rouge, the paperwork to get sorted before moving day, and how to choose Ajax movers who know both ends of the trip.
Why Toronto Families Are Moving to Ajax
Space is the big one. Detached homes, semis and townhouses in Ajax generally sell for considerably less than comparable homes in Toronto, and you’re far more likely to get a garage, a driveway and a backyard for your money. Check the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board’s monthly market reports for current figures, but for many families the gap is wide enough to be the deciding factor.
One thing to watch is property tax. Ajax’s tax rate is higher than Toronto’s (Toronto has one of the lowest rates in the GTA), but it’s applied to a lower assessed value, so compare the actual annual bill on a specific home rather than the rate alone.
Then there’s the lifestyle. Ajax has several kilometres of waterfront trail along Lake Ontario, a lakefront you can actually get to, and a town centre that’s easy to get around. For a lot of people, it’s the combination of a quieter street and a direct train to Union that makes it work.
Ajax Neighbourhoods at a Glance
Ajax is compact, but its neighbourhoods have different personalities, and where you land affects both your commute and your moving-day logistics.
- Pickering Village: Despite the name, this historic village core is on the west side of Ajax. Older homes, mature trees, walkable shops along Old Kingston Road, and narrow streets that movers need to plan around.
- South Ajax and the waterfront: Closest to the lake, Rotary Park and Ajax GO Station. A mix of established homes and newer townhouse and condo developments.
- Central Ajax: Subdivisions from the 1980s through the 2000s around Harwood Avenue and the Durham Centre shopping area. Convenient for everything, with wider streets and driveways that make truck access simple.
- Nottingham and north-east Ajax: Newer family subdivisions built mostly in the 2000s, near Audley Road and the Audley Recreation Centre.
- North Ajax: The newest developments between Rossland and Taunton Roads, with quick access to Highway 407 via the 412. Some streets are still being finished, so ask your builder about site access if you’re buying new.
What Changes When You Leave Toronto
First up, let’s talk about the commute. Highway 401 runs straight through Ajax and Highway 407 passes to the north; the 412 connects the two along the Ajax–Whitby border. Keep in mind the 407 is a toll highway, so budget for it if it’s going to be part of your daily route.
Ajax GO Station is on the Lakeshore East line, with direct trains to Union Station that take roughly 40 to 50 minutes depending on the time of day and whether you catch an express. The station lot fills up early on weekdays, so test your timing before your first real workday. Under the province’s One Fare program, you won’t pay a second fare when you tap between GO and Durham Region Transit or the TTC on the same PRESTO card.
Local buses are run by Durham Region Transit (DRT) rather than the TTC, so it’s worth mapping out how your daily commute will actually work before the move, not after.
Municipal services work differently too. Durham Region operates on a two-tier system, so responsibilities are split between two bodies. The Town of Ajax handles local parks, recreation programs and local roads, while Durham Region looks after water and sewer services, waste collection, regional roads, public health and DRT.
Garbage and recycling schedules can be quite different from what you’re used to in Toronto. Check the collection calendar for your new address on the Durham Region website before your first pickup day.
You’ll have a new electricity provider as well: Elexicon Energy serves Ajax, so you’ll need to open a new account rather than transferring your Toronto Hydro one. Natural gas stays with Enbridge, and water is billed by Durham Region. Contact each utility at least a week before you move so everything is working from day one.
Costs and Paperwork to Sort Out
Toronto is the only Ontario municipality that charges its own land transfer tax on top of the provincial one. If you’re buying a home in Ajax, you’ll pay Ontario’s provincial land transfer tax but not a municipal one. Consult a real estate lawyer to confirm the exact figures for your purchase.
Factor admin into your timeline, because Ontario requires you to update the address on your driver’s licence within six days of moving. You can update your vehicle permit and health card through ServiceOntario at the same time.
If you have kids, get in touch with the Durham District School Board or the Durham Catholic District School Board to register them at the new address. Set up Canada Post mail forwarding for at least six months, and let the Canada Revenue Agency know you’ve moved so nothing important goes to the old place.
Choosing a Mover for a Toronto-to-Ajax Move
Admittedly, Toronto to Ajax is a short-haul move within the GTA, but the logistics at the two ends can differ a fair bit.
When comparing Ajax movers, ask for a written estimate that states the hourly rate or flat price, along with any extra charges for stairs, long carries or heavy items. Confirm what insurance coverage applies to your belongings in transit.
If you’re leaving a Toronto condo or apartment, book the service elevator and loading area with property management well in advance; most buildings require it and many set time limits. Our condo and high-rise moving guide for downtown Toronto walks through the booking process.
Book several weeks ahead for the widest choice of dates; end-of-month and summer weekends are the busiest periods of the year. If your Toronto sale closes before your Ajax purchase (a common situation), short-term storage can bridge the gap without rushing either end.
A reputable Ajax moving company will also ask about parking and truck access at both addresses, because narrow streets in Pickering Village, driveway slopes and street parking rules can all affect how long the move takes.
Settling In: Your First Few Weeks in Ajax
Once the boxes are in, a few things will help you feel at home quickly.
- Sign up for a library card and browse recreation programs on the Town of Ajax website; the Ajax Community Centre, McLean Community Centre and Audley Recreation Centre all run drop-in programs and swim times.
- Walk the Waterfront Trail from Rotary Park; it’s the quickest way to understand the shape of the town.
- Load a PRESTO card for DRT and GO, and do a dry run of your commute before the first workday.
- If you need a new family doctor, register with Ontario’s Health Care Connect program as soon as your health card address is updated.
- Explore the neighbours: Pickering’s Seaton and Whitby’s Brooklin are growing fast, and if you’re buying a new build in either, our new-build move-in guide for Whitby and Pickering covers the extra steps.
Looking for Durham Region movers to simplify the move for you and make sure everything goes as planned? Get in touch with Sterling Moving Services today.