Ilderton is a small village in Middlesex County, officially a member of the Middlesex Centre Municipality that encompasses the area around London, Ontario. Located North of London, Ilderton is similarly situated between Lake Huron and Lake Erie. Ilderton is the proud home of an excellent outdoor farmers market, a large county fair, and exciting new subdivision developments. Looking for a rural setting with access to London? Look no further than Ilderton.
Where is Ilderton, Ontario?
In January of 1998, the townships of London, Lobo, and Delaware combined to form the Municipality of Middlesex Centre. After its creation, the population of the municipality was sitting just under 15,000, but by 2016, the population had bloomed to 17,262 people across 588 square kilometers around the city of London, Ontario. The growing popularity of Middlesex Centre is due to the number of “Bedroom Communities” within its borders. Many residents choose to live in the smaller towns of Middlesex Centre and commute to London rather than living in the city themselves.
Just North of London is one such community: Ilderton, Ontario. The residents of Ilderton make up about 10% of the population of the Middlesex Centre municipality with 1,856 people recorded in the 2016 census. However, the inclusion of two recent subdivision developments have caused a slight population boom for the community in the years since the census. It is estimated that the population now exceeds 2,000 people.
Real Estate in Ilderton, Ontario: Living in Ilderton
As new developments get closer and closer to completion, the population isn’t the only thing getting a healthy boost. The real estate market in Ilderton begins to buzz as well.
One of the new developments is “Clear Skies”, which features large lots and a choice of 4 different builders. Options for houses are varied, from 2 bedroom bungalows to 3-4 bedroom two-story homes all with stylish, modern exteriors. Another new addition to Ilderton is the “Timberwalk” community with 4 planned phases, equally large lots, and housing options that start around the mid-$500,000 mark.
Ilderton is also home to Vintage Green Apartments. The building contains vast community space alongside 36 rental units in a combination of one-bedroom and two-bedroom options designed with adult residents age 55+ in mind. In addition, the resident’s association organizes gatherings, clubs, and holiday special activities.
Ilderton has one school in town, Oxbow Public School that takes students from JK to Grade 8. The Middlesex Centre municipality is well-covered by both the Thames Valley District School Board and the London District Catholic School Board and additional school coverage can be found in nearby London, Lucan, or Arva.
Post-secondary education is surprisingly accessible from Ilderton as well. Fanshawe College’s main campus is a 25 minute drive away, while its downtown campus is a little bit closer, but an equal drive due to its location in the city core. Ilderton is even closer to Western University, at 15 minutes away from the institutions main gates on Richmond Street. Both schools offer a commute that is quieter and less congested than driving through parts of London.
Things to Do in and Around Ilderton
Ilderton may by rural, but it sure isn’t isolated. This just means that visitors and residents alike can experience fresh quality supplied by local farmers and artisans or quick convenience from the big box stores in London, Ontario.
Ilderton Fall Fair
Ilderton boasts one of the largest fairs in the County. Hosted by the Ilderton Agricultural Society, the Fall Fair commemorates the season of harvest for a weekend in September. The fair entertains guests of all ages with a Midway, local vendors, performers, competitions, livestock, and a parade. The fair charges $8 admission for adults, but elementary students and preschool children get in for free.
Shopping in Ilderton
The Ilderton Farmer's market is open every Saturday morning all Summer long until September 21st. The market becomes the spot to buy local for Ilderton and the surrounding area. Everything in the market, from baked goods, to hot food, or fresh produce and ingredients is sourced from farmers within 30 km of the market.
Looking to refuel? Consider some of the local dining options in Ilderton. Grab a coffee and a donut on-the-go from the Ilderton Tim Horton's or stop in to the King Edward Pub for dinner, drinks, and good company. In a hurry? Try take-out pizza from New Orleans Pizza or For Pizza’s Sake.
Shopping in London
Ilderton is conveniently located only 10 minutes from the shopping in the Hyde Park area of London. Hyde Park has a lot of great stores all clustered together in one accessible location. There is no need to go further into London when Ilderton is such a short trip from a Canadian Tire, Walmart Supercentre, Winners, and so much more! Hyde Park is also a handy place to stop for a meal, with a Kelseys Roadhouse, Montana’s, and a new Mandarin Buffet all around the shopping centre.
The North side of London is also home to its best shopping mall. The two floor, CF Masonville Place is at the corner of Richmond Street and Fanshawe Park Road East. The popular mall is only 15 minutes away from Ilderton. With 150 stores and a selection of food from around the world, a trip to Masonville is well worth the commute. If you’re in the area, the mall is at the centre of several useful stores from groceries, electronics, books, pet supplies, and even more restaurants.
Ilderton is so close to North London, it enjoys the benefits of being an ideal suburb without the complications of being included in the city. Residents can marvel at the country view and village feel without the hour-long commute to a major city. If this sounds like the ideal lifestyle for you, then check out Ilderton, Ontario today.