Oshawa is the largest city in Durham Region, with about 175,000 residents at the 2021 Census. Long known as the home of General Motors in Canada, it has diversified into education, health care and technology while remaining one of the more affordable housing markets in the GTA.
Neighbourhoods
- Downtown Oshawa: revitalizing core with the Tribute Communities Centre, restaurants and new residential buildings.
- North Oshawa: family neighbourhoods near Ontario Tech University and Durham College.
- Lakeview and the waterfront: parks along Lake Ontario.
- Windfields and Kedron: newer communities in the north.
Economy
GM’s Oshawa Assembly plant remains an important employer. Ontario Tech University and Durham College attract students and research investment, and Lakeridge Health Oshawa is a major regional hospital.
Getting around
Oshawa GO station on the Lakeshore East line connects to Toronto, and plans to extend GO service east toward Bowmanville would add stations in the area. Durham Region Transit provides local service, and Highways 401, 407 and 418 serve the city.
Housing
Oshawa offers some of the lowest average prices in the GTA. TRREB reported an average of about $680,000 in September 2026. Read our Oshawa Real Estate Investment Outlook and the Durham Region outlook.
Things to do
- Visit Parkwood Estate, a National Historic Site.
- Explore the Canadian Automotive Museum.
- Catch a Generals hockey game.
- Walk the Oshawa Creek and waterfront trails.