Introduction
There is some disagreement about the precise boundaries of King East. This neighbourhood in downtown Kitchener is roughly bordered by Benton Street to the west, Charles Street East in the south (to Delta Street) and Weber Street East to Ottawa Street North) in the north.
Lifestyle
The neighbourhood offers urban ambiance amidst built up residential streets and commercial attractions. There is a real mix of residents in the area, from retirees and working class families to young, professional up-and-comers and bohemians looking for inexpensive real estate. There are brightly painted murals on some houses. Most of the houses are older in this area. Some are well-maintained while others are crumbly and in not great condition.
The Vibe
King East attracts many shoppers, drawn to the famous Kitchener Market. The Downtown Neighbourhood Alliance, a group of neighbourhood associations representing downtown Kitchener, organize film nights and sports and leisure activities throughout the year. Kitchener is also home to Oktoberfest, an annual celebration of the city’s German heritage, involving beer gardens, bratwurst, parades and polka music. The downtown area in general has a lively arts/live music scene.
Meet the Neighbours
According to Statistics Canada, the median age in Kitchener as of 2011 was 36.3 years for men and 38.1 for women. There were 61,255 census families in private households in Kitchener in 2011 of which 42,655 were married couples. In 2011, 18.4 per cent of the population was visible minorities (versus half of Toronto), states Statistics Canada. The most common visible minorities in Kitchener were South Asians and African-Canadians.
In the Area
King East is close to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex (home to the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League and the site of many concerts over the years by the likes of Led Zeppelin, Kiss and Bob Dylan). Nearby schools include Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute and Sheppard Public School. There are many pubs, restaurants and fast-food outlets in and around King East.
Distance from City Hall
1.5 km
1.5 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
The neighbourhood offers two major roadways: Weber and King streets. The area is well-serviced by Grand River Transit with plentiful bus routes. The neighbourhood is close to the Kitchener train station (which takes trains from VIA and GO Transit) and a downtown bus terminal (which takes local, Greyhound and GO buses). A light rapid transit system is being built for the Region of Waterloo.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Some pockets of this neighbourhood are showing their age, along with, well, some less desirable characteristics such as higher crime rate. Still, it’s an excellent area if you’re looking for an older, traditional style-home close to stores, a farmer’s market, restaurants, pubs and other amenities. Very good public transit means you don’t have to own a car to get around.
Dollars & Sense
King East is an inexpensive area to live or shop. Housing prices are reasonable (especially compared to Toronto), as are rents. Most of the commercial businesses in the area charge very affordable prices for their goods and/or services.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Kitchener Market
Featuring the historic Saturday farmers’ market which offers a selection of the region’s bounty. The venue also hosts arts/crafts vendors, international food vendors, cooking classes and other events.
more info
Gastropub No. 29
Tasty pub grub and craft beers in a causal, neighbourly atmosphere. The ‘29’ designation is from Toronto Maple Leaf goalie Mike Palmateer’s hockey number.
more info
Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex
The place to go to skate, watch hockey or a concert, “the Aud” complex boasts arenas, a ballpark, skate park and a restaurant.
more info
Centre in the Square
Within easy walking distance from the King East neighbourhood, this elegant theatre has hosted symphony orchestras, pop concerts, comedy shows, musicals and films.
more info
Kitchener Public Library
The main library branch for Kitchener-Waterloo, boasting an impressive book collection, digital media lab and seminar rooms for meetings and presentations.
more infoStreet Corner
Demographic Data
King East
Housing
Neighbours
Habits
Cheers!
Wheels
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