Living in Old North, London, Ontario
Old North sits just north of downtown London, with the Thames River and Adelaide Street as its rough edges. Its streets are lined with large century homes, minutes from Western University and Richmond Row.
You might be worried a century home will cost more to keep up than you planned. Or that a student rental sits next door.
The Bottom Line (Quick Answer)
- Old North is large century homes on tree-lined streets, just north of downtown London, Ontario.
- The Thames River and Adelaide Street mark its rough edges. Western University and University Hospital are close.
- The Ken Small Real Estate Team works in Old North. Buying with us costs a $495 retainer to start. Our 3% is paid from the seller’s side. If a seller offers less, you never pay the difference.
The short version
- Old North is large century homes on tree-lined streets, just north of downtown.
- You can walk to Richmond Row, and Western and University Hospital are close.
- If you want a new build or low upkeep, Riverbend or Sunningdale will fit better.
Where Old North is — and how it feels
Old North sits just north of downtown. The Thames River and Adelaide Street mark its rough edges. You get downtown convenience with century homes. The feel is settled and busy.
Old trees, heritage architecture and a short walk to Richmond Row. Few London areas have all three.
The homes in Old North
The streets are lined with large century homes. There are some newer builds too, and multi-unit rentals near the university edge.
The trade-off. You get location and character. But a century home needs upkeep, and the blocks nearest Western have more student rentals. Walk the exact street before you decide.
To see what is for sale today, search London listings.
What do homes cost in Old North?
You will not find an Old North average on this site, only London-wide figures. London’s average sale price was $591,927 in September 2026 (source: LSTAR Residential Market Activity Report, September 2026).
That average hides big swings by street and by price band. Two homes a kilometre apart can sit in different markets. What this means for you: price an Old North home by its own street, not by the London average.
Buying? Tell us your budget on a call, and you will see what it buys in Old North right now. Own a home here? What’s My Home Worth? gives you your own number.
What does a century home ask of you?
A century home needs upkeep. Budget for it before you budget for the kitchen. Get a full home inspection before you firm up an offer.
London also has heritage conservation districts. In one, changes to a home can need a Heritage Alteration Permit from the City (City of London). Ask us to check whether an address sits in one before you offer.
What parks and shops are near Old North?
Old North is built for walking. Gibbons Park and Doidge Park sit along the river. Gibbons Park has a heated 25-metre outdoor pool, three tennis courts and a spray pad, according to the City.
The Thames Valley Parkway runs through for cycling and walking. The City says the parkway is 45 kilometres long (City of London).
The shops, cafes and restaurants of Richmond Row are minutes away. Downtown, Western University and University Hospital are all close.
Who lives in Old North?
Old North draws a wide mix. Families want character and good access to schools and the university. Professionals want to walk to work downtown. Retirees want the settled streets. Students want to be near Western.
Thinking about buying or selling in Old North?
You get every number in writing, up front, from a team that works Old North. To see what is for sale, search London listings. Own an Old North home? What’s My Home Worth? gives you a number for it.
What it costs to buy in Old North with us
It costs a $495 retainer to start. Our commission is 3%, paid from the seller’s side of the deal. If a seller offers our brokerage less than 3%, you never pay the difference. Every number is on buyer pricing and fees.
Who Old North suits
Old North suits buyers who want historic character and a walkable spot next to downtown. It suits families and professionals who want to be near Western, University Hospital and the river.
Who Old North does not suit
- You want a new build. Most homes here are century homes.
- You want a big garage or low upkeep. Riverbend or Sunningdale will fit better.
- You want quiet with no students near. Look at blocks farther from Western, or another area.
What London clients say
★★★★★All the way from the start of the house search, Ken was there to help at every step. From setting up search criteria that exactly met our needs, to getting viewings scheduled, to providing honest feedback about the properties (which is often rare for most agents); Ken went above and beyond our expectations. 10/10 experience with Ken.
J H · Buyer · Apr 2023 · via Google
4.9 average from 14 Google reviews, as shown on our reviews page (October 2026). Read them all on our reviews page.
The honest takeaway
The trade-off is upkeep, and more student rentals on the blocks nearest Western.
Common questions about Old North
Is Old North a good neighbourhood in London, Ontario?
What is Old North known for?
What kind of homes are in Old North?
What do homes cost in Old North?
Is Old North close to Western University?
Where is Old North in London, Ontario?
What homes are for sale in Old North?
Are there rentals in Old North?
Thinking about a move to Old North?
Talk to someone who works this area. Find out if Old North fits your budget, your commute and your life. A 15-minute call, no pressure. Every home you buy with us comes with a 1-year warranty and our Love Your New Home Guarantee. The guarantee lasts 24 months. Your next home with us must be of equal or greater value. The guarantee covers the listing-side commission only.
About Ken Small
Ken Small, REALTOR®, has been a real estate agent in London since 2003. He leads the Ken Small Real Estate Team at Century 21 First Canadian Corp., Brokerage. The office is at 420 York Street, London, ON N6B 1R1. RECO #4727293. Meet the team →