Living in Wortley Village, London, Ontario
Wortley Village is the walkable main street of Old South, just south of downtown London. Independent shops, cafes and places to eat line Wortley Road.
You might be worried an old home limits what you can change, or costs more to fix. Here is what that means, and who it suits.
The Bottom Line (Quick Answer)
- Wortley Village is the main street of Old South, just south of downtown London, Ontario.
- Most of it was built before the Second World War, and it is a City heritage district.
- The Ken Small Real Estate Team works in Wortley Village and Old South. 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
- Wortley Village is the main street of Old South, one of London’s oldest areas, just south of downtown.
- The City dates its historic homes from about 1850 to 1930.
- It is a Heritage Conservation District, so some changes need a City permit.
Where Wortley Village is — and how it feels
Old South sits just south of downtown. Wortley Village is its walkable centre. It is one of London’s oldest areas, and it feels like a village inside the city.
You get independent cafes and shops, old trees, and a strong sense of place.
What kind of homes are in Old South?
The City’s heritage plan says most of the area was built before the Second World War. Its historic homes date from about 1850 to 1930. Many follow Victorian tastes.
They sit on deep lots. Some have been split into multi-unit rentals. Buyers come for the architecture, the street and the walking. You trade newer finishes for older character and a central spot.
To see what is for sale today, search London listings.
What do homes cost in Wortley Village?
You will not find a Wortley Village 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 a Wortley Village 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 Wortley Village right now. Own a home here? What’s My Home Worth? gives you your own number.
What does the heritage district mean for owners?
Wortley Village-Old South became a Heritage Conservation District on June 1, 2015. Changes to a home there can need a Heritage Alteration Permit from the City (City of London).
What this means for you: plan any change to the outside of the house with the City in mind. Tell us what you want to change before you offer. We will tell you what to check.
The full rules are in the City’s Wortley Village-Old South heritage plan.
What shops and restaurants are in Wortley Village?
Independent shops, cafes and places to eat line Wortley Road. The City’s heritage plan calls that strip “the social and commercial hub.”
What parks are near Wortley Village?
The draw is the village itself. Daily life here happens on foot. Thames Park and Greenway Park are close. The City lists an off-leash dog park and soccer fields at Greenway Park (City of London). Downtown is just to the north.
Who lives in Wortley Village?
Old South draws a mix of people. Families, retirees and young workers. What they share is a taste for walking, character and community.
In 2013 the Canadian Institute of Planners named Old South / Wortley Village a Great Neighbourhood. The award came from its Great Places in Canada contest. The village won both the Grand Prize and the People’s Choice Award.
Thinking about buying or selling in Wortley Village?
You get every number in writing, up front, from a team that works Wortley Village and Old South. To see what is for sale, search London listings. Own a home here? What’s My Home Worth? gives you a number for it.
What it costs to buy in Wortley Village 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 Wortley Village suits
Wortley Village suits buyers who want to walk to the shops. It suits buyers who pick old character over a new build. Families, downsizers and professionals all fit here.
Who Wortley Village does not suit
- You want a newer build or a quiet cul-de-sac. Riverbend or Sunningdale will fit better.
- You want to change the outside of your home freely. The heritage district adds a City permit step.
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
You trade newer finishes for character and a walk to everything.
Common questions about Wortley Village
Is Wortley Village a good place to live?
What is Old South / Wortley Village known for?
What kind of homes are in Old South?
Is Wortley Village a heritage district?
What do homes cost in Wortley Village?
Why is Wortley Village so popular?
Where is Wortley Village in London, Ontario?
What homes are for sale in Wortley Village?
Thinking about a move to Wortley Village and Old South?
Talk to someone who works this area. Find out if Wortley Village 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 →