August 16, 2025 | Country Life
Towns Near Guelph: Where to Buy Your Next Home

So if you are interested in buying a country home or potentially exploring the possibilities of a rural lifestyle, then you have come to the right place.
In this blog post, we will walk through some of the towns closest to Guelph, where you can situate yourself in the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of rural life.
Guelph is luckily surrounded by many small towns throughout the Wellington region. Each of these towns has a different lifestyle, with some being more established than others. It all depends on the kind of rural life you are looking for.
Looking for more rural real estate resources? Check out these blogs next!
- Your Guide to Starting a Farm in Ontario
- What to Know About Buying a Horse Farm
- Where Can I Buy a Hobby Farm Near Toronto?
Where to Start Your Home Search
When you begin your search for a home in the Guelph area, we recommend sitting down with your real estate agent as well as anyone involved in the purchasing process and determining your wants and needs.
If you have kids, you will want to keep the school zones in mind and also the distance to bus them in too. If you are still working, consider the maximum commute you are willing to undertake and if you will be required to take any of the major highways to and from work.
Other key lifestyle considerations are the distance from the property to grocery stores, pharmacies, your Doctor’s office, the local Hospital and kids’ activities and extracurriculars. In the process of looking for a rural home, buyers often ride out the excitement and forget to think about the long-term.
This is completely normal and expected! Purchasing a country home is a large undertaking, and exactly why you want the right agent, team and brokerage working with you.
Know What You Need
The next determining factor will be the intent of purchase. If you plan on operating your farm as a hobby farm, for example, you will want to ensure there is capacity on the land for small farm-livestock, potential pastures and outbuildings and still enough room to enjoy the open acreage views.
In the same way, if you plan on running a business, you will want to map out the potential for outbuildings, shops and parking. Others may want land for the purpose of enjoying the open space, in which case you may want to ask your Realtor to take you to a variety of different-sized properties so that you can see where your sweet spot is within your budget.
Where to Find Country Homes Near Guelph
Fergus, Ontario
Fergus is known for its mix of residential and rural properties. As you drive into Fergus, you will notice an abundance of land opportunities along Highway 6 and into the more central parts of Fergus. As this quaint community continues to grow, with ongoing plans of expansion, this is a great time to purchase land and settle your family.
Country homes in Fergus are often old, original brick homes with ample character and charm. Most homes have been partially or fully restored and include the sale of outbuildings and shops installed on the land. Fergus is an ideal location if you have a short or long list of non-negotiables because of the amount and variety of inventory available.
Thinking about buying a rural home? Check out these related blogs next!
- How to Buy a Rural House in Ontario
- Acreage Landscaping Ideas to Increase Property Value
- Tips For Transitioning to Rural Living
Erin, Ontario
Erin is another great location that is still central to Guelph, being just a 20-minute drive away from Downtown.
In Erin, you will find the comforts of a small town and great opportunities to own and tend to farmland. The majority of the homes and properties here are sitting on large lots, spanning anywhere from 10-100 acres. It is common to enjoy the simple things, such as driving down the dirt roads and living on county line streets.
In Rockwood, you will experience the true essence of a close community, where neighbours and friends have lived in the area and tended to their land for years. If you plan on hosting an Equine Farm, Erin is home to Angestone, a renowned Equestrian Facility where competitions take place throughout the season. Rockwood is also home to many hobby farms, which are home to fresh flowers and produce.
Puslinch, Ontario
Situated around Puslinch Lake and the Guelph Lakes system, Puslinch provides a lovely rural living environment. Many are choosing to purchase and renovate homes in the surrounding area due to its proximity to Guelph and the 401.
If you are craving a quiet life but don’t want to give up your proximity to schools and the hustle and bustle, this is the perfect place for you. Enjoy a bite to eat at the Aberfoyle Mill on the weekends or take a stroll through the Antique Market and decorate your new country home. In Puslinch, you will find a vibrant community centred around the lake and the great outdoors.
Guelph-Eramosa, Ontario
Offering a mix of rural and urban, Guelph-Eramosa is a growing community that situates you in a mature, natural environment.
The Rockwood Conservation Area is a great place to check out if you are interested in looking for properties in the area. With 11 municipal parks and over 81 KM of trails throughout the town, this is the perfect place to purchase a country home for those who are outdoorsy and enjoy year round activities such as snow-mobiling, cross-country skiing, running and hiking, etc.
Find Your Next Home With Capstone REPS
Puslinch, Erin, Fergus and Guelph/Eramosa are all fantastic small towns located central to Guelph for your dream country home. If you are still unsure, we would love to sit down and chat about your wants and needs, or take you to different properties in various areas to see which location feels like home.
Ready to buy? Contact the experts in Rural Realty at Capstone REPS today! Reach us by email at info@capstonereps.com or call 519.824.9050.

Ready to Get Started?
Thinking about buying or selling a home in Guelph or Wellington County? Start the conversation with our team today.