Real estate Saint-Élie-d’Orford : Why choose this area for your future home?

Welcome to Saint-Élie-d’Orford

Hello everyone! I’m Sébastien Labrie, RE/MAX real estate broker serving Saint-Élie-d’Orford, a popular community in the Brompton-Rock Forest-Saint-Élie-Deauville Borough.

In a nutshell, here are the main reasons why individuals and families settle here: you’ll find a perfect balance of unspoiled nature, vibrant community life and modern conveniences. Its low population density guarantees space and tranquility, while its warm, predominantly French-speaking community welcomes you with open arms.

With an average age of 38, Saint-Élie-d’Orford is particularly popular with young families looking for a safe and healthy living environment. Local organizations and community events, such as Loisirs Acti-Famille, cultivate a genuine village spirit where neighborly relations flourish naturally.

In this introductory article, come and explore Saint-Élie and see for yourself: living here could well be your best decision.

Saint-Élie-d’Orford: from forest to agriculture to tourism

Founded in 1899, Saint-Élie owes its name to Abbé Alfred-Élie Dufresne. The parish, established in 1889 under Abbé Godin, initially included 120 Catholic families. Detached from Orford Township, it became Saint-Élie-d’Orford in 1993, then integrated into Sherbrooke as a municipal district in 2002.

The town’s economic history is poorly documented, and is illuminated by that of Orford Township. As early as 1850, logging dominated, supported by the British American Land Company. In the 20th century, a brief mining era began with marble in 1945. However, in the second half of the 20th century, tourism, propelled by Mont Orford National Park (1938), was the main pillar of development. Skiing, golf and many other attractions attracted visitors and those in search of a peaceful haven.

Saint-Élie-d’Orford is also known for its local, diversified agriculture and agri-tourism. The local agricultural landscape is made up of family farms, market gardening, fruit production, specialized crops and complementary activities such as pick-your-own and direct farm sales. Produce is also sold via public markets, such as the Marché public de Saint-Élie, promoting short supply chains and fresh produce.

Today, the district thrives on its natural heritage and sustainable development, and Saint-Élie is home to nearly 12,000 residents.

What are the advantages of living in Saint-Élie-d’Orford?

Reason #1: It’s a great place to raise a family

Saint-Élie d’Orford is particularly appealing to young families thanks to its exceptional natural setting and peaceful atmosphere. Surrounded by greenery, this former municipality offers an ideal environment where children can thrive in complete safety.

Regarding English-language education in Saint-Élie d’Orford, unfortunately, there are no English schools within its borders. However, the French sector offers high-quality institutions such as École Alfred-Desrochers and École des Aventuriers, allowing parents to provide their children with a stimulating educational environment close to home.

For the English sector, the majority of public schools are administered by the Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB). Here are some notable examples:

• Sherbrooke Elementary School: Located at 242 Ontario Street, Sherbrooke, under the direction of Catherine Zahra.
• Alexander Galt Regional High School: Located at 1700 College Street, Sherbrooke, led by Peggy McCourt.
• Bishop’s College School: A private English-language secondary school (grades 7 to 12), located in Lennoxville, Sherbrooke, offering a multicultural environment and diverse programs.
• Anglissimo Preschool and Kindergarten: A kindergarten located in the northern district of Sherbrooke, focused on introducing English and music.

In addition, Champlain Lennoxville, a public English-language college, offers pre-university and technical programs in Sherbrooke. For higher education, Bishop’s University, also located in Lennoxville, provides programs in English.

With its numerous green spaces, outdoor activities, and cultural and sporting events, Saint-Élie d’Orford remains a truly pleasant and peaceful place to live, where families can flourish together, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Reason #2: Local businesses meeting essential needs

Saint-Élie-d’Orford offers a variety of local businesses that make everyday life easier: bakeries, grocery stores, hardware stores, pharmacies… Everything is accessible without sacrificing the tranquility you’ll find in this neighborhood.

For more specific purchases, several shopping centers are just 10-15 minutes away:

• Carrefour de l’Estrie:
• Le Centre Sherbrooke
• SmartCentres Sherbrooke
• Les Promenades King
• Les Galeries Quatre Saisons

And, let’s not forget, Saint-Élie-d’Orford’s proximity to major highways makes it easy to get to other boroughs and towns in the region. A fact much appreciated by residents.

Where are the best places to eat in Saint-Élie-d’Orford?

Saint-Élie-d’Orford and the surrounding area are brimming with a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes, whether you’re looking for local or international cuisine or a friendly atmosphere. Here are a few of my suggestions:

Reason #3: A rich cultural and community life

Musical events

• Orford sur la Route: : touring concerts at Saint-Élie-d’Orford church
• Festival Orford Musique: Orford Music Festival: prestigious event attracting international visitors.

Cultural activities

• Vendredis musicaux d’Orford: free summer concerts
• Expositions artistiques: like La Promenade des Cerises.

Local festivals and community activities

• Orford 3.0: organization offering accessible cultural, sports and leisure activities.
• Neighborhood festivals organized by the  Maison des jeunes Serge Forest.
• Centre Communautaire Richard-Gingras: Educational and cultural activities for all ages. Take advantage of the swimming center and library.
• Horticultural courses at Serres St-Élie.
• U-pick berries at Ferme St-Élie.
• Drags de St-Élie: drag racing at the Saint-Élie Motosports complex.
• Karting Orford: exciting family activity with two circuits and seven types of vehicles.
• Au Vignoble d’Orford: dégustations de vins locaux dans un cadre enchanteur.

Raison #4 : Un environnement naturel et dynamique paradis

Exceptional waterways

I’ve always been impressed by the role that the aquatic environment plays in the lives of Sherbrooke residents. And Saint-Élie-d’Orford is no exception. In fact, the district abounds in water, both inside and outside its boundaries. Several rivers and lakes enrich the natural landscape and offer countless recreational opportunities.

The nearby Rivière Saint-François forms the western boundary, while the Rivière Magog forms the southern boundary, both within easy walking or driving distance.

What’s more, on the southern border, you’ll find the magnificent Lac Magog and the Maurice Bessette Nature Reserve, which, depending on opportunities, are popular destinations for water sports, hiking, cycling and cultural discoveries. This dynamic environment is a delight for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Add to these the three lakes on the western border:

• Lac Brompton (11,9 km²) – the most imposing
• Lac Montjoie (3,23 km²)
• Lac à la truite (0,34 km²).

Mont-Orford National Park

Mont-Orford National Park is one of the natural jewels in the magnificent Eastern Townships. It offers a multitude of year-round activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Best of all, it’s just minutes from your Saint-Élie home.

Here’s an overview of the activities you can enjoy:

In summer:

• Hiking: The park boasts over 80 km of hiking trails, offering breathtaking panoramas.
• Water sports: Stukely and Fraser lakes are ideal for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, pedal boating and paddle boarding.
• Biking: The park offers biking trails for all levels (including mountain biking and fat biking).
• Wildlife viewing: The park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species.

 

(In french – Source : Mont-Orford Park Youtube)

In winter:

• Cross-country skiing: The park is renowned for its magnificent cross-country ski trails.
• Snowshoeing: Numerous trails are accessible to snowshoers.
• Fat bikes: An original way to discover the park in winter.
• Downhill skiing: The nearby Mont-Orford ski resort offers trails for all levels.

Year-round:

• Camping: The park offers camping sites and chalets for overnight stays in the heart of nature.
• Discovery activities: Nature interpretation activities are available to learn more about the park’s environment.
• Geocaching: A fun activity for the whole family.

Plan your excursion in advance!

The park is very popular, especially in summer, so it’s a good idea to book your activities and accommodation in advance. We recommend consulting the Sépaq (Société des établissements de plein air du Québec) website for the latest information on activities, rates and access conditions. Here’s the link: Mont-Orford National Park.

The trails of Saint-Élie: A playground in nature!

Don’t miss the neighborhood’s hidden trails, especially those behind the Richard-Gingras Community Center. Ideal for walking or snowshoeing, this recently-developed network of trails offers a round-trip route of around 3 km. Access is free, and these trails link various natural environments in the area, allowing hikers to explore the beauty of the region.

You’ll also find cross-country ski trails along Hamel Street and Laliberté Road (14 kilometers of trails). To find out more about these experiences, check out Skiglisse: The blog of a Sunday skier who also skis on Saturdays… and sometimes during the week too!

Reason #5: A stable and attractive real estate market

Now that we’ve introduced you to the assets of Saint-Élie-d’Orford, let’s turn to a key issue: the real estate market. This area, with its enchanting scenery, rich outdoor activities and friendly atmosphere, is attracting more and more potential buyers. Is now the ideal time to invest in this region?

A diversified, growing market

Single-family homes dominate the real estate landscape and are particularly coveted. In 2024, the median price in the Brompton/Rock Forest/Saint-Élie/Deauville borough reached around $413,000, reflecting a steady 9% increase (see table below).

Condos, meanwhile, remain affordable and are attracting young buyers and investors. At the same time, cottages and second homes have a strong appeal thanks to their exceptional resort setting. For those who dream of custom-built homes, spacious lots such as those on Chemin St-Élie (1.25 acres) offer excellent opportunities.

 

Is it worth the investment?

The answer is YES! The purchase price, whether $300,000 or $1 million, is generally offset by the added value of a premium living environment and exceptional surroundings. Properties located close to trails, lakes and recreational activities are particularly sought-after in the Sherbrooke real estate market.

In addition, the growing popularity of living in a natural environment, reinforced by the 2020 pandemic, has considerably boosted the appeal of neighborhoods like Saint-Élie-d’Orford. All in all, buying property in this area has all the hallmarks of a sound long-term investment.

Ready to discover your future home in Saint-Élie-d’Orford?

If you’re thinking of buying a house or condominium in this beautiful part of the country, I offer you my professional services and my expertise in the local market.

I’d be delighted to help you with your real estate project. I know this neighborhood well and can help you :

• Find the property that fits your budget.
• Avoid the pitfalls of the local market.
• Negotiate the best price.

The majority of my customers find their property within 3-6 weeks on average. With the right strategy, you could too! Call me for a no-obligation discussion: your real estate dream deserves sound, personalized advice.

Sherbrooke Real Estate – Sébastien Labrie – RE/MAX D’abord

157 Boulevard Jacques-Cartier S, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 1Z1

Telephone : (819) 437-2307

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My Google Maps: routes between my office and various Sherbrooke addresses