If you've started looking at homes around here, you've probably noticed something a little confusing. Some listings say Listowel. Others say North Perth. Google Maps shows you one name and the person in line at the coffee shop uses the other.
So, is Listowel the same as North Perth? Listowel is the largest community within the Municipality of North Perth, in Perth County, Ontario. North Perth was formed on January 1, 1998, when the Town of Listowel joined with Elma and Wallace townships. That means a home in Listowel is also in North Perth, and it's smart to search for both names when you're house hunting.
Hey! I’m Rhea Goetz.
I grew up in Listowel (just down the street from where I live now!) and I've spent years helping people buy and sell here. Locals still say Listowel and so do I. Let's clear up what the 2 names mean and how to make sure a label never costs you the right home.
Psssst... If you're buying your first home, my free Home Buyers Guide walks you through the whole process step by step. Grab the First Time Home Buyers Guide →
So what's the difference?
They overlap. North Perth is the municipality and Listowel is the main town inside it.
On June 26, 1997, the Ontario government approved the amalgamation of the Town of Listowel, Elma Township and Wallace Township. And so, the Municipality of North Perth was born.
What communities are part of North Perth?
North Perth includes:
Listowel: the largest community, with most of the in-town homes, shops & services
Atwood & Monkton: the smaller villages in the former Elma Township
Rural Elma & Wallace: the countryside of the former townships, which is heavily agricultural
When someone says "North Perth," they could mean any of these. When someone says "Listowel," they usually mean the town itself.
Why does Google say North Perth when everyone here says Listowel?
Officially, Listowel is a community inside the municipality, so government services, property taxes and some mapping tools use North Perth. You might see Google Maps call a home North Perth even when it's right in the middle of Listowel (don't worry, it's still Listowel to us). Listings can go either way depending on how the property was entered.
For buyers, that little detail can make a big difference. Search only one name and you could miss a home that checks every box.
How should I search for homes in Listowel & North Perth?
A few things I recommend to every buyer looking in this area:
Search both names: set up saved searches and alerts for Listowel and North Perth so nothing slips through.
Use the map: drawing your search area on a map catches homes no matter how they were labelled.
Decide on town or country early: a home in Listowel and a property in the former Wallace or Elma townships can both say North Perth, but they're very different ways to live.
Ask about services on rural properties: homes outside town are often on a well and septic system instead of municipal water and sewer. That affects inspections, maintenance and sometimes financing.
Let someone else set it up: I can build a search that covers every name a home might be listed under and send you new listings as they come up.
Is North Perth growing?
It sure is! Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Listowel's population grew by 26.7%, which helped push North Perth's overall population up by 18.3%.
You can see it around town too, with new neighbourhoods going up and more people moving here for a slower pace & a little more space. North Perth is also home to employers like Trillium Mutual, Spinrite and Erie Meats, plus so many amazing local businesses (if you're visiting, a stop at Impressions Bakery is non-negotiable).
Want help setting up a search that actually catches everything? Send me a message and I'll get it started for you. Contact Rhea →
What's nearby if I'm open to other towns?
Lots of buyers start in Listowel and widen their search once they see what's out there. Within about 20 minutes, you'll find communities in Minto (like Harriston, Palmerston and Clifford), Howick (like Gorrie, Wroxeter and Fordwich), plus Wingham, Drayton, Milverton and Mitchell.
Each one has its own feel and price points. If you're relocating and not sure where to start, I'm always happy to show you around.
Why work with someone who actually lives here?
Online search tools are great for browsing. What they can't tell you is which streets get busy at school pickup, where the newer builds are going up or what a neighbourhood feels like on a summer evening.
A lot of the agents who sell homes in Listowel aren't from here. I am! I live, work and raise my family in this community and I'd love to help you find your place in it.
Frequently asked questions
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Listowel was incorporated as a town in 1875. Since 1998, it has been part of the Municipality of North Perth, so today it's a community within that municipality. Most locals still call it a town.
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Listowel is in Perth County, Ontario, as part of the Municipality of North Perth.
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Yes. Atwood and Monkton are communities in the former Elma Township, which joined North Perth when the municipality was formed in 1998.
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Yes. Property taxes for homes in Listowel are set and collected by the Municipality of North Perth, along with Perth County and education portions.
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Absolutely! I mostly work within about 20 minutes of North Perth, including Minto and Howick, and I'm happy to help clients looking toward Wingham, Clifford, Drayton, Milverton and Mitchell too.
Looking for a home in Listowel or North Perth?
I can help you find the right home and make sure you see everything that fits.
Browse my current listings, learn more about how I work with buyers or send me a message to get your search started.
Thinking of selling instead?
Here's why the online estimate for your Listowel home is probably wrong.
About Rhea
Rhea Goetz is a REALTOR® with Kempston & Werth Realty Ltd. Brokerage, born and raised in Listowel. Since getting her licence in 2020, she has sold over 125 homes and helps buyers and sellers across North Perth, Minto, Howick and the surrounding area.