If you're considering a move to southwestern Ontario, Tillsonburg deserves a close look. This fast-growing town of 18,615 people sits at the south edge of Oxford County and offers something increasingly rare: genuine small-town character combined with big-town amenities and reasonable commuting distance to London or Woodstock.
The numbers tell part of the story. Tillsonburg's population jumped 17.3% between 2016 and 2021, making it one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada. But what's drawing people here?
Location and Getting Around
Tillsonburg sits at the junction of Highway 3 and Highway 19. That Highway 19 connection is key because it runs straight north to Highway 401 near Ingersoll, putting you on the 401 in about 20 minutes. London is roughly 45 to 50 minutes away, depending on your route and traffic.
The town also offers T:GO public transit with routes serving Tillsonburg itself plus connections to Woodstock, London, Norwich, and other communities. It's not Toronto-level transit, but for a town this size, having inter-community bus service is a real asset.
For those interested in aviation, Tillsonburg Regional Airport sits 16 km south of the 401 on Highway 19. It's home to the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association, which offers seasonal warbird flights.
What Makes Tillsonburg Different
One thing that sets Tillsonburg apart is its established 55+ communities. Hickory Hills and Baldwin Place are well-known adult-lifestyle neighbourhoods with hundreds of homes, community centres, and active social calendars. Both communities are fully built out, so you're looking at resale properties only. If you're downsizing or retiring, these neighbourhoods are worth serious consideration. Current pricing for updated bungalows in these communities typically sits in the mid to upper $600,000s.
The historic downtown along Broadway offers tree-lined streets, century homes, and Victorian architecture. You can walk to shops, restaurants, and Annandale House, a National Historic Site that showcases stunning 1880s Aesthetic Movement interiors.
For families, the north and west areas of town feature 1960s through 2000s subdivisions with bungalows and two-storey homes on larger lots. There's also newer construction happening near The Bridges at Tillsonburg golf course, including the Bridges Estates phases announced in 2025.
Schools and Healthcare
Tillsonburg is served by both public and Catholic school boards. Glendale High School handles grades 9 through 12 for public students, with three elementary schools (Annandale, South Ridge, and Westfield) covering JK through grade 8. Catholic students attend Monsignor J.H. O'Neil or St. Joseph's locally, then feed into St. Mary's Catholic Secondary School in Woodstock for high school.
Healthcare is anchored by Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital at 167 Rolph Street, which provides emergency and acute care services. Oxford County Paramedic Services and several family health practices round out local medical options.
Things to Do
Tillsonburg punches above its weight for recreation and culture:
Annandale National Historic Site
E.D. Tillson's 1880s mansion, famous for its Oscar Wilde-era design and beautifully preserved interiors.
Lake Lisgar Waterpark
The summer go-to for families—an outdoor aquapark right in town.
Station Arts Centre
Operates out of the heritage rail station, hosting galleries, classes, and the seasonal Farmers' Market.
The Bridges at Tillsonburg
A unique 12-hole public golf course that dates back to 1925, while Otter Creek Golf Club in nearby Otterville provides an 18-hole option.
The town also maintains parks and trails along Otter Creek, with conservation areas throughout Oxford and Norfolk counties within easy reach.
Jobs and Economy
Tillsonburg has moved well beyond its tobacco-belt roots. Today's economy includes manufacturing, agri-business, logistics, healthcare, and public services. Major employers include Marwood International, Fleetwood Metal, Future Transfer, Autoneum Canada, Armtec, and J/E Bearing. The OPP Oxford headquarters is also based here, along with substantial retail and service-sector employment.
Real Estate Market
The Woodstock-Ingersoll-Tillsonburg board area recorded 126 residential sales in October 2025, with an average price of $629,732. The market is sitting at 5.9 months of inventory, which is reasonably balanced.
Tillsonburg-specific pricing varies by neighbourhood and home type. The 55+ bungalows in Hickory Hills and Baldwin Place are typically running in the mid to upper $600,000s for updated models. Family homes span a wider range depending on age, location, and lot size.
If you're looking at rural properties or hobby farms just outside town limits, you'll find acreages in Oxford, Elgin, and Norfolk counties that give you space while keeping services close.
Who's Moving to Tillsonburg?
Three groups keep showing up:
Commuters
Who work in London or Woodstock but want better value on a detached home without giving up too much drive time.
Downsizers and Retirees
Looking for established adult-lifestyle communities with built-in amenities and active neighbours.
Young Families
Who want schools, arenas, parks, and a hospital all within a compact, walkable town.
Practical Details
Water and wastewater services are managed by Oxford County. Electricity comes from Tillsonburg Hydro, which serves about 8,600 customers. The town announced in September 2025 that it's exploring a partnership with ERTH Power, so you may see branding changes down the road.
Garbage and recycling follow Oxford County's curbside program using bag tags at $2 per bag (increasing to $3 on January 1, 2026). A green-bin organics program is scheduled to roll out in Tillsonburg in May 2027.
The Oxford County Library branch at 2 Library Lane offers tech help, study rooms, and special collections.
Is Tillsonburg Right for You?
If you want a genuine small town with a full-service hospital, good schools, established neighbourhoods for every life stage, and a reasonable commute to London or Woodstock, Tillsonburg checks those boxes. The growth numbers show other people are reaching the same conclusion.
I can help you explore specific neighbourhoods, pull together a tailored market snapshot, and line up tours based on what matters most to you—whether that's a 55+ bungalow in Baldwin Place or a family home near your preferred school.
Ready to Explore Tillsonburg?
Whether you're after a 55+ bungalow in Hickory Hills or a family home near the schools, I'll tailor a search to your lifestyle and budget.
About Jay Friesen
Jay Friesen is a REALTOR® with the Jennifer Gale Team, serving Woodstock, Tillsonburg, Ingersoll, and Oxford County. With 40 years as an Oxford County resident and 24 years of leadership experience at Toyota, Jay brings unmatched local knowledge and strategic negotiation skills to every transaction.
Learn more about Jay