Masonville vs Old North London Ontario — A Neighbourhood Comparison
Masonville and Old North are both sought-after north London neighbourhoods close to Western University, but they offer almost opposite buying experiences. Masonville is newer, larger-lotted, and built for family convenience around Masonville Place; Old North is established, walkable, and built around heritage character and tree-lined streets closer to downtown. Here's how they actually compare.
Eric Cassidy
London Ontario Real Estate Agent, Cassidy & Co.
Masonville vs Old North: The Short Answer
Choose Masonville if you want newer construction, larger lots, easy highway access, and family-oriented amenities anchored around Masonville Place. Choose Old North if walkability, heritage character, mature tree canopy, and proximity to downtown and Richmond Row matter more to you than square footage or a newer build. Both are strong, stable areas — the right one depends on lifestyle, not value.
Location and Commute
Masonville sits in London's north end, with quick access to Richmond Street and Fanshawe Park Road and a short drive to Highway 401/402. It's about a 10-minute drive from Old North, so neither area is truly remote from the other — the difference is what's immediately walkable versus what requires a car.
Old North is positioned just north of downtown London, bordering Western University's south campus. Its central location means shorter commutes downtown, to Victoria Hospital, and to Western itself — a meaningful advantage if you work or study in either place and want to skip the highway entirely.
Housing Stock and Home Styles
Masonville's housing stock leans newer overall, with larger lots and floor plans built for growing families — think two-storey subdivisions and some newer townhome and condo development near the mall. If you want more square footage per dollar and a layout that doesn't need updating, this is generally the easier area to find it in.
Old North's housing stock is older and more architecturally varied — century homes, heritage streetscapes, and mature trees that took decades to grow. Buyers here are often trading some square footage and modern systems for character, established landscaping, and a location that can't be recreated in a newer subdivision.
Lifestyle and Amenities
Masonville revolves around Masonville Place (London's largest shopping centre), big-box retail, and easy highway access — practical, convenience-driven living well suited to families managing school runs, sports, and errands. Old North revolves around Richmond Row's shops and restaurants, Gibbons Park, and the Thames River trail system — a more walkable, lifestyle-driven setting for buyers who want to leave the car at home more often.
My take: I don't think one of these areas is objectively "better" — I think they attract genuinely different buyers, and the wrong fit is more about lifestyle mismatch than price. If you value space and convenience, Masonville tends to win. If you value character and walkability, Old North tends to win. Walk both before you decide; the feel of each is different in a way that's hard to capture from listings alone.
Schools and Families
Both neighbourhoods are strong choices for families and fall within the Thames Valley District School Board. Masonville tends to draw families specifically for its newer schools and larger yards, while Old North draws families who prioritize walkable schools and an established, tight-knit community feel. If school boundaries are a deciding factor for your family, confirm current catchment assignments directly with the school board before making an offer — boundaries can shift and shouldn't be assumed from a listing description. If neither area feels like the right fit once you've compared them, our Hyde Park vs. Masonville comparison covers a third strong north-London option, and our full neighbourhood directory covers every area we serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Masonville or Old North better for families in London Ontario?
Both work well for families. Masonville generally offers newer homes, larger lots, and easier highway access, while Old North offers walkable amenities and an established, tight-knit community closer to downtown.
How far is Masonville from Old North?
Masonville and Old North are roughly a 10-minute drive apart, making it easy to compare both in a single afternoon of viewings.
Which neighbourhood is more walkable, Masonville or Old North?
Old North is significantly more walkable, with Richmond Row's shops and restaurants, Gibbons Park, and downtown all within easy walking distance. Masonville is more car-oriented, built around the mall and nearby retail plazas.
Does Masonville have newer homes than Old North?
Yes. Masonville's housing stock is generally newer, with larger lots and modern floor plans, while Old North is known for older character homes, some heritage-designated, on mature tree-lined streets.
Are Masonville and Old North both close to Western University?
Yes. Masonville sits near Western's north end, and Old North borders Western's south campus, so both offer a short commute — Old North typically has the shorter, more walkable route.
NOT SURE WHICH FITS YOU?
Let's Tour Both Neighbourhoods
Seeing both areas in person is the fastest way to know which one actually fits your life. I'll set up a side-by-side tour of Masonville and Old North listings that match your budget and must-haves.
Eric Cassidy
London Ontario Real Estate Agent — Cassidy & Co.
Eric Cassidy is a REALTOR® and founder of Cassidy & Co. Real Estate, serving buyers and sellers across London, Ontario, including Masonville, Old North, and every neighbourhood in between. Learn more about Eric and the team.
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