Mel's Insights:

The name “White Oaks” was taken from a 1927 book written by Canadian writer Mazo de la Roche called Jalna. The novel grew into a series of 16 books about the Whiteoak family and in the 1970s, a developer in London, Ontario used the name of the family in the books as the name of the White Oaks neighbourhood. If you’re curious, it might be worth a search to find names of the streets in White Oaks and match them with the characters in the books. Renny, Ernest and Alayne should be enough to get you started.

The South London neighbourhood itself boasts a relatively high population and is also one of the more multicultural neighborhoods in London. The high population is largely due to the higher number of apartment buildings, townhouses and semi-detached homes built in the neighbourhood between 1970 and 1980. When compared to other areas of London, this does allows more first time buyers an opportunity to get into the market and own their own home. In the center of the neighbourhood’s circling and winding roads is White Oaks Mall, which was built in 1973 and then expanded in 2010. The mall now includes over 185 different stores and services in the mall and is home to big box stores, restaurants and entertainment venues.

White Oaks is considered to be one of the most walkable suburban neighbourhoods in London, Ontario and is home to a young, diverse community. Families have access to the South London Community Centre, a library, pool, skating park and hosts the annual Canada Day fireworks display. With White Oaks’ close proximity to the 401 and a variety of types of housing at affordable prices, this could be the neighbourhood for you!