Resident and real estate business owner shares why choosing Georgina was a lifestyle choice
Choosing where to live and work is a lifestyle choice. Wei Hwa, a residential and commercial real estate broker, chose Georgina initially for a lifestyle change, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown living. His business soon followed, expanding his brand into Georgina as his local network and client base grew.
“I chose Georgina because it was the closest municipality to Toronto where it offered a unique lifestyle that no others can. I wanted to be close to the water, have some acreage with easy access to the highway,” he said. Being less than an hour's drive from Toronto and easy access to Lake Simcoe, Georgina was the perfect fit.
In 2013, Wei decided to expand his real estate business north into Georgina. Although hesitant at first, it was one of the best decisions he ever made. “Coming to Georgina, initially, I thought there would be a lot of obstacles being the new guy in town. However, that was not the case. I had the opportunity to socialize and meet many people over the years, which really helped my business grow organically in this community. Although we were the ‘new kids on the block,’ we were welcomed by many residents, local businesses, and even competitors with open arms. And that’s what makes this community great! It was heartwarming to see so many local businesses offering to help each other out, especially in times of need.” he said.
Wei’s business, Century 21 TeamWei.ca, has grown a lot over the years. He now has two real estate offices in Georgina, one in Keswick and the other in Sutton – a multi-tenanted commercial building located within the downtown Sutton Business Improvement Area (BIA). The building was formerly occupied as a residence which Wei had converted, since his ownership, into multiple office spaces with an apartment above. The Town’s Development Application Fee Rebate Program offered financial incentives to assist with this change of use into what it is today.
Wei plays an integral part in this community. He currently sits on the board for the Sutton BIA, Georgina Chamber of Commerce and various committees, as well as contributing his time and resources on various occasions to the local community as a way of giving back.
Wei, along with all of Georgina’s realtors, plays a significant role in attracting residential and commercial investments into our Town. When asked about affordability and the appeal for those wanting to move here, he said, “Relatively speaking, Georgina is still very affordable, and if you were to go into any other municipality, you wouldn’t have the luxury of having Lake Simcoe in your backyard. So, that’s a huge plus. You have the city convenience in a nice relaxing suburban environment.”
On growth and opportunity, he said, “The potential for Georgina is tremendous. Especially now with jobs not requiring people to travel to the city as much. People will want to move here, that’s for sure. Georgina has a really exciting future. Having the business park underway will create a huge opportunity with more employment options for local residents and those that are looking to relocate.”
“I feel I have a duty to promote Georgina and welcome others, with open arms, into this community the way it did for me. I love Georgina. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.” ~ Wei Hwa, resident and business owner.
Georgina is a community of communities, with each area having a unique and historical identity, all united and proud to collectively call Georgina home. Lake Simcoe is our prized asset serving as an inspiration for the arts community and providing year-round recreation that attracts visitors from all over the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. Only an hour from Toronto, Georgina offers a balanced rural and urban lifestyle making it a desired location to live, work and play. To learn more about living in Georgina, its history and growth, visit choosegeorgina.ca.