Is it time to retire and the urban centre of Toronto just isn’t cutting it for you anymore? Look no further; we are diving into the top 5 cities to retire in Ontario. These cities are fitted with top-notch medical centres, peaceful views, and relaxed atmospheres. In addition, these spots have parks and amenities still available, so when family comes to visit there will be plenty for them to do. Many of them are still within an hour of Toronto, which means that you won’t have to completely give up the big-city life. If you are retiring and searching for homes for sale in Ontario, here are the top places you should be looking.
Owen Sound
Nestled along the Georgian Bay, Owen Sound has a wide array of natural landscapes and attractions for retirees to enjoy. This city hosts multiple family-friendly festivals throughout the year, so it’s the perfect balance of an active, yet relaxed, community. With a population of 22,343, Owen Sound is a mid-sized city where you’ll never be isolated but still have plenty of personal space to work with. The average home price in the city is around $600,000, which is considerably cheaper than most homes you’ll find closer to the Toronto area.
In addition, Owen Sound features several retirement communities including John Joseph Place, Central Place, and Seasons Owen Sound Retirement Community. If you don’t plan to live in a retirement community, the Owen Sound Hospital serves a wide area and is close to a majority of homes in the city.
London
The city with the largest population on this list (a whopping 511,000), London boasts everything from river views to excellent medical facilities and retirement communities. Sitting pretty along the Thames River, London can be described as a mini, more affordable Toronto. This option is best suited for those who still want the convenience of an urban lifestyle without the excessive living costs. Home prices in London average to $607,000, which can easily be seen as worth it when you consider how closely located you are to services and amenities.
London’s retirement communities include Richmond Woods Retirement Residence, Windermere on the Mount, and Chartwell Retirement Residence. Not only that, but University Hospital, Victoria Hospital, and Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care are conveniently located throughout the city, providing excellent medical assistance.
Huntsville
Huntsville is the largest city in the Muskoka Region, but you wouldn’t guess it from how many vast natural locations there are. Here, you’ll have accessibility to many lakes and rivers, making it an attractive city to retire. Huntsville also offers low living costs, which is the primary reason so many are choosing to move here in retirement. Your average home price will add up to around $665,843, which is more pricey than the previous cities; however, the amount of land you’ll have around your property justifies the price.
In regard to medical services, Huntsville District Memorial Hospital is the primary hospital for the area, providing assistance to Huntsville’s 21,000 residents. The retirement communities in Huntsville include Muskoka Landing, Chartwell Muskoka Traditions, and Country Moments Retirement Home.
Tillsonburg
The smallest town on this list, Tillsonburg has a mere 16,000-person population. Tillsonburg offers a serene and peaceful environment, low crime rates, and low property taxes. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful lakes and trees, with well-kept trails to stroll down as you take in the view. The Tillson Community Centre Complex is a prime attraction for residents in Tillsonburg, no matter your season of life. With an indoor swimming pool, group classes, and scheduled activities, there is plenty to do here. In Tillsonburg, you’ll find home prices to be an average of $643,498.
The Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital serves the residents of Tillsonburg and is known to provide excellent medical assistance. Dayspring Residence, Harvest Crossing Retirement Community, and Tillsonburg Retirement Residence are all options for retirement communities in Tillsonburg.
Cobourg
Cobourg is a quaint lakeside city nestled between Kingston and Toronto. With that said, its proximity to Toronto makes the average home price a bit higher than the others on this list. However, $722,000 is still a reasonable price for the convenience you receive and the views you’ll scope out on a daily basis. This is a relatively active community of 20,000 residents, with several options for hiking, cycling, and jogging. If you still want to stay in shape, just in a smaller setting, Cobourg is perfect for you.
This mesmerising town offers excellent medical services through Northumberland Hills Hospital. For those looking to live in a community with other retirees, Rosewood Estates, Palisade Gardens, and Cobourg Retirement Residences are all great options.
Best Places to Retire in Ontario
When it comes to retiring, you’ll need to keep several things in mind: your desired lifestyle, accessibility, living costs, etc. Just like our Toronto vs Calgary vs Vancouver post, each of the cities on this list offer great options for retirement living in Ontario, no matter what you are looking for.
