When the time comes to retire, shopping for homes becomes different than it has ever been before; Priorities change and the features you look for in a community evolve. Whether you are about to retire or already in retirement, homes for sale in Toronto are sure to fit whatever you need. From serene and peaceful neighbourhoods outside the city to active communities, you’ll find all the best amenities in the following Toronto neighbourhoods.
Keep reading to discover the 5 best neighbourhoods to retire in Toronto.
St. Lawrence
St. Lawrence is a historic neighbourhood in downtown Toronto that is centered around the large retail market of the same name. Within St. Lawrence, you’ll find quick access to grocery stores, cafes, public transportation, and healthcare providers. A majority of the homes in St. Lawrence has large, open floor plans, and many of them are single-story homes.
You’ll mostly find condos for sale throughout St. Lawrence since it’s so close to downtown. Home prices have risen consistently over the past decade, with the average home in St. Lawrence listed between $900,000 and $2 million. That means there’s plenty of luxury Toronto real estate.
The St. Lawrence Market is the one-stop-shop for St. Lawrence residents. Avoid the excessive amount of stops you have to make while running errands and find fresh food, local vendors, and home decor all in one place! Need to head to a doctor’s appointment after grocery shopping for the week? St. Lawrence Health Center is located within the neighbourhood’s borders, so excellent healthcare is just a few blocks away!
Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway are within close proximity to most homes for sale in St. Lawrence, so commuting is simple. If you don’t want to depend on your own car to get around St. Lawrence, it’s no problem at all! St. Lawrence has easy access to the Yonge subway line and the streetcars that operate throughout downtown.
St. Lawrence Highlights:
- Close to amenities
- Easy access to public transport
- Healthcare center nearby
- Within a few minutes from DVP and Gardiner
Casa Loma
The biggest view in this neighbourhood is the enchanting Casa Loma castle, nestled on Avenue Road Hill. While Casa Loma is close to the urban city centre of Toronto, the storybook homes found here more closely resemble the medieval aesthetic of the mansion it was named after.
Casa Loma primarily has detached and semi-detached homes, as well as several townhomes and condos. Due to its proximity to downtown Toronto, the average price for a home in Casa Loma is $1.7 million.
The most important statistic to mention about Casa Loma is that 24.3% of its residents are classified as seniors. Many retirees move to this area because of the easy access to public transportation, grocery stores, and eateries. However, Casa Loma also offers the Casa Loma Seniors Village, which has both independent and assisted living options. The on-site features include a fitness centre, gardens, a general store, a salon, libraries, a movie theatre, and a private dining room.
Even if you choose to live independently, Casa Loma is surrounded by relaxing green spaces that are perfect for a day with the grandchildren or a gentle walk through the park. There is a close-knit community within Casa Loma, and there will be plenty of neighbours around to welcome you with open arms and be there for you however you need them.
Casa Loma Highlights:
- Casa Loma Seniors Village
- Easy access to public transport
- Close-knit community of neighbours
Bayview Woods-Steeles
The Bayview Woods-Steeles neighbourhood offers all the benefits of living near the city without having to deal with all the hassle. If you’re looking for somewhere quiet where they can build friendships and enjoy life after work, there are many different aspects about this community that make it an excellent choice to retire.
Most of the homes in Bayview Woods-Steeles are single-family detached with a median price of $2.9 million. About 28% of residents in Bayview Woods-Steeles are 65 years or older, so you’ll have plenty of neighbours who are in a similar season of life to yours.
One of the many things that make Bayview Woods-Steeles such a great place to retire is its close proximity to downtown Toronto and other parts of the city. If you’re looking for an opportunity where you can get out and about, Bayview Woods-Steeles is only 20 minutes away from the heart of Toronto. This is also a great jumping-off point if you like to travel around the province with family. Bayview Woods-Steeles has the advantage of being close to Highway 401, which provides easy access to all kinds of outdoor activities, popular tourist spots, natural wonders, and fun day trips.
Bayview Woods-Steeles is a picturesque neighbourhood with a ton of greenery to soak in. There are shaded parks to walk in, ravines to bike along, and plenty of other opportunities to spend some quiet time outdoors. The Bayview Golf and Country Club is a perfect place to spend the day if you love to golf; it’s just north of the neighbourhood and even has a place to grab a bite to eat after you practice your swing. Even if golfing isn’t your thing, the Cummer Park Community Centre offers a pool, walking paths, and more!
Bayview Woods-Steeles Highlights:
- Close to the highway
- 20 minutes from downtown Toronto
- Bayview Golf and Country Club
- 28% of residents are 65 and older
Guildwood Village
Another great place to retire in Toronto that is close to the heart of downtown is Guildwood Village. It is situated on top of a hill which will give you some beautiful views, and this Scarborough Bluffs neighborhood provides amazing scenery at every corner. The environment is peaceful and quiet, making it easy to forget you are so close to downtown Toronto!
You’ll mostly find bungalows, detached homes, condos, and townhouses in Guildwood Village. The average home price is $1.2 million, and they sell rather quickly, so it’s easiest if you have a local real estate agent on your side.
The Guildwood Park has a picturesque path for walking, and Grey Abbey Park is close to Lake Ontario, where you may enjoy a nice picnic with your family. The Guildwood Shopping Centre is also conveniently located near most homes in Guildwood Village and includes a supermarket, pharmacy, veterinary clinic, bakery, and more.
The Guildwood Village community is located just 15 minutes away from the heart of Toronto and also has a close proximity with Highway 401 which allows residents easy access in terms of getting around town or going on day trips outside of the city. If you want to take advantage of all downtown living has to offer, you can also do so by taking the GO Train from Guildwood Station.
While there are many different things that make this community a great place for retirees, one of the biggest benefits is having access to Scarborough General Hospital which is only a 15 minute drive away. It offers a wide range of services including emergency care and specialized treatments such as chemotherapy, dialysis, and orthopedics.
Guildwood Village Highlights:
- Close to the highway and the GO train
- 15 minutes from downtown Toronto
- 15 minutes from Scarborough General Hospital
- Guildwood Shopping Centre makes errands easy
5 Best Places to Retire in Toronto
Retiring is an exciting new chapter in life, and there are many things that you need to consider when making the decision of where you want to live during this season. Hopefully these 4 suggestions have helped you narrow down your options so that you can be on your way to enjoying retirement to its fullest.
