When seeking places to live in retirement, the goal is to strike a balance between a region that allows you to maintain your financial security and one that doesn’t compromise your quality of life. There are many things you’ll have to consider before searching for reliable moving companies GTA has to offer. Luckily, all over Canada, there are great spots to spend your golden years. We’ll share some of the popular choices for retirees, and the rest will be up to you.
What to look for in a neighborhood?
Change and exploration of new territories can make you feel strong and full of energy. However, make sure the place you move to lets you continue to indulge in your favorite hobbies or pastimes. When searching for a place to live in retirement, it’s crucial that you do some research. The areas you’ll have to focus on would be:
- The cost of living in an area
- Access to services and amenities
- The distance from your friends and family
If you happen to like a certain home but it can’t provide all three of these things, then it is simply not the right fit for you.
Cost of living
The place where you’d live in retirement has to be affordable. Some provinces in Canada are more expensive than others, but some cities could be much more affordable than others. For example, Newfoundland and Labrador is the most affordable province to reside in within the country. It has the lowest average cost of living nationwide, providing numerous budget-friendly housing and rental opportunities. Additionally, this region imposes some of the most minimal tax rates in Canada. On the flip side, you’d have access to much more healthcare and leisure options in places like Québec or Ontario. That, conversely, comes with a higher cost of living.
Also, make sure to study and inform yourself about the financial advantages and disadvantages of the region you’re considering. Look for an economy that is well-diversified. That means the area is capable of weathering any checks in progress to a certain industry. In a town whose revenue is dependent on one company or industry, the value of your home can take a big hit if that company or industry hits a rough patch or decides to move to another area. A downslide that lasts for long in a region or state can, in the end, lead to an act of reduction in basic public services ranging from a decrease in bus routes to a smaller police force.
So ensure you crunch the numbers, including taxes and fees, to see what effect the place would have on your retirement cash flow. When finding a place to live in retirement, the goal is to find a balance between a region that allows you to maintain your financial security and one that doesn’t compromise your quality of life.
Access to healthcare and necessary amenities
One of the most important things when looking for a place to live in retirement is to ensure you’ll have close access to good health care. Especially in particular cases of concern to retirees, such as heart disease, cancer, and general geriatric care. After that, see how near you will be to parks, and cultural venues like theaters and museums, cafes and restaurants, etc. All of these things greatly increase the quality of life and allow you to socialize as much as you need. Without proper healthcare and enough people and activities around you, you risk moving to a place where you definitely wouldn’t be happy.
Distance from your friends and family
As many retirees have come to learn, moving to save some cash can prove to be a jolting experience if it takes them far from family and friends. If you relocate to a different part of the country, consider the cost of traveling to see loved ones. You surely don’t want to move very far away. It would involve higher travel expenses, which might, eventually, lead to a more distant relationship with the ones you love. If you like a particular neighborhood somewhere, but it’s too far away from your loved ones, you would have to keep searching. After all, the feeling of seeing those people in person can never be replicated by smartphones when you are on video calls, so distance definitely matters. Pick a location that gives you the best of both worlds.
Also, consider giving the town you plan to move to a trial run. To ensure you truly know what the community is really like, rent an apartment there for a couple of months. If you’re interested in an area that is very popular during the winter, spend some time there during summer. You might love the quiet – or find it depressing when the high-season action is over.
Some of the best places to live in retirement in Canada
Since we have facilitated numerous relocations throughout the years, we’ve seen firsthand just how great these neighborhoods are. They all offer different things, so pick based on your desired lifestyle. We will share with you our list of the best places to live in retirement in the Greater Toronto Area, but we encourage you to look at all of the other cities and provinces you’re interested in.
Scarborough
One of the best places to live in retirement in Canada is definitely Scarborough. The Scarborough Health Network, comprising several hospitals and healthcare centers, ensures accessible medical services for all residents. Transportation is facilitated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), which operates buses, subways, and streetcars in the area. Additionally, Highway 401 and Kingston Road provide convenient road access to other parts of Toronto and nearby cities.
Scarborough offers a diverse food scene, reflecting its multicultural population. After relocating with movers Scarborough residents recommend retirees can explore a wide range of international cuisines in local restaurants and eateries, so there is always something new to taste that you haven’t had before. Moreover, shopping malls like Scarborough Town Centre and smaller local shops will meet all of your various retail needs.
The district features several community centers, sports facilities, and parks, promoting an active lifestyle. Popular parks like Rouge National Urban Park and Thomson Memorial Park offer recreational activities and green spaces if you want to spend your time being active and outside.
Mississauga
Mississauga has a population of over 800,000 and is home to Square One Shopping Centre, one of the largest malls in Canada. You can spend your retirement near Lake Ontario and its waterfront parks, such as Jack Darling Memorial Park and J.C. Saddington Park. The city’s extensive network of trails, including the Waterfront Trail, offers opportunities for outdoor activities like walking and biking.
Mississauga boasts excellent healthcare facilities, including the Credit Valley Hospital and Trillium Health Partners, so you would have access to top-notch medical services. The city’s commitment to public health contributes to a sense of security for older residents. Public transportation, managed by MiWay, allows easy access to various destinations, reducing the need for retirees to drive. Also, as far as driving goes, hire reliable Mississauga movers to do all the heavy lifting and safely transport you to your new home.
Additionally, Mississauga hosts a range of community centers, like the Mississauga Seniors’ Centre, offering social events, fitness classes, and workshops tailored to retirees. These centers provide opportunities for socializing and engaging in activities that boost your physical and mental well-being. The Living Arts Centre in Mississauga is where you would go for cultural activities, like concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions.
Newmarket
Newmarket is a much smaller and calmer place, with approximately 90,000 people living there. One of Newmarket’s notable features is its historic downtown area, where you can enjoy unique shops, boutiques, and cozy cafes. Main Street hosts various events and festivals, creating a lively atmosphere that fosters a strong sense of community. For your need of fresh air, Fairy Lake Park is a peaceful oasis with walking trails, picnic areas, and a gazebo overlooking the lake. The town is also home to the Holland River Trail System if you want to go hiking or biking.
The Newmarket Public Library provides a wealth of resources, educational programs, and community events for senior residents. There are plenty of those to choose from, so your time could be very well spent. Transportation in Newmarket is facilitated by York Region Transit (YRT). Additionally, its proximity to major highways, including Highway 404, ensures easy access to neighboring cities where your family might be located, and smooth driving for movers Newmarket offers during your relocation.
Finally, there are many great farmers’ markets, where you can find fresh, locally sourced produce and artisanal products. If you want to go out and eat, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to keep you busy.
East York
Senior citizens in East York can participate in various activities at the East York Community Centre, including fitness classes, workshops, and social gatherings. Additionally, the East York Curling Club offers a recreational and social experience for seniors interested in the sport. The district also hosts several local cafes and restaurants where you can meet friends or family and enjoy a relaxing meal. Moreover, nearby attractions like the Toronto Beaches area provide a beautiful waterfront experience, ideal for leisurely walks and enjoying the lakefront atmosphere.
A fun fact about East York is that it was an independent borough until 1998 when it amalgamated with Toronto. Today, it retains a strong sense of community identity, which is evident in its local events and festivals. If you are looking for an engaging retirement experience, we believe East York could be just the place. Should you decide to move here, rest assured trustworthy movers East York has at its disposal will make your move as enjoyable as possible.
Whitby
Whitby has a population of around 140,000 people. One of Whitby’s highlights is its beautiful waterfront, providing residents with stunning views of Lake Ontario. The town boasts several waterfront parks, such as Victoria Fields and Kiwanis Heydenshore Park, where you can enjoy a picnic or a field trip with your family when they come and visit.
Whitby’s transportation system is well-developed, with GO Transit and Durham Region Transit serving the town. Commuters benefit from efficient bus and train services, connecting Whitby to neighboring cities and the Greater Toronto Area, making daily travel convenient.
For healthcare services, residents have access to the Lakeridge Health Whitby, a leading hospital providing comprehensive medical care. Its presence ensures that residents receive quality healthcare support in their own community. Use the services of reliable movers Whitby residents recommend to become a part of this great place to live in retirement.
East Gwillimbury
East Gwillimbury is known for its tranquil countryside ambiance and family-friendly atmosphere. With a population of just 24,000, it offers residents a peaceful retreat from urban life while maintaining proximity to essential amenities. It is surrounded by natural beauty, and you can also explore the Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area and the Sharon Temple National Historic Site.
While maintaining its rural charm, East Gwillimbury benefits from convenient transportation options. The town is accessible via major roads such as Highway 404, facilitating easy travel to neighboring towns and cities. Public transit, operated by York Region Transit, connects residents to broader transportation networks.
For senior citizens, East Gwillimbury provides opportunities for social engagement through community centers and local clubs. The East Gwillimbury Public Library offers senior-oriented programs, including book clubs and workshops. This might be the smallest place to live in retirement on our list, but you’ll instantly fall in love with it if the countryside is what you are looking for. If so, rely on East Gwillimbury movers to welcome you to your new home.
Bradford
Bradford is situated in the heart of Ontario’s farming region, and its economy, as well as identity, is closely tied to agriculture. It is part of the Holland Marsh, often referred to as the “Vegetable Basket of Ontario.” This fertile plain is renowned for its rich, organic soil, making it ideal for cultivating a wide variety of crops. Farmers in Bradford excel in producing fresh vegetables like carrots, onions, celery, lettuce, and tomatoes.
The Scanlon Creek Conservation Area offers hiking trails and natural beauty, where you can go out and simply enjoy the fresh air. Bradford’s proximity to the Holland River provides opportunities for fishing and kayaking if you enjoy water activities. The small town still boasts good connections to other parts of the Greater Toronto Area, thanks to the nearby Highway 400 and numerous bus routes. If you aren’t familiar with the area, our movers in Bradford Ontario can lead the way and execute your move to one of these best places to live in retirement.
Diversify your search for the best places to live in retirement to find the perfect home!
There are many other great places to live in retirement, so expand your search. Focus on the provinces where the climate suits you the most, and take it from there. As much as new can be great, make sure that your newly chosen home can allow you to enjoy what you love to do, or you can access it nearby. Since you will be spending a considerable amount of money on your new home, ensure the place fits your desired lifestyle. Contact Toronto movers today and we will help you relocate to your new destination with ease and confidence!
