If you’re retiring in Toronto, Scarborough, in Toronto’s east end offers the most inexpensive real estate options. Which makes Scarborough a great place to be for many seniors who are living on a fixed income.
The houses and condos are less expensive but that doesn’t mean they’re compromising on great amenities and lifestyle options. Plus, Scarborough has great recreation facilities and programs, excellent parks and outdoor spaces, and neighbourhoods where you feel secluded while having all the city amenities at your fingertips.
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Scarborough’s Health Network
For seniors, having access to high-quality healthcare services should be a priority. Luckily, Scarborough has a good health network locally – The Scarborough Health Network (SHN). Major hospitals include Scarborough Centenary, Scarborough General, and the Birchmount Hospital in the north end of Scarborough.
Scarborough’s Charming Bungalows (and Condos)
Scarborough still has many neighbourhoods that offer bungalows. When I have clients who don’t want to live in a condo, this is their first choice of house. Having more geographical options is always better when buying a property in Toronto. Many of my retired clients have chosen to stay in Scarborough because they have a bungalow and love their community.
Of course, there are terrific condo options here too – with comfortably sized apartments that are reasonably priced. Plus, there’s lots of infilling happening along Kingston Rd. These buildings offer a great lifestyle and awesome views of Lake Ontario.
Scarborough is Central
In terms of getting around, Scarborough is central. Communities such as Cliffside, Birchcliff, or the Guild can easily walk to transit, from the TTC to the GO Train. I have clients who live in Cliffside, and the Scarborough GO Train station is walkable in under 10 minutes. They can be downtown Toronto in less than 20 minutes.
Scarborough also has multiple communities that run along the shores of Lake Ontario. Neighbourhoods such as Birchcliff, The Hunt Club, The Bluffs, The Guild, West Hill, and West Rouge. So, if you love being near water, these communities in Scarborough should be a consideration.
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There are buildings loaded with all the amenities possible, from recreation facilities, 24-hour concierge, underground parking, swimming pools, squash courts, and bowling to more boutique-style buildings that offer minimal to no amenities.
It’s important to understand the type of lifestyle you’re looking for. When I speak with clients about this subject, I can provide insight into why the maintenance fees differ greatly from condo to condo. It usually boils down to the amenities. If you won’t really use the facilities, then you should stay away from these properties because even if you don’t use them, you’ll be paying for them.
What’s the Senior Lifestyle in Scarborough Like?
Active living options are in abundance. Recreation is available at places like the Birchmount Community Centre. There are programs suitable for every age and lifestyle.
Variety Village is another excellent community facility offering plenty of recreational programs. The Scarborough Village Recreation Centre is another exceptional facility with outstanding programs. Everything from sports, arts, and theatre. There’s something for everyone.
The other great thing with all of these facilities is they all have parking if you’re driving by car, accessible by transit right at the front door, or depending on where you live, walkable within multiple neighbourhoods. Scarborough even has a world-class recreation facility with programs for older adults, Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, at 875 Morningside. It’s right in between West Hill and Highland Creek communities.
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There’s a Sense of Community
There are many neighbourhoods in Scarborough with other retirees. It’s not uncommon for people to have raised families in Scarborough and have now chosen to retire to these same communities. When I speak with clients to understand why they love Scarborough, I find these common things: great neighbours, shopping, recreation facilities, and transit options. These people have often lived in these neighbourhoods for decades too.
There are condos geared towards retirees, so if that’s the lifestyle you’re looking for it’s important to hire an agent that understands what each of these buildings has to offer you. Having an agent who works with older adults will better understand the nuances of each property type and will provide solutions for your unique needs.
If you think you may be ready for your next chapter, you can call me at 647.283.2127, send me an email at stuart@stuartnodell.com, or complete the form on this page.
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