When I sit down with retirees or those approaching retirement, and we begin discussing their next chapter, one of the first questions that arises is: where’s the best place to live outside of Toronto?
For some, it’s about staying close to family. For others, it’s affordability, healthcare, or lifestyle. Ontario has no shortage of choices, but four excellent options outside Toronto, in no particular order, are Kingston, Kitchener-Waterloo, Collingwood, and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
As a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) who specializes in working with seniors and their families, I often suggest my clients consider communities with universities and/or tourist destinations. Why? These communities offer excellent healthcare, walkable amenities, cultural attractions, and plenty of opportunities to stay active and social.
With these communities, you will often find economic stability, even in times of crisis. Employers create jobs in education, healthcare, administration, research, and services sectors. Some of my clients share that they love living among such a diverse group of people because it keeps them young. They feel their communities remain vibrant with all the various activities happening.
Below, I have chosen four different Ontario communities outside of Toronto that are perfect for reitrees – one to the east, west, north, and south.
Kingston (east of Toronto): A university city rich in history and healthcare
If you’re looking for a city that combines history, culture, and affordability, Kingston is a top choice for retirees. Known for its vibrant academic scene, Kingston is home to Queen’s University, which breathes new energy into the community.
Why Retirees Choose Kingston
- A strong healthcare system, anchored by Kingston General Hospital
- A walkable downtown with shops, markets, great restaurants, and waterfront trails
- Affordable housing compared to Toronto
- A cultural life, from theatre to historic sites
Kingston offers small-town charm, but with the services and healthcare retirees need. It’s one of the best cities in Ontario for retirement, offering a balanced lifestyle without the high prices of Toronto.
Whenever I speak with clients who have chosen to retire in Kingston, I always ask what they enjoy most about living there. The most consistent answer I get is the restaurant scene. What surprises most of them, especially when they’re coming from a large city such as Toronto, is the variety and quality of international restaurants.
Looking for more advice on senior-friendly neighbourhoods in Ontario? Explore these related blogs!
- What Are Scarborough’s Best Senior Neighbourhoods?
- Is Scarborough Good For Seniors?
- Scarborough’s Best Neighbourhoods For Downsizers: Guildwood “The Guild”
Kitchener-Waterloo (west of Toronto): Technology, Universities, and Community Life
Kitchener-Waterloo is often considered a tech hub, but it’s also home to the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, making it an excellent university town for retirees.
Why Retirees Choose Kitchener-Waterloo
- Access to world-renowned healthcare and specialists
- A thriving arts and culture scene
- Condo and bungalow options are ideal for downsizing
- Proximity to Toronto without the same cost of living
Retirees enjoy a blend of urban amenities and community life, as well as plenty of opportunities to stay active and engaged. For those looking to retire on a budget, Kitchener-Waterloo offers good value without sacrificing amenities.
If you enjoy getting out and supporting local community sports teams, then this might be the area for you. Wilfrid Laurier is one of Canada’s top-tier football programs. It’s always a fun-filled affair to head down to University Stadium and cheer on the Golden Hawks.
Waterloo is also a walkable community. There are neighbouring communities that are a short walk away, providing easy access to restaurants, education, and recreation.
If you prefer transit on a cold day instead of walking, Waterloo has you covered. Waterloo has everything from buses (serving Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge) to light rail (going between Waterloo and Kitchener). If you want to head into Toronto, the GO Train is an option for avoiding Toronto traffic.
For anyone who loves being outdoors, whether it’s hiking or riding your mountain bike, the Hydrocut might be enough reason by itself to move to Kitchener-Waterloo. Some consider it the best trail system in southern Ontario.
Collingwood (north of Toronto): A Four-Season Tourist Destination
North of Toronto, you’ll find Collingwood, one of the best places to live in Ontario for retirees looking to stay active. A popular year-round tourist destination, it’s surrounded by Georgian Bay and the Blue Mountains.
Why Retirees Choose Collingwood
- Four-Season Recreation: Skiing, Hiking, Golfing, Boating
- A Friendly, Social Community with Clubs and Activities
- Retirement Housing, from Condos to Adult Residences
- Small-Town Charm with Modern Amenities
Collingwood attracts retirees who don’t want to slow down. If you love the outdoors, it’s one of the best retirement communities in Ontario for an active lifestyle. Clients that I have guided towards Collingwood love that it’s a destination, meaning their friends and family are always happy to visit. You will never feel isolated living in a destination location.
Your friends and family will likely plan their next visit before leaving, whether it’s to go skiing, golfing, cycling, or boating. It’s truly an all-season playground.
Collingwood isn’t only a vacation destination; it’s also a tightly knit community. The people are friendly and welcoming. If you’re wondering how easy it is to become an integral part of the community, consider volunteering. There are environmental organizations, conservation areas, and healthcare organizations to consider joining as a volunteer. This is an excellent opportunity to have purpose and meaning while giving back to the community.
If you enjoy nightlife and great food, then Collingwood is a fantastic option. As a tourist destination, excellent restaurant options are plentiful.
Searching for blogs related to downsizing? Explore these related blogs next!
- Condo vs. House – What’s Better For Seniors?
- What Seniors Need to Know About Downsizing for Retirement
- Can Downsizing Actually Save Me Money?
Niagara-on-the-Lake (south of Toronto): Wine Country Charm
If your retirement means wine tasting in the sun, strolling historic streets, and theatre festivals, Niagara-on-the-Lake could be the perfect destination.
Why Retirees Choose Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Cultural attractions, including the Shaw Festival Theatre
- A quaint, walkable downtown with shops and restaurants
- Surrounded by vineyards and picturesque countryside
- Access to hospitals and healthcare in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls
Niagara-on-the-Lake combines small-town charm with many lifestyle benefits. It’s one of the best cities to retire in Ontario if you value culture, food, and community.
The common feedback I receive from clients who have chosen to retire in Niagara-on-the-Lake is that they love the lifestyle. For those who prioritize travel, there are so many travel options because there are four airports that are easy to access. You can fly out of Pearson, Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Hamilton.
They love the quaint downtown for going out for a great meal. It’s also a place where you won’t feel isolated from your family and friends because there’s never a shortage of people willing to come and visit.
Even though it’s a destination town, you can still get away from the places where the tourists visit, so you get the best of both worlds.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is also a great place to live if you love outdoor activities. There are incredible scenic roads for cycling, with fewer hills as you get older. The area also offers some excellent golf courses if that’s your game.
You might be asking what healthcare is like in Niagara-on-the-Lake. You are well served, as there are Niagara Falls and St. Catharines nearby. Niagara Health is a regional hospital system with multiple sites and a growing network of community-based services.
How to Retire on a Budget in Ontario
Retirement doesn’t have to mean spending more; it’s about being strategic. Here are some tips I share with my clients:
- Downsize. Moving from a large family home to a condo or bungalow can free up equity for your lifestyle.
- Choose the right neighbourhood. University towns often offer affordable housing – especially if you’re buying a home.
- Tourist cities may have higher home prices, but they offer many lifestyle benefits.
- Don’t forget healthcare. Proximity to hospitals and specialists should always be a determining factor in your decision.
- Think about transportation. Walkability and public transit can reduce the costs (and stress) of car ownership in retirement.
If you’re wondering what the right fit for you is, feel free to reach out to me, and let’s have a conversation about your next chapter and what you want it to look like, as there’s no one-size-fits-all.
As a Senior Real Estate Specialist I am here to support you in any way you need. Reach out to 647.283.2127 or email stuart@stuartnodell.com to start a conversation.
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