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Top 5 Best places to retire in Ontario with the Best quality of life – 2023

Last updated on: January 24, 2023

If you’re coming close to retirement age, you might be thinking about where exactly you want to downsize and retire. People live near or in major cities because of their jobs. Upon retirement, you are not obliged to remain in the city. You may want to live in an area that is peaceful and comfortable like Ontario, one of the best places to retire in Canada. Fortunately, Ontario has a lot of senior-friendly towns. Here, you will find all the amenities and activities you need to live a comfortable life. So, if you plan to explore what Ontario has to offer, you are in the right place! We will look at some of the best places to retire in Ontario.

Methodology

We based our ranking of the best places to retire in Ontario on the 3 following criteria: housing affordability, hospital proximity, and percentage of seniors (people over 65 years). We collected the data from Statistics Canada, The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), and Zumper.

Using this data, we’ve ranked the best places to retire in Ontario while also considering their quality of life. The criteria used to determine the quality of life are: health, pollution, green space and recreation, and climate.

1. Peterborough

Vibrant & dynamic

Population: 147,681
Proportion of seniors: 25.2%
Closest hospital: Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC)
Average house sale price: $675,100
Average rent price (1-bedroom): $1,600

Whenever you ask a Canadian where they think is a good place for retirement, the most common answer will be Peterborough. Situated between Toronto and Ottawa, Peterborough is conveniently located. Peterborough is home to a large elderly population that actively participates in the community. Besides great retirement communities, Peterborough also offers affordable housing for those who wish to remain independent.

(*Statistics Canada, Zumper & The Canadian Real Estate Association)

Peterborough, ON

2. Chatham-Kent

Best for aquatic recreation activities

Population: 104,316
Proportion of seniors: 23.6%
Closest hospital: Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA)
Average house sale price: $389,318
Average rent price (1-bedroom): $1,578

With its affordable lifestyle, Chatham-Kent is a hidden gem in the “Banana Belt” of southwestern Ontario. There are four distinct seasons here, although the weather is mild. The community is situated between Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. It is a family-oriented community, but it is also popular among retirees. Chatham Kent provides a combination of Arts and Entertainment, nine golf courses, boating, fishing, hunting, birdwatching, ice fishing, and snowmobiling on the lakes and rivers in the winter.

(*Statistics Canada, Zumper & The Canadian Real Estate Association)

Chatham-Kent, ON

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3. Collingwood

Best for tranquility

Population: 24,811
Proportion of seniors: 30.0%
Closest hospital: Collingwood General and Marine Hospital
Average house sale price: $578,600
Average rent price (1-bedroom): $2,050

With easy access to Wasaga Beach and Blue Mountain, Collingwood is one of Ontario’s top retirement destinations. With a sizable percentage of residents in their retirement years, this city is a desirable retirement community. Collingwood also has well-established medical facilities, the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital.

(*Statistics Canada, Zumper & The Cana dian Real Estate Association)

Collingwood, ON

4. Brampton

Best for diversity & cosmopolitan city

Population: 656,480
Proportion of seniors: 12.5%
Closest hospital: William Osler Health System’s Brampton Civic Hospital
Average house sale price: $1,098,200
Average rent price (1-bedroom): $2,000

Brampton is committed to being a city of opportunity that is vibrant, safe, and provides useful services. The city’s population is diverse and growing. Between 2011 and 2016, the number of seniors in Brampton rose by 40% to 66,270. As of 2021, 90,000 seniors reside in Brampton. Most private retirement homes in Brampton offer a continuum of care that allows residents to live in one type of accommodation for some time and then move to another as their needs change. Despite this change, you can maintain social ties with peers and friends and participate in activities and events that strengthen your connection with the community.

(*Statistics Canada, Zumper & The Canadian Real Estate Association)

Brampton, ON

5. Brighton

Best for outdoor activities

Population: 12,108
Proportion of seniors: 33.1%
Closest hospital: Quinte Health Care Belleville General Hospital
Average house sale price: $586,000
Average rent price (1-bedroom): $2,325

There is no doubt that Brighton is a popular retirement destination. Those residing here receive senior services from Quinte Access and Community Care Northumberland. If you’re thinking about retiring to Brighton, you’ll have many social activities to choose from. You may become a member of the Croquet Club, Brighton Lawn Bowling Club, Brighton Computer Club, or another amazing seniors’ club.

(*Statistics Canada, Zumper & The Canadian Real Estate Association)

Brighton, ON

Conclusion

Even though no one region will appeal to all retirees, some retirement communities in Ontario offer enviable amenities and lifestyles for seniors. Retirement location can have a major impact on how you enjoy your golden years. Make sure to choose a community that matches your interests and lifestyle.

Are you moving to or within Ontario soon? Hire one of the most reliable moving companies and stay on track of your move with our Senior Moving Checklist.

Last year's ranking (2022)

1. Peterborough
2. Chatham Kent
3. Collingwood
4. Brampton
5. Brighton

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The expert

Mathieu Paquette

The author of this article also acts as MovingWaldo’s booking agent. Matt, is an accomplished relocation specialist with over 6 years of experience in the industry. Matt has earned a CAM certification (Canadian Association Of Movers), Tariff Certification (Atlas Van Lines), and has an extensive business background. Before handing off everything you own, do your due diligence… or let Matt do it for you.

Provide Matt with your move criteria. He will calculate quotes from verified movers, using the same metrics. This will make it simple to compare and book your move.