Best Place To Retire In Ontario

Are you nearing retirement and considering relocating to Ontario? With its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and abundance of recreational activities, Ontario is a popular destination for retirees. But with so many great cities and towns, how do you know which one is right for you?

In this article, I’ll explore some of Ontario’s best places to retire based on factors like cost of living, healthcare access, climate, and recreational opportunities. So whether you’re looking for a bustling city or a quiet rural community, a retirement destination in Ontario is perfect for you.

So, please grab a cup of coffee and let’s explore some of the top retirement destinations in the beautiful province of Ontario.

What Makes Cities Good for Retirement?

Choosing the best place to retire in Canada depends on individual preferences and priorities. However, some standard criteria that may make a place desirable for retirement include the following:

1. Affordability: The cost of living, including housing, healthcare, and daily expenses, should be manageable on a retirement income so look for the most affordable places to retire in Canada.
2. Access to healthcare: Availability and quality of healthcare services are necessary for retirees, as they may require more medical attention than younger people.
3. Climate: Retirees may prefer milder weather with less extreme temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
4. Safety: A low crime rate and a peaceful atmosphere can help retirees feel secure and relaxed.
5. Recreational opportunities: Access to parks, trails, lakes, and other recreational facilities can allow retirees to stay active and engage in outdoor activities.
6. Community and social life: A friendly and welcoming community with social opportunities, such as clubs, events, and volunteer opportunities, can help retirees feel connected and fulfilled.
7. Access to amenities: Access to shopping, dining, cultural events, and other amenities can make retirement more enjoyable and convenient.

What are the best places to Retire in Ontario?

Based on the criteria mentioned, some of the best places to retire in Ontario are:

Ottawa

Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, offers a combination of urban and natural amenities. The city’s healthcare system is one of the best in the country, with world-class hospitals and medical research centers.

Ottawa’s climate is temperate, with warm summers and cold winters, and offers plenty of recreational opportunities, such as cycling, hiking, skiing, and golfing. Ottawa’s vibrant cultural scene includes museums, art galleries, and festivals.

The city has a low crime rate and is considered one of the safest cities in Canada. In addition, Ottawa’s affordable housing market, diverse community, and access to amenities make it an attractive option for retirees.

Kingston

Kingston is a charming city located on the shores of Lake Ontario, about two hours east of Toronto. The city has a rich history and culture, with plenty of museums, galleries, and historical sites to explore. Kingston’s healthcare system is top-notch, with excellent hospitals and medical facilities.

The city has a moderate climate, with warm summers and cold winters, and offers plenty of recreational opportunities, such as sailing, golfing, and hiking. Kingston’s crime rate is low, and the city is known for its friendly and welcoming community.

The city’s affordable cost of living and access to amenities make it a desirable option for retirees.

Stratford

Stratford is a small town in southwestern Ontario, about two hours west of Toronto. The city is known for its world-renowned Shakespearean festival and is considered one of Canada’s cultural capitals. Stratford’s healthcare system has a regional hospital and medical facilities.

The town’s temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters, offers plenty of recreational opportunities, such as cycling, hiking, and fishing. Stratford has a low crime rate and is considered one of the safest towns in Canada.

The town’s affordable housing market, small-town charm, and access to amenities make it an ideal place for retirees looking for a peaceful and cultural retirement.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a picturesque town in the Niagara Region, about an hour and a half southwest of Toronto. The city is known for its historic charm, with beautiful 19th-century architecture and stunning views of Lake Ontario.

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s healthcare system is excellent, with a regional hospital and medical facilities. The town has a moderate climate, with warm summers and cold winters, and offers plenty of recreational opportunities, such as wine tours, golfing, and hiking.

Niagara-on-the-Lake has a low crime rate and is considered a safe and friendly community. In addition, the town’s access to amenities, including restaurants, theatres, and shopping, makes it an attractive option for retirees who want to enjoy a small-town lifestyle with access to urban amenities.

London

London is a medium-sized city in southwestern Ontario, about two hours west of Toronto. The city is known for its affordable cost of living, high-quality healthcare, and vibrant cultural scene. London’s healthcare system is excellent, with several hospitals and medical research centers.

The city has a moderate climate, with warm summers and cold winters, and offers plenty of recreational opportunities, such as parks, golfing, and cycling. London’s crime rate is relatively low, and the city is known for its welcoming community and diverse population.

The city’s access to amenities, including shopping, restaurants, and cultural events, make it an attractive option for retirees looking for an urban retirement.

Collingwood

Collingwood is a small town located on the southern shore of Georgian Bay, about two hours north of Toronto. The city is known for its beautiful natural setting, stunning bay views and the nearby Blue Mountains.

Collingwood’s healthcare system is excellent, with several hospitals and medical facilities. The town has a moderate climate, with warm summers and cold winters, and offers plenty of recreational opportunities, such as skiing, hiking, and boating.

Collingwood’s crime rate is relatively low, and the town is known for its friendly community and small-town charm. In addition, the town’s access to amenities, including restaurants, shopping, and cultural events, make it an attractive option for retirees who want to enjoy an active lifestyle in a beautiful natural setting.

What are the Cheapest Places to Retire in Ontario?

The cost of living in Ontario varies depending on the location, but generally, smaller towns and rural areas are more affordable than large urban centers. Here are some of the cheapest places to retire in Ontario:

Temiskaming Shores

Temiskaming Shores is a small city located in northeastern Ontario, near the border with Quebec. The city has a population of around 10,000 and offers a low cost of living, with affordable housing, utilities, and groceries.

Temiskaming Shores is known for its beautiful natural setting and stunning views of Lake Temiskaming and the surrounding forests. The city offers plenty of recreational opportunities, such as fishing, boating, and hiking, and has a friendly and welcoming community.

Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie is a medium-sized city located in northern Ontario, near the border with Michigan. The city has a population of around 75,000 and offers a low cost of living, with affordable housing, utilities, and groceries.

Sault Ste. Marie is known for its beautiful natural setting, stunning views of the St. Mary’s River and the nearby forests. The city offers plenty of recreational opportunities, such as fishing, boating, and hiking, and has a friendly and welcoming community.

Windsor

Windsor is a medium-sized city located in southwestern Ontario, near the border with Michigan. The city has a population of around 230,000 and offers a low cost of living, with affordable housing, utilities, and groceries.

Windsor is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with plenty of museums, galleries, and historical sites to explore. In addition, the city offers plenty of recreational opportunities, such as parks, golfing, and cycling, and has a friendly and diverse community.

It’s important to note that while these locations are generally more affordable than larger urban centers in Ontario, the cost of living can still vary depending on individual circumstances, such as healthcare needs and lifestyle choices.

Which City in Ontario Will You Choose to Retire in?

In summary, Ottawa, Kingston, and Stratford are excellent options for retirees based on their affordable cost of living, access to healthcare, moderate climate, recreational opportunities, low crime rates, and amenities.

Each location offers a unique blend of urban and natural amenities, cultural attractions, and friendly communities, making them desirable places to retire in Ontario.