5 Best Places to Retire in Ontario

This article looks at the best places to retire in Ontario. If you wish to view our analysis of retirement concerns in Canada, you may go head over to 15 Best Places to Retire in Ontario.

5. St. Catharines

Insider Monkey Score: 14.08

Livability Score: 87

Median Home Price: CAD$ 685,000

IM Cost of Living: 101.8

St. Catharines is the largest city in the Niagara region and one of the best places to retire in Ontario for nature lovers who also wish to enjoy urban amenities. There is a treasure trove of parks, trails, and streams located in and around the city, including the Niagara Escarpment. Moreover, being within 20 miles of both the US border and Niagara Falls, it provides residents plenty of opportunities for travel and adventure.

4. Ottawa

Insider Monkey Score: 14.4

Livability Score: 95

Median Home Price: CAD$ 720,000

IM Cost of Living: 114.2

The capital city of Canada, Ottawa is one of Canada’s most vibrant cities. It has the highest livability score out of all the destinations in our list, courtesy of excellent healthcare facilities and top-notch entertainment. The city is glittering with historic landmarks such as Parliament Hill, a myriad of museums, and boat cruises in the Rideau Canal. Despite being one of the country’s largest urban centers, it has plenty of retirement communities where retirees can settle into.

3. Stratford

Insider Monkey Score: 14.76

Livability Score: 89

Median Home Price: CAD$ 759,000

IM Cost of Living: 98.0

Situated on the Avon River, Stratford is famous for hosting the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, which draws audiences from all over the Great White North to this small city. However, this isn’t just a destination for retirees who have a fondness for theatre. Stratford has a cost of living below the Canadian average, and offers plenty of riverside escapades such as hiking, camping and swimming.

2. Waterloo

Insider Monkey Score: 15.52

Livability Score: 93

Median Home Price: CAD$ 558,000

IM Cost of Living: 108.3

The city of Waterloo is home to two of the most highly ranked universities in Canada, which allows it to possess a diverse and youthful energy. In comparison to nearby cities such as Kitchener and Guelph, Waterloo has more affordable home prices, making it one of the best places to retire in Ontario on a budget. Moreover, its proximity to Kitchener allows seniors to revel in some of Canada’s most fulfilling cultural festivals, whilst still being able to enjoy the tranquility of a small-city retirement.

1. Windsor

Insider Monkey Score: 16.19

Livability Score: 87

Median Home Price: CAD$ 522,000

IM Cost of Living: 92.9

With the lowest cost of living out of all the places in our list, Windsor is one of the most affordable retirement destinations Canada, and also offers some of the best waterfront communities to spend your golden years. Apart from a great riverscape, residents can find endless recreational opportunities at Caesars Windsor. Moreover, just across the river lies the downtown of Detroit, providing residents the opportunity to trundle down into Michigan and spoil themselves with the best amenities on either side of the border.

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