Two local towns have made it to the Top 10 places to retire in Canada, as revealed by a recent report.
Simcoe and Tillsonburg landed in fifth and sixth place respectively, according to a study conducted by the real estate platform Zolo.
With over 20 percent of Canada’s population expected to be over 65 by 2030, many may be thinking about where they want to settle down during retirement.
“Home prices should be just one of many factors Canadians consider when choosing a place to retire,” said Jennifer Neilson of Zolo Ventures Ltd. in an email. “Other factors, like crime rates, access to primary care providers, and even the amount of sunshine, should also be on the list, as they can make or break a community.”
The study looked at 38 cities and regions across Canada to determine which ones offer the best combination of affordability and quality of life. While affordability and low cost of living are key factors, other considerations included walkability, green spaces, and healthcare access.
“Smaller Ontario towns are great for retirement since they tend to be safer and more affordable than big cities while providing a laid-back lifestyle,” Neilson noted in a zolo. ca blog.
Each city was rated on a scale from one to 38 based on eight important factors: age demographics (percentage of the population over 65), healthcare availability, cost of living, home prices, crime rates, walkability, average sunny days per year, and the average number of freezing days at or below zero degrees.
The rankings are as follows:
Saint John, New Brunswick Moncton Fredericton Kingston and area Simcoe Tillsonburg Cobourg (Northumberland Hills) Quinte and District Peterborough and the Kawarthas Sudbury
New Brunswick communities lead the list due to their cost of living being 15 to 17 percent lower than the national average alongside low home prices. “Smaller towns like Tillsonburg, Cobourg, and Peterborough outperformed major urban centers by offering both affordability and a higher percentage of senior residents-often leading to amenities tailored for seniors,” said the report.
Simcoe boasts a cost of living that’s eight percent lower than average nationally with an average benchmark home price sitting at $565,800. Almost 20 percent of its residents are over age 65 according to the findings.
The report highlights recreational activities available in Simcoe along with nearby beaches located in Port Dover and Turkey Point.
Tillsonburg’s cost of living is reported at ten percent lower than national norms with an average home price pegged at $578,300; nearly 29 percent of its population is over age 65.
“With close to one-third of residents being seniors aged over 65 years old you’re likely going to find lots of chances for meeting others who share your interests,” stated the report.
The established senior communities Hickory Hills and Baldwin Place were mentioned as notable options in Tillsonburg.
The study anticipates that Tillsonburg’s population will grow by around 24.6 percent by 2035 as more individuals choose it as their residence.
Saint John ranks highest with its cost-of-living being sixteen percent below national averages coupled with an average benchmark home price set at $341,100. The percentage above age sixty-five stands at twenty point six percent there.
During a council meeting on Tuesday night Norfolk County Councillor Mike Columbus shared Simcoe’s recognition as “one of the Top 10 places to live in Canada.”
“Yes specifically for retirees,” added Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin. “I thought it would be fantastic if it were also recognized among those Top Ten spots for working families.”
Additionally at Tuesday’s gathering Norfolk Councillor Chris Van Paassen announced another achievement for their county; Ontario Out Of Doors magazine named Port Rowan as Ontario’s top fishing town recently.
Source link
