There has been a noticeable shift in the lifestyle expectations of people retiring in recent years. More and more people want to live in an urban environment after selling their larger home and retiring or as they get closer to retirement.
Living in a neighbourhood that is walkable with easy access to a butcher, cheesemonger and restaurants is now a priority. There are a number of housing options in and around downtown that suit retirees well: smaller row houses where you can garden and enjoy a private backyard, larger condo units in small scale buildings where it’s still possible to host holiday dinners and smaller pied-à-terre properties to allow for a home base between travels and the cottage.
Here’s our list of the best Toronto neighbourhoods for retirement.
St. Lawrence Market
- Easy access to the Gardiner and DVP for hitting the road.
- Central, close to the Yonge Subway line and Financial District for those who are only nearly retired.
- Excellent stock of older condo buildings with large floor plans. There are a number of buildings with units well over 1,000 square feet.
- Our Favourite Restaurant: ardorestaurant.com – ridiculously good sicilian food.
- Groceries: St. Lawrence Market itself.
- St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood Profile: nickandhilary.com/neighbourhoods/st-lawrence-market
Yorkville
- Hop on either subway line.
- Condo options make for the perfect pied-à-terre.
- Best shopping in the city.
- Excellent, high-end grocers.
- Outstanding services; spas, salons and cafes.
- Our Favourite Restaurant: chabrolrestaurant.com – Small inside, large patio in the summer.
Cabbagetown
- Stock of smaller, Victorian-era row houses that are perfect for retirement.
- Close-knit community with an opportunity to get involved.
- Generally off the radar, but still has all the essentials (coffee, pastries, butcher, cheese).
- Our Favourite Restaurant: houseonparliament.com – top notch pub.
- Cabbagetown Neighbourhood Profile: nickandhilary.com/neighbourhoods/cabbagetown
High Park
- Well, the best park in the city for one!
- Good selection of appealing, low rise condo buildings.
- Less of a downtown feel, with easy subway access.
- Great amenities including an excellent selection of flower shops and smaller speciality grocers.
Get in touch to talk over your retirement housing plan and how we can help sell your current home. 416-735-4665 or info@RightSizing.ca
