Getting ready to retire is another one of those milestones that people simultaneously dread and look forward to with eager anticipation. It makes perfect sense. Life is about to change yet again.

You may look forward to long days of leisure, less stress, and not having to work. But what will you do with all of your time? And where will you live?

These questions might be the reason that so many people are busy Googling “the best places to retire in Ontario.” However, as far as we are concerned, no Google searches are necessary.

If you want a place to retire that is safe, relatively affordable, and full of fun and engaging ways to spend your time, then Pickering is the answer. In this post, we’ll talk about a few reasons why.

Why is Pickering a Great Place to Retire?

Think of all of the benefits that you get in a major city like Toronto, where you have almost instant access to public transit, great shopping, as well as endless restaurants to sample. Those benefits also come accompanied by high prices, crowds, and sometimes long waits.

What if you could settle just 30 minutes to the north and still enjoy all of these big city perks with none of the drawbacks? That’s exactly what you’ll find in Pickering.

A Balanced Bustle

Are you looking for a great place to engage in some retail therapy? Visit the Pickering City Centre that contains more than 160 stores, restaurants and services.

Dreaming of a day on the waterfront? Check out Frenchman’s Bay (East or West) or Beachfront Park & Millennium Square.

Do you want to enjoy a vibrant nightlife and endless entertainment? Then take a look at the calendar at the Pickering Casino Resort. Whether you prefer a musical performance, a concert, or to laugh out loud at a stand-up comedy, you will find it all under one roof at Pickering’s premium entertainment venue.

When looking for the best places to retire in Canada on a budget, Pickering wins out once again. It is part of the fast-growing Durham Region, which offers a lower cost of living than you’ll find elsewhere in the GTA.

Want to know more about what it’s like to live in Pickering? Read these blog posts next!

• New Homes in Pickering: Where to Find Them
• Things to Do in Pickering, Ontario
• What Are Pickering’s Best Neighbourhoods?

Keep Your Mind and Body Active in Pickering

In Pickering, you can be sure of one thing: you will never feel as though you are out to pasture, so to speak. How could you, with so many activities to enjoy? Few things keep you young at heart like getting out and exploring the great outdoors. Pickering’s many parks and trails are simply breathtaking.

For a truly immersive nature experience, head over to Rouge National Urban Park, where you can lose yourself for hours in the peaceful tranquillity of forests, marshes, and meadows. If you want a more heart-pumping workout, grab your bicycle. This is a fantastic place to hit the trails!

Pickering is also home to many community support systems that retirees particularly appreciate. Recreation centres and dedicated seniors’ clubs ensure that you will have endless opportunities to socialize or learn a new skill. If you’ve ever wanted to pick up pickleball or try your hand at shuffleboard, now is your chance. Alternatively, you can take advantage of dance classes or Tai Chi workshops to keep your mind and body in tip-top shape.

Enjoy Every Season

Fun fact, Pickering happens to be one of the best places to retire in Canada for weather. Yes, we get snow; yes, we get ice and cold. But it’s nothing compared to elsewhere in the country, and besides, we have the resources and amenities to let you enjoy the winter instead of dreading it.

Skating rinks, cross-country ski hills, or simple hiking groups can make you look forward to cold temperatures with excitement. If all else fails, Toronto Pearson Airport isn’t far away. Hop on a flight and travel to a tropical destination. Easy peasy!

Choose from Some of the Best Retirement Communities in Ontario

Do you want to experience the best of independent living without the hassle of taking care of a large property? An assisted living care facility might just offer you the best of all possible worlds. You can come and go as you please, while enjoying high-quality accommodations with 24-hour access to staff, personal support workers, or even registered nurses if required.

Some of these highly rated facilities include Chartwell Pickering City Retirement Residence, Amica Pickering, Amenida Seniors Community Pickering, or Orchard Villa Retirement Community. Residential services range from independent living and assisted living right up to 24-hour nursing care.

Thinking about downsizing your home? You’ll find lots of helpful advice in these blogs!

• What to Do if You are on the Fence About Downsizing
• What Are the Top Places in the GTA When Downsizing?
• Can Downsizing Simplify Your Life?

Pickering’s Retiree-Friendly Neighbourhoods 

Pickering is a city undergoing substantial development, which means you have premium access to all kinds of real estate. In other words, it’s a great place to buy a home. 

If you’ve got the traditional condo retirement lifestyle in mind, one of the countless new buildings springing up across the city can fit the bill perfectly. Modern, contemporary units with every amenity imaginable await, where you are steps away from Pickering’s finest shopping, dining, and entertainment.

If you prefer a more family-friendly environment, Seaton might be the ideal place to put down roots. While you’ll primarily find larger, detached homes here, these could be perfect for aging in place or living together with family members or friends.

With affordable living, a supportive community, and a ton of exciting recreational opportunities, there’s no reason to wonder where to retire in Canada any longer. All signs point to Pickering!

Searching for a Pickering real estate agent who specializes in working with retirees and downsizers? Our very own Geeta Rajpal has earned both her SRES® and ASA™ designations. If you are a senior or have aging parents who need help, you can count on Team Rajpal for compassionate service and expertise. Reach out today at info@teamrajpal.com or call 647-372-2997 to get started.

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