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What to know about this topic:
- What to expect in a 55 plus retirement community
- Moving to Toronto from out of the area
- The cost of active lifestyle homes in the GTA: a survey
A growing number of people are beginning to spend the early years of retirement in active lifestyle communities. You should dive into retirement in comfort with a group of peers who share your interests and passions. Toronto’s active adult living communities remove a lot of the stress and burdens you would have in your own home and replaces them with relaxation and a plethora of services, amenities, and other advantages.
IN-DEPTH REPORTSActive adult lifestyle communities in the GTA
The Meadows of Aurora
The Meadows of Aurora is a Christian Seniors Lifestyle Community that promotes the wellbeing of individuals 65+. Residents experience nature’s green spaces, memorable dining experiences and great times with friends.
Lifestyle Options: Active Living
Royal Heights Inc.
Royal Heights is designed with your active & independent lifestyle in mind. Luxury apartments feature en-suite laundry, stainless steel appliances & balconies. On site Fitness room, salt water pool, movie theatre & more!
Lifestyle Options: Active Living
What to expect in a 55 plus retirement community
Some of the luxuries you might find in these communities might include:
- Safety and security: Security staff are onsite at some communities, sometimes on call 24/7. Many of these residences are gated or on golf courses.
- Active adult living communities often have other fitness, recreation or wellness centers, making it easy to stay fit and active. Some of the recreation facilities you might find in one of these communities may include games rooms, practice putting greens, billiards, ping pong tables, tennis courts, swimming pools, walking and more.
- Special activities: You won't be lonely as active adult residences are known to be very social environments. Group activities may include scheduled outings and weekly or monthly activities.
- Specific on-site services can include things such as a barbershop or salon, a concierge, general store and even a pub, depending on what type of community it is. Some condo communities will have staff cut the grass and shovel the premises for you, another common homeowner's worry that's off your plate.
These homes are not necessarily restricted to those 55 and over (discrimination is not legally permitted) and many people are taking on the active adult lifestyle in their late 40s. It's an ideal move for anyone who has emptied the nest. In general, families will not want to be part of this type of community, as there will be no park areas, and it will be understood that the community is intended for those who have no children. Families will always find themselves more welcome in typical suburban areas.
Active lifestyle communities in Toronto come in a variety of forms.
- Gated communities that offer exclusivity and security. These are especially ideal for people who travel and who want to be assured of their home's secutiry in their absence.
- Condominium complexes, where you can avoid some of the hassles of home ownership.
- Some bungalow communities are spread throughout the Greater Toronto area
- Established developments, where homes are sold by the previous owner
- New developments, where you will be moving into a community of people who may have also just "emptied the nest"
Tools to help you choose
Moving to Toronto from out of the area
For those moving from out of the area, Toronto is a great destination. Ontario’s capital is one of the top tourist attractions in Canada because of its magnificent downtown core and its diverse entertainment options. If you like shopping, the theater (or art), a beautiful lakefront, sports, rich history, multiculturalism, museums, and breathtaking architecture, then Toronto may be the place for you. Everything in the city is accessible, as the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has very efficient and effective public transportation. You can access the TTC from just about anywhere in the city and get to any other destination in the city.
The downtown core of Toronto is a hive of activity, of course, with a wide array of world-class attractions and entertainments. Many people live in the downtown core and there are a growing number of condos all the time. Real estate is suitably expensive here, of course, but it's also a great investment no matter what stage you are at in life.
Many people who have made the commitment to an active lifestyle community rave about the move. Ken H. moved into a community just outside of the GTA and brags about "how well the community is maintained…. We often tell friends that this was the best decision we have ever made." Lesley K. moved into a community in Oakville and says, "the transition into this community has been seamless… we feel like we can thrive and enjoy every minute to its fullest here. There are so many things to enjoy about living here."
The cost of active lifestyle homes in the GTA: a survey
Here's a brief survey of some example costs you will pay in the Greater Toronto Area:
Size of home
|
Starting from
|
|
Detached home in a golf course community just outside the GTA
|
2 BR
|
$577,900
|
Suite in a retirement condominium in Mississauga |
2 BR
|
$299,900
|
Mid-rise suite (740 sq foot) in a golfing community just north of Brampton |
2 BR
|
$294,900
|
Those are just some examples of what might be available. Of course, you will need to consult with each development to learn the range of prices and what features and location you will get.
Some people who want a break from city living may want to consider a home in small-town Ontario, where real estate costs are likely to be much lower. Look at active lifestyle communities elsewhere in Ontario.
If you are renting active adult accomodations in Toronto, these are subject to the Landlord and Tenant Act. This legislation sets out the landlord’s duties and only allows your residence’s operator to increase rent by what the province mandates each year.