Retirement Condos vs Apartments

Compare and contrast these options and find the right fit for you


In the Comfort Life Spotlight


Condos vs. apartments in definition

A condominium may be simply defined as an "apartment" that a resident "owns". A condo takes part in a community, a piece of real estate individually owned yet including communal use of and access to common facilities.

Condos vs. apartments summary

Facilities that may be part of the condo agreement will include hallways, heating system, elevators and exterior areas, all executed under legal rights associated with individual ownership and controlled by an association of communal condo owners. Senior apartments are mainly of two broad types, retirement apartments in a building that may or may not be designated as 55 plus and a suite inside a retirement community, where there may be services provided including communal meals or healthcare, etc.

Condos' vs. apartments' social aspect

A condo or condominium offers investment potential but may not offer sufficient social contact. This also goes for an apartment in a regular building. In a retirement community with apartments or suites there is ample opportunity for social interaction. This is in fact what seniors find they love about moving into a retirement home, the social aspect of retirement communities.

Condos' vs. apartments' ownership

A condo is similar to an apartment but what distinguishes them is the form of ownership. If you have a coop retirement condo, you own, together with other tenants, the whole building and a share of this common property belongs to you. In an apartment there is no ownership and your rent pays for a roof over your head but you get nothing more for your money. You do not get anything out of your investment, no equity is acquired and once you quit paying your rent all obligations between you and the owner are terminated. In other words, apartments are much like hotels, in that one company owns the entire building and all the units within are rented out. Every condo belongs to an individual or a company and can be purchased or sold.

Condos' vs. apartments' features

Most new condos have spacious tastefully decorated halls, security, billiard, gym, and perhaps a communal hall or other communal areas.

Apartments in big cities usually have a lot of amenities but nothing in comparison to what you might find in some of today's retirement communities, where there may be onsite golf greens, exercise areas, fine dining and more. These communities follow a philosophy that might be phrased "you only retire once."

Freedom and responsibility in condos vs. apartments

Condos have lots of rules and regulations designed to maintain property values whereas apartments offer more freedom. Both Condos and apartments can offer freedom from chores outside your property. Those seniors who wish for an investment option may think of buying a condominium whereas an apartment is ideal for seniors who want complete independence. 

There is a great variation in styles of condominiums, as well as a wide variety of prices from significantly lower than an apartment to much higher for luxury units. Most condos are fully furnished, but you can also find lightly to entirely unfurnished. Renting also gives you a lot more freedom than buying a property.

Other factors

Condos may have more established and permanent inhabitants whereas apartments are likely more temporary. Most seniors who wish to buy a condo are happy with the decision since they gain equity every month. Apartment leasing, on the other hand, gives flexibility and freedom if one does not wish to continue staying there.

IN-DEPTH REPORTS
Retirement apartments

Chartwell New Edinburgh Square Retirement Residence  

420 MacKay Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 2C4

Experience vibrant, contemporary retirement living in iconic New Edinburgh.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living

Edgewood Suites  

270 Hagan Street East, Dundalk, Ontario, N0C 1B0

Welcome to Edgewood Suites in Dundalk Ontario. This brand new community featuring quality rental units, superior amenities and small town charm is open now and available for immediate occupancy.

Lifestyle Options: Active Living

Hygate Active Senior Living  

215 Lexington Road, Waterloo, Ontario, N2K 0H6

Resort-style retirement living in Waterloo. Hygate promotes active senior living with modern décor and amenities. Enjoy daily fitness, activity programs and fine dining. It's next level senior living.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living

Chartwell McConnell Retirement Residence  

801 4th Street East, Cornwall, Ontario, K6H 7M8

Bilingual retirement community in Cornwall offering the social and supportive lifestyle you deserve.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living

Astoria Luxury Apartments & Seniors’ Suites  

130 & 136 Central Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2C 4G3

New! Astoria redefines Senior Living with all-inclusive Luxury Apartments and Seniors' Suites in Central Park, Ottawa. Our vibrant community will focus on exceeding your expectations. Call us today 613-688-5045.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments

Chartwell Ridgepointe Retirement Residence  

1789 Primrose Court, Kamloops, British Columbia, V1S 0B7

Enjoy a flexible, independent retirement lifestyle surrounded by nature with the convenience of Downtown Kamloops."

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living

Chartwell Montgomery Village Retirement Residence  

155 Riddell Road, Orangeville, Ontario, L9W 6R4

Welcome to Orangeville’s premier choice for independent and worry-free retirement living.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living

Chartwell Stonehaven Retirement Residence  

70 Stonehaven Drive, Kanata, Ontario, K2M 3B4

Combining personalized service, beautiful natural surroundings and an engaging lifestyle in South Kanata.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living

Promenade Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence  

110 & 150 Rossignol Drive, Orleans, Ontario, K4A 0N2

Located in Orleans, Promenade is surrounded by walking paths. From Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care, we offer a vibrant community focused on exceeding your expectations. Contact us today 613-229-7973.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Orchard Gardens Seniors Community  

295 Gerstmar Road, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1X 7W9

At Orchard Gardens Seniors Community, we offer quality services and a variety of amenities. Choose from a studio or one-bedroom suite with independent living monthly packages.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living

The Village of Erin Meadows  

2930 Erin Centre Boulevard, Mississauga, Ontario, L5M 7M4

Mississauga's unique continuum of care featuring a vibrant Main Street with Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Stoneridge Estates by Estates of Niagara  

2626 Mewburn Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2J 0G4

Stoneridge Estates presents an upscale boutique property setting a new standard for a 55+ Active Lifestyle Community. Nestled in Niagara's Wine region, offering engaging amenities. Sure to make every day extraordinary!

Lifestyle Options: Active Living

The Village of Tansley Woods  

4100 Upper Middle Road, Burlington, Ontario, L7W 4W8

At The Village of Tansley Woods, we offer the full continuum of care - Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care all in one village.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Livita Queens Avenue Retirement Residence  

1056 Queens Avenue, ON, Oakville, Ontario, L6H 6R3

Nestled in a residential neighbourhood close to shopping, dining & community services, our residence is ideal for seniors who want to relax while pursuing their hobbies & staying active. All suites include full kitchens

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living

The Village of Taunton Mills  

3790 Brock Street North, Whitby, Ontario, L1R 0H2

The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby presents several levels of service from seniors' apartments with full kitchens, retirement apartments with meals and services to memory care, assisted living and long-term care.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

The Village of Wentworth Heights  

1620 Upper Wentworth St., Hamilton, Ontario, L9B 2W3

The Village of Wentworth Heights is a full-service retirement living community offering retirement apartments, full-service suites, assisted living and memory care.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Parkland on the Glen  

1665 The Collegeway, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 0A9

Parkland is located at Mississauga and The Collegeway next to the Glenerin Inn. We are surrounded by beautiful green space. For the past 6 years we've been awarded one of the top 3 Retirement Communities in Mississauga.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living

The Shores of Port Credit - Verve Senior Living  

280 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga, Ontario, L5H 0A5

The Shores is designed for vibrant living with the highest quality of personal care. Amenities include pool, fitness & exercise club, restaurant, bistro & cafe, a golf simulator lounge & wine cellar.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Parkland Ajax  

3 Rossland Road West, Ajax, Ontario, L1Z 0V1

Parkland Ajax offers independent and supportive options! Beautifully designed spacious suites, exceptional on site amenities and professional staff on site 24/7, Parkland is where you can live your best life!

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Delmanor Aurora  

25 Butternut Ridge Trail, Aurora, Ontario, L4G 3Z3

Delmanor Aurora provides a new twist on retirement living, in a five-star resort-style setting. Extensive amenities including saltwater pool, fitness centre, theatre, spa, market, ground floor patio and rooftop terrace.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living

Scarborough Retirement Residence  

148 Markham Road, Scarborough, Ontario, M1M 2Z8

A family owned and managed residence that offers seniors the opportunity to maintain their independence. Enjoy healthy Chef-prepared meals, daily life enrichment programs. We also offer short-term trial or respite stays.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living

Harmony Hill Retirement Community  

1335 Benson Street, Oshawa, Ontario, L1K 0W6

Harmony Hill offers comfort, security, and friendship, as well as a full range of amenities and services that you expect from a premier, active-living seniors community.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living

St. Elizabeth Village  

1 Yates Gate, Hamilton, Ontario, L9B 1T8

St. Elizabeth Village is a place where community comes first. The Village is set on an impressive 114-acre natural oasis of parks and ponds. Enjoy a non-stop slate of social activities in a vibrant, active lifestyle.

Lifestyle Options: Active Living

Ravines Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence  

626 & 636 Prado Private, Ottawa, Ontario, K2E 0B3

Located in Citiplace, Ravines is surrounded by walking paths. From Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care, we offer a vibrant community focused on exceeding your expectations. Contact us today 613-223-8506.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Royal Heights Inc.  

30 Adelaide Avenue East, Oshawa, Ontario, L1G 0B8

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

Park Place Seniors' Suites & Retirement Residence  

110 & 120 Central Park Dr, Ottawa, Ontario, K2C 4G3

Located in Central Park, Independent Seniors will find a home in our Seniors' Suites. Those needing more care find comfort in our Retirement Residence. We're focused on exceeding expectations. Call today 613-266-1354.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

WaterView Estates by Estates of Niagara  

518 Queenston St, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 7K6

WaterView Estates & Wellness Suites, offers a luxurious, vibrant Active Living community along the Welland Canal, steps from walk/bike trails, world class amenities and living options designed to create your best life!

Lifestyle Options: Active Living

Parkland on Eglinton West  

4650 Eglinton Ave. W., Etobicoke, Ontario, M9A 0E3

Parkland on Eglinton West offers Lifestyle Apartments, All-Inclusive Lifestyle and Supportive Lifestyle options for seniors. Parkland makes it easy for you to do more of what you love!

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Wintergreene Estates - Verve Senior Living  

4950 Pasqua Street, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 7L2

At Wintergreene, you'll discover a combination of independence, privacy, activities, health and wellness programs & friendly companionship to savour throughout your retirement.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Parkland Ancaster  

558 Golf Links Rd., Hamilton, Ontario, L9G 4W9

At Parkland Ancaster, we will offer a luxurious, vibrant, social lifestyle in a beautiful safe, premium home. Enjoy upscale amenities, creating a supportive space for you to thrive socially and lead fulfilling lives.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Sunstone Apartments  

10775 Delsom Crescent, Delta, British Columbia, V4C 0A8

Sunstone Rentals is the newest retirement community located in North Delta. A 70 unit independent living facility for those 55+, offers retirement community living for those downsizing.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living

The Village of Glendale Crossing  

3030 Singleton Avenue, London, Ontario, N6L 0B6

A true retirement hub featuring independent Living Apartments with full kitchens, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement suites with walk out patios, Assisted Care, Memory Care and LTC.

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care

Heritage Place Retirement Residence  

4151 Kilmer Drive, Burlington, Ontario, L7M 5A9

Heritage Place is an independently owned retirement residence in Burlington, specializing in quality accommodation & services for the active senior, with 2 styles of living: apartment style suites & 2 bedroom bungalows

Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living








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