Everything You Need to Know About Retiring in Peterborough

Imagine if you could take the best aspects of the urban, rural and waterfront life and combine it all into one small (but growing) city.

We have just described Peterborough, and if you’re thinking it might be an excellent place to downsize, you’d be right. Today, we’ll talk about the benefits of downsizing in retirement right here in Peterborough. It really is among the best places to live in Ontario for retirees!

Are you hoping for an early retirement in Canada? Selling your existing home could be your next logical step. Book your free home evaluation and find out how much your property is worth.

Welcome to Peterborough Retirement Life

Many families and professionals choose Toronto for its exciting city life. Others are off to the country in search of large, rural houses. But if you’re looking for the best places to retire in Canada on a budget, Peterborough is high up on the list.

Financially, it makes sense. The price of real estate has skyrocketed over the last decade, especially in the GTA. Values rise and fall. Still, the average price of a house in Toronto tends to hover at over $1 million. In Peterborough, you can expect to pay half of that, maybe even less.

If you bought a house in Toronto even a few years ago, you could likely sell for a significant profit, which leaves you with many options. You could buy in Peterborough, have a garden and a backyard and still have money left over to fund your retirement.

For those who prefer a maintenance-free lifestyle, it’s not unheard of to find a condo listing for $400,000 or less.

Peterborough is sparing no effort to make it a safe and vibrant place to enjoy your retirement years. To get an idea of what housing is available, take a look at a few of our current listings.

High Quality of Living

If you decide to retire in Peterborough, you won’t have to worry about missing out on any of the fun things you love about Toronto. The downtown core is teeming with breathtaking, historical architecture that you can explore for hours.

You’ll find everything from gourmet sweet shops and one-of-a-kind cafes to yoga lessons and dance studios.

Love live theatre? Peterborough is home to several small venues and productions. Imagine going out for a stroll, enjoying a light lunch and taking in a live play. What better way to spend a sunny afternoon!

Curious about how to downsize your home for retirement? Selling your existing property successfully is an excellent first step. You’ll find plenty of valuable tips in the posts below:

Enjoy an Active Lifestyle

Sports and athletics have no age limit in this city. There are senior hockey leagues, lacrosse teams and frisbee clubs. Golf enthusiasts love it here, as Peterborough is home to more than a dozen golf courses.

When you want to walk, jog or ride your bike, there are over 300 km of hiking trails to explore, including the Trans Canada Trail.
If the travel bug ever bites, the Pearson International Airport is a mere hour and a half away.
There’s never a dull moment, but you’ll find lots of peace and serenity when you want it. Grab a book and relax in the shade or by the lake at one of the more than 100 parks in the city.

Peterborough is famous for its parks and scenery. Intrigued? Learn more in All About Peterborough’s Stunning Green Spaces.

These are just a few of the fun things Peterborough has in store for you. Read on for more activities to enjoy year-round:

Accessibility and Healthcare

While many municipalities are finally getting on board with making things more accessible, Peterborough is years ahead of the curve. A generous plan to enhance services and infrastructure is already in the works. In 2018, the city implemented a massive accessibility plan committed to upgrading public transit, sidewalks and hiking trails to make them safer and more accessible for all residents.

Peterborough also boasts state-of-the-art medical care. The Peterborough Regional Health Centre is just one example, with several clinics dedicated to services for seniors.

We would need an entirely separate article to tell you about the gorgeous lakes in and near Peterborough. If you can’t get enough of the waterside, check out Summer Is Coming! Here Are the Lakes Near Peterborough You’ve Got to Visit.

Seniors Only Recreation

Although you’re free to join the fun at any of Peterborough’s many recreational centres, there are three facilities devoted only to seniors.

Activity Haven Centre offers drop-in programs like table tennis, darts and billiards. There are frequent guitar workshops and jam sessions for those with a musical flair! Be sure to clear out your calendar and get ready to socialize during the many Bingo games and wellness workshops.
Maple Ridge Recreation is for people 50 and over, where you can drop in and enjoy ham dinners or shuffleboard games. Other activities for members include line dancing, Tai Chi and Pickleball.
McDonnel Street Activity Centre is a non-profit facility run entirely by volunteers. The banquet center can accommodate up to 120 diners and is available for birthday parties, anniversaries and other celebrations. McDonnel’s is also the home of the Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club and Whitlaw Mariners Seniors Club.

Retirement Homes in Peterborough

Not everyone who is downsizing for retirement wants a detached house or even a condo. Assisted living might be the right path if you want to live independently while enjoying the support of a community. Here are just a few of our top retirement homes in Peterborough. No wonder we have earned a reputation as one of the best cities to retire in Ontario!

Kawartha Heights Retirement Living: This modern facility boasts 108 spacious suites, complete with all of the comforts of home. Enjoy a worry-free lifestyle and top-of-the-line amenities right in the heart of Peterborough’s picturesque and scenic West End.
Chartwell Jackson Creek: Looking for a comfortable, scenic environment that is steps away from the excitement of downtown? Chartwell Jackson Creek has all of this and more, with spacious studio, one-bedroom, and one-bedroom-plus-den suites available. Step out anytime to enjoy the best shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues Peterborough has to offer.
Canterbury Gardens Retirement Residence: Imagine living surrounded by lush gardens in a 6,300 square foot indoor Atrium park. This breathtaking scenery helps to make Canterbury one of the best retirement communities in Ontario. Beautiful, country-style bungalows with one or two-bedroom floor plans provide maximum privacy for those who value their independence.

If you ever find yourself asking, ‘Where is a good place to retire in Ontario?‘ you can stop wondering. Peterborough is the answer! Who knew downsizing after retirement could look this good?

Are you interested in more downsizing tips for seniors? Our Peterborough real estate agents are happy to provide you with personalized guidance. Reach out to team@jeffandkatie.ca or call 705-243-9797 to start the conversation today.