Signs it’s time to move away from the GTA

Has the idea of packing up and leaving the GTA crossed your mind lately? If so, you’re not alone. With the pandemic still raging, more companies are switching to a work-from-home model. And those numbers are only going to climb. If you no longer have to travel to the office every day, you can live anywhere you want and still succeed in your career.

This opportunity to upgrade your quality of life and lower your expenses is rare, and many people are jumping aboard. A report by Statistics Canada showed that by July 2020, over 50,000 residents had already left for smaller, less populated areas.

So, what are the signs it’s time for you to make this move?

You’re sick of the gridlock

You may have loved the excitement of the city at first, but now, the crowds feel overwhelming.

There are more cars on the road, which means bumper-to-bumper traffic everywhere. Often, what should be a 15-minute drive turns into an hour. Getting anywhere is a giant hassle. If you’ve ever burst into tears while behind the wheel, you know how stressful it can be to get around.

Public transit is no better. Streetcars and subways can move faster through the rush hour – if you don’t mind being crammed in like a sardine.

Getting around in a smaller city is a different experience altogether.

Imagine hopping in your car and driving anywhere you want in 10 minutes with no gridlock.

Even parking is a breath of fresh air for someone used to driving in the big city! Never again will you have to leave half an hour early to scout for spots or park a mile away from your destination. Best of all, parking is usually free!

The ease of getting around is a big draw to less populated cities. And if you don’t drive, no problem. Many small towns also have excellent public transit that runs regularly and is rarely overcrowded.

Does living in a smaller city sound appealing to you? Why not consider Peterborough? Read more in some of our other posts:

The cost of living in the GTA is unsustainable, and it’s getting worse.

Already high housing costs have spiralled out of control over the past two years. Whether you’re renting or looking to buy, your cost of living can get out of control.

You may have next to nothing left after you’ve paid for your housing costs, food, and other necessities. Or worse, you have to borrow money to stay afloat. If either of these situations happens often, it might be time to leave.

Your dollar stretches further when you live outside the city. You can buy a spacious four-bedroom home for the price of a tiny, one-bedroom condo in Toronto. You can even have a backyard perfect for BBQs, gardening, and entertaining.

The option of a larger home in a safe, quiet neighbourhood is very appealing for families. And you don’t have to go far from the GTA to enjoy these benefits.

There are many areas an hour or two away from the GTA that are less populated and more affordable.

If you want big-city convenience but love the stress-free life of a small town, Peterborough might be the place for you.

Small towns have stepped up their game to attract new residents

Years ago, the idea of leaving the city conjured up images of remote living, spotty Internet connections, and little access to healthcare. However, we assure you that this is no longer the case, especially if you move to one of the outlying areas. That’s because many smaller cities have pulled out all the stops to entice new residents to move there.

In addition to excellent transit, you’ll enjoy ready access to healthcare and top-notch public schools. If you’re worried you might be bored with nothing to do, don’t be.

Is relocating to Peterborough the right choice for you? Find out more in our Relocation Guide, which you can download right here.

There are many benefits of living in a smaller city

Small communities may not be known for their dazzling nightlife, but you’ll never run out of interesting things to see and do.

Almost every town has famous festivals, fairs and other events that draw visitors from all over.

If you love the outdoors, you’ll find plenty of green space and scenic beauty, with countless walking and biking trails to explore.
Main streets are lined with some of the best and most unique restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and specialty shops. You can walk almost anywhere if you want.
Community parks, rinks, and pools are readily available for recreation.
Perhaps best of all is the sense of community you have. It’s easy to get to know people and find new friends with common interests.

Peterborough is two hours from Toronto and growing quickly. Check out some of the activities this beautiful area has to offer:

If you’re tired of the expense, traffic, and crowds of the GTA, a smaller community might be the perfect place for your family to call home.

What does the real estate market look like for smaller cities in 2022? Here is a snapshot of the Peterborough area: A Look at Peterborough Real Estate Resolutions in 2022

Is it time to move away from Toronto? Maybe living in Peterborough is right for you! Check out this video from someone who made the move themselves: