Retiring and downsizing to a smaller or more convenient location might be something you have looked forward to for years. That said, it certainly comes with many decisions. First and foremost, where do you want to settle once you’re ready to say “goodbye” to your longtime family home?
Today, we’ll make a strong case for Kingston, Ontario! Keep reading to discover the many benefits this city offers to homeowners of all ages, retirees included.
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The Perfect Mid-Size City
Toronto is great for some people. For others, especially those who want a little peace and privacy during their retirement years, it’s too big, too loud, and too crowded.
A smaller town might be an option. However, these often don’t have the amenities you need or want, which could mean driving out to a bigger city for your favourite activities.
Enter Kingston, which is undeniably one of Ontario’s most perfect mid-sized cities. You get all of the benefits of a major metropolis without the headaches, while experiencing the tight-knit community of a quieter town.
If you prefer a car-less lifestyle, Kingston offers excellent access to public transit. You really couldn’t ask for a better place to live in terms of convenience and all-around lifestyle.
Are you intrigued and now want to know everything there is to know about Kingston? Start by reading the posts below:
- Where Is Kingston, Ontario?
- Is Kingston, Ontario a Good Place to Live?
- Exploring Our Favourite Nature Trails in Kingston
A Highly Desirable Geographic Location
Kingston is a great city where you’ll find anything you ever need within a few blocks from home. Nevertheless, who doesn’t love a good staycation or road trip from time to time?
Our centralized location makes it easy to get away for a weekend or even just an afternoon. The distance to Toronto or Montreal is less than 300 km, which you can typically reach in less than three hours by car or Via Rail.
Ottawa is just two hours away, and if you want to cross the border, Syracuse, NY is just over 200 km. That’s four major city centres within just three hours, bringing untold opportunities for recreation of all kinds.
People relocating to Kingston are typically pleasantly surprised by the vibrant community and lifestyle they find here. In part, it’s due to the university and two colleges that attract students and young adults, which in turn leads to an out-of-this-world entertainment scene and a number of festivals that draw visitors from miles around!
A Lifestyle That’s Out of This World
There are plenty of fun and exciting one-off events in Kingston to keep you out and about, exploring the city and expanding your horizons. Then there are our annual favourites, like the Kingston Ribfest & Craft Beer Show, Buskers Rendezvous, and the Sheep Dog Trails Festival (which attracts upwards of 7,000 visitors every year. Not bad from its humble beginnings in 1988!)
When the warm weather arrives, you can look forward to art festivals and endless live entertainment, and the fun doesn’t stop when the snow arrives. That’s when the Nighttime Santa Parade rolls in, along with other celebrations like the Spirit of Winter and the Kingston Canadian Film Festival.
Think of the entertainment vibe of bigger cities; now imagine them without the heavy traffic and long lineups. That’s just one more aspect of Kingston life that downsizers particularly love.
When you’re not caught up in the excitement, Kingston also offers stunning scenic beauty, making it perfect for hiking, cycling, or just relaxing in peaceful, picturesque surroundings. This is where the St Lawrence River, Renal Canal, and Lake Ontario meet, providing spectacular waterfront trails and views. Essentially, this city is a convenient, vibrant hot spot and a natural paradise all in one.
Step Up Your Dining Experience
Foodies, look no further. Forget Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal; Kingston has more restaurants per capita than any of them. Many people coming here thought they needed to resign themselves to fewer options and lower quality, only to be absolutely delighted by a robust dining scene! (That’s yet another benefit of living in a city with a high student population.)
In downtown alone, you’ll find countless restaurants in every style and at every price point imaginable. If you eat out every week, it would take years to sample every flavour across the city! And if you love to support local businesses, you’ll be thrilled to know that many of the fantastic coffee shops, pubs, and diners are independently owned.
Affordable and Memorable
Homeowners in the GTA who are retiring and downsizing have even more to look forward to when relocating to Kingston. Soon, you won’t just be enjoying the historic vibe, breathtaking scenery, peace and quiet when you need it, excitement when you want it, and the fact that you can get anywhere within approximately 10 minutes.
Life in general is more affordable in Kingston, especially the real estate. Can you believe it’s still possible to buy a detached home in move-in ready condition for under $700,000?
Closer to downtown, you’ll find an assortment of condos and townhouses, all within walking distance to every convenience. Plus, development is in progress, with a lot of pre-construction condos and other new-builds on the way. If retirement is on the horizon, Kingston offers a vast selection of affordable options.
It’s not uncommon for clients to sell their homes in Toronto or Mississauga, buy in Kingston and still put $1 million or more in their pockets. The retirement lifestyle available to you when you no longer are stressed about finances is beyond compare.
The one downside? You’ll be so busy enjoying the one-of-a-kind sights and experiences in Kingston that you might just forget that you’re supposed to be taking it easy!
Do you want to explore the idea of downsizing in a fun, yet peaceful and convenient city? Our Kingston real estate agents are happy to help and guide you through each step. Reach out to us at caldwellco@royallepage.ca or call 613.449.6588 today.
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Caldwell & co. is your all-in-one resource for everything real estate related in Kingston, from community highlights to market-shifting trends and hands-on transaction guidance.
