Is there a relocation in your future, but you’re still not 100% certain where you want to settle? All you know is that wherever you end up, it needs to meet a high standard. Perhaps a city smaller than Toronto and Ottawa, somewhere the cost of living is still reasonable, and there is a long list of amenities and fun things to do.
If that’s what you have in mind, we’d swear you were describing Kingston, Ontario! A perfect, mid-sized city conveniently accessible to three major metropolitan centres.
Come for the excitement, stay for the scenery and the affordable lifestyle, or vice versa. No matter how you look at it, Kingston is stunning, historic, safe, charming, and modern. To put simply: everything families are looking for. Today, we’ll explore all the fun and practical reasons to make Kingston your new home.
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A Treasured Home for a Lifetime
For families, Kingston is a sensible choice from every perspective. If you have children, or plan to, you’ll have access to top-tier education, from Kindergarten through to university or college.
One distinguishing feature about towns and small cities is that when the kids grow up, the first thing they want to do is leave. Because of the quality of the schools and the abundance of opportunities that come afterward, that happens much less often in Kingston.
We have a substantial community of younger people in their late 20s through their 30s who have decided to stay even after graduation, and that’s a great source of local pride around here!
A diverse community with people from all ages is a healthy one, and you just never know who you might encounter from one day to the next. There are few better places where you really can put down roots for the long term.
Fun fact: If you ever hear anyone refer to the “Limestone City,” that’s us! Kingston earned the nickname due to our beautiful limestone architecture, especially in the historic downtown core.
Do you want to know more about Kingston life? The posts below will give you an idea of what to expect:
- Where Is Kingston, Ontario?
- Your Guide to Schools in Kingston, Ontario
- Is Kingston, Ontario a Good Place to Live?
The Ability to Actually Buy a House
Of all the draws to Kingston, affordable home prices are near the top of the list, not just for first-time home buyers. Imagine living in a condo or townhouse in Toronto, selling it, then taking those funds to see what you can get in Kingston. Although real estate prices and demand fluctuate in both locations, your dollar is always going to go further here.
If you’re currently in a one-bedroom condo, you may be surprised that a four-bedroom detached house with a lush, rolling backyard, private driveway and a garage could be a very real possibility.
If you’re renting, you might be surprised at how much house you can afford to buy when you look a few hours away from the GTA! With the same level of income and net worth, you could experience a much richer way of life just by changing locations.
Dispelling the myths: Fair or not, there’s a quirky association people have with Kingston and jails! Part of it might be due to the presence of Kingston Penitentiary (also called “The Pen”), once home to some of Canada’s most notorious criminals.
However, the prison was decommissioned in 2013. Now it’s a popular tourist attraction. If you ever wanted a picture of yourself behind bars, come for a visit!
On that note, why not check out a few of our latest listings?
The Ease and Peacefulness of Daily Life
People in big cities often comment on the crowds and constant noise. Some people love it, but it’s definitely not for everyone, and even the most die-hard enthusiast will find themselves complaining about the traffic. Yes, there are lots of fun events and festivals, yes; the shopping is fantastic, and every convenience is nearby.
But if it still takes 45 minutes to make what should be a 10-minute commute, is anything really convenient? Small town residents have the opposite problem.
Traffic is negligible, and it can be quiet and picturesque. Sometimes there may even be an annual event that draws people from out of town, but most of the time, there’s very little to do. You’ll find yourself travelling to the next nearest city whenever you want to celebrate or just get out for an evening.
Now you know why we call Kingston the perfect-sized city! You have the shops, the services, everything you need, and all of it is close by. A Toronto or Ottawa resident often cannot comprehend that you can get from one end of the city to the next in minutes, not hours, even during rush hour.
Even more importantly, there are plenty of places to go, whether you’re running out for groceries, to an appointment, or heading out to one of our many points of interest or festivals.
Thinking about a home purchase? The posts below can help:
- Preparing to Buy Your First Home: What to Do First
- Should You Buy a Resale Home or a New Build in Kingston?
- Why Buy a House With Caldwell & Co.
Enough About Business; Let’s Talk About Fun!
Now we come to what many people will consider to be the most important part of this post: all of the fun and exciting things to do in Kingston. We could write an entire article on all of the incredible golf courses in and near the city (and we probably will!)
We have talked extensively about the glorious scenery and incredible hiking and cycling trails. Then there’s an entertainment scene that could turn any other city green with envy.
The event calendar is filled with festivals, both annual celebrations and one-offs. Even if nothing official is planned, it’s easy to enjoy an afternoon or evening out or even a weekend getaway anytime. Life in Kingston is all about unforgettable experiences and memories!
Do you want to know more about relocating or buying a home in the Limestone 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.
Meet Your Market Guides
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.
