What’s an affordable place to retire that also provides a decent lifestyle for a retiree?
Answers
1. Fredericton, New Brunswick
Monthly Living Expenses: $1,180 (without rent)
New Brunswick’s provincial capital is Fredericton. It has a modest population for capital, yet it’s an ideal combination for retirees. The city is not overcrowded, but the regional capital offers many facilities that a city of its size does not (albeit public transit is not available on Sundays).
Property costs are low enough to purchase one if you have enough funds, especially if you prefer a condo. In addition, the rent is much lower. It is a riverbank city with a humid continental climate. So, if you want to fish, it may be a suitable place to live. It has many historic buildings and museums, parks, and stages various events for a city of its size. The city’s major hospital features around 300 beds, several specialists, and a level 3 trauma center.
2. Kingston, Ontario
Monthly Living Expenses: $1,194 (without rent)
As long as you don’t mind living in a city where half the people are young students, Kingston might be the place for you. Due to its strategic location, it has a long and glorious past, particularly war history. As a retiree, you’d like Kingston’s laid-back atmosphere and leisurely pace of life. About half the year, the city is sunny. Local transit is convenient, quick, and inexpensive.
But arguably, the most powerful aspect in Kingston’s favour is its superior medical facilities. In Southern Ontario, Kingston General Hospital is the largest. There are many beautiful places to visit and spend your retirement in the city. These include Lake Ontario Park and the Museum of Healthcare, which is the only one of its kind in the country. You can also enjoy sailing, fishing, golfing, or hiking outside the city.
3. Burlington, Ontario
Monthly Living Expenses: $1,257 (without rent)
There are 115 parks in the small city of Burlington, so you won’t have a hard time getting some fresh air. It’s just around 40 minutes from Toronto, so if you have relatives nearby, you might enjoy living in this charming little town. It has a vibrant creative population and a good amount of art venues, especially for its population.
Also, bicycle lovers will find the city to be quite welcoming. There is one large hospital in town; however, you may need to travel to Hamilton for more severe health issues, which is not far away. Burlington’s home costs are a weakness in its armour. The city may be a bit pricey, even if you want to rent a house or apartment. If you can avoid this fee (co-op, modest house, etc.), the city will remain relatively affordable.
Otherwise, you can use the city’s retirement facilities. Furthermore, the city offers a wide range of retirement living options, including active retirement living, assisted living, and home care.
4. Kelowna, British Columbia
Monthly Living Expenses: $1,071 (without rent) When it comes to retirement communities, Kelowna is a bit of a cliché. Until the most recent census, retirees made up more than 18% of the population, well above the national rate. It has all four seasons, housing is a bit pricey (particularly if you want to live closer to the lake), and if you are an oenophile (a fancy word for wine-lover), Kelowna is the place to be. It’s the ideal combination of nature, peace, and the hustle and bustle of a huge metropolis (especially in tourist season).