Retirement comes with all kinds of exciting freedoms. However, it also represents a major change in your day to day life. With this change in lifestyle, you might find that your current home no longer suits your needs as well as it could. That’s why downsizing and retirement often go hand in hand.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to call home as a downsizer or retiree (or both), Peterborough, Ontario should be on your radar. A small city nestled about 135 KM from Toronto, it’s the perfect blend of quiet and convenience.
Speaking as a local real estate agent who specializes in supporting downsizers, there are two areas of Peterborough in particular that retirees should have their eye on.
Let’s take a closer look.
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Why Retire in Peterborough?
Retirement isn’t just a change in employment status. It’s a brand new life chapter, one that could be your best yet. So, why should you call Peterborough home as a retiree?
For most downsizers, Peterborough is the perfect size. With a population of around 85,000, it’s small enough that you don’t have to worry about crowds, noise, or heavy traffic, but big enough to offer all the essential amenities you’ll need, including fantastic healthcare, local and regional transit, restaurants, entertainment, and more.
Peterborough also sits right on the doorstep of cottage country and the Kawarthas. You’re just minutes away from some of the best outdoor activities in all of Ontario. If your ideal retirement is one spent on the water, you’ll also find a fantastic selection of waterfront homes close to Peterborough, including properties that have been built or converted for year round living.
Finally, Peterborough offers all kinds of great homes for retirees. More on that next.
Need more advice on downsizing your home? Head to these other pages on my site!
- Should You Downsize Before Retirement?
- How I Support Downsizers
- Best Peterborough Neighbourhoods For Retirees & Downsizers
Peterborough’s West End
As a Peterborough Realtor, my go-to advice for retirees is usually this: start your home search in the West End. Also known as West Peterborough, this part of the city is tough to beat when it comes to the unique needs of seniors.
Let’s start with housing options. Most downsizers in Peterborough choose to settle in a condo (and for good reason). Condos are convenient, comfortable, and easy to take care of.
With that in mind, the lion’s share of condo buildings in Peterborough are located in the West End. Whatever your needs and budget may be, there’s a good chance you’ll find a unit and building you love in this community.
Peterborough’s West End is also where you’ll find some of the top amenities in town, including the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre, which features amazing fitness facilities and recreation programs. Lansdowne Place, the city’s largest shopping mall, is also located in the West End.
Peterborough’s hospital, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is also easily accessible from anywhere in the West End of Peterborough!
The East City
Across the river, East Peterborough (also known as East City) is also a great fit for downsizers. As the oldest area in the city, it’s quiet, close knit, and welcoming.
Just like the West End, there are plenty of great housing options for seniors in East City, including condos. You’re also well connected to local amenities and essential services, ensuring the same level of comfort and convenience. East City offers some of the best restaurants, sense of community and lifestyle balance in the entire city. It is also home to the famous Lift Locks.
One thing that makes East Peterborough stand out is the nature. Home to more than a dozen green spaces, including Beavermead Park, this part of the city has endless trails for walking, jogging, or cycling. You’ve also got Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park and the Harold Town Conservation Area just a short drive away.
If you’d like to spend your retirement on the links, living in East City means being close to great courses like Peterborough Golf & Country Club and Lift Lock Golf Club.
A great home sale can provide a strong financial foundation for retirement. Learn more in these blog posts!
Downsizing Made Easy
As a full-service real estate agent in Peterborough who specializes in working with downsizers and their families, I’m here to help you make the most of your downsizing journey.
From start to finish, I’ll help you coordinate all the logistics, from decluttering and junk removal to repairs and ongoing maintenance, and everything in between.
Beyond your sale, I can also help you find the ideal place for your next chapter. As a local market leader, I know everything there is to know about Peterborough’s homes and communities. Whether you’re looking for a smaller house, a sensible condo, or retiree-oriented housing, I’ll connect you to the properties best suited to your needs.
Moving to a new home? I can help!
Reach me at 705-927-2774 or email roger@teamcurrierhomes.ca
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