After decades of hard work, the time finally comes to retire and enjoy your life. Last time we talked about  places that are senior-friendly to travel to for vacations (Senior-Friendly Vacation Spots), but settling down is completely a different case. When we talk about the best countries for retirement, Canada is at the top of the list. It is a beautiful country to retire in, given that it offers an appealing retirement lifestyle.

Bella and her husband have thought about it, too. They both have just retired and chosen Canada as the place to retire for a better quality of life. Surely, they are attracted to the high-quality healthcare and the low population density of the country, but the natural beauty and the friendly people in Canada also attract this couple very much.

However, because Canada is such a giant country, Bella was lost on where exactly they wanted to reside in Canada. If you are struggling just like Bella, this article will provide you with an in-depth discussion on places that are suitable for retired seniors to live in Canada.

What Do We Look for When Choosing a City to Retire?

• Lifestyle

Lifestyle is a very important component for seniors to consider when planning their future place to reside. Although it is mainly a matter of personal taste, in this article, we will focus on the preferences of most of our clients.

Usually, small towns may not be appealing to those who have spent most of their lives in a bustling metropolis, even if they initially find them intriguing.

Before you consider, first think about your pursuits and hobbies. If you love staying in, then most cities are pretty much the same to you. However, if you are a person who enjoys traveling, hiking, or engaging in other recreational activities, you should select a retirement city that best suits your needs.

• Cost of Living

No matter if you are on a tight budget or sitting on a pile of money, the cost of living is an important factor to consider when you move to a new place.

An expensive city will eat away your savings and make it more difficult for you to enjoy your later years.

It’s crucial to consider the cost of housing (rent/buy), food, transportation (public transit/owning a car), cost of services, and most importantly, the cost of doing things you’ve always wanted to do in your retirement.

• Weather

Weather is more important than you think, especially for people who have chronic diseases. For example, you may not want to live in a humid city if you have respiratory problems or arthritis.

If you’re used to living in warm weather, moving to a freezing area can be a bad idea as well. Furthermore, you may not be able to handle the heat in a sunny location if you have always been living in a city with a high longitude.

So, before deciding, take weather conditions into account carefully. The best way to decide is to visit the city you like in varied weather conditions/seasons before making a final decision about moving there.

• Doctors Per 100, 000 People

Having enough accessibility to medical facilities and professionals is crucial as you get older. For those who already have chronic medical conditions or live alone, this is even more crucial. The concentration of doctors per capita is a measurement of how easily it will be for you to get medical care if necessary.

Top Places to Retire in Canada:

• Kelowna, BC

• Cost of Living: $1,071 per month (without rent)

• Population: 217, 229

• Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 27°C, January: 0°C

• Lifestyle: Casual, retiree-friendly

• Doctors Per 100, 000 People: 137

The top place surely goes to Kelowna, BC. When it comes to retirement communities, Kelowna is a place that you never want to ignore.

With over 18 percent of the population being made-up of retirees, which is significantly higher than the national average, Kelowna could be described as the heaven of retirement living – the nature and urban vibes are perfectly balanced in this area (especially during the tourist season).

If you’re willing to live a bit outside of the city, enjoy driving, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and picnics by the lake, Kelowna would be a good option for you.

• Victoria, BC

• Cost of Living: $1,186 per month (without rent)

• Population: 401, 700

• Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 20°C, January: 7°C

• Lifestyle: Welcomingly, expensive

• Doctor Per 100, 000 People: 176

Victoria, BC one of the greatest places to retire in Canada because of its high doctor-to-population ratio and low property tax.

The weather in Victoria is dry and mild compared to Vancouver and has less snowfall. It’s also Canada’s most romantic city, so if you are looking to find a new love interest after relocation, Victoria is perfect for dating. It is especially romantic for those who enjoy flowers (and aren’t allergic to pollen). There is a reason Victoria is called Canada’s city of gardens.

In a nutshell, Victoria is a great fit for those who enjoy living in a densely populated urban environment and can afford a bougie lifestyle.

• Halifax, NS

• Cost of Living: $1,202 per month (without rent)

• Population: 440, 332

• Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 23°C, January: 0°C

• Lifestyle: Big-city life

• Doctors Per 100, 000 People: 145

Halifax is Nova Scotia’s largest city, with a population that accounts for more than half of the province’s total. Also, if you move to Halifax, you’ll have access to the best medical and healthcare facilities.

Halifax is a city that has beachy vibes, as the sea is the primary focus of most of the region’s outdoor pursuits, and the seafood is incredibly fresh. So if you enjoy surfing and fishing, Halifax is a nice pick.

• Calgary, AB

• Cost of Living: $1,197 per month (without rent)

• Population: 1, 585, 900

• Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 21°C, January: -2°C

• Lifestyle: Dynamic

• Doctors Per 100, 000 People: 143

As Canada’s second-largest city, the cost of living in Calgary is surprisingly lower than in many other cities, as both the cost of living and taxes are minimal in this area.

The city is bustling so if you are used to living in a busy city or looking for work after retirement, this is the place you are looking for.

• Kingston, ON

• Cost of Living: $1,194 per month (without rent)

• Population: 136, 685

• Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 25°C, January: -3°C

• Lifestyle: Mild-paced

• Doctors Per 100, 000 People: 138

Kingston might be a good fit for you if you don’t mind living in a city where the majority of residents are under the age of 25, consisting mainly of students from Queen’s University. There are many stories that can be told about the city’s past because of its strategic location and extensive history.

The laid-back atmosphere and leisurely pace of life in Kingston are ideal for retirees. Transportation in the immediate area is also fast, convenient, and cost-effective. However, Kingston’s greatest asset may be its world-class medical care – Kingston General Hospital is one of Southern Ontario’s largest healthcare facilities.

References:

https://wealthawesome.com/best-places-to-retire-in-canada/

https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/baby-boomers/slideshows/the-10-best-places-to-retire-in-canada