Thinking about downsizing your family home? Here are some excellent options near Toronto; particularly if you live in Scarborough, Pickering, Ajax or Whitby.
If you're contemplating a move to a smaller, more manageable home, you might be pleasantly surprised by the range of choices available. As a **downsizing specialist in Toronto**, I can help you find the perfect fit. Many retirement communities offer diverse home styles, prices, and ownership structures to suit your needs.
As a specialist, I've done the work for you so you don't have to!
Understanding Your Home Ownership Options in Ontario
Why don't you see properties advertised as "55+" condos or "seniors only" in Ontario like they have in other countries?
It's because property ownership is governed by the Ontario Human rights code, which prevents discrimination. This means that only certain properties can restrict ownership or occupancy by age.
However if you’re looking for a home that’s geared to retirees or adult only you can choose a NORC, life or land lease.
NORCs: (also known as Non Organized Retirement Communities)
These communities don't have age restrictions but have become popular with retirees over time. They often feature great social activities and amenities geared towards their residents, with amenities sometimes being updated to suit current tastes - think squash courts being converted to Pickleball as a good example.
Examples include condos at 10 & 20 Guildwood Parkway (Gates of Guildwood) and 1880 & 1890 Valley Farm in Pickering (Discovery Place). These buidings are notable for being extremely well managed, have spacious suites & beautiful lanscaping and grounds:
Beautiful Plantings at Discovery Place
Extensive Landscaping & grounds at Discovery Place
Outdoor Pool overlooking Indoor Pool at Discovery Place, Pickering
Swan Lake Village in Markham is another NORC that offers a variety of home styles, including detached, semi-detached, and bungalow townhomes. Occupancy is slightly restricted in Swan Lake to exclude small children as permanent occupants, but does allow adult children, or adults with disabilities.
It has great recreational facilites including several outdoor pools, clubhouses & tennis courts, plus a large recreational hub the "Swan Club" with indoor pool, gym, meeting areas all overlooking Swan Lake Park.
An example of a bungalow townhouse in Swan Lake, Markham
An added benefit to many of these properties is there is 24H security, or gated entry for peace of mind.
Entrance to Swan Lake Village with gated entry
Adult 55+ Active Lifestyle Communties
This is a marketing term used to describe communities where age can be restricted. Often these communities boast premium amenities, like a golf course or putting green. Anytime you see the word 'lifestyle' there will be the assumption that there is a premium, either to buy the home or for the monthly fees.
Since 55+ communities, are age-restricted they will be either land or life lease properties. Wilmot Creek in Newcastle is a great example, where you own the building, and pay monthly fees cover leasing the land your home is build on and access to their great recreational facilities.
I've written an entire article about Wilmot Creek Here:
Affordable 55+ Retirement Communities
If you're looking for an affordable option, there are two life lease properties in Scarborough with units available for under $300,000. As I write this. And yes you read that right, you can buy a retirement apartment for under $300,000 in Scarborough.
The first is at 50 Old Kingston Rd. This low rise complex in Highland Creek features ravine views & an indoor pool. All the apartments have private balconies or patios & parking. This is perfect for **snowbirds** who want to keep a place in the city; or people who live at their cottage and just need a landing pad without having to rent something privately.
The second is on Scarborough Golf Club rd. Again, this low rise complex has many apartments overlooking the beautiful Cedarbrae Ravine. There's lots of clubs and social activities here.
Bungalows
Are you dreaming of a cute bungalow with main floor laundry, an en-suite bath, a walk-in closet, and a garage? There are some great options for you - starting with Swan Lake Village that I already mentioned. You'll find bungalow retirement communities in Henderson Place in Ajax, and Lynde Creek Village in Whitby. Further east, consider Canterbury Commons in Port Perry or freehold bungalow communities in Coburg or Brighton.
Downsize with Confidence
Compiling information on these great communities has been my focus for years so you don't have to navigate the options alone. The good news is you can unlock the equity from your current family home and still retain the security of home ownership at pretty much any budget. There are great options near Toronto that allow you to remain connected to your family, friends, and community.
If you have questions about **downsizing in Toronto** or want to know more about specific communities, feel free to give me a call.
**Sue Anfang, Realtor**
*Cell: 416-562-5002*
*Website: SueSellsScarborough.com*
