You’ve retired and suddenly you have time, money, and freedom. Why not find the perfect spot to celebrate your new life? There are dozens of underrated towns and cities across the country that are ideal for the post-work set.
Moncton, NB
Photo by Robert St-Coeur/Shutterstock.com
While it’s the second largest city in New Brunswick, Moncton is still relatively small compared to other mid-sized Canadian cities. This means you still have everything you need— universities, hospitals, entertainment facilities—without the congestion. There are also two national preserves and the warmest beaches north of Virginia nearby.
Quebec City, QC
Photo by meunierd/Shutterstock.com
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quebec City is a historically rich and beautiful town. It’s one of Canada’s least expensive cities, but still has all the amenities that go along with urban living, as well as one of the lowest crime rates in the country. The city has a very international feel, as well as plenty of access to nature.
Stratford, ON
Photo by IVY PHOTOS / Shutterstock.com
The obvious perk of retiring to Stratford is its strong cultural heritage. The Shakespeare festival is beloved across the country, and the city dedicates a lot of resources to its creative community. But you might not know that the city has more parkland per capita than any other city in the country.
Burlington, ON
Photo by SF photo/Shutterstock.com
MoneySense magazine ranked this Toronto suburb as one of the top 10 places to retire in the country. With a waterfront on Lake Ontario and the Royal Botanical Gardens nearby, it’s truly a beautiful spot. The weather is mild, there are 2.57 doctors per 1,000 people, and you’ll have access to six community centers, nine golf courses, and lots of hiking and bike trails.
Cochran, AB
Photo by Constantine Androsoff/Shutterstock.com
This up-and-coming Calgary satellite is only 20 minutes from Cowtown and an hour from Banff. Located in the Bow River Valley and surrounded by the Rockies, the city is a truly stunning place to call home. Dynastream Innovations is headquartered there, which means Cochran is actually a wired community perfect for tech enthusiasts.
Victoria, BC
Photo by androver / Shutterstock.com
The capital of BC has all the benefits of island living (lush landscape, mild weather, coastal location) but with 50% less rain than nearby Vancouver. Victoria has a solid housing market, low unemployment and crime, and it’s super easy to jump on the ferry and head off to the Gulf Islands.
Kelowna, BC
Photo by Christopher Gardiner/Shutterstock.com
Talk about an inland empire! Mild winters, hot summers, and a gorgeous waterfront on lake Okanagan make this an ideal spot for starting the next chapter of your life. Located in the heart of BC’s wine country, Kelowna is surrounded by vineyards, orchards, mountains, and provincial parks. You’ll have access to some of the best healthcare facilities in interior BC, local theatre, and plenty of golf courses.
