The GTA’s Top-Ranked Neighbourhoods for Retirees

By Kristin Doucet | 10 minute read

Wahi analyzed data from Local Logic, a location intelligence platform, to rank GTA neighbourhoods in Toronto, York, Peel, Durham, and Halton regions in 11 categories based on lifestyle, needs, goals and interests. Wahi’s Where to Live 2023 rankings consider neighbourhood attributes such as nearby schools, transit quality, park spaces, access to restaurants and shopping, and more.

From Brownridge, Vaughan, with its vast greenery and convenient access to amenities to Toronto’s Cedarvale neighbourhood, with its quiet and picturesque streets, these 15 GTA neighbourhoods came out on top as the best places for retirees. These neighbourhoods were ranked according to several factors: level of quietness, proximity to amenities like grocery stores, amount of nearby park space, and the pedestrian friendliness of the area. Whether it’s going for a stroll through a local ravine, taking a class at a nearby rec centre, or enjoying the peace and quiet of tree-lined streets, these neighbourhoods are perfect for those looking for a slower pace of life.

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Where to Live: Durham

When it comes to the Oshawa/Durham region, retirees can reap the benefits of a lower real estate price tag, an abundance of park and forested spaces, as well as ample recreation spaces. Only 35 minutes by car from Toronto, Durham offers the best of both worlds: forested parks, beaches and rec centres, as well as a vibrant arts and culture scene. The region has also developed an Age-Friendly Strategy and Action Plan to better support its seniors. A perfect mix of suburban and rural, Durham has a small-town charm retirees will fall in love with.
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1. Blue Grass Creek, Whitby

For those who want to be part of an engaged yet serene community with access to nearby amenities, activities and programs, this is the place. Find everything you need in this neighbourhood, including lots of park space and a passion for arts and culture. Whitby as a whole presents opportunities for community building and engagement throughout. Blue Grass Creek residents also enjoy a variety of events and festivals throughout the year that integrate art, music and theatre. Check out:

• Celebration Square: A modern outdoor venue that hosts town-wide events.
• Blue Grass Meadow Park: A great park to watch birds or take a morning walk.
• Melanie Pringles: A popular restaurant with a 50s nostalgic atmosphere, complete with a jukebox at every table.

2. Samac, Oshawa

Known for its many parks and trails, Samac lets you experience the great outdoors right at your doorstep. For seniors who want to reside in a growing community that is close to nature and has a flourishing arts scene, this neighbourhood has all that and more. In keeping with its love of the arts, Samac hosts Oshawa’s annual fall art festival, supported by the Oshawa Art Association. 

3. Taunton, Oshawa

A modern rec centre and network of hiking trails in the nearby conservation area make Taunton a desirable neighbourhood for retirees. The area also boasts some of the most luxurious homes in Oshawa at a more affordable price. Close to Samac, residents of Taunton don’t have to travel far to reach nearby shopping on Taunton Road. Harmony Valley Conservation Area is minutes away and offers 28 hectares of forests, meadows and wetlands to enjoy all year round.  

Where to Live: Halton

Oakville/Halton is known for its scenic parks, Lake Ontario beaches, and a large nature reserve. While the region has the modern recreational facilities and shopping centres found in major urban centres, Halton has the charm of small-town life. Dedicated to making Halton one of the best places to live, work and play as people age, the Halton Age-Friendly Network was established in 2016 with a mission to build an age-friendly Halton by “listening to concerns, advocating for change and promoting healthy and active aging for people of all ages.” 

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1. Iroquois Ridge South, Oakville

This is a quiet community with easy access to arts and fitness centres. More affordable than other parts of Oakville, it offers ample park space within a few minutes’ walk, as well as a popular community centre and library. An older neighbourhood with tree-lined streets, Iroquois Ridge South is close to Upper Oakville Shopping Centre and Oakville Place, and is home to six local parks. Check out:

• Iroquois Ridge Community Centre: A community centre with a variety of amenities, registered and drop-in programs, and space rentals.
• Oakville Public Library: The library offers innovative programs, expansive collections, and more.
• Iroquois Shoreline Woods Park: A favourite among locals, it features a three-kilometre natural path perfect for hiking or walking..

2. River Oaks, Oakville

This fast-growing and peaceful community offers recreational activities and green space worthy of a top-three place for retirees to live. River Oaks is home to Lions Valley Park with its tranquil pathways that meander alongside Sixteen Mile Creek, making it a popular destination for day hikes. Residents also enjoy the River Oaks Community Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that houses both a fitness and recreation centre. 

3. Clearview, Oakville

Community engagement, parks with walking trails, and a love for the arts is what makes this an attractive neighbourhood for folks of all ages. Only 25 minutes from Toronto’s Union Station, Clearview is a peaceful, community-based neighbourhood with nearby amenities for everyday needs. Through the Oakville Arts Council, residents can enjoy monthly networking events and other activities that focus on sustaining community engagement and supporting artistic development.

Where to Live: Peel

Mississauga/Peel is one of the most multicultural regions in the GTA. Here, you’ll find dozens of  age-friendly neighbourhoods, vast amounts of parkland, shopping centres and other amenities. Peel residents also enjoy different festivals and community events throughout the year that celebrate the area’s cultural diversity. It has several popular attractions, including the Rouge Park Conservation Area, a beautiful national park where retirees can enjoy an afternoon excursion. Peel is known as an age-friendly community that enables people of all ages to be engaged and participate in a variety of community activities. 

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1. Applewood, Mississauga 

Not far from Toronto you’ll find the peaceful borough of Applewood, where neighbours come together for barbecues and other special events throughout the year. Here, retirees will enjoy being close to parks, grocery stores and shopping plazas. Applewood is also home to the Art Gallery of Mississauga, where residents can enjoy permanent art collections, as well as rotating exhibitions. The Applewood Acres Homeowners Association also hosts special events throughout the year that bring the community together. Check out:

• Hazel McCallion Central Library: One of the largest libraries in Mississauga and currently undergoing a large-scale renovation expected to be completed this year.
• Rockwood Mall: A large indoor shopping centre with a grocery store and brand-name shops.
• Westacres Park: Home to an outdoor pool and lit tennis courts, this park is located in the heart of Applewood.

2. Brampton North, Brampton 

Close to amenities, recreational activities and parklands, this neighbourhood is ideal for seniors who seek community engagement at a more affordable price. Residents enjoy walking the trails along the Etobicoke Creek and visiting Gage Park for events held all year round. The Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives has rotating exhibitions and is a popular destination for those interested in adult programs as well. Residents can also take in live productions at The Rose, a landmark performing arts centre.

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3. Brampton West, Brampton

In this established neighbourhood next to downtown Brampton, seniors will enjoy the easy access to many amenities within walking distance, as well as several nearby popular parks. Along the Queen Street Corridor, at the Bramalea City Centre, and in downtown Brampton, residents have access to a plethora of dining and shopping options — all conveniently close by. Retirees can spend an afternoon birdwatching at Carleton Park, famous for its abundant birdlife, or visit Norton Park Place to roam the boardwalks.