• Canada’s guide to retirement living and care

Retirement Homes & Communities in Central Ontario

A guide to finding the right community and care in central rural Ontario

Enjoy retirement in Ontario's cottage country.

Many Ontarians retire to cottage living in central Ontario, making a number of cities and communities in cottage country very senior-friendly. For baby boomers who are currently spending their time in Peterborough, the Muskokas, Huntsville and Haliburton during the summer at a cottage, the idea of retiring permanently and making their summer home a year-around home is a very affordable option.

Types of senior living available in the region

Home care agencies are available for baby boomers and seniors living in central Ontario who need a little extra support in order to remain in their homes as long as possible. There are also a growing number of great retirement communities and retirement homes for seniors looking to settle in Ontario's cottage country including active adult living, independent living, assisted living and long-term care communities.

Before starting your search for a retirement community or home care service think about your specific needs and wants. Retirement communities have customizable options that address the specific needs of residents, including different kinds of suites, levels of medical care, and additional housekeeping or cooking tasks.

Home care is customizable too, depending on your health condition, needs and duration of time that assistance is needed.  Understanding your needs is the first step in finding the right retirement fit in Central Ontario. Click here to view all Ontario Retirement Homes. 

Assisted Living In Central Ontario

Not only is central Ontario one of the most beautiful places in the world. Its cottage mentality makes it very popular for senior housing. People are generally relaxed and crowds are rare and manageable when they do occur. There is a general air of respect for everyone’s desire to enjoy themselves evident throughout the area.  There are retirement homes throughout cottage country that build on the region’s scenery to give residents a full time cottage experience with all the big city luxuries they’ve become accustomed to. Some say it is the highest form of assisted living.  A common objection to moving to central Ontario retirement homes is the perceived lack of medical facilities. Nothing could be further from the truth. Every retirement home in the region stocked with the same caliber of equipment used in large cities. Durham Region’s ambulance services are among the highest rated in Canada while the hospitals in Central Ontario are full service with up to date equipment and staff experienced in dealing with seniors or trained in elder care. Many retirees choose Central Ontario because they’ve spent their entire lives in the region. However there is a growing contingent of retirees looking for a change of pace, who are unwilling to let go of the conveniences of an urban lifestyle yet seek a more tranquil atmosphere and subsequently choose Central Ontario retirement homes. There are homes throughout the region, with each city offering unique advantages and a distinct flavour.

Worried about costs? Have a look at what retirement will cost you across Ontario.

About retirement Homes in Peterborough

Those that prefer a quiet small town atmosphere will enjoy retiring in Peterborough, Ontario. Peterborough residents tend to prefer home care but have been making the transition towards retirement homes in recent years. It's surrounded by farmland, meaning retirees and residents enjoy fresh produce which are then turned into homemade treats by the city’s many mom and pop style restaurants. Peterborough is also home to a number of historic churches that retiree’s enjoy visiting for their architectural beauty regardless of their religion. The city’s golf course is one of the best ranked in the area and is considered very senior friendly. Though secluded Peterborough is far from isolated, located near the Trans Canada Highway (highway 401) retirees have little issue visiting family and friends in nearby cities or simply traveling to explore the region. Besides retirement homes, the city has plenty of long term care options as well as a home care infrastructure.

Find our fuller page on retirement homes in Peterborough.      

About retirement Homes in Bowmanville

Many people choose retirement homes in Bowmanville, Ontario for long term care. As one of the larger cities in The Municipality of Clarington, residents feel Bowmanville provides the benefits of both cottage country and big city lifestyles.  The city is well known to motorsport fans, with a world famous track that has hosted Le Mans Series, SCCA, and NASCAR events. Bowmanville is home to a number of attractions including Canada’s oldest private zoo. Retirees that are unable or unwilling to drive can feel at ease knowing Bowmanville is the rare cottage town with a GO and Via stations in addition to its own city wide public transit. It has senior housing options outside of formal retirement homes as well as a variety of home care services. 

About retirement Homes in Oshawa

As with Bowmanville, retirement homes in Oshawa excel at creating great experiences for seniors. Oshawa is home to the largest hospital in the region, Lakeridge Health Oshawa, as well as The R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre. These facilities give Oshawa an impressive long term care and assisted living infrastructure for a city its size. There is a vibrant minor sports community in the city of Oshawa highlighted by The Oshawa Generals hockey team, which many seniors find inviting. Those living in senior housing but not retirement homes, Oshawa has a number of public pools, community centres, and beaches. While seniors rave about the city’s new parks and walking trails regardless of their living situation.

Retirement Homes in Trenton

Retirement care in Trenton can feel like a vacation that lasts for decades. As the entry point to the Trent-Severn Waterway and largest municipality in Quinte West, Trenton is the rare tourist city that can thrive economically without feeling cluttered. Trenton Retirement home residents rave about the city’s recreational facilities which include walking trails, curling rinks, dog parks, and golf courses. Trenton is a popular destination for sport fishing, known to boast impressive scores of walleye, bass, pike, perch, and mudcat with seasonal opportunities to catch salmon and rainbow trout. This attracts seniors looking for home care and assisted living in equal numbers. Trenton is also beginning to build a reputation for its vineyards and wine tours, which many retirement homes are sure to visit.