Should You Retire in Vaughan or Toronto?

As your working days draw to a close, you may start to wonder if it’s also time to downsize your home. This path leads to a series of decisions to make, starting with: where should you go next?

There is great news if your choices are between Vaughan and Toronto. Both are fantastic places to live in their own way, but they are very different in terms of lifestyle. Which is the best fit for your retirement years? Keep reading for some answers!

What Is the Difference between Vaughan and Toronto?

Some non-locals are under the misconception that Vaughan is actually part of Toronto. The confusion is understandable.

Toronto is Ontario’s biggest metropolis, with six massive suburbs and a total population of more than 3 million! Vaughan, however, is its own separate city, although it is still part of the GTA. The latest census estimates a population of nearly 341,000. That’s substantial, but nothing compared to Toronto!

Where Is Vaughan in Relation to Toronto?

If you’ve spent the day in Toronto’s West End, perhaps visiting High Park or sipping a coffee in Roncesvalles, travelling almost directly north via Highway 400 will take you to Vaughan. The two cities share a border, but that is where (most) of the similarities end.

Each location could make downsizing feel like the best choice you ever made. Your final decision comes down to what your vision for your future looks like.

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Once you’ve decided to proceed with downsizing, the next question is how. Find answers in the posts below.

• How to Purge Your Home Before Selling It
• 3 Things Seniors Should Know Before They Sell Their Home
• Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent as a Senior

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Is Vaughan Better Than Toronto?

The boxing gloves are about to come off right about now! If you’re asking us which is our favourite, the answer is Vaughan, hands down. We love working here almost as much as we love living here!

If you ask a Toronto resident, they might roll their eyes and say, “Vaughan? Where is that?” Don’t be fooled. They know exactly where Vaughan is. We bet that nearly every single person in Toronto has been to Canada’s Wonderland or Vaughan Mills at least once!

Whether it is objectively better depends on the lifestyle you want to experience.

• If you want all the perks of the city, with less traffic and less noise, but with every convenience and fabulous entertainment, shopping, and dining, Vaughan is the perfect place to retire.

• If you love crowds and being in the middle of the excitement, then Toronto could be the city of your retirement dreams.

Loving Life and Nature in Vaughan

If you’re a retiree who plans to stay active and prefers to be outdoors nearly every waking moment, Vaughan definitely deserves your consideration. Not that Toronto is lacking when it comes to numerous parks and green spaces. It’s just that Vaughan takes the beauty of nature to the next level as the Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine are environmentally protected areas.

Residents of all ages love basking in the forests and valleys of Boyd Conservation Park. As a popular spot for bird watching, hiking, picnicking, and geocaching, the trails and pathways are a great opportunity to meet up with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

At the Kortright Centre for Conservation, nature’s beauty and innovation meet! Along your stroll, you’ll get a chance to see the windmill and wind turbine in action, as well as take in displays of solar shingles and more. You can also stock up on Canadian-made maple syrup and other maple-inspired goodies during your visit.

One of the nice things about Vaughan for seniors is the number of parks and paths that are relatively accessible, with paved trails making it possible to enjoy peaceful scenery in comfort and at your own pace. Sonoma Heights, Rainbow Creek, and Riverwalk are just a few favourites.

As we mentioned, Toronto also boasts plenty of green spaces and parks. If you visit at the right time and during the slower season, you might enjoy a relaxing stroll. These areas are picturesque, but can be extremely busy at times.

If you like being part of the hustle and bustle, you may very well enjoy living in Toronto.

If you’d prefer your downtime to be a little more tranquil, then Vaughan is the location for you.

Did you know that Vaughan is a paradise for golfers? Learn more in Private Golf Courses in Vaughan Ontario.

A Question of Transit

Car dependency is an area of consideration that can be easy to overlook when deciding on a location. Upon retirement, many people would love to hang up the keys and never drive again.

Others prefer the convenience and freedom of having a car. The good news is that both cities have excellent transit systems. However, Toronto definitely takes the win in this aspect. With an expansive network of streetcars, buses, subways, and GO Transit lines, it’s arguably the easiest city to live in for those who don’t drive.

Vaughan also features GO Stations at Maple, Rutherford, and Langstaff, as well as several bus lines. It’s also the only urban centre in the GTA outside of Toronto that offers subway access. From Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, you can reach Union Station in as little as 45 minutes.

If you’re the type of retiree who would prefer to drive instead, Vaughan could be the better choice. Wider streets and modern infrastructure make it less stressful to travel by car; plus, parking is widely available and often free. Traffic can be heavy during certain times of the day, but it’s a breeze compared to the constant gridlock you’ll face in Toronto.

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Are you planning to buy a smaller home when downsizing? Here are some resources that may be helpful:

• Are Condos Good for Seniors?
• What Do Home Buyers Look For?
• How to Buy a House Before Selling Yours?

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What Will Your Retirement Dream Home Look Like?

Real estate in Vaughan and Toronto can both be expensive, whether you decide to rent or buy your home. That said, the cost of living overall tends to be higher in Toronto, where you often get less square footage and older buildings that can require more maintenance.

Older homes can definitely have some appeal, however, especially for a home buyer who loves the look and character of classic architecture.

Many housing options in Vaughan tend to be newer, with modern attributes like bright open-concept layouts, huge windows, and high energy efficiency. Whatever you decide, it’s reassuring to know how many fantastic options are available to you.

The Lino Arci Team is Here to Help

If you’re thinking of retiring and still ironing out the details, our Vaughan real estate experts here at Lino Arci know both cities like the back of our hands. We are happy to help you find your path and are here to support you at every stage in the journey, from selling your existing property to getting the keys to your dream retirement home.

Do you have questions about how or where to downsize? Our team is proud to offer industry-leading support for our clients. Call 416-571-2724 to get in touch or email us at info@arciteam.com.