Should I Retire in Burlington or Oakville?

Choosing the right place to retire is an important decision, and two of Ontario’s most appealing options for retirees are Burlington and Oakville. Both cities are located along the shores of Lake Ontario, within close proximity to Toronto, offering a high quality of life.

However, choosing between Burlington and Oakville isn’t as easy as flipping a coin. Although both places share plenty of similarities, they’re unique enough to offer different lifestyles based on what you’re looking for.

So, if you’re thinking about downsizing to Burlington or Oakville from Toronto (or anywhere for that matter) this blog will cover everything you need to know about these two communities to help you make the right decision.

Two Neighbours Compared

Burlington and Oakville aren’t far from each other – in fact, they directly share a border. So when I say that both communities have a lot in common, it’s not hard to see why. That said, if you’re trying to decide which area is best for you, it’s important to first zoom out and consider where these two neighbouring enclaves are located within the context of the Greater Toronto Area.

Oakville lies south of Toronto, approximately 35 kilometres from the city centre depending on where you are in town. From there, if you head a little further south, you’ll reach Burlington which is around 55 to 60 kilometres from downtown.

On top of being similar in location, both communities are also pretty comparable when it comes to size. That said, Burlington is the smaller of the two, albeit only slightly. It’s home to roughly 200,000 residents compared to Oakville’s approximately 240,000.

Need tips on buying a home in Burlington or Oakville? Check out these other posts from my blog!

How Different is the Cost of Living?

As a retiree, it’s extra important to be mindful of your budget and overall financial health. Let’s look at the differences in living costs for Burlington and Oakville. Keep in mind that both communities (generally) can accommodate a wide range of budgets, however, there are a few overall trends that are worth noting.

On average, Burlington is more affordable compared to Oakville, with lower housing prices, rental rates, and property taxes. In addition to the real estate side of things, Burlington’s overall cost of living is quite manageable, especially when considering healthcare, utilities, and daily expenses.

Oakville tends to have a higher cost of living, particularly in terms of real estate, which is known for being more expensive than Burlington and even some parts of Toronto. Luxury homes (both heritage and modern) and larger properties are common, making it ideal for retirees who can afford a higher budget or want to downsize from Toronto while maintaining a more elevated lifestyle.

Homes for Retirees in Burlington and Oakville

Both Burlington and Oakville offer great housing options for retirees. Let’s take a look at each community’s housing profile and how it caters to seniors.

Burlington offers a range of retirement-friendly housing options, including senior residences, condos, townhomes, and accessible bungalows. There are also some age-restricted communities that are exclusive to 55+ residents. On top of offering reliable, high-quality housing, they also provide social activities and amenities geared toward retirees.

Oakville is known for its upscale homes, but it also offers an increasing number of retirement communities, condos, and smaller homes that cater to older adults. As part of this more affluent demographic, newer condo developments often come with luxurious amenities like pools, fitness centers, and concierge services, appealing to retirees who seek convenience and comfort in their later years.

As a downsizer, finding the right home for your next chapter will be a more specialized search process. So, in order to find a great place, you’ll want to work with an agent who specializes in these two markets – rather than hiring an agent from Toronto.

Curious about what homes are currently available in Burlington and Oakville? Click here to browse my featured listings.

Healthcare Services in Burlington and Oakville

Another unique element to be mindful of when house hunting in retirement is healthcare. More specifically, being close to various kinds of medical facilities helps protect your health long term.

Burlington provides excellent healthcare facilities, with Joseph Brant Hospital being a major health centre offering a wide range of services. The city is well-connected to other major healthcare hubs in Hamilton and Toronto, making specialized care accessible for retirees.

With a similar proximity to top-tier healthcare institutions in Toronto, retirees in Oakville can access a vast network of specialized and advanced medical care when needed. Additionally, Oakville is home to the state-of-the-art Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, which offers comprehensive medical services – adding an extra degree of peace of mind for residents.

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Public Transportation and Accessibility

Lastly, let’s look at how Burlington and Oakville compare when it comes to accessibility and getting around. As a retiree, getting around by car isn’t always the first choice, so it’s important to have high-quality public transit at your disposal. Luckily, this is something that both Burlington and Oakville offer. Retirees can easily access Toronto and Hamilton without a personal vehicle.

Burlington Transit provides reliable public transportation throughout the city, and GO Transit connects Burlington to Toronto and other parts of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Oakville also offers extensive public transportation options, including Oakville Transit and GO Transit, providing easy connections to Toronto.

Downsizing in Burlington or Oakville? I can help! Get in touch at stacey@staceyrobinson.com or call 905-346-8188.

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