Where have you always dreamed about living? Once your children have moved out and you’re preparing to retire, you have a lot of freedom to move somewhere that fits the kind of lifestyle you want to live. One of the best places to retire in Canada is Niagara. When you live here, it’s not hard to see why.
Unlike some destinations, Niagara appeals to more than just retirees. With quick access to the QEW, you’re not more than an hour from the GTA, so even if retirement is still some time away, you’re still in commuting distance to many parts of the city.
Blythwood Homes founder Rob Mills has built homes all around Ontario, including Toronto and Muskoka, but it was Niagara where he wanted to be. Not only did he move here himself, but he decided to become a custom home builder in Niagara specializing in upscale adult lifestyle homes. Building a reputation on high-quality homes, Blythwood Homes provides personalized service and quality construction.
There are so many reasons to move to Niagara, but these are six of the biggest draws to the region and some of the most common reasons new residents fall in love with the place.
#1 Scenic Natural Features
There is no shortage of scenic natural features along the Peninsula. The best known of course is Niagara Falls, an international destination and truly stunning display of nature’s power and beauty. The Falls are where the Niagara River meets the Escarpment. Between the Horseshoe Falls and the attractions in the city, you can always plan a day of it.
But there are plenty of other incredible natural sceneries to enjoy, too, and when you live here, you have plenty of time to enjoy it all. Surrounded by two Great Lakes coastlines and the gorgeous Niagara River, there’s tons to explore.
Some of the highlights you won’t want to miss include the Niagara Gorge, an incredible geologic formation that was formed over 12,000 years ago and home to a rich ecology of birds, plants, and butterflies. You can admire some of the breathtaking scenery along the Niagara Gorge Trail.
Then there are the beaches. Canada may not be known for its beaches, but the Great Lakes offer some beautiful stretches of sand, including Crystal Beach on Lake Erie, only minutes from The Oaks at Six Mile Creek in Ridgeway.
#2 Vineyards, Fresh Food, and More
Located at the edge of the Greenbelt, Niagara is one of Ontario’s richest agricultural zones. This is Canada’s orchard. Thanks to the microclimate created by the Escarpment and the presence of a Great Lake on either side, this is where many of Ontario’s fruits and vegetables are grown. That means you’re never far away from an incredible farmer’s market. Access to fresh, local food, whether it’s for your pantry or from one of the region’s famous farm-to-table restaurants, makes the food here something special.
One of the special qualities of our community in Niagara on the Lake, The Vintages at Four Mile Creek, is its location right next to both the Five Rows Winery and the Ravine Estates Wineries. Located in the village of St. David’s in Niagara on the Lake, Five Rows Winery offers tastings out of their barn with some truly unique wines.
The abundance of wineries where you can find unique vintages, enjoy tastings, and a splendid meal is one of the special pleasures of the Niagara lifestyle. No wonder people from all around come for wine tours in the Peninsula.
#3 Outdoor Activities
There’s more to the outdoors than just looking at it. Niagara is the perfect location for people who love outdoor activities, including golf, sailing, swimming, and cycling. Plus, you can do all of those things in the midst of some truly gorgeous scenery. Get out, explore, and get active.
#4 Get More for Your Budget
If you’re making a move out of the GTA, you might be pleasantly surprised by how much further you can stretch your budget when you move out of the city. More reasonable real estate prices mean you can get a lot more for your budget than you can in the city. Moving to a small town is a great way to upgrade on size while downsizing on price.
#5 Friendly Neighbours
With your next move, you should love your neighbourhood. Niagara is rich with amenities, culture, natural features, and more, but it’s also a place where great people live. In an adult lifestyle community, you’re also moving into an area where everyone’s on the same page about things. There’s no morning rush, less noise, less construction. It’s a peaceful kind of place where you can enjoy your backyard without being disturbed. You’ll make fast friends with the neighbours in Niagara.
Move into Your Dream Home in Niagara
Working with a custom home builder, like Blythwood Homes, gives you a chance to move into a home that has everything you want it to without compromises. Working with Blythwood, you have a chance to customize a number of features.
With Blythwood you are not restricted to selecting from “Builder’s Samples.” Instead you can work with our décor specialists and select directly from a range of suppliers to get the materials you want. That includes appliances, countertops, paint, and flooring. When you move in, everything should match your style.
You can also work with a décor specialist. They’ll help you with tips for decorating your dream home, making sure your custom changes and selections are going to work the way you want them to. Another option is personalizing windows, doors, trim styles, closet sizes, shower sizes, and everything in between. Many of floor plans also provide options for finished basements, sunrooms, walk-outs, and more.
A custom home should make you happy. Not only does Niagara offer amenities for everyone, you can enjoy them in a home tailored to your tastes.