If you’re a recent empty nester, and you’re ready to leave the noise, density, and bustle of the city behind you, there is no better choice than the Niagara Region.
Many people at this stage in life recognize that because they own their home out right, are established in their career, and because their kids have all flown the coop, the appeals of the city might not be as strong as they once were.
If you’ve been dreaming of owning a house that truly reflects your sense of style, personality, and taste, and you’re ready to move from the big city to a smaller town, one of our bungalow townhomes in the Niagara region might be precisely what you’re looking for.
Urban living comes with its share of intense pressures, which is why so many people in the Golden Horseshoe decide that a more upscale home in a less frenetic setting is a perfect switch for them once they no longer have children at home. Because so many empty nesters want to explore their passions and hobbies as they near retirement, the Niagara region becomes a perfect option.
If you have built up a lot of equity in your home (or you’ve paid the entire mortgage off), you can take advantage of this equity by customizing a new home. Blythwood Homes is one of Ontario’s premier home builders in Niagara because we’re committed to helping our customers find the perfect home, and helping them enjoy everything Niagara living has to offer.
Fewer Ties to the City
Remote working is the new norm, and many people approaching retirement age are able to work from anywhere. When you’re no longer tied to an office commute, and you have the opportunity to work from home exclusively, you can actually purchase your dream home and actually live in it before you retire. In fact, research shows us that the number of permanent remote workers doubled in 2020, while nearly three quarters of employers plan to shift their workforce to remote labour once the pandemic is over.
For those approaching retirement, it means you can start building your dream life earlier than ever before — especially since you no longer tied to city living.
You Can Still Stay Connected
Of course, leaving the city doesn’t mean severing all ties. The Niagara region is a popular place to buy a new home and build a new life because you get to enjoy small town amenities, without losing the culture of big cities. Living in Niagara means you’re only a short drive from Toronto, Hamilton, Buffalo, and other major cities — and that means you’re only ever an hour or two away from a concert, sporting event, or other major cultural event.
Whether you plan to drive, or take the GO train, which has recently expanded to St. Catharines, Grimsby and Niagara Falls, the Niagara region is still very much attached to the cultural pulse of the GTA.
Active Communities & Active Living
As you approach retirement age, you are likely looking to trade in the congestion of the city for something a little more tailored to your lifestyle. This is why active adult lifestyle communities in places like Niagara region tend to attract empty nesters. These communities can exist anywhere, but they’re often found in small town settings, away from busier suburbs or metropolitan areas.
In active living communities, everybody is a homeowner, and that means everybody is taking care of their homes, their gardens, and this goes a long way to increasing general curb appeal. This makes these neighbourhoods attractive and peaceful. And when all of your neighbours are putting the same effort in to their new homes, it’s easier to make friends because you all have similar interests.
With easy access to nearby parks, golf courses, hiking trails, and incredible wineries, you can enjoy the perks of active living in one of the most beautiful parts of the province.
Credit: Pixabay via pexels.com
For those looking to reconnect with old hobbies and to stay active into their retirement years, small towns like Niagara-on-the-Lake have a lot to offer. If you love golfing, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club happens to be the oldest in North America.
This incredible nine-hole golf course offers one of the best views in all of Niagara — where Niagara River meets Lake Ontario. And after you hit the links, you can enjoy fine dining while looking out across the river at the amazing Fort Niagara.
Keeping a Finger on the Cultural Pulse
Being active doesn’t just mean exercising; being socially active means staying connected to cultural activities too. We’ve been building homes in the area for years, so we understand what it’s like living in Niagara — culture, recreation, and entertainment means that downsizing to your dream bungalow doesn’t mean downsizing on life.
It’s important not to confuse small-town living with a lack of culture. In fact, downsizing to somewhere like Niagara-on-the-Lake means you trade in the noise and commotion of a place like Toronto for a lively, historic downtown that you can walk through, stopping at antique shops, small craft breweries, and great restaurants. You can drive, park, and then spend the day on a culture hike through the historic downtown district, enjoy a first-rate meal, and catch an early movie.
Downtown Toronto doesn’t hold a monopoly over culture in southwestern Ontario. Consider Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Shaw Festival, an annual theatre festival featuring musicals, plays, and more across four stages. Second only to Stratford, this festival has been attracting theatregoers and tourists from all around the world since it first started back in 1962.
Making the Move to Niagara
If you’re ready to sell your home, and transition into a customizable townhome or bungalow, the decision to leave the big city and embrace Niagara living means enjoying a huge number of benefits and amenities on top of our incredible customizable property options.