Neighbourhood guide · Toronto & the GTA
Best Places to Downsize in Toronto & the GTA (2026)
Where to downsize in Toronto and the GTA: condo prices, hospitals, transit and lakeside options, from Senior Real Estate Specialist Irina Marchenkova.
By Irina Marchenkova, Sales Representative, RE/MAX Realtron Realty · Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) · Last updated September 2026
Downsizing is one of the biggest moves many people make, and choosing the right area matters as much as choosing the right home. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), I help clients move from family homes into condos, bungalows and smaller houses across Toronto and the GTA. Here are the areas I most often recommend, with typical condo prices (August 2026 TRREB benchmarks) and why they work well.
Planning your move? Read my step-by-step downsizing guide: when to move, costs, tax, senior programs and a moving checklist.
In the city Around the GTA Lakeside & small-town What to look for FAQ
What makes an area good for downsizing?
- Healthcare nearby: a hospital and medical services within easy reach
- Easy transit and walkability: shops, pharmacies and services you can reach without a long drive
- Condos with good amenities: elevators, security, underground parking and social spaces
- Community: places of worship, community centres and friends or family nearby
Downsizing within Toronto
| Area | Why it works for downsizers | Condo apt. benchmark | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayview Village and Don Valley Village (C15) | Sheppard subway, Bayview Village and Fairview malls, North York General Hospital nearby | $504,400 | Bayview Village & Don Valley Village |
| Bathurst & Steeles (C07) | Large condos with amenities, strong community, many services in Russian | $623,800 | Bathurst & Steeles |
| Mimico and the Etobicoke lakeshore (W06) | Waterfront parks and trails, GO trains, lake-view condos at Humber Bay Shores | $602,700 | Mimico, New Toronto & Long Branch |
| Scarborough | Good-value condos near Scarborough Town Centre, subway and hospitals | about $400,000–$560,000 | Scarborough |
| Midtown and Yonge-Eglinton (C10) | Walkable shops and restaurants, Line 1 and Line 5 | $597,900 | Midtown Toronto |
Downsizing around the GTA
| Area | Why it works for downsizers | Condo apt. benchmark | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Markham and Unionville | Markham Stouffville Hospital, Unionville’s historic Main Street, GO trains | $520,300 | Markham, Unionville |
| Newmarket | Southlake hospital, walkable historic Main Street, GO and Viva | $458,900 | Newmarket |
| Oakville | Lakefront, historic downtown, Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, GO trains | $562,000 | Oakville |
| Burlington | Waterfront, Joseph Brant Hospital, walkable downtown, GO trains | $511,800 | Burlington |
| Whitby | Waterfront trails, GO station, easy access to Lakeridge Health in Oshawa | $504,700 | Whitby |
| Thornhill | Close to the Promenade and many community services, near Bathurst & Steeles | Vaughan $525,800; Markham $520,300 | Thornhill |
Lakeside and small-town options
Some downsizers trade the city for a quieter lifestyle, often buying a bungalow or smaller detached home for less than the sale price of their Toronto house:
- Innisfil: Lake Simcoe beaches, the Friday Harbour resort community, and adult-lifestyle communities such as Sandy Cove; detached benchmark $676,900.
- Georgina: lakeside living in Keswick, Sutton and Jackson’s Point; detached benchmark $723,900.
- Port Perry: a charming historic downtown on Lake Scugog; detached benchmark $905,000.
- Stouffville: a small-town Main Street with GO trains to Toronto; condo benchmark $526,100.
- Alliston: small-town life with Stevenson Memorial Hospital in town; detached benchmark $833,400.
What to look for when you downsize
- Accessibility: elevators, step-free entrances, wider doorways and walk-in showers, or the potential to add them.
- Condo fees and reserve fund: compare monthly fees and review the status certificate and reserve fund study.
- Buying and selling timing: decide whether to sell first or buy first, and consider bridge financing.
- Estate and family planning: talk to your lawyer and financial advisor about title, wills and powers of attorney.
- What to keep: measure your new space and plan what furniture will fit before the move.
How I help downsizers: as an SRES®, I plan the whole move with you, from preparing and pricing your family home to finding the right condo or bungalow, coordinating timing, and connecting you with trusted movers, stagers and professionals. I work in English and Russian.
Start planning your downsizing move
Tell me where you live now, where you’d like to be, and your timeline. I’ll prepare a free home evaluation and a shortlist of areas and buildings that fit.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to downsize in Toronto?
Popular choices include Bayview Village (Sheppard subway, North York General Hospital, Bayview Village mall), Bathurst & Steeles (large condos and many services in Russian) and the Etobicoke lakeshore (waterfront parks and GO trains).
How much does a condo cost in the GTA?
In August 2026, the MLS® HPI condo apartment benchmark was $531,200 across the TRREB area and $547,400 in the City of Toronto, ranging from under $400,000 to over $1 million depending on the area.
Should I sell my house first or buy a condo first?
It depends on the market, your finances and your comfort with risk. Selling first gives you certainty about your budget; buying first secures the right home but may require bridge financing. I help clients weigh both options.
What is a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)?
The SRES® designation is a credential for real estate professionals who have completed training in helping clients aged 50+ with buying, selling and downsizing, including timing, financing and family considerations.
Related guides
- Most affordable neighbourhoods in Toronto and the GTA
- Best GTA neighbourhoods for families
- Free home evaluation
- Step-by-step downsizing guide
Compare neighbourhoods: Most affordable areas · Best for families · First-time buyer guide · Downsizing guide · All neighbourhood guides