Retirement homes in the cities of Aurora, Newmarket, Stouffville and the rest of the York region, as well as Barrie, are well situated to serve residents of Toronto who want to move out of the city, as well as seniors with families in the area. Those from out of the area find the region appealing for its security, safety, shopping and various other conveniences.

Living and retiring in York and the GTA

Cities in this region also offer proximity to Toronto, with its world class attractions and health care. This can make it more appealing for family to visit, something that is a concern for many seniors. The York region also offers a wealth of green space, being part of Ontario's Greenbelt.

Seniors and their families should also be mindful of the many ownership options available as they search for a new home. These include owning a condo as well as the life lease option and of course, rental of a suite or senior apartment. These options are outlined in our section on retirement living options.

Consider retirement homes' accreditation by ORCA

As you sort through your choices, be sure to mind whether or not retirement residences are members of the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA). ORCA sets professional operating standards for residences across the province, inspecting and accrediting retirement residences. The great majority of the superb retirement homes listed below are accredited by ORCA and, in addition, are highly unlikely to cause any concern related to issues with negligence or related problems. As of 2010, the Ontario government does not regulate retirement homes.

Longer life expectancy and lower fertility rates have led to aging populations in a number of countries around the world. While Canada is still younger than a number of other countries, the number of Canadians aged 65 years and over is growing rapidly. The 2006 census revealed that the 65-and-over population made up a record 13.7% of the total population of Canada. It is expected that within the next 25 years the proportion of seniors in Canada could nearly double. York Region and many other parts of Canada will require health care provision, affordable housing, reliable transportation choices, supportive services for caregiver and other services for seniors.

Fully investigate the senior homes listed below to learn what they have to offer in facilities, services and other features.