🛶 1. Bracebridge, Ontario – “Muskoka’s Hidden Gem”
Nestled in the heart of cottage country, Bracebridge is a dream for semi-retirees who want the best of both worlds—natural beauty and small-town amenities.
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Access to medical facilities, shopping, and culture
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High-speed internet for remote work or consulting
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Booming local food scene, golf, and yes… pickleball 🎾😉
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Average detached home price (2025): ~$725,000
Hot tip: With more semi-retirees moving here, secondary suites and rental units are in demand—great if you want extra income.
📌 As a Muskoka Realtor®, I’ve seen retirees build wealth here through smart downsizing, rental options, or multi-generational living.
🏔️ 2. Canmore, Alberta – “Mountain Views with a Side Hustle”
If hiking, skiing, and clean air are your thing, Canmore is calling. It’s close to Calgary but offers a quieter lifestyle with epic mountain views.
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Median home price: ~$950,000
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Lots of part-time tourism and hospitality jobs
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Ideal for entrepreneurs, creatives, or consultants
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Surrounded by Banff National Park (hello, daily hikes!)
Real estate twist: Canmore offers short-term rental opportunities (with restrictions), making it a savvy investment for those seeking a vacation home and income.
🌊 3. Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia – “East Coast Ease”
Looking for charm, affordability, and a slower pace? Mahone Bay ticks all the boxes.
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Median home price: ~$425,000
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Strong community vibe, arts scene, and local shops
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Less crowded, more personal
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Perfect for craftspeople, writers, and peace-seekers
Why it works: Nova Scotia has lower property taxes and cost of living. Great if you’re cashing out from the GTA or Vancouver.
🌲 4. Nelson, British Columbia – “Eco, Artsy, and Active”
Tucked in the Kootenays, Nelson is like the Muskoka of the West, with a creative edge.
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Strong arts and wellness community
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Great healthcare and co-op culture
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Home prices average ~$650,000
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Perfect for semi-retired professionals, therapists, and creatives
Pro insight: This town is heating up with out-of-province buyers. Buy before prices rise too far.
🛶 5. Cobourg, Ontario – “Lakefront Living Without the Lake Ontario Prices”
Just over an hour from Toronto, Cobourg is the beach town no one talks about—yet.
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Stunning waterfront, active arts and seniors’ community
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Walkable downtown, with major healthcare facilities
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Home prices average ~$675,000
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VIA Rail connection to the city
Investor tip: Cobourg is ideal for aging-in-place strategies or income-generating duplexes.
What This Means for the Real Estate Market
The rise in semi-retirement migration is having a ripple effect on smaller-town real estate:
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Increased demand for bungalows, condos, and secondary suites
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More multi-generational home purchases (adult children + aging parents)
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Growth in rental and Airbnb-ready properties
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Supply struggles in smaller markets = upward price pressure
Especially in places like Muskoka, we’re seeing people sell their GTA home, buy up here, and still pocket cash for retirement or investments.
My Experience Helping Semi-Retirees Relocate 🧭
Over the years, I’ve worked with dozens of clients who’ve made the move from hustle to harmony.
Like Susan and Rob, GTA professionals who traded their townhouse for a waterfront property in Gravenhurst. They now:
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Host family in the summer
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Rent a suite for income
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Volunteer locally
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Work part-time consulting from their home office
Their words?
“We feel like we finally started living again.”
I’m here to tell you: it’s possible to semi-retire and still build wealth. With the right strategy—and the right community—you don’t have to choose between lifestyle and security.
Ready to Semi-Retire in Style? Here’s What to Do Next:
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✅ Start with your lifestyle goals: What do your days look like? Pickleball? Gardening? Writing a book?
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✅ Review your finances: Work with a trusted advisor (and Realtor 😉) to explore downsizing or unlocking home equity.
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✅ Research top towns: Don’t just rely on lists—visit, stay for a weekend, and talk to locals.
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✅ Look for flexibility: Can you rent a suite? Add a garden unit? Multi-use properties = long-term options.
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✅ Get local expertise: Small-town markets move differently. A local expert can help you avoid surprises.
Let’s Be Where You Want to Be 🌟
Whether it’s Muskoka, the Maritimes, or the mountains… Semi-retirement is about freedom, not limitation. It’s your time to design a life that fits, and real estate is a huge part of that puzzle.
We’d love to help you make the move with confidence, clarity, and maybe a little cottage charm.
📩 Let’s connect and talk strategy—reach out anytime or drop a comment with your dream retirement town!👇
👩🏻💼 Lisa Selvage | Muskoka Realtor® | Muskoka REALTOR® & Wildlife Watcher
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📞 705-644-9277
👩🏻💼 Shirlene Johnston | Parry Sound Realtor® | Serving Parry Sound & Beyond
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📞 705-774-1144
