Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada
Once a key exporter of lumber to the U.S., Owen Sound, Ontario has emerged as a destination for tourists and one of the best retirement places to retire in Canada. A world apart from the hectic pace of life in the Greater Toronto Region yet only a 2.5-hour drive from Canada’s largest city, Owen Sound has special appeal for those seeking a relaxed, outdoors-oriented lifestyle in a beautiful and historic small city away from crowds.
Landscape: Owen Sound occupies a splendid site on the southern shore of Georgian Bay. The wooded terrain embracing the southern arm of the bay is especially beautiful in autumn when the sugar maple displays its brilliant red color.
Climate: Owen Sound has four clearly defined seasons. Winters are typically cloudy, cold and damp; summers are pleasantly sunny and warm. Precipitation is ample in all seasons.
Quality of Life: Excellent. Owen Sound has a good mix of well-maintained neighborhoods, several beautiful parks, a restored historic downtown and nearby scenic natural attractions.
Housing: Owen Sound and neighboring villages offer an abundance of quality, inexpensive homes at costs about 20% and 40% below the Canadian and American averages, respectively.
Goods and Services: Goods and services are generally priced within a few percentage points of Canadian norms but are about 25% below average U.S. levels. Utilities and medical care are particularly inexpensive by American standards.
Taxes: Federal and provincial income tax rates are modestly higher than in the U.S., but the combined federal and provincial sales tax on goods and services is twice the U.S. average. Property taxes and medical care costs are low.
Transportation: Owen Sound Transit furnishes good bus service within city limits. Greyhound and PMCL offer intercity bus service to neighboring communities and to Toronto.
Retail Services: Heritage Place offers traditional mall shopping. Historic downtown Owen Sound is a vibrant business core that features unique specialty shops, several restaurants and a weekly farmers’ market.
Health Care: Grey Bruce Health Services-Owen Sound, the primary health care provider for the Grey-Bruce region, offers a wide range of medical and surgical specialties as well as primary care.
Community Services: Owen Sound provides excellent basic public services and many programs for seniors.
Cultural and Educational Activities: Owen Sound has a remarkable repertoire of cultural events for a city of its size, including performing arts productions, festivals, art and historical museums and part-time studies courses.
Recreational Activities: Owen Sound provides countless outdoor recreational opportunities. You can also attend top-caliber Junior A hockey games or take in a movie.
Work and Volunteer Activities: Part-time employment is mostly in the service sector, most notably in retailing and tourism. Volunteer opportunities are abundant.
Crime Rates and Public Safety: Owen Sound has about-average crime rates for Canada but is a safe place by U.S. standards. There have been zero homicides in Owen Sound in recent years and the community feels very safe.
Conclusion: Owen Sound, Ontario is one of the best retirement places for those seeking a relaxed, outdoors-oriented lifestyle in a safe, friendly small city.
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