What makes the Kitchener-Waterloo area a great place to retire?
Kitchener and Waterloo (KW) are known as the twin cities nicely located in Southwestern Ontario, approximately an hour and a half drive west of Toronto. There is an adjacent city, Cambridge, located nearby and when you add this city it is then known as the Tri-city with a population of over a half million people.
Here is an interesting fact: did you know that Kitchener was known as Berlin up until 1916? There is a strong German heritage in this city as many of the Mennonites settled here from Pennsylvania many years previously.
The KW area is an amazing city which has become very well known for its strong Tech presence including the well-known Google offices.
The downtown was revitalized most recently over the last 10 to 15 years and there are several loft conversion buildings located in the core as well as newly planned streets and buildings which house the numerous tech company offices. There is now a Light Rapid Transit line in place bringing riders between Waterloo and Kitchener. And, of course, there is the GO train HUB which brings riders from KW to Toronto several times a day, Monday-Friday. These transit hubs make this city an amazing option for a move since it’s so easy to get back to the Toronto area, to visit friends and family, maybe even for a quick lunch and some shopping at the Eaton Centre.
Kitchener-Waterloo is steeped in history and has museums, an art gallery, and so many festivals related to the multicultural history, the music festivals, and the most famous of all, the Oktoberfest festival which happens each October and has done so for decades. I have personally been for a couple of pints and some Bavarian sausage. Yum, it’s always a good time!
Don’t forget the nearby charismatic Village of St. Jacobs, known for its commercial centre with over 100 retailers, attractions, restaurants and artisans in historic buildings. St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market is the largest year-round farmer’s market in Canada and a local favourite of many. Also, the nearby historic Elora Mill and Gorge is another popular attraction. It is so pretty and quaint and makes a nice afternoon outing.
KW has beautiful parks and bike trails many of which are along the Grand River and excellent for walking or biking.
The city has all the amenities you would want or need and is located within easy reach of Toronto. So many downsizers I have worked with are living in this plentiful and interesting region.
Step one: Call me for a consultation on Downsizing your Toronto home. We have a team of professionals ready to provide any of the assistance you may need, be it organizers, stagers, handypersons, painters, you name it we have it. I will guide you through the steps, one of which is to put you in touch with our local KW agent ready to assist you on the buying end.