Mar 7, 2026
Every so often, a question on Reddit cuts through the noise because it hits on something many Canadians are quietly planning.
“Where in Ontario would you relocate if you wanted a simple life?”
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The poster was 35, single, child free and working from home (1). They described a routine built around pets, groceries, prescriptions and medical appointments. They wanted to downsize into a small bungalow with lower property taxes, stay within reach of a hospital and infusion clinic, keep a vet nearby and still be able to reach a Costco or movie theatre within an hour. The anxiety underneath it all was practical and familiar. If remote work disappears, will there be jobs nearby?
One early reply nailed the contradiction many of us live with now: “I love that the idea of a simple life includes easy access to a Costco.”
Eastern Ontario shows up again and again
A large share of commenters pointed east, especially to communities between Ottawa and Kingston. Towns such as Brockville and Prescott came up early, often paired with the same caveat.
“Brockville and Prescott do have cheap housing though,” one commenter wrote, before adding a warning. “Brockville Hospital is struggling and as far as I know does NOT have an infusion clinic. Kingston might, and has better medical care but is also an increased cost.”
Others nudged the search slightly north or west. “Hour north of Kingston is Perth or Smiths Falls. Only an hour to Ottawa from there too. Lots of small nice towns in between like Sharbot Lake too.” That suggestion sparked a reality check from another reader: “Perth has become a retirement destination and is likely much more expensive than Smiths Falls.”
Smiths Falls generated some of the most candid responses in the thread. One person didn’t sugarcoat the town’s reputation, writing that it “has a bad rep,” before explaining why that can actually work in a buyer’s favour. “Thankfully, this drives down real estate, and if you keep to yourself, it’s the perfect place to live a peaceful life. It’s within an hour of two Costcos, has its own hospital, has three vet clinics, and Ottawa is still less than an hour away.”
Nearby communities also earned praise. Kemptville was described as “a small town with a great hospital,” while Merrickville was called “really beautiful,” with another commenter noting that tourism, though popular in the area, is largely confined to a couple of streets. “This means you have access to a few good restaurants and shops,” they wrote. “15 minutes to two hospitals, good family health clinic that regularly accepts new patients, and 45 minutes to various Ottawa shopping districts including Costcos and theatres.”
Southwest Ontario gets mixed reviews
The original poster was already considering Windsor, Sarnia and surrounding areas, and commenters largely agreed those regions offer lower housing costs. But job security kept coming up as a concern.
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Chatham became the most debated option. One commenter described it as “basically a retirement town,” close to Costcos in Windsor and London, with a local movie theatre and a tight knit community. Another pushed back hard, warning that employment options are thin, an issue if retirement is still far into the future. “The only jobs are retail or restaurant,” they wrote, adding that housing “isn’t really cheap there anymore” as investors buy new builds and prices climb.
Climate came up too. One commenter noted that Chatham “sits in the magical spot where lake effect snow is rare,” with winters that are shorter than much of Ontario. Another added that summers can be intense.
Further east along Lake Huron, Goderich was pitched as “simple but connected,” quickly followed by warnings about heavy snow and strong winds. “Beautiful little city and the beaches are wonderful though,” one person added, capturing the trade off.
Other pockets worth watching
Several commenters broadened the map. Trent Hills was praised for its landscape, conservation areas and proximity to Peterborough and Cobourg. Port Stanley and St. Thomas were mentioned for newer bungalow developments. Wasaga Beach came up with a very specific note: a Costco is expected in nearby Barrie, and the town is quiet most of the year.
Eastern Ontario villages such as Bath and Picton were also flagged, with commenters noting easy access to Kingston but heavier tourist traffic in the summer.
The practical takeaway
What the Reddit thread shows is not just where housing is cheaper. It highlights how Canadians are recalibrating risk. Remote work feels less permanent. Health care access varies wildly by region. Property taxes can erase savings if you’re not careful.
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Statistics Canada data confirms that remote work has declined from its pandemic peak, especially in the private sector. Ontario Health reporting shows smaller hospitals continue to struggle with staffing and service gaps. Municipal tax rates, available through local government calculators and the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, can differ dramatically even between neighbouring towns.
It’s important to do the unglamorous checks before you fall in love with a listing. Look up hospital services, not just distance, scan Job Bank postings in nearby cities and compare property taxes, not just home prices. Visit in February, not just July.
A simple life in Ontario is possible. The people already living it are telling you exactly where the pressure points are. Listening closely may save you from learning them the hard way.
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Leslie Kennedy served as an editor at Thomson Reuters and for Star Media Group, followed by a number of years as a writer and editor and content manager in marketing communications, before returning to her editorial roots. She is a graduate of Humber College’s post-graduate journalism program and has been a professional writer and editor ever since.
