Moving to a smaller town can feel like a leap of faith – especially if you’re accustomed to the hustle and bustle of Toronto! Luckily, Durham Region and the Kawartha Lakes are made up of friendly and welcoming communities with a great quality of life.
As local Realtors®, we’ve been helping Torontonians start a fresh chapter in our neck of the woods for decades. As a result, we know a thing or two about adjusting to small-community living.
In this blog, we’ll go over our top five tips for making a smooth transition.
Looking for a great home that won’t break the bank? Click here to read our blog on how you can maximize your next home purchase by moving outside of Toronto.
1. Find Your Community
Moving from Toronto to a smaller town can be an effective way to expand your home-buying opportunities. However, it’s important to consider how a new community will impact your lifestyle. While there are plenty of fantastic, liveable communities in Ontario, no two of them are exactly the same.
For instance, towns like Port Perry have bustling art and cultural scenes. While areas like Little Britain are best known for their rustic, down-to-earth energy. Before rushing to the market, take the time to think about what you’re looking for in your next home, neighbourhood, and surrounding community.
Getting ready to buy a home? Check out these other pages from our site for helpful info and insights!
- What Are My Mortgage Options in Today’s Market?
- How to Purchase a Home With a Family Member
- Moving Up to a New Home – Should You Buy or Sell First?
2. Get Out & Explore
Sure, Toronto has its iconic attractions, but small towns also have their own gems too. Once you’ve arrived in your new home, take the time to get out and explore!
Check out the area’s charming cafes and restaurants, antique shops, picturesque trails and waterfront hotspots – you may just find your new favourite spot. Don’t be shy about asking your neighbours for recommendations, most locals in Durham Region and the Kawartha Lakes will happily share their favourites with you.
P.S. Without the big city traffic, you may be surprised at how much exploring you can get done in just a little time!
3. Be Patient
Moving to a new town or city is exciting, however, it may take some time before you feel at home. With that in mind, it helps to be patient and open-minded. Remember that every place has its quirks and unique features. While you may miss the convenience of some big city amenities from time to time, focus on the positives that your new home offers.
Embracing the local lifestyle and getting involved in your community are also great ways to feel settled sooner. Some easy ways to get started include attending local events or town hall meetings, supporting fundraisers, or joining a sports team or club – the world is your oyster. Whatever you choose to do, getting out and making new connections will make a big difference in helping you feel part of the community.
Curious about life in our neck of the woods? Explore these other blogs for helpful insights about buying a home in Durham Region and the Kawartha Lakes.
- 5 Reasons to Move to Lindsay
- Why Artists Are Flocking to Port Perry
- 5 Things to Love About Waterfront Living
4. Stay in Touch
As you settle into your new digs, make an effort to connect with friends and family from Toronto whenever possible. Consider hosting a housing warming party or having guests over individually to enjoy everything Durham Region and the Kawartha Lakes have to offer. Plus with tools like Facetime, Zoom, and Skype, staying in touch virtually is also a great option.
5. Work With a Local Real Estate Team
Last but not least, if you’re looking to make a smooth transition from Toronto to a smaller town, your best bet is to work with a local real estate team – like us!
At Puckrin & Latreille, we’re a multi-generational team of real estate agents proudly living and working in Durham Region and the Kawartha Lakes. With more than 175 years of combined experience, nobody knows our local communities, homes, and markets like us.
We have the specialized knowledge to help you find a great home in a town you’ll love. After the move, we’ll stay in touch for as long as you need to ensure you feel settled and at home.
Starting a new chapter outside of Toronto? Puckrin & Latreille can help you find the perfect home. Ready to get started? Call 905-985-7300 to reach our team or click here to send us an email.
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