Our lives may have changed considerably in the past few months, but that has not stopped people from enjoying the summer! In fact, as more and more employers are encouraging their employees to work from home, many Torontonians are reconsidering what working from home really looks like. If you are thinking about moving out of Toronto and into cottage country, here is what you need to know.
Is It For You?
For some, we have grown up going to the cottage and identifying it with the achievement of a lifelong dream. Sitting out on a Muskoka chair, staring out onto a pristine lake – what more reason could you want for moving out of Toronto? However, the country lifestyle has rewards as well as challenges.
If you are seeking life at a slower pace, if you are looking for more acreage to enjoy that is fully yours, moving out of Toronto into cottage country may be the right choice for you. However, if you are someone who wants to have easy access to your social network and have already built it within the city, it may be worth looking into buying a cottage as a retreat from home rather than a permanent home.
Another consideration to add weight to is choosing to move to a larger small town in cottage country. While some hope to move to a spot that is as isolated as possible, others still want to go for a walk in a bustling area filled with shops and restaurants. If that is the case, consider living close to, or in, towns such as Bracebridge or Deerhurst.
Accessibility
There are many kinds of properties you can purchase outside of Toronto. One thing to consider is how accessible it is year-round. If it is remote or located on an island, you may have more challenges moving around in the winter months. If you are someone who needs access to specialized medical care, consider finding a property that is still located on a main road in cottage country.
Operating Costs
The amount you put into operating costs for your tranquil escape varies depending on how you intend to use it. If you intend to only use it in the summer, you will not need to worry about heating costs or snow removal services. However, you will need to consider the cost of maintaining private water and sewage systems, as most homes in the Kawartha and Muskoka region are on septic systems.
The beauty of cottage country is that it is a short drive from Toronto. Within two to three hours you are enjoying a stunningly gorgeous landscape with cleaner air, cleaner water and a serene sense of calm only occasionally interrupted by the sounds of birds chirping. If you are interested in moving out of Toronto and have more questions about which place is the best for you, please feel free to reach out to me here. I would love to show you the cottage country home that is a perfect match for your lifestyle. Let the relaxation begin!
