Relocating from Toronto and the GTA
Leaving the city for life around the Bay.
Most of the people I work with are making the move from Toronto and the GTA to Collingwood, Blue Mountain, Thornbury and Meaford. They want more space, more time outside and a slower, better pace of life. I help you plan the whole move, from figuring out which town fits you to getting the keys, even when you're two hours away.
Why people are moving here
More life in your everyday.
Southern Georgian Bay sits about two hours north of Toronto, between the water and the Niagara Escarpment. Here, getting outside isn't a weekend plan. The beaches, trails and ski hills are part of an ordinary Tuesday.
The people I help move up from the city usually want the same few things: room to breathe, a yard or a view, a downtown you can walk to and neighbours who know your name. Many of them work hybrid or from home, or are planning for retirement, and they've decided the drive into the city now and then is worth it.
I moved to Collingwood in 2009 and have been helping people find their place here since 2012. I know what the move feels like, and I know the questions you'll have.
Where are you moving from?
Your move, from your starting point
The drive, the trade-offs and the towns that tend to suit you all depend a little on where you're coming from.
Moving from Toronto to Collingwood
From a condo or semi in the city to a home with room to grow, about two hours up the 400.
Read moreMoving from Oakville to Collingwood
Lakeside living you already love, with Georgian Bay, harbours and four real seasons.
Read moreMoving from Burlington to Collingwood
You already live on the Escarpment. Here, the Bruce Trail runs right through your backyard.
Read moreMoving from Markham to Collingwood
Trade the busy suburbs for family neighbourhoods, a real main street and room to grow.
Read moreMoving from Vaughan to Collingwood
You already know the drive up the 400. Now the weekend place can be home.
Read moreMoving from Mississauga to Collingwood
Working from home? Swap the commute for a home office with a view and trails out the door.
Read moreMoving from Etobicoke to Collingwood
Love the lakeshore parks? Keep the water and add more space, trails and a slower pace.
Read moreMoving from Richmond Hill to Collingwood
From the Oak Ridges Moraine to the escarpment, the ski hills and the Bay.
Read moreComing from Hamilton, Brampton, Milton or somewhere else? The same plan works for you. Book a call and we'll start with your timing.
How I help you relocate
A plan for moving from the city, step by step
Relocating has more moving parts than a move across town. Here's how I keep it simple.
A relocation call
We talk about why you're moving, your timing, your budget and the life you're picturing here. No pressure, just a plan.
Find your town
Collingwood, Blue Mountain, Thornbury, Meaford or the countryside. I'll walk you through how each one really feels to live in.
Get the numbers clear
I'll connect you with mortgage brokers I trust, so you know your buying power and whether you need to sell in the GTA first.
Line up your GTA sale
If you're selling in the city, I'll help you time it, and I can introduce you to a great agent in your area so both sides move together.
Look from a distance
New listings sent to you first, video walk-throughs and honest notes on what the photos don't show. When something's worth the drive, we plan a visit.
A scouting weekend
Come up and live like a local for a couple of days. I'll put together a route of homes, neighbourhoods and my favourite spots.
Offer to keys
Offers, inspections, closing dates and possession, handled from wherever you are, with plain answers every step of the way.
Settle in
My list of local trades, cafés, trails and people to know, so it feels like home from your first week.
City life, Bay life
What changes when you move up
More room for the life you want
A yard, a garage for the bikes and boards, a home office with a view. Many of my GTA clients find more space here, or land, or a place near the water.
Weekends start on Friday afternoon
No more sitting in traffic to get to the cottage or the hill. The trails, beaches and ski hills are minutes from home.
Small towns that still feel small
Local coffee shops, farmers' markets and neighbours who wave. And you're still about two hours from Toronto when you need the city.
Relocation questions
What GTA buyers ask me most
How far is Collingwood from Toronto?
Collingwood is about two hours north of downtown Toronto by car, depending on traffic and the season. Most people take Highway 400 to Barrie and Highway 26 west. From Oakville and Burlington, many drive up Highway 10 through Orangeville.
Do I have to sell my GTA home before I buy here?
Not always. Some clients sell first, some buy first and some line up both closing dates. Options like bridge financing or a conditional offer can help. A mortgage broker can tell you what you can carry, and I'll help you plan the timing on both ends.
Can I buy a home here without living nearby?
Yes. Many of my clients do most of the search from the city. I send listings as they come up, do video walk-throughs and give you honest notes, then we plan visits for the homes worth seeing in person.
Which town should I move to?
It depends on how you want to live. Collingwood has a walkable downtown, the harbour and family neighbourhoods. Blue Mountain is all about four-season adventure. Thornbury is relaxed and charming, and Meaford offers space and waterfront. Compare the communities.
Is it quiet in the winter, or busy all year?
It's a true four-season area. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding, summer brings the beaches and the water, and spring and fall are when the trails are at their best. Downtown Collingwood is lively year-round.
When should I start planning a move?
Earlier than you think. Nine to twelve months out is a great time to start learning the towns. You can follow my moving timeline to see exactly what to do and when.
Start planning your move
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The towns, the seasons and what it's really like to live here, plus my monthly Living Well newsletter.