Relocation Guide
Moving from the GTA
to Simcoe County.
More space, less stress, and a quality of life the city can’t match — all within commuting distance of Toronto.
The Shift
Why so many people are leaving the GTA.
It’s not just about house prices — although that’s a big part of it. People are leaving the GTA because they’re tired of the grind. The 90-minute commute that used to feel manageable now feels like a waste of life.
Simcoe County offers a reset. Not a compromise — a genuine upgrade in how you spend your time, your money, and your energy.
The Comparison
GTA vs. Simcoe County — side by side.
| GTA (Toronto/905) | Simcoe County | |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Detached Home | $1.1M – $1.5M+ | $550K – $850K |
| Avg. Townhome | $750K – $1M | $450K – $650K |
| Property Taxes (Detached) | $5,000 – $8,000/yr | $3,500 – $5,500/yr |
| Avg. Lot Size (Detached) | 25 × 100 ft | 60 × 150 ft+ |
| Garage / Parking | Street parking or $50K+ for a spot | Double car garage standard on most detached |
| Commute to Downtown Toronto | 45 – 90 min (daily gridlock) | 90 min via GO from Barrie or Hwy 400 |
| Commute Within Your City | 20 – 45 min to cross town | 5 – 15 min to anything in Orillia or Barrie |
| Waterfront Access | Crowded public beaches | Two lakes, private waterfront, uncrowded shores |
| Childcare (Monthly) | $1,800 – $2,500+ | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Internet (Work From Home) | Fibre widely available | Fibre in cities, Starlink in rural — both reliable |
| Outdoor Space | Balcony or shared courtyard | Backyard, deck, trees, maybe a fire pit |
| Weekend Lifestyle | Drive 2+ hrs to “get away” | You already live where people vacation |
The Real Concerns
What GTA buyers worry about — and the truth.
“The commute will kill me.”
If you commute daily, Barrie has GO Train service. If you’re hybrid, the Highway 400/11 corridor is manageable. If you’re remote, Orillia and Oro-Medonte offer the best lifestyle. Match your work situation to the right community.
“Will I have good internet?”
In Barrie and Orillia — yes, fibre and cable widely available. In rural areas, Starlink has been a game-changer. Always verify speeds at the specific property — I can help with that.
“What about schools?”
Simcoe County has strong public and Catholic school boards. Barrie has the most options. Orillia has several highly regarded schools. French immersion available in most areas.
“Is there good healthcare?”
Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie is a major regional hospital. Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital serves the north end. Walk-in clinics available, though waitlists exist — just like in Toronto.
“Will I miss city amenities?”
You’ll miss some things. But Barrie and Orillia have their own food scenes, festivals, and retail. What you gain — space, nature, quiet, affordability — tends to outweigh what you leave behind.
“Is it too rural for me?”
Simcoe County isn’t one thing. Barrie is 160,000 people. Orillia is a smaller city with a walkable downtown. Oro-Medonte is genuinely rural. The range is enormous.
Where to Look
The right community for your situation.
Barrie
GO Train, urban amenities, fastest growth
Explore →Orillia
Waterfront, walkable, strong community
Explore →Oro-Medonte
Estates, acreages, rural luxury
Explore →Severn
Waterfront, cottage country feel
Explore →Ramara
Affordable, Lake Simcoe, agricultural
Explore →Common Questions
Relocation FAQ.
Should I sell my Toronto home first or buy up here first?
Most buyers sell first to know exactly what they have, then rent short-term while searching. Some use a bridge loan. I’ll walk you through both options.
How long does the typical relocation take?
From first conversation to closing, most relocations take 3–6 months. I recommend at least 2–3 weekend visits before committing.
Can I use my Toronto agent to buy in Simcoe County?
Technically yes, but you’d be working with someone who doesn’t know the local market, neighbourhoods, or nuances of rural and waterfront properties.
Is now a good time to buy in Simcoe County?
The fundamentals haven’t changed: significantly more value than the GTA, growing demand, and desirable inventory moves quickly.
What if I work in Toronto but want to live in Orillia?
Fully remote — ideal. Hybrid — doable, many people drive or take GO from Barrie. Daily commute — Barrie is the more practical choice.
Are there hidden costs outside the city?
Rural properties may need well/septic maintenance, snow removal, and propane heat. Insurance can be slightly higher. But overall cost of living is lower.
Ready to Explore?
I’ll help you figure out where you belong.
Whether you’re 6 months away or just starting to think about it.
Relocation Inquiry
Tell me a bit about your situation.
Message Sent ✓
Thanks for reaching out. I’ll be in touch shortly.
Not Ready Yet?
Start exploring the communities.
Browse the area guides to get a feel for what each community offers.