Choosing where to live in retirement is about more than finding a quiet place – it’s about selecting a community that supports well-being at every stage of life. Some essential criteria for older adults looking for a residence are safety, amenities and activities available, and the overall community itself.
For these reasons, Canadian seniors might choose to reside in one of the safest cities in Ontario, where they can enjoy some peace of mind while living life to the fullest.
When seniors and their families think about safety, crime rates are often the first consideration. While this is important, safety for older adults extends far beyond statistics. A truly safe city is one that supports access to care, daily independence, and overall peace of mind.
For seniors, safety often intersects with access to healthcare, social opportunities, and a sense of belonging. Cities that offer a balance of these factors can make daily life easier and more enjoyable, allowing older adults to remain active, connected and confident.
Senior safety also includes feeling confident moving around the community, accessing essential services easily, and knowing help is available when needed. Cities that prioritise walkability, senior-friendly infrastructure, and reliable transportation tend to provide a more secure and comfortable living experience overall.
By looking beyond crime statistics alone, families can better understand which Ontario cities truly support a safe and fulfilling retirement lifestyle for their aging loved ones.
With a serene environment built for the comfort and enjoyment of residents in Ontario, those looking for retirement residences can find a place to call home at Seasons Retirement Communities, providing several living options, including independent living, independent supportive living, assisted living, and memory care. At Seasons, residents will be provided with all their needs, focusing on their safety and security
We have come up with a comprehensive list of the safest towns in Ontario to reside.
LaSalle is known to be one of the safest places to live in Ontario, as it boasted a Crime Severity Index (CSI) of 14.65 in 2020. Crime in this region has reduced by 4.7% in the previous five years before that.
More recently, new data from Statistics Canada further reinforces LaSalle’s reputation for safety. The Town of LaSalle now holds the lowest Crime Severity Index among Ontario’s municipal police services. Ranking first out of 43 municipalities, LaSalle recorded a CSI of 21.26 in 2025 statistics, reflecting a 15.8% decrease from the previous year. This continued improvement highlights LaSalle’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for residents of all ages.
Additionally, this city has some of the biggest events in Canada, including the annual Strawberry Festival, which is held on the first weekend in June. This festival provides an avenue for older adults to interact and socialize with one another.
This city also offers a family-friendly environment, favourable weather conditions, and reasonable living standards.
Season Retirement Communities offers senior living in LaSalle, Ontario, where older adults can relocate to enjoy a vibrant life, doing what makes them happiest each day.
Also known as the ‘Royal City,’ Guelph is one of the safest cities in Ontario. This region has a CSI of 48.4, ranking high in terms of the safest places in Ontario. While the standard of living is high, the cost of living is pretty low. According to 2021 data, Guelph has a population of 144,356, but based on trends in 2026 this number is estimated at about 165,000.
In Guelph, housing is not expensive, social amenities are well provided, with friendly residents.
Owen Sound is the largest urban area in Grey Bruce County. According to the 2021 Census, the city has a population of 21,612, with estimates suggesting continued growth in the coming years. Approximately 27% of residents are aged 65 and older, and the average age of the population is now 46. These figures reflect Owen Sound’s continued appeal to older adults seeking a community with a balanced mix of age groups and a pace of life that supports active aging.
One of the safest cities in Ontario, Owen Sound is renowned for its beautiful outdoor landscapes, as it features natural attractions, including several waterfalls. Furthermore, the city is known to host multiple cultural events. Some of these include the Summerfolk Music and Crafts and Northern Lights festivals.
We at Seasons Retirement Communities offer affordable and beautiful accommodations in Owen Sound. Our highly trained staff are committed to looking after residents’ needs and creating meaningful experiences for every person.
Petawawa is one of the safest places to reside in Ontario. This town is home to about 14,000 people and has a low crime rate of 66%, below Canada’s national average.
With a CSI of 17.43, Petawawa is one of the safest communities in Ontario. This area has seen a steady 19.79% decrease in crime rate in the previous five years.
A haven for Canadian seniors, the City of Peterborough is arguably one of the safe places to live in Ontario. According to the 2021 Census, Peterborough has a population of 83,651 and an average age of 44. The area has a notably older population compared to many Ontario communities, with approximately 24-25% of residents aged 65 and over. The crime rate in this region is relatively low.
It is little wonder that this town has become home to many older people in Canada. The city offers housing at pocket-friendly rates, quality regional healthcare, and easily accessible transportation. Also, there is a low crime rate in the area, which is a positive for retirees.
St. Catharines is a well-established Ontario city that continues to attract older adults looking for a safe and comfortable place to live. According to the 2021 Census, the city has a population of 136,803 residents, with an average age of approximately 44 to 45 years, reflecting a balanced and diverse community that includes a strong senior presence.
Crime severity data for St. Catharines generally shows levels below provincial and national averages, contributing to a sense of security for residents. Combined with access to healthcare services, public transportation and a wide range of amenities such as parks, walking paths and cultural attractions, the city offers an environment that supports both independence and peace of mind.
Seasons Retirement Communities in St. Catharines provided older adults with the option to enjoy retirement living within a supportive setting while remaining connected to the broader community.
This piece has discussed several of the safest places to live in Ontario while explaining why they are considered peaceful.
For many seniors, choosing a safe city is only one part of the decision on where to move in retirement. Equally important is finding a living environment that enhances security, comfort and connection. Retirement communities can offer added reassurance through trained on-site team members, thoughtfully designed spaces and access to support when needed.
With locations across Ontario, Seasons Retirement Communities allows older adults to enjoy the benefits of safe cities while living in a community designed to support independence and well-being. Older adults and their families looking for retirement residences should consider accommodations offered by Seasons in several of these locations.
