These towns are popular for solo renters of a certain age in Ontario

A new report finds more people are living alone in Canada and a few Ontario communities are popular with a certain age group.

Around 4.4 million Canadians lived alone in 2021 — twice what it was in 1991, a new report from real estate platform Point2Homes reveals. Ontario and Québec each counted over 1.3 million one-person households, reflecting a nationwide trend spanning many of the country’s larger cities, the report found.

At the same time, the number of people renting properties is increasing—33.4 per cent of all households in Canada rent. This is the highest percentage Canada has ever seen. And solo renters make up 50.4 per cent of the country’s one-person households, outnumbering solo homeowners.

Traditionally, renting alone has been associated with adults starting their careers, pursuing education, or simply enjoying the flexibility of not being tied down by property ownership, Point2Homes noted.

However, the report finds those aged 55 to 64 now form a group of solo renters that’s almost as large as young millennials between 25 and 34. More seniors are also renting alone — particularly in certain communities.

Point2Homes suggests shifting life circumstances — such as divorce or widowhood — have also made renting alone increasingly appealing for older demographics.

About one-third of the country’s 3.7 million divorcees are between 55 and 64 years of age, while 1.6 million of the two million widowed Canadians are older than 65.

“These realities have contributed to the growing presence of solo seniors in the rental market,” the report stated.

More than 710,500 of the Canadians renting alone are at least 65 years old, making up one-third of the solo rental market. What’s more, solo renters in their mid-60s and beyond grew by nearly three per cent between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses — more than the lone renters in any other age group.

The report found the small, “slower-paced” Ontario community of Halton Hills has the highest percentage of solo renters over the age of 65. Caledon was next.

“The senior solo-renter majority in Halton Hills and Caledon reflects a broader shift in Canada’s rental market,” Point2Homes noted. “These two communities, which are popular with retirees and empty nesters, offer a peaceful, suburban lifestyle with easy access to nature spots, making them ideal for seniors looking to downsize or enjoy a slower pace of life.”

Burlington, the third community on the list "is perfect for those who want suburban living mixed with urban conveniences, cultural amenities and extensive shopping opportunities."

For more information, see the full report here.

Lead photo of Georgetown: Google Maps