Relocating family to Southern Ontario — Opinions on places to live?
Hi everyone! My husband and I currently live in Thunder Bay with our three children (12, 10, and 1). I was born and raised here and have family in the area, but support for us has become pretty limited. My husband is originally from Southern Ontario, and after a lot of discussion, we’ve decided we’d like to relocate closer to his side of the family.
We’ve been looking into Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes area because we really love the outdoors, fishing, camping, lakes, trails, and family-oriented lifestyle. Affordability is also important to us.
To be honest, Thunder Bay has changed a lot over the last few years, and we’ve been feeling ready for a fresh start somewhere with a stronger sense of community and more opportunities for our kids.
For those familiar with the region, where would you recommend a family settle? We’d love honest opinions on different towns/cities — the pros and cons, cost of living, schools, safety, healthcare access, job opportunities, and overall vibe.
We’d also love recommendations for:
- Great family activities
- Outdoor spots and beaches
- Kid-friendly communities
- Areas to avoid
If you’ve made a similar move or raised kids in the area, I’d really appreciate hearing your experience. Pictures are welcome too! Thanks so much 🙂