Downsizing in Kingston and Quinte, Ontario

What the Kingston and Quinte region includes

The groupings on this site are ours for convenience, not official boundaries. In this region the three places with full guides are the City of Kingston, the City of Belleville and the County of Prince Edward. All three are single-tier municipalities, which means one local government handles property tax, transit where it exists and planning. Other municipalities in the region are listed further down this page. If you are comparing regions instead, return to where to downsize in Ontario.

Smaller homes in Kingston and Quinte for downsizers

Across the region the smaller-home types to look for are condominium apartments, townhouses and bungalows, with life lease and land lease arrangements also existing in Ontario. What is actually available differs sharply between a city like Kingston and a rural community in Prince Edward County, so ask a local agent rather than assuming. The money differs too: a condominium adds monthly fees and a reserve fund to read about, while a freehold bungalow keeps the upkeep with you. Read condo, townhouse or house and buying a condo in Ontario before you shortlist. For adult-lifestyle options, see 55+ communities.

Where you land in the region changes what you pay for and what you give up. A move within the same municipality keeps your local government, your tax office and often your doctor. A move from Kingston to Prince Edward County means a different tax department, a different hospital and, for many people, more time in the car. Write down the five things you use every week and measure each against the address before you compare homes.

Choose a city: Kingston, Belleville or Prince Edward County

• Downsizing in Kingston: a city with two Kingston Health Sciences Centre hospital sites, Kingston Transit and three City tax assistance programs for eligible seniors.
• Downsizing in Belleville: Belleville General Hospital, Belleville Transit with a Mobility Bus and a $1,200 senior tax credit for those who qualify.
• Downsizing in Prince Edward County: a hospital in Picton with a 24-hour emergency department, a more rural setting and no transit schedule found for this page.

Hospitals and health care in Kingston and Quinte

Kingston Health Sciences Centre runs Kingston General Hospital and Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston. Quinte Health runs four hospitals: Belleville General, Prince Edward County Memorial in Picton, Trenton Memorial and North Hastings. Check Kingston Health Sciences Centre and Quinte Health for the services at each site. A hospital being close is not the same as having a family doctor, so ask how you would find primary care in the place you are considering.

Getting around Kingston and Quinte after you downsize

Kingston Transit and Belleville Transit are run by their cities, and both describe accessible service. Outside those cities you should assume you will depend on a car or on specialized services, and you should ask the municipality what exists. The guide to getting around Ontario after 65 covers licence renewal at 80 and alternatives to driving.

Flood and storm context near Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte

Flood hazard in Ontario is mapped mostly by municipalities and conservation authorities. In Kingston, see Cataraqui Conservation's floodplain mapping. In Belleville and the Quinte area, see the Quinte Conservation property regulation map. To find the authority for another address, use Conservation Ontario's finder. Ontario also explains how Great Lakes water levels are managed, which matters for waterfront homes. Standard insurance usually excludes overland flooding, so read flood and storm insurance when downsizing before an offer.

Local government and tax notes for the region

Property tax relief is set by each municipality. Kingston and Belleville publish programs; Prince Edward County should be asked directly. Your buyer pays land transfer tax, and you will pay it on your next purchase; see land transfer tax in Ontario. Selling a principal residence has its own federal rules, covered in capital gains and selling your principal residence. Estimate what is left with the net proceeds calculator and read costs and money.

Questions to ask before you choose a place in this region

• Which hospital would you use, and how would you get there in winter?
• Is the address in a conservation authority regulated area, and can you insure it for overland flood and sewer backup?
• What does the municipality offer for seniors on property tax, and when is the deadline?
• If it is a condominium, what do the status certificate and reserve fund study show?
• Do you want to buy first or sell first?

All municipalities in Kingston and Quinte

For a step-by-step path, read the downsizing guide. When you are ready, contact us: messages go to real estate agents on the operating team at eXp Realty. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.