North York Housing Options
Click for North York Housing Options BelowNavigating housing options in North York can be overwhelming. Whether you're helping a parent transition or planning ahead for your own future, it’s important to understand the types of housing options available, who they serve, and how they’re regulated in Ontario.
This page introduces the many housing options for older adults in North York, from fully independent living to specialized care. You’ll also find direct links to homes and services across your area.
Overview of Senior Housing Options
At SeniorCareAccess, we feature a wide range of housing models, each with different services, price points, and care levels. Sponsored or featured listings include suite layouts, vacancy status, care levels, amenities, and direct contact options.
Independent & Lifestyle-Oriented Housing
- Independent Living – Private rental residences for self-sufficient seniors seeking a social, low-maintenance lifestyle. Often offered within retirement homes.
- Active Adult Lifestyle Communities – Age 55+ communities, often life lease or land lease, with recreational or social amenities. Typically outside city cores.
- Independent Living for Purchase – Condos, life lease, or land lease housing for older adults wishing to downsize.
- Seniors Co-operatives – Resident-managed housing with no embedded care. Services arranged privately or through Health atHome.
- Seniors Buildings Without Care – Apartments for seniors without support services; governed by the Residential Tenancies Act.
Supportive Housing & Flexible Care
- Assisted Living – Housing with support for daily tasks such as dressing, mobility, and medication reminders.
- Independent Living plus Care Services – Found in retirement homes where care is added without moving units.
- Supportive Housing – Subsidized housing where services are provided in-house or through contracted providers.
Specialized Care Settings
- Memory Care – Secure housing for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, found in retirement homes, standalone residences, and long-term care homes.
- Palliative Care – End-of-life care in hospices, hospitals, and for existing residents of retirement or long-term care homes.
Temporary, Emergency, or Transition Options
- Short Stays – Temporary housing for convalescence or trying a home before committing.
- Trial Stays - Opportunity to try a residence before committing long-term.
- Respite Care – Short-term care for recovery or caregiver relief.
- Transitional Care – Interim support while waiting for permanent placement or long-term care.
- Crisis Admissions – Emergency placements due to sudden changes in a senior’s care situation.
Medically Intensive & Regulated Care
- Retirement Homes – Private-pay residences licensed by the RHRA, offering varied levels of care.
- Long-Term Care Homes – Government-funded homes for seniors with high medical needs, regulated by the Fixing Long-Term Care Act.
Regulation of Senior Housing in Ontario
- Retirement Homes: Governed by the Retirement Homes Act and regulated by the RHRA.
- Long-Term Care: Regulated under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act.
- Apartments/Retirement Rentals: Governed by the Residential Tenancies Act.
See our article on Innovative Seniors Housing Options for more.
Browse Senior Housing in North York
To view all available listings, visit the Senior Housing in North York page.
Need Help Choosing?
Cost of Housing Options for Seniors in North York
How much do housing options cost for seniors in North York?
The cost of housing options for seniors in North York varies widely depending on the type of residence and level of care required. Monthly rates can range from $2,000 for basic independent apartments to $15,000 for high-care retirement homes. In retirement homes, the cost of care is typically separate from the base rent, and each residence has its own pricing structure. That means final monthly costs will depend on both your living space and the support services you require. Long-term care homes, by contrast, follow government-regulated pricing and include personal care in the total cost.
How can I estimate the cost of moving into a senior residence?
You can use our Senior Housing Cost Calculator to estimate monthly expenses and compare them with your current living costs. The tool helps you plan ahead by factoring in care needs, housing type, and service preferences. Keep in mind that actual pricing can vary between residences, and it’s important to speak directly with each one for a complete cost breakdown.
Are retirement home costs regulated in North York?
Retirement homes in North York are not price-regulated like long-term care homes. However, many independent apartments and some retirement residences are subject to rent control under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act. Rent control typically applies to buildings first occupied before November 15, 2018. Long-term care homes are not covered by this act but have standardized government-set pricing that includes care.
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