Moving from Toronto to Windsor: What You Need to Know

Thinking about making Windsor-Essex your new home? Our team at The Vanguard Team at Manor Realty has helped families, professionals, and investors settle here with confidence. We know the neighbourhoods, the market, and the lifestyle inside out — and we’d be happy to guide you every step of the way.

If you’re considering a move from Toronto to Windsor, you’re not alone. Over the past few years, more and more families, professionals, and retirees have been leaving the GTA in search of a better balance between affordability and quality of life. Windsor and the surrounding Essex County communities have become one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets — a place where you can still buy a home without breaking the bank while enjoying access to world-class amenities just across the river in Detroit.

Why People Are Moving from Toronto to Windsor

The biggest reason people leave Toronto is cost. The average price of a detached home in Toronto hovers around the million-dollar mark, while Windsor homes can often be found for less than half that amount. For first-time buyers or families who want more space, Windsor is a chance to finally own instead of rent.

• Shorter commutes – Less traffic and easier access to work.
• A growing economy – Anchored by the auto industry, healthcare, education, and new investments in EV battery plants.
• A relaxed lifestyle – Access to waterfront parks, wineries, golf courses, and family-friendly neighborhoods.

Cost of Living Comparison

• Housing: A major win for Windsor — prices are significantly lower than Toronto.
• Groceries & Daily Expenses: Roughly the same, with Windsor being slightly cheaper.
• Childcare: More accessible and often less expensive than in Toronto.
• Property Taxes: Higher mill rates in Windsor, but the overall cost still comes out lower because house prices are less.

Best Neighborhoods to Consider

• South Windsor – Known for great schools and family-friendly communities.
• Walkerville – Trendy, historic, and walkable with shops, restaurants, and breweries.
• Tecumseh & LaSalle – Suburban towns just outside Windsor with strong schools, newer homes, and parks.
• Downtown Windsor – Affordable condos and close to the U.S. border, great for professionals.

Cross-Border Advantage

One unique feature of living in Windsor is how close you are to Detroit. In less than 15 minutes, you can be across the river enjoying concerts, sporting events, international dining, or even flying out of Detroit Metro Airport, which often has cheaper flights than Toronto Pearson.

Tips Before You Move

1. Research schools – If you have kids, look into school boards (public, Catholic, French) and their boundaries.
2. Test the commute – Drive around Windsor during rush hours to see where you feel most comfortable.
3. Budget for weather – Windsor winters are milder than Toronto’s, but summers can be hotter and more humid.
4. Plan your healthcare transfer – Make sure you update your OHIP address and find a family doctor early.
5. Connect locally – Join Windsor Facebook groups or community forums to get to know the area.

Final Thoughts

Toronto will always be Canada’s largest and busiest city, but if you’re ready for more space, lower costs, and a slower pace of life, Windsor-Essex might be exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you’re buying your first home, raising a family, or investing in real estate, Windsor offers opportunities that simply aren’t possible in the GTA anymore.

Thinking about making Windsor-Essex your new home? Our team at The Vanguard Team at Manor Realty has helped families, professionals, and investors settle here with confidence. We know the neighbourhoods, the market, and the lifestyle inside out — and we’d be happy to guide you every step of the way.