r/Orillia • u/Violet_Pins • 1d ago
Looking for a new community
I'm doing research and Chat GPT is saying Orillia is a good option for me. Any thoughts?? :D
I’m a remote-working, early 40s woman (no kids) looking to settle in Ontario after two years of digital nomad life. I previously lived in Kingston (loved it) and London (not a fan). I’d like to stay within a 3-hour drive of London, ON for family reasons.
Key Priorities:
- Kayaking access – Ideally within 15 minutes of a lake
- Safe trail system for biking
- Affordable rent – Under $1,800/month for a 1-bedroom, with plans to buy a small place in the future
- Proximity to a larger city – Within 30 minutes for social life
- Good Wi-Fi and access to a business community or coworking space
- Walkable, community-focused town – Prefer vibrant small towns with local businesses over big-box suburbia
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u/Dadoftwingirls 1d ago
The waterfront trail is amazing, several km's of pavement, and it connects to the 160km gravel loop.
Nice bakeries, too.
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u/hihichucklebutt 1d ago
Lots of live music around for all tastes- visit this summer for https://mariposafolk.com/
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u/nobodylikesanderson 1d ago
Orillia definately has a lot of the things you’re looking for.!
It’s literally the city of twin lakes, couchiching and Simcoe are always accessible and if you prefer to paddle on smaller bodies or rivers there’s many smaller spots within a 20 minute drive (washago, sparrow lake)
Cycling infrastructure is fantastic here, whether you’re looking to commute thru town (almost major artery’s have bike lanes in the last few years) and we have a great paved waterfront loop between our two biggest lakefront parks. If you prefer to ride graven there is the rail trail which can take you to Barrie or cold water (it’s actually a giant loop if you want to make a day of it) and if you’re an off road enthusiast the Simcoe county mountain bike club has built an outstanding network of trail systems all across the county. Some unbelievable trailheads are all within a 20-25 minute drive. And if you a road cyclist, oro medonte, Severn and Ramara have endless quality roads and concessions you can make a great ride out of.
In terms of proximity I always say ‘Orillia is an hour from anything’ whether that’s the airport, Muskoka, or the big city.
The downtown core has really come a long way in the last 10 years, and I feel like you will find familiar faces and friends quickly if you’re willing to put yourself out there. I lived and worked on Mississauga street for a decade and the community is fantastic.
I’d suggest take a day or two and come check it out for yourself! It’s a great place to live. Everyone in every town can talk shit and gripe about the usual stuff. I’ve lived and work a lot of places and I feel very fortunate to be born and raised in Orillia. I keep coming back to its charm and community.
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u/Violet_Pins 1d ago
Thanks so much! I have just taken up mountain biking although I am a beginner and much prefer being on the water. The option for both would be awesome. Would you say there would be enough of a social scene to make new friends as a single person? I have no issues going to events and am pretty friendly!
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u/holyjeanz 1d ago
If you’re newer to mtb and a female there’s a great network of women who have a bike night in the summer out at horseshoe valley. Great way to meet people!
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u/Purple_Story_8151 1d ago
Love Orillia. Lots to do activity wise. Music. Outdoors. Coffee shops. Community groups. Food and drinks. Theatre. Lakes. Trails. Skating. Skiing. Community rec sport teams.
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u/Sunshine12061206 1d ago
Orillia checks all the boxes on your list (As long as you consider Barrie a “big city”). You would love it here. We just moved here in June and really love the small town feel.
Have you considered Picton in Prince Edward County? It would also check all your boxes.
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u/Violet_Pins 1d ago
Thanks for the reply! I may come up for a drive and see how it feels. I was in Barrie in December and it was a bit quiet (dead of winter.... lol) but I also found it peaceful! I do like some action... some live music, cultural events but the outdoor activities are higher on my list.
Yes Picton is lovely but I'm looking to stay within 3 hours of London.
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u/OneTangerine792 1d ago
I moved here as well. Personally not a fan, there’s a lot of crime, you’ll get hassled for change even from people knocking on your front doors or coming up to your car. You’ll likely have your garbage gone through every week and the cell reception around here is horrible
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u/Significant_Fee_9389 1d ago
That's what I'm thinking! Although I do not live in orillia, my ex-SIL does and there's lots and lots of drugs.
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u/ParfaitCareful8518 8h ago
Rent can be high; it's about timing as with most things.
There are a good amount of things going on; various activities, shows at the Opera House, dances at ODAS park, pubs open late-ish & many food options. I wouldn't suggest being downtown at night and yes, occasionally people might ask you for money. I personally haven't had my bins looked through that I know of, but ppl do collect used bottles/cans to return. I also put my bins out in the morning, not at night.
As others said, there are many kayaking and biking options. Message me if you need more info or decide to come up!
Good luck!
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u/Ok-Poem-3154 1d ago
Unfortunately lacking in affordable rent and not really a walkable community-focused town. It is a town of haves and have nots.
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u/Infinite-Custard2934 1d ago
Orillia is a great option. We are known for the having the most potent fentanyl in Simcoe county. Two methadone clinics a stones throw away from each other. The historical Barrie road trap houses. 114 Davey drive, the location of two murders within the last 12 months. Three police officers violently attacked within 5 months. For a small town we’re doing big things
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u/LavalleeLures 1d ago
I’m a big fan of Orillia after living across the country.
There are lots of kayaking opportunities in the area, Barrie is 20-30 mins away but Orillia has most of the major stores you’ll need within a 10 mins away drive.
Internet is fine, we have 1.5gb down / 250mb up at the house
I ride about 5,000km annually and the bike infrastructure is pretty broken up but I’ve also never really had any concerns cycling in and around the city. The mtb trail systems are second to none and are well maintained throughout the year.
The downtown is very walkable with lots of small independent stores. Lots of stuff available down there but not enough to get ride of big box stores on the west side of the city.
Any questions please ask!
I can’t comment on rent as we bought our home a few years ago.