Currently in the east end (Guildwood) so it is easy to head north or east but in the past few years, traffic has become noticeable heavier even on a Sunday morning. I rarely ride west of the city simply because of the traffic.
We're looking to retire within 5 years and have looked at a few areas and my personal favs are:
1. Kingston area - real estate is a little pricy and Kingston reminds me of Halifax which I adore - university town with lots of great pubs and restaurants. Puts Ottawa and the 1000 Islands all within riding distance.
2 Stratford - nice little town but still big enough to have enough happening to keep my wife from becoming bored which is an important consideration.
3. Lake Erie shore - lots of little towns and I like the idea of being close to the lakes. I don't know the area well, but Erie and Huron shore lines should offer some decent riding.
I grew up in Nova Scotia, and while the riding was amazing, the weather makes for a shorter season than southern Ontario. Cold rainy weather well into June but August and September are spectacular.