Thinking about relocating from Ontario to lovely, serene, Prince Edward Island?
It can feel like a big change. And in some ways, it is.
Much less crowded than Ontario, PEI is smaller and quieter than most parts of Ontario. You may drive past farms instead of six lanes of traffic. You may know your neighbours. You may even find yourself living close to the water without being hours from town.
But day-to-day life is still pretty familiar. You still have groceries to buy, bills to pay, appointments to make, and work to get done – so the biggest difference may simply be the way life feels.
PEI Is a Lot Smaller
Ontario is huge but PEI is not. It is Canada’s smallest province. A few hours drive will take you across the island and for some that can make the island feel claustrophobic.
PEI commutes are very much shorter than in a major metropolitan area like the GTA. You can move outside the major urban centres of PEI and still have a relatively short commute.
In this way you may have more choice where you live, you might be able to afford a larger yard, more privacy and you may be able to live near the water.
Maybe you still want a more urban setting and be near restaurants, stores, schools, and other services. PEI gives you those choices.
But You Don’t Have to Live in Charlottetown
When people first start looking at PEI, many go straight to Charlottetown. It is the capital and the largest city in the province so that makes sense.
However, you might alternatively start by checking out Summerside, the province’s second biggest city, Montague, the commercial centre for King’s County, or other small rural towns like Kensington, Souris, Alberton, O’Leary, and Borden-Carleton. As well there are many even smaller rural communities that may be near one or more of the above but offers a more private and much quieter lifestyle.
As a local REALTOR® and Century21 Northumberland Broker, I advise, “first determine where you want to live from the perspective of convenience to hospitals, employment, shopping and entertainment as well as the lifestyle, rural, more urban, quieter, busier. Answer these questions””
- Do you want to walk to shops?
- Do you want a big yard?
- Do you need to be close to work?
- Do you want peace and quiet?
- Do you want to live near the water?
Those answers can help narrow things down pretty quickly.
The PEI Home Market
The PEI home market will likely look different than those you might be used to in other provinces
You may find bigger lots, older homes, country properties, cottages, waterfront homes, barns, sheds, and workshops. PEI offers a wide choice of lifestyles.
For example, some rural homes may have private wells and septic systems. Heating may be electric, oil, propane, and in many cases you will find heat pumps. Some homes may be on private roads and you have to ascertain how snow clearing works in the winter.
None of that is necessarily bad. It just means you should do your research and due-diligence. If you have never owned a rural property before, a good home inspection and proper advice from your REALTOR® could be very helpful.
Rural Living Can Be Easier Than You Think
PEI has a lot of rural areas, but due to the evenly spread density of the population, rural does not always mean remote. You will generally have neighbors reasonably close by
You can live near fields, trees, or the coast and still be a manageable drive from groceries, schools, restaurants, and medical services. That is definitely an advantage if you are used to an urban area in Ontario where there is a plethora of services. Still, there are a few things worth checking before you fall in love with a country home.
- Who clears the road in winter?
- How far are you from work?
- Is the driveway long?
- What kind of heating does the house use?
- How much land will you need to look after?
These things may seem unimportant on a sunny July afternoon. They can feel very important in February.
You May Drive More, But Sit in Less Traffic
PEI is mostly a driving province, although there are a few bus routes, you will need a car. Outside the larger towns and cities, having a vehicle is essential.
So yes, you may drive more often than you did in Ontario. But you may spend a lot less time sitting in traffic. A 25-minute drive on PEI often means you are actually driving for 25 minutes, there is practically never a stop and go rush hour which will be a pleasant change for someone coming from a busy Ontario city.
Winter Is Still Winter
PEI has real winters. There is snow, ice, wind, freezing temperatures, and storms. If you are coming from Ontario, none of that will be totally new to you. But Island winters can feel different, especially in open rural areas where wind and drifting snow can be an issue.
If you are looking at a country property, ask practical questions.
- Who plows the road?
- Who clears the driveway?
- Is the home on a main road?
- Will you need to drive far during bad weather?
The answers to these questions will affect your life here on the island.
PEI Changes With the Seasons
Summer in PEI is busy. There are visitors, beaches, festivals, seasonal restaurants, and lots going on. Winter is quieter. Much quieter. Some businesses close in the winter or operate on reduced hours
For many people, they are unaffected by this. Community events can matter more. Things slow down. For some although this is not a plus – they miss activity. If you have only visited PEI in summer, come back and visit again in the winter before making a decision.
A vacation and a permanent move are not the same thing.
Shopping May Take a Little More Planning
If you are coming from a large Ontario city, you may be used to having endless choices.
PEI has the everyday things most people need, especially around Charlottetown and Summerside. But there are fewer stores, fewer restaurants, and fewer specialized services.
- Sometimes you may need to order something online.
- Sometimes, depending on where you live, you may need to drive a little farther.
- Sometimes you may simply have fewer choices.
For some people, that takes getting used to. Others barely notice.
Think About Healthcare Before You Move
Healthcare should be part of your moving plan.
If you take regular medication, see specialists, or need ongoing care, it is a good idea to look into how your care will continue after you move. Changing your healthcare is easy, simply phone HealthPEI. However getting a family doctor may be more difficult – there is a waiting list. In the meantime there are walk in clinics and online options – although healthcare availability has improved here in PEI, you will likely find that it is not as readily available as in Ontario.
Also remember that many operations and procedures require you to go to Halifax.
Remote Work Has Made PEI More Possible
Since there has been an increase in work at home gigs worldwide, if working remotely this gives you the opportunity to live places that may not offer employment in your field – enter PEI!
If you work from home, internet service should be one of the first things you check. Do not assume every rural property has the same internet options. If fast and reliable service is important for your job, make sure you know what is available at the exact property you are considering.
Selling in Ontario and Buying in PEI Takes Planning
For many people, the move depends on selling a home in Ontario and buying another one in PEI. That can take some careful timing.
- Do you sell first?
- Do you buy first?
- What if one closing happens before the other?
- Will you need a place to stay in between?
There is no one right answer. However it is possible that selling in Ontario and buying in PEI will free up some capital.
Your lender, lawyer, and real estate professionals can help you work through the timing before you make any big decisions. It is much easier to have a plan before the pressure starts.
You Can Do a Lot From a Distance
Buying a home from another province is easier than it used to be. You can search listings online, view photos and videos, and sometimes tour homes virtually. Documents can often be signed electronically too.
Still, if you can visit PEI before buying, that would be best A house may look perfect online, but the area may not feel right. Additionally, you should check out the lay of the land by visiting so that you know better what living in PEI will be like. As I mentioned, you should also visit during off-peak seasons to experience what the island is like the other 75% of the year.
The Pace of Life Can Feel Different
And this is why it is important to visit in the off-peak seasons.
PEI is small. You may start seeing the same people around town. You may get to know local business owners. You may find that people stop to talk a little more. For someone coming from a big city, that can take some getting used to.
Some people love it. Others prefer to stay closer to Charlottetown or Summerside where things feel a little busier. There is no right or wrong choice. It comes down to the kind of life you want.
Some Things Stay Exactly the Same
Moving to PEI does not mean starting over from scratch, we are still part of Canada and many aspects of life remain the same.
- You will still have a mortgage or rent (most likely).
- You will still buy groceries.
- You will still pay for utilities, insurance, and home repairs.
- You will still have work, school, appointments, and all the normal things that make up everyday life.
The setting is what changes.
- You may have more space.
- You may be closer to the ocean.
- You may spend less time in traffic.
- You may live in a smaller community.
Those changes can make a big difference without making life feel completely unfamiliar.
Is PEI Right for You?
PEI is not perfect for everyone.
If you want big-city nightlife, endless shopping, major sports, or a huge range of job options, the Island may feel too small.
But if you like smaller communities, shorter drives, open spaces, coastal scenery, and a slower pace, PEI may be worth a closer look.
As a REALTOR® working in PEI, selling properties to both locals and those from other parts of the country, the question is, “Is PEI the right place for you?”
Start With the Life You Want
You do not need to know exactly where you want to live before you start looking. To start get a REALTOR® working on your behalf.
Begin with the basics.
- What is your budget?
- Do you want a town, city, or rural property?
- How much land do you want?
- How far are you willing to drive?
- Do you need to be close to schools, work, shopping, or healthcare?
- Do you want to be near the water?
Once you know what matters most, finding the right place to settle here on the island becomes a matter of satisfying your preferences.
Century21 Northumberland Realty and our team of 35+ REALTORS® can help you compare communities, understand different types of properties, and determine what is right for you.
Sometimes the best first step is simply finding out what your budget can buy in PEI. Simply click the button at the bottom right of this page and Ask “Show me listings that match my $250,000 budget (or whatever your budget is) and add the town you want if you are seeking a specific place as well as any other prerequisites
