10 Reasons to Move to Prince Edward County
If you’re considering moving to Prince Edward County, you’re not alone. This rural area in Ontario, Canada is becoming increasingly popular, especially with retirees and young families.
Here are 10 reasons why you should consider making the move to Prince Edward County.
- The cost of living is relatively low.
- There are plenty of things to do in your spare time.
- The scenery is beautiful.
- It’s a great place to retire.
- The people are friendly.
- There’s no traffic!
- It’s a great place to raise a family.
- The air quality is good.
- The crime rate is low.
- Prince Edward County is a good investment.
1. The cost of living is relatively low
The cost of living in Prince Edward County is relatively low when compared to other parts of Canada.
According to the Canadian cost of living index, the cost of living in Prince Edward County is about 5% lower than the national average in 2022.
This means that residents of Prince Edward County have more disposable income than the average Canadian.
The cost of living in Prince Edward County is particularly affordable for families. Families can expect to spend less on housing, child care, and transportation costs when compared to other parts of the country.
In addition, Prince Edward County offers a variety of leisure and recreation activities that are affordable for families.
Two people can still eat out for under $60 in select locations around the county.
I wrote an article on the 48 restaurants to eat at in Prince Edward County, See #1 and #4 on the list.
As a result, Prince Edward County is an attractive option for families who are looking for a more affordable cost of living.
2. Plenty of things to do in your spare time
Prince Edward County is a beautiful place to visit, with its sandy beaches, majestic cliffs, and charming small towns.
There is no shortage of things to do in the County, whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed getaway.
For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, there are plenty of activities to choose from, including hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming.
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, Prince Edward County is also home to several wineries and breweries, as well as a variety of shops and art galleries.
And of course, no visit to the County would be complete without taking a dip in the famous Sandbanks Provincial Park.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Prince Edward County has something for everyone.
See my article about the 25 Amazing Things to do in Wellington.
3. The scenery is beautiful
There’s no shortage of stunning scenery in Prince Edward County. From the rolling hills and farmland to the dramatic cliffs and coastline, there’s something to admire at every turn.
The best way to explore all that the County has to offer is by bike. There are numerous trails crisscrossing the landscape, so you can take your pick of routes to suit your ability and interests.
See my article on the top bike trails in PEC.
One of my favorite sceneries in Prince Edward County can be found at Sandbanks Provincial Park. With its white sand beaches, dunes and wetlands, the park is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
The park also has several hiking trails, which wind through the dunes and provide stunning views of Lake Ontario.
In addition to Sandbanks Provincial Park, Prince Edward County is home to many other scenic spots, including Lake on the mountain, Wellington Beach, Little Bluff, and Long Point. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or explore, Prince Edward County has something for everyone.
Speaking for scenery, see my article and video about Prince Edward County in the Fall.
4. It’s a great place to retire
According to Statistics Canada, Prince Edward County has a total of 8605 senior residents over the age of 65. The average age is 50.
Prince Edward County is a retiree’s paradise. With its mild climate, friendly people, and beautiful scenery, it’s no wonder that so many people choose to retire here.
The County offers a wide range of activities and amenities for retirees.
The main reasons are:
- Affordable housing
- Retirement residence
- Adult communities
- Excellent healthcare
- Beaches,
- Art and Theatre
- The music scene
- 3 golf courses
- Yoga
- Wineries
There are plenty of diversions to keep retirees active in Prince Edward County.
5. The people are friendly
Prince Edward County is a friendly place and offers small-town charm.
People here are quick to smile and say hello, and they’re always happy to help out if you need directions or have a question.
There’s a real sense of community here, and it’s easy to feel like you belong.
Even if you’re just passing through, you’ll quickly get the sense that Prince Edward County is a special place where people really care about each other.
If you’re looking for a friendly place to visit or a new home, moving to Prince Edward County is definitely worth considering.
6. There’s no traffic!
The fact is nine months out of the year there is very little traffic in Prince Edward County. Yes…June, July, and August are tourist overload and traffic is hectic.
The influx of tourists results in increased traffic on the roads, and many visitors are not familiar with the layout of the county. As a result, congestion and accidents are common in the summer.
The rest of the year it’s mainly all local traffic and very easy to get around.
7. It’s a great place to raise a family
Prince Edward County is a great place to raise a family. The community is close-knit, and there are plenty of opportunities for families to get involved in the many activities and events that take place throughout the year.
Milford often has events that families can participate in for example The Mount Tabor Playhouse hosted by “Mummers” put on “Anne of Green Gables”. Local students and parents can get involved.
The county also offers a variety of parks and recreation facilities, as well as excellent schools.
8. The air quality is good
The air quality in Prince Edward County has always been excellent. There is no dense population or high levels of an industry that result in air pollution becoming a serious problem.
The fact is most of Prince Edward County is located out in Lake Ontario. This provides fresh breathable air 100% of the time.
9. The crime rate is very low
The crime rate in Prince Edward County is 54% lower compared to the rest of Canada.
The most common types of crime are property crime and violent crime. Property crime includes crimes such as theft and vandalism. Violent crime includes crimes such as assault and robbery.
Most of the crime is thought to be due to a number of factors, including poverty and drug use.
The current age group for a majority of charges laid is Youths (12-17).
You’ll have a 1 in 52 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Prince Edward County.
The fact is Prince Edward County is safer than 90% of all the other cities in Canada.
The police are working hard to crack down on crime in the county, and they have made much progress in recent years.
10. Prince Edward County is a good investment
For those looking for a good investment, Prince Edward County is an excellent option.
Property prices are relatively low compared to neighboring areas, and property taxes are also reasonable.
The fact is house prices jumped more than 75% in 2021 and vacant land is selling for around 150K an acre.
The need for new homes has increased the demand for skilled trades.
Developers are investing in infrastructure to upgrade networks with approx. C$68 million in funding from developers themselves.
There has been an increase in our region’s housing market which means more people than ever before are requiring municipal facilities like sewers and pipes, it can’t come fast enough!
The County of Prince Edward is working quickly towards completing projects.
When these developments occur they won’t have any effect on what already exists but instead enjoy modern improvements upon opening day.
In recent years, there has been an influx of artists, musicians, and other creative types, making the County an increasingly attractive place to live.
As a result, Prince Edward County is an excellent option for those looking for a good investment.
It’s not all roses in Prince Edward County and it does have some drawbacks.
Be sure to check out this article about the Pros and Cons of moving to PEC.
Is Picton Ontario a good place to live?
Picton is a great place to live because the cost of living scores 95 which is below the national average of 100. The rest of Ontario as a whole scores 111 on the national cost of living index.
Prince Edward County has become a recognized VQA wine region in Ontario, has the famous Sandbanks, and is one of the fastest-growing communities in Ontario.
It is a popular tourist destination because of its many wineries and beaches. It is also a great place to raise a family.
The town has excellent schools, a variety of parks and recreation facilities, and a low crime rate.
These are some of the main reasons for moving to Prince Edward County based on feedback from our Toronto friends.
Where is the best place to live in Prince Edward County?
I’ve lived in Picton my whole life and I can tell you the best to live is on any county road in the country near Picton. The rural areas are quiet and private yet you’re still close to Picton for all your needs.
North Marysburgh has less traffic, wineries, cideries, community events, less tourism, a short drive to beaches, fishing, and boating and is not far from Picton.
West lake, Wellington, and Hillier areas are swamped with tourism during the summer. Although a beautiful area, it’s too busy with traffic in my opinion.
Athol Township, East lake is busy during the summer and has a hard drive during the winter. Getting to East lake area can be an issue during the heavy traffic of tourists going to West Lake from Picton.
South Marysburgh, Milford area is a long way out but very quiet.
Bloomfield is beautiful and quaint but limited and is 15 min to Wellington or Picton.
Sophiasburgh has grown a lot but has some Sulphur water issues. Far from everything but a quiet part of Prince Edward County.
Before moving to Prince Edward County I’d suggest taking a look at all the towns and seeing what they have to offer.
See my article about What Towns are in Prince Edward County.
Conclusion:
Prince Edward County is a great retirement community, a place to raise a family, and just a slower-paced lifestyle making it worth considering. With its low cost of living, friendly people, and beautiful scenery, it’s no wonder this rural Ontario area is growing so fast.
If you’re considering a move to Prince Edward County, there are many factors to consider. It’s important to think about your lifestyle and what kind of environment you want to live in.
PEC is a great place to raise a family or retire, but it may not be the best fit for everyone.
The real estate market in PEC is booming, so it’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking for an investment property.
There are many beautiful places to live in PEC, so take your time and figure out what’s right for you.
Are you considering moving to Prince Edward County? Let me know in the comments.
