Moving to Prince Edward County -Think Twice (Pros and Cons)
If you’re considering a move to Prince Edward County, you’re not alone.
This picturesque region of Ontario has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, as city dwellers look for a more affordable and slower-paced lifestyle.
But is Prince Edward County right for you?
Let’s look at the pros and cons of moving to Prince Edward County.
The Population in Prince Edward County
The population of Prince Edward County is currently 26,196 as of Nov 2022. That’s a 1.9% increase from the 25,704 in the 2021 census.
With the lower cost of living the Prince Edward County Real Estate market has increased house values up to 55%.
See my post about Prince Edward County Real Estate trends here.
The population is projected to increase in 2023 as housing development is steadily increasing. More new homes will be available for purchase encouraging city folks to relocate.
Even though the growth rate for Prince Edward County is currently -0.42% below last year, this is expected to change, starting in 2023.
Pro: Prince Edward County Cost of Living
Compared to the rest of Ontario, the cost of living in Prince Edward County is 15% lower than the Ontario average and 5% lower than the national average.
The cost of housing in Prince Edward County housing is a whopping 39% lower than the national average.
There are still many great, inexpensive restaurants and activities to experience in PEC for now.
As the demand for housing continues to grow you can expect to see the cost of living increase in the near future.
Con: Rental Prices Are High in Prince Edward County
Rent in Prince Edward County is expected to rise in 2022, as demand for rental units continues to outpace supply.
The average rental price in the county is currently $1,500 per month, but this is expected to increase to $1,700 per month by next year.
This increase is being driven by a number of factors, including population growth and a shortage of available rental units.
As a result, renters in Prince Edward County can expect to see their monthly expenses rise in the coming year. While this may be inconvenient, it is important to remember that rental prices are still relatively affordable compared to other parts of the country.
In fact, Prince Edward County is one of the most affordable places to rent in Canada. As such, it remains an attractive option for those who are looking for a place to call home.
Pro: Lots of Job Opportunities
Job opportunities in Prince Edward County are expected to increase in the next year. Many new businesses are opening up, and existing businesses are expanding.
According to indeed.com, there are currently 252 jobs that pay $20/Hr. – 167 jobs that pay $30/Hr. – 63 jobs that pay $40/Hr.
This is good news for job seekers in the area. There are a number of different industries, including tourism, wine, craft beer, and craft cider that are growing in Prince Edward County.
The tourism industry is one of the most booming industries right now. Many new hotels and restaurants have opened up, and more jobs are being created in this field.
There is also a lot of growth in the tech industry. Many startups are moving to Prince Edward County because of the lower cost of living and the availability of talent.
This is creating many new jobs in the area. If you are looking for a job in Prince Edward County, now is a great time to start looking. There are many different industries that are hiring, and you are sure to find a position that is a good fit for you.
Con: You Might Have to Commute For Work
If you are looking for higher-paying jobs you may find yourself having to commute outside of Prince Edward County for work.
According to stats Canada, the Median Income for Prince Edward County is $32,000 a year.
While there are some employers in the region, the selection is more limited than in larger cities like work in Belleville or Kingston.
According to Stats Canada, the range of individual income for a resident in Prince Edward County is between $22,000 – $44,000 a year.
Prince Edward County has many employment opportunities specifically for trades but for factory work or office work, you may need to rethink your plan.
Pro: The Scenery is Stunning
here’s something about Prince Edward County scenery that just captivates the soul.
Whether it’s the rocky shores of Lake Ontario, the tanned dunes of the Sandbanks Provincial Park or the verdant vineyards dotting the landscape, there’s an undeniable beauty to be found here.
You’ll many historic farms and homes in Picton along with the quaint shops lining Main Street, there’s an undeniable old-world charm to Prince Edward County.
It’s no wonder that so many people flock here each year to enjoy the scenery and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
With its peaceful setting and lovely scenery, Prince Edward County is truly a place like no other.
Your backyard is not that far from the sandbanks and lighthouses to vineyards and charming small towns, there’s no shortage of things to see and explore in this region.
See the top 24 places for sightseeing in PEC to get a better idea.
If you love spending time outdoors, Prince Edward County is definitely worth considering as your next home.
Learn more about the History and charms of Prince Edward County.
Con: The Weather can be Challenging
While the scenery in Prince Edward County is gorgeous, the weather can be less than ideal at times.
In the winter months, expect lots of snow and cold temperatures ranging from -10°C in February to 83°C in August.
The summer months and soaring humidity levels can make it feel like you’re living in a sauna.
So, if you’re not a fan of extreme weather conditions, Prince Edward County might not be the best place for you.
Con: Proper Healthcare is Challenging
Prince Edward County is a beautiful place to live, but like many rural areas, it can be difficult to access healthcare.
The nearest hospital is in Picton but has limited services. You’ll need to go to Belleville approx. an hour away.
Also, there are no specialists in the area so you’ll need to travel to Kingston or Belleville. This can be a real problem for residents, especially those with chronic conditions.
Many people have to travel long distances to see a doctor, and even then, they may not be able to get the care they need.
This is why healthcare in Prince Edward County is so important. By providing access to healthcare, we can help residents of all ages stay healthy and active.
In addition, healthcare can help to attract new businesses and families to the area. Prince Edward County has a lot to offer, and healthcare is an essential part of making it a great place to live.
Con: Water is limited in some areas of PEC
Many areas of Prince Edward County have limited water sources or sulfur smell in the water. This is mainly caused by the underlain layers of bedrock that make up the county.
Many residents in rural areas have to buy and haul water to transfer to their wells or systems.
The Limestone Bedrock can cause a Sulphur smell in the water during the summer months. Areas surrounded by marsh and swamp land may have wells with Sulfur water that require treatment.
Moving to Prince Edward County comes with its fair share of pros and cons.
I did write an article about 10 reasons to move to Prince Edward County.
While the region is affordable and beautiful, you may have to deal with challenging weather conditions and a long commute if you work outside of the county.
Ultimately, whether or not Prince Edward County is the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.