Why are people looking to move to PEI from Ontario?
Last Updated On : December 10 , 2024
People are moving from Ontario to PEI primarily due to the high cost of living, particularly housing. Additionally, the lifestyle in PEI, characterized by tranquillity, natural beauty, and community appeal, attracts those seeking a better work-life balance. The feasibility of maintaining connections to Ontario via affordable travel further supports the decision to relocate. However, job availability and the harsh winters in PEI are potential challenges that movers weigh against these benefits.
Image Source: CBC News
- Ontario generally has colder and more extreme winters due to its inland location and exposure to continental air masses. As a coastal province, PEI has milder winters influenced by the Gulf Stream.
- Housing costs in Ontario are significantly higher than in Prince Edward Island. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto's city centre can cost around $2,500 per month, while a similar apartment in Charlottetown, PEI's capital, might cost around $1,500.
3 Key Factors People Choose PEI As Permanent Residence:
There are ten provinces in Canada. People choose their destination in Canada based on their job profile, culture, family members, and communities. Due to the low housing supply, people are looking for Prince Edward Island's PR pathways. Here are the three major factors that make people move to PEI.
- PEI is perceived as having significantly cheaper housing costs than in Southern Ontario. This financial advantage is a major driver, particularly for those struggling with Ontario's high cost of living.
- Charlottetown Airport makes affordable and relatively short flights between Charlottetown and Hamilton, making PEI accessible and allowing easier visits to Ontario when needed.
- Cardigan, Charlottetown, Egmont and Malpeque are places in PEI where the individual is willing to trade off career opportunities for a lower cost of living and improved quality of life.
Moving to PEI From Ontario – What Reddit Says?
A most popular Reddit post on Pros & Cons is on moving to PEI from Ontario.
This post has been moved to the archive, but since it has been more than a year, people prefer Prince Edward Island over Ontario. New immigrants are still searching for the post.
The post has more authority than other search results as the comparative results between PEI and Ontario are given by real people who have moved to PEI from Ontario due to high cost or other reasons and spent a certain amount of time in Prince Edward Island.
What Are the Points a User May Think Before Moving to PEI From Ontario
Caution to anyone considering moving to PEI about practical challenges, particularly housing and weather, while highlighting its unique lifestyle, food culture, and community as strong positives for those who can manage the costs and logistics.
- Visit Before Moving: The user emphasizes experiencing PEI firsthand to understand its unique quirks and lifestyle.
- Travel Limitations: While PEI offers some flight connections to Ontario, options are limited, and recent changes (e.g., Swoop shutting down) complicate direct travel.
- Weather: Winters in PEI are longer, and summers are shorter compared to southern Ontario, with extreme weather (e.g., tropical storms) becoming more frequent.
- The user warns of a severe housing crisis in PEI, with expensive and scarce rental and purchase options exacerbated by low wages and high inflation.
- Local Appeal: Despite challenges, PEI offers a friendly vibe, excellent seafood and diverse cuisine, a strong sense of community, and proximity to Halifax for urban experiences.
- Personal Preference: Despite the drawbacks, the user values PEI's lifestyle and does not regret moving from Ontario.