Is Prince Edward Island a Good Place to Live? Here Are the Top 5 Places to Call Home
If you’ve ever dreamed of living on a Canadian island surrounded by red-sand beaches, lighthouses, and the slow rhythm of coastal life, Prince Edward Island (PEI) might just be your perfect match. Often overshadowed by larger provinces like British Columbia and Ontario, PEI is a small but mighty gem packed with charm, community, and natural beauty.
As island enthusiasts, we dove deep into every province in Canada before choosing where to plant roots, and PEI stood out for many reasons. Whether you're a retiree, entrepreneur, young family, or simply someone craving a more peaceful life, here are the five best places to live in Prince Edward Island, each with its own flavor of island living.
1. Charlottetown – The Vibrant Capital
Charlottetown is not only PEI’s capital but also its cultural heartbeat. This coastal city has it all—historic architecture, lively arts, and a strong economy fueled by tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Why live here?
- Quality of life score: 74 (just behind Quebec)
- Excellent healthcare & education
- Affordable cost of living
- Great public transit and domestic airport
- Abundance of outdoor activities—kayaking, hiking, swimming, and more
Families especially love Charlottetown for its safe neighborhoods and active lifestyle. It’s where city conveniences meet the laid-back pace of island life.
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2. Murray River – Tranquility with a Touch of Wine Country
If small-town serenity speaks to your soul, Murray River in Kings County could be your hidden haven. With just about 300 residents, this tiny town boasts stunning vineyards, a growing local shopping scene, and a surprising sense of vitality.
Highlights:
- Average summer temps: 25°C
- Average home cost: 62% less than the PEI average
- Crime rate: 8% below the provincial average
- Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, retirees, and nature lovers
It’s the kind of place where everyone knows your name, and you’re never far from a riverbank sunset.
3. Kensington – The Heart of the Island
Smack dab in the center of PEI, Kensington is the island’s small-town sweetheart. With a community of 1,600 people and plenty of local events, you’ll feel like you belong from day one.
Reasons to consider Kensington:
- Low crime severity
- Family-friendly with parks, beaches, and museums
- Affordable homes (~$164,900 average)
- Unemployment rate: 12%
- Household income: ~$51,520
It’s the perfect mix of affordability, charm, and community. If you love festivals, cozy coffee shops, and access to both coasts, this is your spot.
4. Souris – A Quiet Escape with Coastal Magic
Tucked along Colville Bay, Souris offers ferry access to the Magdalen Islands and is surrounded by some of PEI’s most dramatic coastlines. This town is a top pick for retirees, thanks to its affordability and slower pace.
Why Souris?
- Cost of living: 18.1% below the Canadian average
- Extremely safe: 16% lower crime than the national average
- Great healthcare and senior facilities
- Household income: ~$42,368
Souris is perfect if you're seeking a safe, scenic, and affordable place to enjoy island life’s golden years.
5. North Rustico – Small Town, Big Personality
Nicknamed “The Crick,” North Rustico may be small with just 607 residents, but it’s big on spirit. This harbor town on PEI’s north shore is famous for its epic Canada Day celebrations and cozy community vibe.
Why move here?
- Gorgeous summers (24°C in July)
- Charming restaurants and local boutiques
- Violent crime rate: 16% lower than the national average
- Cost of living: 8% below PEI average
- Median income: $23,600
Ideal for creatives, remote workers, and anyone who wants to live where every season feels like a storybook scene.
Is PEI Right for You?
From rolling green fields to rust-colored cliffs and oceanfront villages, Prince Edward Island is more than just Anne of Green Gables nostalgia. It’s a place where community still matters, where the air smells of salt and strawberries, and where you can build a life that feels as good as a summer breeze.
Whether you're downsizing from the city, looking for a new adventure, or just want to swap traffic jams for fishing boats, one of these five towns could be your ideal island home.
🌟 So, is Prince Edward Island a good place to live? Absolutely—if you value peace, beauty, and a tight-knit community, PEI may be your dream come true. 🌟
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