Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Toronto to Charlottetown in 2023
Are you planning to move from Toronto to Charlottetown in 2023? If so, knowing some basic information about both cities is essential for a smooth transition. Toronto is the most populous city in Canada with a population of 5.9 million and an area of 630 sq km. It is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, top-notch restaurants, world-class shopping experiences, cultural diversity and exciting nightlife. With its towering skyscrapers and iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower, visitors can feel the energy of this bustling city when they arrive.
Charlottetown is located on Prince Edward Island off the east coast of Canada with a population of approximately 55 thousand people. This small city offers its visitors plenty to explore with stunning waterfront views along the harbourfront boardwalk, beautifully restored heritage buildings throughout downtown and an array of local art galleries featuring Island artists' work. Visitors can experience an authentic Maritime lifestyle complete with delicious seafood restaurants and warm hospitality in every corner!
Relocating to Charlottetown from Toronto
Relocating from Toronto to Charlottetown can be a big decision, with various factors to consider. We have compiled and collected the 5 most important factors you need to consider when planning your move, so that you can make the best decision for your future. Read on in the next section to learn more about these five vital considerations and how they affect your move.
Cost of Living
Charlottetown is the capital and largest city of PEI, a small island province in Canada. Taking into consideration its size and infrastructure, living in Charlottetown can be quite affordable depending on your lifestyle and budget. Therefore, it's important to have an understanding of the various costs associated with moving to this vibrant city which we compare and present below.
| Category | Charlottetown | Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $200/sq ft. | $475/sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $275 / sq ft. | $700 CAD / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $850 / Month. | $2300 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200-250 / Month | $262 / Month |
| Transportation | $58 / Month (Monthly Pass for Public Transit) | $156 / Month for a monthly transit pass. |
| Car Insurance | $900 / Year | $1500 / Year |
| Entertainment | $50 / Month | $300 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $300 / Month. | $400 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $135 / Month | $92.25 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50 / Month. | $50-100 / month. |
| Sales Taxes | 15% sales tax. | 13% / Year |
Charlottetown is much more affordable than Toronto when it comes to real estate and housing. Production homes in Charlottetown cost an average of $200 per sq ft, while those in Toronto are nearly $300 more expensive at $475 per sq ft. Similarly, custom-built single family homes in Charlottetown cost on average $275 per sq ft, whereas they will set you back an average of $700 CAD per sq ft in Toronto. For rental properties, a one-bedroom in Charlottetown is about $800 less than one in Toronto, with a monthly rent of $850 compared to the Canadian metropolis’s monthly rent of $2300. Furthermore, monthly spending on utilities and insurance for a one bedroom home is about half the price of that in Toronto. When it comes to transportation costs, public transit passes are nearly half the price of those in Toronto - a month pass for the bus or train will set you back just under $60 compared to around $156 for a pass in the city known as The 6ix. For car insurance, premiums are significantly less expensive as well - Charlottetown drivers pay on average around $900 each year compared to around double that amount ($1500) for Torontonians. Entertainment costs are also much lower - going out in Charlottetown will only set you back around fifty dollars each month compared to three hundred dollars each month for nights out on the town in Toronto. Grocery costs for one person are also cheaper by about 25%, with groceries costing about three hundred dollars per month compared to four hundred dollars each month north of the border. Lastly, communication expenses such as phone and internet bills are also much more economical - costing only around one hundred and thirty five dollars compared to almost one hundred and three dollars north of the border.
Benefits of Moving to Charlottetown
Moving from Toronto to Charlottetown offers many advantages, such as being close to natural sites and having a low cost of living. Moreover, Charlottetown has an excellent education system and is renowned for its diverse cultural heritage. Meanwhile, Toronto is a highly populated city that can be expensive to live in for people of all ages.
The friendly community in Charlottetown also makes it an ideal place for raising families or even retirement. In addition, there are plenty of outdoor activities available within walking distance from the city centre - something that Toronto lacks due to its urban landscape.
Best areas to live in Charlottetown
Choosing a neighbourhood in Charlottetown can be a difficult task, as there are so many factors to consider. With its diverse offerings, from historical sites to modern amenities, decision fatigue can easily set in while attempting to pick the perfect place to call home. To help you find your perfect fit fast and without feeling overwhelmed, we've listed some of the best neighbourhoods in Charlottetown with all their advantages and potential drawbacks.
Brighton
Moving to Brighton, located in Charlottetown, promises an exciting start to a new life. From the colourful homes and buildings lining the streets to the nearby parks and beaches, Brighton offers something for everyone. For those looking for an adventure or a peaceful escape, one can visit the Confederation Centre of the Arts or go for a stroll at Victoria Park - both within 10 minutes from downtown’s hustle and bustle. Residents of Brighton will enjoy living near nature but still have access to all that Charlottetown has to offer – its unique culture, vibrant nightlife and tasty cuisine make it a great place to call home.
Old Charlottetown
Old Charlottetown is a charming neighbourhood, located on Prince Edward Island, known as the Birthplace of Confederation. It is home to approximately 15,000 people and has a rich history exhibiting both French and British influences. It is surrounded by lush green forests, beaches and parklands with plenty of places to explore and enjoy. The city boasts walking distances to several tourist attractions including the Confederation centre of Arts & Culture, Beaconsfield Historic House Museum, Province House National Historic Site and the PEI Brewing Company. Living in Old Charlottetown promises a community oriented experience with all the amenities for an enjoyable life; here you can revel in historical wonders as well as natural beauty that this city provides.
Spring Park
Moving to Spring Park, Charlottetown, is an amazing experience for anyone looking to move away from Toronto. Located near the Charlottetown waterfront, Spring Park offers a vibrant and unique neighbourhood experience with its modern buildings and colourful storefronts. Spring Park is home to a diverse array of businesses and activities - pubs, coffee shops, art galleries, boutiques and more - all within walking distance of various scenic attractions like the Confederation Centre of the Arts. Living in this vibrant part of town allows one access to numerous parks and trails for moments of leisure or recreation when needed. With easy access to public transportation as well as great entertainment options within reach - it's no wonder why so many choose to call Spring Park home!
West Royalty
As one of the top neighbourhoods in Charlottetown, West Royalty has a wide range of demographics, encompassing all kinds of people. It's surrounded by great parks and green spaces, making it an ideal spot for nature-lovers. You're just minutes away from popular attractions like the Confederation Centre and Victoria Park which are great hotspots for tourists and locals alike. Living in West Royalty is a unique experience; you're close enough to take advantage of all the city has to offer, but far enough that you can also enjoy some peace and quiet whenever you need it.
Lewis Point
Lewis Point is a vibrant and popular neighborhood in the heart of Charlottetown. It is located close to all the major attractions, with the city center just a ten-minute drive away. The area is also served by ample public transportation and surrounded by various shops, restaurants and parks that add to its lively atmosphere. Furthermore, it has several schools nearby which make it ideal for families who are looking to move here. Living in Lewis Point will surely be an enjoyable experience as you will get to enjoy the beautiful scenery while being close enough to all that Charlottetown has to offer.
Pros
- The stunning natural beauty surrounding Charlottetown makes it an ideal destination for those looking to experience a change of scenery.
- Moving from Toronto to Charlottetown offers the advantage of less traffic and a better quality of life.
- The lower cost of living in Charlottetown makes it an attractive option compared to the expensive Toronto.
Cons
- Moving to Charlottetown from Toronto may present limited job opportunities compared to the larger city.
- The con point when moving from Toronto to Charlottetown is the colder weather and heavier snowfall, making it more difficult to get around outside in the winter months.
- Charlottetown's limited cultural diversity compared to the vibrant atmosphere of Toronto may be a deterrent for people when planning to move.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Toronto to Charlottetown?
Moving from Toronto to Charlottetown can be an exciting and memorable adventure. There are many different companies available to help with the transition, including Hercules Moving Company which offers local moving, long-distance moving, international relocation and storage solutions. Furthermore, these services come with a variety of packages depending on needs and budget. Meanwhile, there is also option for those who prefer a hands-on approach as DIY movers can buy materials and rent trucks for more independence during their move. It is important for people relocating from one city to another to thoroughly research the background of their chosen mover before committing - checking that they’re registered with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) along with reading customer reviews online should be your first step in making sure you’re getting the best deal for your money.
Conclusion
Relocating from Toronto to Charlottetown is an exciting adventure with many advantages like a low cost of living and close proximity to nature. There are numerous moving companies, including Hercules Moving Company, that offer great packages for people moving from one city to another. Researching their background and reading customer reviews is important in ensuring you get the most out of your move. Charlottetown has many different neighbourhoods such as Brighton, Old Charlottetown and Lewis Point - each offering something special in terms of lifestyle or entertainment. Discover which area will suit your needs best before deciding on relocating to this vibrant city!
