PEIL SUMMER19

Souris

space, Charlottetown can offer it all. Kris Fournier of RE/MAX has a passion for the Island’s capital. “Charlottetown has a real sense of community. If you want to be involved, there are so many things to do, and people to associate with,” says Fournier. Brighton in particular (a long- established community within downtown Charlottetown) is one of Nick Tweel of Coldwell Banker’s favourite neighbourhoods. “It has history; it’s not brand new,” says Tweel. “Everything’s close and walkable, and it’s got great schools.” The character of this area and close vicinity to the waterfront make it a desirable community for both young and old.

There are, of course, the obvious important qualities when searching for a home; such as nearby amenities, parks, and businesses. But what about the less apparent factors, like fast Internet, existing community groups, and nearby walking trails? “Diversity in the type of homes, and dynamics of the people” are what makes a neighbourhood a great one, says Leigh Jenkins of Century 21. Robin Gamble of Royal LePage knows all about what makes a neighbourhood desirable. “There is huge value in a sense of community,” she says. “Whether it’s a group of ladies meeting once a week for a book club, gatherings to learn a new craft or hobby, or a group of friends and neighbors rallying together to support a local cause: anything in a neighbourhood that brings people together is important.”

This small seaside town is not only scenic, but also full of amenities, as well as several prized Island attractions. With its own system of schools from kindergarten to grade twelve, several grocery stores, and many shops, cafes and restaurants in its quaint downtown area, it’s easy to build a life by the shore here. It’s rare to find a rural town with a substantially sized downtown core, but Souris fits the bill, and does so with charm. Close to both Basin Head and Red Point beaches, in addition to its own Souris Beach Gateway Park right downtown, this well-kept neighbourhood is a beach-lover’s paradise.

Summerside

Kensington

Charlottetown

The second largest city in the province, Summerside, is the vibrant bustling centre of the Island’s west end. With the downtown core placed directly along their beautiful historic waterfront, it is able to offer an urban, city experience, while including several experiential tourist attractions. Featuring a large retail area with several shops and malls, Summerside offers all of the necessary amenities in one place. First established in 1877, it’s home to many beautiful heritage buildings and a close-knit community of residents. The downtown core hosts both old and new establishments; including several fine dining establishments, a local farmers’ market, and many unique, locally owned shops. The large residential areas and great property sizes make it an ideal place for families looking to settle down in an urban area, while still being a part of a tight-knit community.

Bordered by friendly communities, rural farm estates, ocean ront cottages, and tourist attractions, Kensington is a wonderful place to call home. Its nearby proximity to Charlottetown, Summerside, and Cavendish offers homebuyers an affordable option while allowing easy travel to all of the Island’s urban centres. With a population of just under 1500 people, and a school system from kindergarten to grade twelve, this community prides itself on being “the small town with a lot to offer”. Thankfully for us, Islanders have a wide array of options when deciding on the neighbourhood for their new home. Whether we choose waterfront, cityscape, or rural living, we thankfully have it all here on the Island – and all within a short drive of each other. In the following pages we introduce the real estate professionals who help you find your perfect neighbourhood and bring you home.

Charlottetown has much to offer, with a range of diverse neighbourhoods all within its city limits. Comprised of seven smaller communities, with a total population of 36,000 residents, the city offers the most dining, entertainment, and nightlife options per square kilometre on the Island. Charlottetown also boasts some incredible green spaces such as Victoria Park and Upton Park. These places give the city a boost of colour, and allow residents a piece of country living right in their own backyard. With essential amenities only a short distance away in most neighbourhoods, “walkability” is high for Charlottetown: Add in the T3 public transit bus system, and living a car-free lifestyle is quite easy. Whether you’re looking for a community with large family-sized lots, or a downtown condo

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www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2019

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