Prince Edward Island Real Estate
Information
Choosing a Neighbourhood in Prince
Edward Island (part 2)
Prince Edward Island's Schools
If you have children, the proximity and quality of schools is an important
consideration. Talking to neighbours with school age children can be
helpful. In some areas schools will provide data (such as average test
scores) that can aid you in determining a school's quality. The majority
of students go to public schools. However, special schooling is offered
in French for parents who wish their children to be French educated.
Almost all school-aged children in the province attend one of the 65
English language schools or 5 French language public schools. Approximately
one per cent of children in the province attend one of the four privately
operated schools. Parents also have the option of home schooling their
children.Prince Edward Island's public schools are operated by three
elected school boards and are funded by the provincial government.
Transportation in Prince Edward Island
Convenient access to public transportation and/or major highways can
mean the difference between a pleasurable and not-so-pleasurable commute
to work. This is not a problem in PEI because of the island small size,
even travelling to the extremes points of the island can be done in
a short time. However, one problem did exist until recently. Those wishing
to travel to the mainland were limited by the ferry. Now with the development
of the Confederation bridge, which connect Prince Edward Island to New
Brunswick such problems are a thing of the past.
Amenities
Amenities like a grocery store, parks, recreational facilities, post
office, dry cleaner and a doctor's office can make life easier if they
are located nearby. Most PEI towns have the local grocery shop or Sobey's
and all major hospitals are located within a short drive.
Property Values
By researching the selling prices of homes in over the past decade or
so, you may be able to predict future trends. PEI proverty values have
been increasing lately as PEI becomes a more attractive retirement location.
Your Prince Edward Island real estate agent may be able to provide helpful
data.
Utilities
Avoid unpleasant surprises by finding out what utility costs are before
you decide to purchase. Fees for water, electric, cable tv, phone and
gas vary greatly by region. The waters which surround PEI kept it warmer
in the winter and cooler in the summer. The winter's still can be cold,
so except to pay more heating in the winter, but at least in the summer
air conditioning is usally not required.
Noise and Nuisances
It can be hard to get an accurate impression of a neighbourhood in just
one visit. Be sure to return to the neighbourhood at different times
of the day and night. Listen for traffic noise, barking dogs, low-flying
airplanes and any other noises that could bother you as a resident.
PEI fortunately is a quite island without any major airports or sources
of noise.