52 Comments to “Moving to PEI”

  1. Tweets that mention Moving to PEI | Whimfield -- Topsy.com

    Dec 7th, 2010

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Houseblogs.net, Whimfield . Whimfield said: New post: Moving to PEI: Are you considering moving to PEI? Over the past couple of years I’ve received quite a … http://bit.ly/idhwMj [...]

  2. Johanna

    Dec 7th, 2010

    I do want to move to PEI. I have wanted to for many years and have contemplated the reasons for and against. It is a very complicated issue and defiantly not to be taken lightly. For me at this point in time it is a goal to focus on, something to work towards. In the process many other little goals are getting accomplished, things that need to happen whether we move to PEI or not. It has forced me to re-evaluate myself, my life and mostly my finances. I do understand that life in PEI will really not be all that different than life here, there will still be house work to do and a job to go to. Bills to pay and food to buy. I can’t give a good reason as to why. Why do I want to move there. There are so many reasons why it would be better to stay where I am, not the least of which is that I’m starting a new job next week.
    When we get to a point where we can really seriously consider the move I think is when we will make the decision. Until then it remains something for me to focus on and perhaps that is all I need. Just that dream of someday. I hate the thought that maybe that’s all it will be but tomorrow will happen when it happens and for now all I have is today.
    Thank you for posting this, for forcing me to consider that fact that moving there may not be the best choice. It is definitely something I need to consider.

    • Laura-Jane - Whimfield

      Dec 7th, 2010

      Dear Johanna,

      Having the courage to drop a note in here with your self-insights shows that you’re committed to tackling the tough decisions head on!!

      I love PEI, and it has been a fabulous move for us and I don’t regret it one iota. My purpose for this post is not to quash dreams, but make us look a little deeper at what we really want in life.

      You are sooooo right about the fact that it is very much about the journey… Life is not the destination — it is the journey!! We all need dreams of “somedays…” And I think our future assurances of success and that ever elusive happiness are that much more attainable when we understand what we want in life and really take the chance and time to look inside. Sounds like you’re really in touch with yourself, especially recognizing how important it is to have a goal and a vision to work towards.

      (By the way, we didn’t really have a good “reason” to move here either. We just trusted our guts. So… it’s okay to not know! But it is fun to dig a little deeper.)

      Your friend,
      Laura-Jane

  3. christy

    Dec 7th, 2010

    nah, i heard canadians make it hard for americans to live there!! in fact my one friend got deported!! :)

    but in seriousness, good post!

    • Laura-Jane - Whimfield

      Dec 7th, 2010

      Yes, you are happy in your corner of the world, close to all yours and Blaine’s family :)

  4. Marguerite

    Dec 8th, 2010

    Great post Laura-Jane. It’s very practical (and necessary!) to consider all your reasons before making such a huge decision. As you say, so much will be affected and though the grass may look greener, it probably isn’t. The other side of the coin is that often there’s no way to explain why you want to move somewhere. I couldn’t tell you why we moved to PEI. This community had a draw that no other place did. It was unexplainable and there was no logic but it was simply the right thing to do.

    • Laura-Jane - Whimfield

      Dec 8th, 2010

      “This community had a draw that no other place did. It was unexplainable and there was no logic but it was simply the right thing to do.”

      Absolutely love it. You’ve gotta listen to your heart/body/self!

  5. Jane

    Dec 8th, 2010

    As a future “islander by choice” or ibc I find the lure of the maritimes, not just PEI, very strong. I’ve travelled through Cape Breton and the Nova Scotian mainland and New Brunswick and fell in love with many places, especially the Lunenberg & Mahone Bay area. But then this past summer I ventured over to PEI and didn’t want to leave…ever! I looked at homes and ended up buying one.
    For me (and Michael) this will be our retirement home. I’ve dreamt all my life of living in the country and always wanted to be in view of the ocean. I couldn’t be happier with the location. Cost of living also has something to do with it – I can AFFORD to live comfortably in PEI and that is important to me because I want to retire early on a reduced pension. I am very secure in giving up $$ in order to gain two extra years of retirement.
    We have many plans: Michael is a life coach and can work from anywhere using a phone or skype on a computer. I am an artist without the time to practise my art while I work as a teacher. So I plan to build my dream workshop and get back to what I love. We both love the outdoors and walking through the woods and now we have our very own forest. We have plans to build a meditation hut in the centre.
    I see the move to PEI as the culmination of everything we have worked so hard for – so it does have that magical quality to it – the enchanted island feel. Yes, a little idealistic perhaps but I have friends who retired near Montague and my older sister is retiring there also after visiting every year for the past 8 years. Their feeling of enchantment has continued and i feel confident mine will too.
    It doesn’t take a lot to make me happy – a simple old farmhouse, some land, good neighbours (those I’ve met so far are wonderful), beauty in abundance for my eyes, nature, wildlife, birds, gardens, good companionship – that’s all:)

    • Laura-Jane - Whimfield

      Dec 8th, 2010

      Yeeeeees, it is about heart-pull and ALSO about practicalities, too. Cost of living was a huge part for us too… I guess it is just this crazy, inexplicable, holistic combination of so many elements, isn’t it??

      • Go Vegan!

        Dec 31st, 2010

        Is the cost of living really that much lower than the rest of Canada (e.g. Ontario)? I know real estate is a lot less, but food, clothing, etc. seemed to be priced the same when I was there for a visit.

        • Laura-Jane - Whimfield

          Jan 1st, 2011

          I completely agree with you. Cost of living is pretty similar to rest of Canada, except housing costs are much less and electricity costs are much higher than rest of Canada.

          One nice thing, too, is that there are no PEI premiums for health care. Whereas in BC we had to pay “MSP” every month, but in PEI there is nothing like MSP that you have to pay for provincial healthcare (but, of course, like the rest of Canada you still have to pay out of pocket for dental costs, prescriptions, etc or else get medical coverage through your employer).

    • Joanne

      Dec 30th, 2010

      My husband and I are getting ready to pack it all up and move to PEI this summer. We also have travelled to Nova Scotia and fell in love with the Maritimes. The music of Cape Breton, the sailing in Chester bay, the pace of life, the fresh seafood, the ocean and all the unspoiled beaches…I could go on and on. I have dreamt of living by the ocean my whole life and am unwilling to wait any longer. I feel drawn to PEI, and am glad to have found this forum where I can read about other peoples experiences on moving to your enchanted gentle isle…
      We are woodworkers who are influenced by Celtic artforms and styles, we are confident our small business would do well there. I have looked at homes on MLS and can’t believe what our money can buy us.
      After doing some research, we are leaning towards a place between Summerside and Montague, the south coast basically. One of the places that intrigued me was Montague, we’d like to live in a small community and have a place nearby to dock our boat. Any information or advise anyone on this site could give us would be greatly appreciated.

      • Laura-Jane - Whimfield

        Jan 1st, 2011

        There is a very active arts/craftspeople community here. I don’t know these people personally, but it certainly would be a good idea to connect with other woodworkers on PEI to get a sense of the community and financial situation of woodworkers on PEI: http://www.woodmagic.ca/Site/Welcome.html You could try contacting them and see whether they have any insights for you.

        If you are wanting to capitalize on tourism you may have an easier time if you are located near the Rustico area, as that is where most of the tourists are (due to its proximity to Canvendish, Anne of Green Gables, etc.)

        You might also check out Victoria-By-The-Sea, a very very cute community in the region that you mentioned!

        Best of luck to you and please do keep us posted on your progress. I know there are many people reading this who like to live vicariously through people like you.

        Again, do as much research as you can.

        Warmth,
        Laura-Jane

  6. Heather

    Dec 8th, 2010

    I echo many of the thoughts that have already been posted, especially Jane’s. My hubby and I bought some land in PEI in 2003 and a small cabin on 55 acres in 2009 which will serve as a base if we decide to build, or perhaps home if we don’t. The whole plan is to live small and simplify. We are both from the East but currently live out West. The West has been very good to us and we’ve been here about 30 years. It has been an up-and-down adventure (many layoffs and such), like any place, and you can’t beat the beauty of the mountains. However, there comes a time when you have to step back, evaluate your priorities, take stock of what really matters, and move forward based on those realizations. In a busy city, you are pulled along with the flow whether you want to be or not. It’s like a moving river and our society has become fast in every aspect. We want the opposite.

    I suppose my main draw to PEI, besides the slower pace and beauty, is because I want to watch a tomato get ripe before it freezes. Sounds like a small dream but if you love to garden, as I do, it gets disappointing to find frozen plants and flowers in the prostrate position (from wind and no trees) some time in August. Not always, but enough to make you mad. I want to grow apples, cherries, and experiment with peaches (like John Quimby, a fellow PEI blogger).

    We’re not going out there in search of jobs – and I honestly don’t think that’s the place to go if that is what you need – I work at home and that will be enough for our needs. Part-time may also be an option but slowing down does not entail full-time jobs – work maybe, but not jobs. Simplifying life to us means growing our own food, heating with wood (all the way), not having to drive anywhere in a snow storm (love snow), having a few chickens (I think hubby put the brakes on the cow) and generally living within our means while adding to the community. How much stuff does a person really need? Lately, the appeal of a very small house is pulling at us. Easy to heat, hang a few hammocks, and voila.

    We have been to PEI several times and we felt the pull as well. The people are the friendliest we have ever met, bless them, and that alone would be a good enough reason to move. I just hope they will put up with the rest of us. :)

    • Laura-Jane - Whimfield

      Dec 8th, 2010

      “…because I want to watch a tomato get ripe before it freezes.” Can’t get much more specific than that. :) I believe that historically because we’ve been living off the land for so long and only relatively recently we became so removed from it all, there is probably some unmet desire in many of us re: connecting with the outdoors and our food! I have been to John Quimby’s house and seen some of his produces and tasted some too. They are great connections!!

      I also agree that PEI is not the place to go for jobs too, but that’s a whole nother discussion…

      PS: Lol: “I think hubby put the brakes on the cow” Don’t worry, you’ll be able to slowly whittle away at the barriers… :)

  7. N&M

    Dec 8th, 2010

    I love how your 2nd to last sentence rhymes. I picture it on a billboard somewhere on PEI with a big smiling picture of you next to it.

  8. Tom Schultz

    Dec 9th, 2010

    Having moved here a decade ago from the US, I can agree with the earlier retirement (in our case because of the health insurance and the lower price for property and houses–especially old fix-er-uppers in the country) but I can’t imagine how anyone says the cost of living is less. Perhaps the cost of eggs and milk are standardized across Canada, but in the US they run about half. And the image of frozen tomatoes is not unknown here on PEI.
    To us the reason for coming was also related to the quieter pace of life and the relaxed attitude toward shore access. We tackled the (to us) long winters by taking up skiing and we (more correctly I) took up sailing to take advantage of the water. Cartainly it is a better place to retire to than to come looking for work!

    • Laura-Jane - Whimfield

      Dec 10th, 2010

      Interesting to read your reasons for moving to PEI, Tom. We’ve found the general cost of living to be pretty similar in PEI as to British Columbia, where we came from. Exceptions:
      *Cost of electricity is ridiculously expensive in PEI (highest in the country);
      *Cost of housing is very very very affordable in PEI;

  9. Johanna

    Dec 9th, 2010

    There have been a couple of comments mentioning that moving to PEI looking for work is perhaps not the best idea. I do really understand that, I do. But I’m not yet 40 and I’m at least 25 or 30 years off for retirement and being a rather impatient person I don’t really want to wait that long in order to make the move. So for myself and my family I have to consider the job market. There are jobs in PEI if you look for them. And not just retail/tourism type jobs either. They are there and I feel we’ll find them.
    I’m not looking for a grass is greener on the other side deal. I know it isn’t. I can’t define what I’m after but I just have a feeling.
    I think sometimes you just have to go with what you feel. Even when it looks contradictory to what you SHOULD be doing.

    • Laura-Jane - Whimfield

      Dec 10th, 2010

      I totally agree. My perspective is that there are ALWAYS jobs and opportunities if you are willing to put yourself out there and really do the work of looking for a job.

      I will say that most high-paying jobs are in Charlottetown or Summerside, and that it is probably easier to find a job on PEI if you have higher education. The less education you have the more difficult it will be to find reasonable paying work. (Feel free to chime in if you think I’ve got it wrong.)

      Also, I am not sure whether the trades pay very well here, but perhaps someone else can speak to that?

      • Johanna

        Dec 11th, 2010

        I agree with you on the education needed for job prospects. You defiantly need the education to get the better jobs but it’s the same in any place you live whether it’s PEI or Ontario.
        Trades, once you get through the apprenticeship period, pay very well in any province. Cavendish Farms is looking for an Industrial Electrician right now and is offering 25.25 an hour. In my books that’s a good wage.

  10. N&M

    Dec 9th, 2010

    A little Connie Cullerne in you I think ;)

  11. Michelle

    Dec 10th, 2010

    Wow… lots of post here.

    For my own personal reasons, PEI is not the place I wanted to land. There is a strong blood tie but there there is also one here in NB where we did land. Work challenges for an Anglophone in a French community are a huge obstacle but I’ve survived five years so far. I didn’t bank on my hub’s inability to work ever again. This is harder on him as he’s never been a lazy man. But.. we are debt free, we have beauty all around us. Our river view is never old and we manage to grow a LOT of tomatoes and herbs (and then some). The tomatoes may see some frost but never allowed to freeze. They take over my kitchen table in fall till they either ripen or rot. OH wait… they might end up in my freezer at some point. :o)

    Many come East for the same reasons. Lifestyle… a longing for some quality of life, fresh air, nice people, affordable housing (food, electricity and heat is not cheaper, I’m afraid).

    When the ‘call’ is strong, you just have to go with your gut. Planning is essential. Keeping expectations realistic is essential as well.

    Laura-Jane, you have presented some good points and food for thought. Plus, you kept it real by stating you went with your gut as well.

    • Laura-Jane - Whimfield

      Dec 10th, 2010

      “When the ‘call’ is strong, you just have to go with your gut. Planning is essential. Keeping expectations realistic is essential as well.” Couldn’t agree more, my friend.

  12. Ellie

    Dec 13th, 2010

    This is such a timely post for me because we are just now trying to decide whether PEI could be a place for us. We’ve been there many times, and love it. We love the Canadian culture (we are Americans) and the slower pace of life. We often say to each other (DH and I) that moving to PEI would be one of the best things we can do for our kids. It would be nice to know that once we became Canadians our children would never have to worry about health care coverage again. That their college bill would be very substantially cheaper than in the US. That it’s the kind of place where you can send them down to the corner store in safety. But we only have a few family members there, and they are thinking of moving out West! And I do worry that on the other hand they wouldn’t be able to live there as adults because the job market is limited. And that we would never really be accepted as Islanders.

    But we love it for it’s beauty, it’s slower pace of life, it’s reasonably priced real estate (by our standards), and for a culture that is more about judging people on their talents and character than the car they drive or the size of their house. The call for me IS strong. But first we’d need jobs and a sponsor, or “permission” via the Skilled Worker program.

    • Laura-Jane - Whimfield

      Dec 14th, 2010

      Wow, Ellie, lots of very practical and logical reasons there! For both sides, really. Moving to PEI does become even that much more complicated when borders are involved, doesn’t it??

      As for never really being accepted as Islanders, it can go either way. For the most part “real” Islanders seem to respect the fact that we have chosen their island as our home. I think there is a big distinction between people who summer here and people who live here year round. To me it seems like that’s the bigger distinction. It is true that it is important though (whether you’re a true Islander, meaning born here and from a real Island family back many generations). That being said I’ve never felt it was a negative distinction, but it is definitely there! Hope this is making sense!

      I sometimes wonder how we are supposed to make these decisions about our lives. Ellie, I wonder, is your family’s (DH specifically, I mean) pull as strong as yours?

  13. warren

    Dec 13th, 2010

    I like reading about so many aspects of your life on PEI and it looks absolutely wonderful in most respects but I could never move there…you see, I despise snow! Could you send a bit of PEI south minus the snow? If so, I am game!

    • Laura-Jane - Whimfield

      Dec 14th, 2010

      Lol, that’s a good thing because I don’t know if Canada could handle your big, goofy, lovable charming self!! :)

  14. Jemma

    Dec 16th, 2010

    Great blog btw!
    I’m currently in Duncan on Vancouver Island and considering a move to PEI in the New Year. Thinking Montague as a place to start.

    Having been toying with the idea for a couple of years, I am closer than I’ve ever been to taking the plunge. Hailing from the UK, I am no stranger to long distance moves, but in honesty that is the part I dread the most….I’m 43, female, single, with no kids, so it should be relatively painless, although there are a dog, and two cats to consider.

    My sense of why I want to come: Firstly, I LOVE small islands…something very comforting about them. I was born on Mauritius, grew up in the UK, spent a year in Japan when I was 18, and since coming to Canada ten years ago, have spent the last 8 on Vancouver Island.

    With that in mind PEI seems a natural option. Secondly, I love to be close to the ocean, and enjoy windy blustery days, and spending as much time by the water as I can….beachcombing is a favourite pastime.

    Ultimately, I’m seeking a quality of life that I cannot hope to afford where I am now.

    The winters concern me as I know they are colder and longer, but in honesty 4 months of straight rain and grey skies as we have here, is pretty bloody grueling. I enjoyed the cold, crisp, bright winter days when I lived in Toronto, so I am optimistic.

    Will I find community though? I’m an artsy, somewhat eccentric gal who eats organic, and is into the metaphysical, and the esoteric. I love Artm and cherish my rock collection more than most people I know, and my animals are my family.

    I love live music, cooking, painting, writing poetry, and living a rather bohemian existence, and my spirituality is pagan in origin; I’m into permaculture and design, vintage clothing and currently work for myself in business development and communications, with an emphasis on RECIPROCATION.

    Any insights or guidance you can offer would be appreciated. Which areas should I also be considering in addition to Montague? Is there work out in PEI….I keep hearing horror stories about people moving to PEI and coming back a year later due to the lack of jobs and infrastructure…although I am definitely a Low-Fi Gal!

    Thank you :)

    Will I find like-minded people? Oh, and one last thing….crazy as it might sound. I DON’T drive, and not sure I plan on changing that.

    • Laura-Jane - Whimfield

      Jan 1st, 2011

      Hi Jemma,

      Loved your lovely note. Lots of good stuff here. Some of my thoughts:

      I love PEI but the public transit system is atrocious (which I understand, because there just aren’t enough people here to sustain it). That being said you will need a vehicle and the ability to drive it, unless you live SMACKDAB in the middle of Charlottetown. Seriously, there is no transit system to speak of. You can’t even take a greyhound bus to Ch’Town from Montague. Literally, no buses!

      You will have no problem finding community! Lots of lovely people, and many “come-from-away” artist types all over the island, some clustered in “Breadalbane” and “Caledonia” and many other places on PEI.

      Work is a MAJOR issue. There are certainly lots of jobs to be had but unemployment is a serious concern. Do lots and lots of research re: your industry and how it fits in on PEI.

      I think you will do just fine here, Jemma, as long as you get the work situation figured out. If you are contemplating self-employment you really need to live in Ch’Town.

      I am an Eastern end of PEI girl, and I don’t have a lot of experience with the Western end of the Island. I don’t want to take a stand on something too controversial, but I really prefer the Eastern end of the Island–I would recommend concentrating on Hunter River – Charlottetown-Montague area and all points in between. But remember, you’ll need a vehicle!!

      No worries about the weather though. I find it better here than Vancouver Island. Colder, but much sunnier. Snow clearing can be an issue, so beware of houses on clay roads or with long lanes. You may need to budget for a tractor or to pay someone to clear your driveway depending on your home.

      Those are my general thoughts. Hope they are of some help to you!

      • Ginny

        Nov 5th, 2011

        Interesting that you encourage living in the Eastern end but admit to not having experience in the Western end of the Island ;) I wonder if you’d advise the opposite had you landed in the Western end?

        To me, the entire Island is beautiful…I encourage anyone thinking of moving to the Island to consider many different spots….Kensington, O’Leary, Tyne Valley, Summerside, Wellington, Crapaud, Victoria-by-the-Sea, Rustico, and of course, the Eastern end of the Island such as Montague, Souris, Georgetown….and many spots in between. Everything you need is in most small towns/villages. That being said, I think that a car is a MUST in PEI…luckily nothing is too far (but I suppose this may depend on your perspective). That way, if you live in the country you are still able to go to a larger centre such as Charlottetown or Summerside if need be. I think if you are moving from a “big” city, Charlottetown would probably be your best bet, unless you are really yearning for some country living.

        Great blog by the way!

  15. James

    Dec 29th, 2010

    PEI is a great place. Just hope and prey that the Indians, Jamaicans and Somalians dont discover this. They tend to find their way to nice, safe, friendly communities then proceed to turn them into slums. Toronto, Brampton, Montreal, Vancouver etc. all went downhill when they started arriving. Just try to keep them out.

    • Laura-Jane - Whimfield

      Jan 1st, 2011

      Hi James.

      Thanks for your comment, but I’d like to challenge you on this. Do you really think it is the ethnicity that changes such a place? I think it’s more likely related to income level. I do see a lot of immigration in Charlottetown these days, but I see it as a good thing. We need people here, and inmigration is a good thing.

      Plus, do a little digging on the impending labor shortage in Canada. We need immigration, PEI especially.

  16. Jemma

    Jan 1st, 2011

    Thanks Laura Jane,

    I have an interview lined up in Montague and just applied for another job in Charlottetown. I imagine I will get a license, but also plan to use a bicycle as much as possible in the warmer weather. I’m looking mostly in Kensington, and Montague and areas, as well as Charlottetown but it’s quite a bit more expensive there.

    Thanks for the advice…will be coming out January 25th :)

  17. Laura-Jane - Whimfield

    Jan 1st, 2011

    Jemma, that’s great!!! You are a doer, a go-getter, I love it. Best of luck on your interview. Well, not luck, because I don’t really believe in luck per se. Make your own luck and shine!

    Warmth
    LJK

  18. Eric

    Feb 9th, 2011

    How hard would it be for a Yukoner with a lot of outdoors, labour and work experience to move there? I’m not entirely sure how I found your website, but it has been informative. Is renting expensive there also?

  19. Trevor

    Feb 11th, 2011

    Wow! I just stumbled onto your blog. It is great to see there are like minded people in abundance back there . My wife and myself are looking forward to moving back with our two young children this July. We are loading up a trailer and driving across Canada from ….Yes you guessed it Vancouver B.C. and are moving to a beautiful 25 acre plot of land which comes with a sweet apple orchard a stream to dip our toes in a straw bale house which can be off the grid with the flick of a switch. Oh yeah and no midnight sirens waking up the family.
    We were even considering doing our own Blog and documenting the trip across the country.

    Do you have any tips for the drive?

    Thanks for the great blog.

  20. Eric S

    Feb 25th, 2011

    Interesting reading everybodies views on the island.
    My wife and I moved here from the UK in 2007 so we are just into our fourth winter. Wow, what a difference! The first one nearly sent us scuttling back to the UK and might have done so if it had not been for the help we had from our neighbours. (Two inches of snow in England is a disaster and the country shuts down!) We were so unprepared and hadn’t really appreciated what a Canadian winter was like.
    Thing is, the neighbours rallied round – even one I’ve never seen since – and got us through. This seems to be typical of the folks here but, at the same time, they’re generally difficult to really make friends with. Virtually all of our friends are “from away” – whether that be from a different province or from across the border. The islanders are friendly and very helpful but keep their distance.
    Jobs are definitly a problem although I stepped into a good one within six weeks of arriving – I was lucky. A lot of vacancies are contracts of six to twelve months which may or may not be renewed so life can be a bit uncertain, financially. So much so that we are thinking of moving away, to Ontario probably.
    PEI is a lovely, peaceful, quiet place to live – too quiet for our kids – but probably best to come here with some sort of private income.
    According to some statistics I came across recently, the population here is shrinking year on year – mainly because of the job situation, I would guess – so newbys are very much required.
    All that notwithstanding, good luck to all who are thinking of come here.

  21. Sarah J.

    Apr 5th, 2011

    Nice to see all the feedback posted re:living in PEI. My husband has been accepted to school there for september and I have to say the only scary part of moving is me finding a job (I am an RN). I know all other aspects of life will fall into place, but all the scary unemployment statistics! We are living in northern Ontario at the moment and there are major unempoyment issues with the fall of the forestry sector which is why my husband is going back to school (we both have degrees in forestry but I went back for nursing in 2005). I loved that I typed in living in PEI and stumbled upon this post! I will be reading it for inspiration for our possible move! Thanks so much!

  22. David F.

    May 8th, 2011

    I just finished reading your life changing story. Let me just say, what an inspiration. We are brought up to follow “the system” but most people, at one point or another in their lives, realize there is something seriously wrong with the way things are. Most people settle for what they have but always know that there HAS to be an alternative to the current reality.

    Slowly but surley, I am starting to see more and more people who are deciding to take a stand and change the way they live.

    We all ask, “but what can I do? I am just me.”
    What I believe up until today is that we must change ourselves and that will slowly change our environment and eventually it will trigger a chain reaction.

    I am currently on my fifth week of living in my car, by choice.

    You quickly realize that there are only so many things that matter in life and that we really need to survive.

    Your blog has been the tipping point for a start to the blogging world. Soon enough I will start writing my experiences and would appreciate all and any feedback good and bad =)

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful experiences, I wish the best for your family. I wish I could be closer to where you guys are living now so I can give a hand with the house work, I am sure that although your story is from 2008 there is always more that can be done.

    Until soon,

    David

  23. Dwayne

    May 26th, 2011

    Very thought provoking questions! My wife and I have been thinking about moving to the maritimes and more specifically, PEI, if it works out, for quite some time now. There are a variety of reasons why.

    First and foremost, we are extremely tired of the bitter SK winters that we have endured in my (his) home province of SK. You don’t know cold until you’ve felt -45 C plus a 50km/hr wind. Even more fun if you work outdoors!

    2nd, she is originally from PEI but has been away since being moved to Alberta as a teenager. She has PEI in her heart and he can tell it still calls her.

    3rd, for whatever strange reason, I (he) have always felt this pull towards water. I briefly lived on the west coast and spent some time in the Okanagan, but after returning to SK for a number of years, the pull of waterside communities is luring me again. We looked seriously at BC, but the cost of living is outrageous. Everything about the maritimes and coastal living excites me.

    4th, our lives have become mundane and repetitive. We, especially he, crave new adventures and sights and experiences and friends.

    5th, I (he) feels most alive when challenged by life. Strange but true.

    Finally, we LOVE seafood! :P

    (Thank you so much for sharing your story here Laura – Jane. It was very insightful and inspiring. Haven’t seen you add anything lately though?)

  24. Karen

    Jun 15th, 2011

    This is just what I was looking for! I’ve never been to PEI, my husband and I decided to take a trip this summer and that is how I came to discover PEI. That was a week ago and I can’t stop thinking about moving there and we haven’t even been yet. My husband is from Nicaragua and the Ontario life is not for him. So much so that he would rather move back to Nicaragua which I couldn’t handle. I have been to Nova Scotia many times as a child but never seriously considered even moving out East. Now I just have this feeling I can let go of. I am trying to be realistic until we go there but I have a feeling I won’t want to leave. I’d like to homeschool my kids and just enjoy life and my kids. I have heard the unemployment statistics but there’s always something if you want it badly enough. We both have jobs here but have a townhome with no grass or breathing space. I want my kids to have space to run and be kids and enjoy the outdoors. It may be a ‘grass is greener’ mentality but I’m willing to give it a try! Even my husband is excited for once and has stopped talking abouthow much better life would be for us in Nicaragua. I can tell there in Nicaragua I would REALLY have trouble making a living!

    • Sandra

      Aug 15th, 2011

      I’m surely happy to have stumbled upon this site. I can’t quite remember when the idea of living in PEI came to mind (although very recently), but it’s been a thought that’s very difficult to ignore. I too have never visited PEI, but I have a feeling I’ll love it, as will my Italian born hubby – we’re hoping to make it out there this September to take in some nature and tranquility. We have had the pleasure of visiting other areas in the Maritimes and found the beauty to be addictive (not to mention the seafood). Although, I do have to admit that I’m a bit concerned about east coat winters, which I’m assuming shouldn’t be that much more depressing than ours in Southern Ontario – just with a lot more snow. We’re tired of a hectic life; there must be something better than this seemingly endless rat race for things we really don’t need. PEI seems to offer a simpler lifestyle in a beautiful and clean environment in one of the best countries in the world. What more could one ask for? We had considered moving to Nicaragua, but had quickly changed our minds after visiting a friend who had moved there 2 years ago from Italy. Yes, he now lives a half decent life (rat race free and better than in Italy’s current economic woes) in the picturesque outskirts of Managua, but in a caged villa with a moat of large dogs surrounded by a 3 meter tall, barbed wire topped, concrete wall. Personal safety issues, along with seeing others live in extreme poverty and hunger, while you live in comfort was too hard to swallow – definitely not a place for us. We did, however, live in my husband’s Northern Italian town (population 3000) which we absolutely loved, but the reality of a very high cost of living wore us thin and eventually scared us back to the comforts of big city incomes in Canada. Employment and income is definitely a consideration in whether or not to make the plunge to PEI, but it seems that the possibility of self employment (b & b, restaurant, etc.) can make the dream a reality. Good luck to everyone on their endeavors!

      a more tranquil life

  25. Lloyd

    Jun 23rd, 2011

    I googled, I want to live in PEI for one year, and came up with this site. Great reading throught the postings.
    I am retired, living in Ontario and ready to explore this great country. I would live in a region for one year then move on to another. I would like to start in PEI. Any comments on finding accomodation for a year.

    Lloyd

  26. Shaffin

    Jun 24th, 2011

    Sometimes, a thought that has never left comes to the forefront.So found these posts after searching for “moving to PEI.” I have visited twice, in the mid 1980s and then 1990s. The pull has never left me. Am from the Canadian west coast living currently in CT, but west leaves me cold: self-absorbed citizens and topography can’t hold a candle to the east. Lately, I have been following a blog called “Viable Opposition” based in PEI that I really like – I suppose that has had something to do with my renewed interest, too. So my avatar aura aside, am wondering about schools. Would welcome anecdotal as well as factual resources in getting a better understanding of how elementary as well as high school education are faring in PEI – would welcome the whole range of impressions. Here in CT, deposit budget challenges, the Governor has wisely continued to invest in public education, including special needs (which my kids are). Smaller school sizes, individualized attention. Good anywhere. How about in PEI?

  27. Annette

    Aug 23rd, 2011

    My family and I are coming to visit PEI in Sept we hope to see what it is like I am a Canadian who has lived in the US for many years and want to come back to my homeland. We want a simple life where we can grow most fo what we eat. My DH’s company is in Canada and we hope it has a presence on PEI if we decide its the place for us. I have a pretty diverse artistic ability have learned to make many home crafts over the years and we intend to really check out the Island when we are there. Any sugestions? I love being near water and I know the winters on the Island are harsher so we are being realisitc about it. Is it possibel to meet some IBCs while we are there?

  28. Doreen

    Dec 1st, 2011

    Live in Nanaimo and wondering what retiring is like to a P.E.I.er I am 73 and would like to know more about which grocery store are out your way and other shopping facilities. Would like to find a small house with a bit of land for me and my dogs and cat.

  29. Doreen

    Dec 1st, 2011

    Live in Nanaimo and wondering what retiring is like to a P.E.I.er I am 73 and would like to know more about which grocery store are out your way and other shopping facilities. Would like to find a small house with a bit of land for me and my dogs and cat.

  30. Doreen Jabs

    Dec 1st, 2011

    What would it be like for a person 73 to move to P.E.I. I drive and would like to buy a small home, with a bit of land..an acre or so.
    What shopping facillities are there.ie grocery stores. sears, candian tire, walmart, etc.
    please give an instance on price such a doz. eggs, loaf of bread. etc

  31. Alice

    Dec 13th, 2011

    Very nice to find your site.

    I’ve been thinking a bit about moving to PEI. I’m in Vancouver and I hate it. I want friends and to be around friendly people, a quieter life and more peace. I suffer from severe anxiety sometimes, and quiet and stillness helps. Plus, I want to stay in Canada for the healthcare, but there’s no where else in Canada I can think I’d want to live.

    I travelled to PEI in late September several years ago; I stayed in a friend’s friend’s cabin near Port Rustico, but saw Charlottetown, Cavendish, and other areas. As I’m single (and 36) I think I’d want to be near people, thus probably in Charlottetown.

    How is PEI for making friends? Do people end up leaving because they can’t find enough singles? I know Halifax would have more people and more singles, but it’s not the same to me. I don’t want to be lonely where I live, and Vancouver is so lonely and no one wants to spend any time getting to know others and invite people into their lives.

    I lived in the USA a while, in the midwest (Kansas City), and might again because of my friends there and the friendly people, but the healthcare situation there is awful. I’m not sure I could live in the USA again.

    What do you think about making friends in PEI?