Community June 10, 2026

Why Stratford, PEI Is the Island's Best-Kept Secret

By Cheryl Burns, REALTOR® at Provincial Real Estate Brokerage

When people think of Prince Edward Island real estate, Charlottetown usually comes to mind first. But just across the Hillsborough Bridge lies Stratford, a community that has quietly become one of the most desirable places to live on the Island.

A Town on the Rise

Stratford was incorporated in 1995 through the amalgamation of several smaller communities: Bunbury, Cross Roads, Keppoch-Kinlock, and Southport. Since then, it has grown into PEI's third-largest community with a population nearing 11,000. The 12.5% growth rate between 2016 and 2021 tells you everything: people are discovering Stratford and choosing to stay.

Waterfront Living Without the Commute

Stratford sits on the Hillsborough River, offering waterfront views and access that rival anything on the Island, but with a crucial advantage: you're still only 8 minutes from downtown Charlottetown. The Hillsborough Bridge makes the commute effortless, whether you're heading to work, dinner, or the Confederation Centre for a show.

The Town has invested meaningfully in its waterfront infrastructure. A new boardwalk connects the active transportation trail on the Hillsborough Bridge to Michael Thomas Park, creating a scenic route for walking, cycling, and enjoying the harbour. Future plans include expanded trails, recreation facilities, and enhanced public shoreline access.

Schools That Keep Families Here

Stratford Elementary School serves approximately 640 students in a dual-track English and French Immersion program. And a brand-new Stratford High School is under construction, a modern facility designed with a two-story library and café that signals the community's commitment to education and growth. For families considering a move, the school infrastructure is a major draw.

Established Neighborhoods with Room to Grow

Neighborhoods like Battery Point represent the best of Stratford: custom-built homes on generous lots, mature tree canopies, and quiet streets that feel private without feeling isolated. These are not cookie-cutter subdivisions; they're established enclaves where homes have character and landscaping has had decades to mature.

28 Battery Point Dr exemplifies what makes this community special: a full acre of land, 155 feet of private shoreline, and views that change with the seasons, all within a short drive of everything Charlottetown offers.