About Stratford
Stratford's growth story is one of the clearest examples in Atlantic Canada of what happens when a bedroom community does everything right. Directly across the Hillsborough River from Charlottetown, connected by the Trans-Canada bridge in a drive that takes no longer than a city traffic light, Stratford has built itself into PEI's fastest-growing municipality by offering families something the capital increasingly can't: room. Modern subdivisions with attached garages. Schools that aren't overcrowded. A golf course. Tea Hill Park's waterfront. Streets quiet enough that children ride bikes on them. All within the commuting orbit of Charlottetown's employment base.
The community's development accelerated sharply in the 2010s as Greater Charlottetown's housing market began to tighten, and has continued with the interprovincial migration wave that brought Ontario and Alberta families to PEI from 2019 onward. Stratford absorbed a significant portion of this demand, with builders maintaining a steady pipeline of new subdivisions pushing eastward along the Trans-Canada corridor. The resulting community skews young — young families, young professionals, and the kinds of community facilities that follow them: playgrounds, sports fields, recreation programming calendars posted on telephone poles.
The real estate market is Charlottetown-adjacent in both price and character. Stratford buyers are typically choosing between here and comparable Charlottetown neighbourhoods, and the decision usually comes down to how much new construction matters versus how much walkability matters. Stratford has the former in abundance; for the latter, the bridge is the answer. Fox Meadow Golf Course adds genuine recreational value, and the community's waterfront access via Tea Hill and the Hillsborough estuary gives Stratford a connection to the Island's natural character that purely suburban communities elsewhere can't replicate.
Property Types
🏠 New Construction
Modern two-storey homes and bungalows in active subdivisions — open-concept layouts, attached garages, energy-efficient construction, family-oriented neighbourhoods.
From ~$410K
🏡 Established Homes
1990s–2010s residential stock in Stratford's original subdivisions — well-maintained family homes with mature landscaping and established neighbourhood character.
From ~$360K
🌊 Premium Properties
Executive homes near Fox Meadow Golf Course and waterfront-facing properties along the Hillsborough River estuary — Stratford's highest-value residential tier.
From ~$550K
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Stratford PEI growing so fast?
Stratford is PEI's fastest-growing municipality because it offers the best of both worlds for families: it's separated from Charlottetown by only the Hillsborough River bridge — a 5-minute drive to the capital's employment, shopping, and services — while offering newer suburban housing, quieter streets, good schools, and slightly lower price points than equivalent Charlottetown neighbourhoods.
How far is Stratford from Charlottetown?
Stratford is directly across the Hillsborough River from downtown Charlottetown — the two communities are connected by the Hillsborough Bridge (Trans-Canada Highway) and the Charlottetown Bypass. The drive from Stratford's newest residential areas to downtown Charlottetown is typically 10–15 minutes. Stratford functions as the eastern residential extension of the Charlottetown urban area.
What is Fox Meadow Golf Course?
Fox Meadow Golf Course is Stratford's municipally owned 18-hole course — a well-maintained layout that's become a community focal point. It operates on land that was part of the area's former agricultural landscape. The course sits adjacent to Fox Meadow Trail, a green corridor through the community that connects residential areas to the waterfront park system.
What types of homes are available in Stratford?
Stratford is primarily a post-1990s residential community with modern two-storey homes, bungalows, and bi-levels in planned subdivisions. Newer sections feature contemporary open-concept construction. The market skews toward family homes in the $380,000–$550,000 range, with some executive properties near the golf course and waterfront exceeding $600,000.
Does Stratford have its own schools and amenities?
Yes. Stratford has its own elementary and middle school facilities, a recreation complex, Tea Hill Provincial Park for waterfront access, and a growing commercial district along the Trans-Canada corridor. For high school, secondary, and post-secondary education, students typically access Charlottetown institutions via the bridge.
What is PEI's Land Transfer Tax for Stratford buyers?
PEI charges Land Transfer Tax at 1% of the purchase price on the portion over $30,000. Non-resident buyers pay an additional 1% Non-Resident Real Property Transfer Tax. PEI also restricts non-residents from purchasing more than 5 acres of land without provincial approval. On a $430,000 Stratford home, a resident buyer pays approximately $4,000 in Land Transfer Tax.
