Peterborough Versus Kingston: The Ultimate Showdown!

Written by Jeff Sands

If you’ve followed our social media or have been reading our blogs for some time, you’ll know that we love a good comparison post! We are also passionate about Peterborough, not just the real estate, but everything that makes this city a fantastic place to visit and call home.

Today’s blog is extra special because we’re comparing two places that are very close to our hearts: Peterborough, our current place of residence and Kingston, where we lived for many years and began our real estate careers.

Searching for a new place to call home, with gorgeous surroundings, a supportive community, and a ton of fun activities to enjoy all year long? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Living in Peterborough!

Which City Has the Best Location?

Kingston lies approximately 200 km east of Peterborough and 260 km east of Toronto. If proximity to a major metropolis is a priority, Peterborough is already the clear winner, located only 140 km northeast of Canada’s biggest city.

You could get there in a day anytime there’s a big concert, festival or other event and get home again without the cost of overnight accommodations. When travelling outside of peak traffic times, the trip will take around 90 minutes by car.

Peterborough is close enough that some residents even live here (for the lifestyle and cost of living) and commute to Toronto. This option is especially feasible for a hybrid position where you can work remotely a few days each week. As a result, you could have a world of career opportunities ahead of you.

It’s much less practical if you have to travel a minimum of 3 hours each way, like you would if you lived in Kingston. The closest major city to Kingston is Ottawa, which is still almost 200 km and at least two hours away. Round one for Peterborough!

How does Peterborough measure up to other towns and cities? Find out in our other comparison posts below:

Bigger Small City Versus True Small City

Both Kingston and Peterborough attract residents from larger cities for a multitude of reasons. Partly, it’s to find relief from high prices of everything from rent and housing to the cost of groceries or just a night out.

More than anything, it’s to get away from the stress of the crowds and constant traffic gridlock. Free parking everywhere is an added bonus! Whether Kingston or Peterborough fits your needs depends on how much breathing room you are looking for.

At last count, Kingston had more than double the population of Peterborough, with approximately 172,546 people living there. Peterborough is home to about 83,000 residents.

If you still want the hustle and bustle of a big city, just to a slightly lesser extent, Kingston might be the solution for you.
If you truly desire a tranquil lifestyle where there are still plenty of fun things to do and every convenience is easily accessible, there is no better place than Peterborough!

Access to the Waterfront

When it comes to waterfront living, we’ll be generous and call it even. Sure, Kingston offers easy access to Lake Ontario, along with a nice multi-use path for cyclists and hikers to share. The views may be stunning to look at, but less ideal for those who actually want to swim. What fun is the beach if it feels like plunging into an ice bath even during the hottest days of summer?

Peterborough is about an hour’s drive to the shores of Lake Ontario. However, it is a waterfront paradise in its own right, thanks to access to multiple waterways, including the Otonabee River and Little Lake right in the city. Peterborough is also known as the Gateway to the Kawarthas. Its strategic location near a massive network of lakes makes it one of the best places to live in Ontario!

Beavermead Park and Rogers Cove are two beaches a stone’s throw away from the downtown core. Since Little Lake is relatively shallow, it warms up quickly, making its beaches perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day. (By “refreshing” we mean cool yet comfortable, not something that resembles a scene from “Frozen.”) If you don’t mind the cold, Kingston does have a lovely beach at Gord Edgar Downie Pier at Breakwater Park.

Peterborough is also the site of the Lift Lock, one of Ontario’s most fascinating landmarks. We could spend hours watching the ships go by, especially from one of several downtown restaurants and cafes with waterside views. When we’re in the mood for some shopping, the independent businesses are second to none.

Peterborough sounds lovely, but what is there to do around here? Fill your calendar by reading the posts below:

Housing and the Cost of Living

Once again, we are almost at a draw. Kingston really does have a lot going for it, which is why we lived there happily for so many years.

Kingston and Peterborough are both more affordable than Toronto or even Ottawa. Peterborough does have a slight edge, however, with real estate prices that typically trend lower than in Kingston. This either means buyers can get more home for their money, or first-time buyers can get into the market at a more accessible price point at all stages of the property ladder.

If you’re relocating, downsizing, or searching for your first home, you will likely find lower prices in Peterborough. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and a long list of fun things to do that are absolutely free!

Parks and Green Spaces for the Win

Many Ontario cities are natural wonderlands, and Kingston and Peterborough are no exception. Kingston is bigger, geographically, so it contains a higher number of parks. Peterborough, however, is exceptional for the way its many green spaces and trails interconnect throughout the city.

Here, your everyday life can be filled with incredible scenery, even if you’re taking a quick trip for some errands. Downtown is where you’ll find the Lock Lift as well as Millennium Park with its Centennial Fountain and curated gardens. Del Crary Park is a few minutes away on George Street and is well worth the visit thanks to its spectacular lakeside views. A vast network of trails makes it easy to commute nearly everywhere you want to go by bike or on foot.

With countless smaller parks weaving in and out of each neighbourhood, a natural paradise is basically steps away from anywhere. While Kingston and Peterborough both have much to offer, Peterborough will always feel like home to us!

Planning a move and still ironing out the location? Our Peterborough real estate agents are happy to tell you everything you need to know about our favourite city. Reach out to team@jeffandkatie.ca or call 705-243-9797 to start the conversation today.