Living in Kingsville: A Community Guide

Community Overview

Kingsville is a community in Essex County located along the north shore of Lake Erie. As the most southern town in Canada, Kingsville enjoys the warmest climate of any city in Ontario -- which is why agriculture is the community’s primary industry.

With a population of just over 21,000 people, Kingsville is a smaller town that prides itself on its safety; heritage; and most important, its dedication to investing in the future. Kingsville also looks to its picturesque farmland, waterfront views, and thriving downtown area as major benefits of living in the community.

Kingsville is a 40 minute drive to Windsor which means residents can live a quiet life in a smaller community while having the ability to access the big city for work and leisure. 

Housing Options and Neighborhoods

Like many towns in Essex County, Kingsville’s housing costs are among the most affordable in all of Canada. This allows those moving to Kingsville to get the most value for their money when they find their dream home. 

Whether it is waterfront housing in Cedar Beach or acreage properties, Kingsville offers different housing options to fit a variety of lifestyles. Kingsville also offers suburban living in Queens Valley and Timbercreek Estates.

City Gems

Kingsville offers a robust selection of things to do for all ages. The town’s geography allows for an abundance of outdoor activities such as golfing, hiking, biking, and boating. Kingsville offers more niche outdoor activities too, like bird watching -- made possible by the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary. There are also opportunities for indoor activities centered around arts and culture as well as wine tasting! There is so much to do in Kingsville, but here a few favorites locals enjoy. 

Fairs and Festivals

Under normal circumstances, residents of Kingsville enjoy several community fairs festivals throughout the year. Most are family friendly, and with the range of options, there is a festival for everyone to enjoy. Below is an interactive list of community festivals held in Kingsville. Click the links for more details about the events:

• Folk Festival
• Apple Festival
• Migration Festival
• Fantasy of Lights Festival
• Kingsville Highland Games
• Tall Ships Festival Kingsville
• Canada Day
• Rotary Club of Cottam Fall Fair and Horse Show
• Culture Days
• Kingsville Folk Music Festival

Cedar Beach

During the summer, Cedar Beach is a popular sandy spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Located at the intersection of Lake Erie and the mouth of Cedar Creek, Cedar Beach is a favorite destination for fishermen. In addition to Cedar Beach, locals can access the Cedar Creek Conservation Area to capture amazing views of wetlands, forests, and wildlife from canoes and kayaks. 

Pelee Island Winery

As part of Ontario’s wine region, Kingsville offers fantastic culinary experiences with a wide array of wine choices. Kingsville is home to four wineries including the largest winery in Canada -- Pelee Island Winery. A town favorite, Pelee Island Winery produces a variety of award winning wines from their local vineyards. The winery offers waterfront views, amazing hospitality, and chef-designed dishes that use fresh ingredients that are sourced from Essex County. 

Carnegie Arts & Visitor Centre 

Kingsville has a tapestry of culture that inspires artists and art lovers alike. The Carnegie Arts & Visitor Centre provides art galleries, studios, and societies to those who indulge in the arts. Locals can discover paintings, art objects, sculptures, drawings, watercolours, and photographs all created by Kingsville artists. The art galleries also host artistic activities such as music concerts and performing arts demonstrations.

Migration Hall

The Migration Hall has earned a reputation as one of the top destinations for music and culture in Essex County. Under normal circumstances, visitors and locals can enjoy musical performances and theatrical productions throughout the year. The Migration Hall has hosted some notable performances including The Red Green Show; Stuart McLean and the Vinyl Café Live; Comedy Night with Eric O'Shea; The Nylons; Tommy Hunter; The Irish Rovers; Michelle Wright; and Terri Clark. 

Schools

Parents may choose between four different school boards for their children’s education with public and private, faith-based options. 

School boards available to Kingsville:

• Greater Essex County District School Board (Public)
• Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board (Catholic)
• Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence (Catholic French)
• Conseil Scolaire Viamonde (Public French)

Business

Kingsville offers a unique ecosystem of businesses comprising a bustling downtown surrounded by a traditional agriculture industry, a cottage industry, and a rapidly growing greenhouse industry. Kingsville is also attracting the attention of manufacturing enterprises and tourism development because it has access to international border connections and Highway 401. Location and affordability are big factors in the growth of Kingsville’s business district, but an even larger contributor to the town’s economic growth is its focus on economic development strategies that prioritize business development and retention.

Real Estate

Thinking about buying in Kingsville? Contact Kris Ramotar at 519.259.9310 to learn more about the Kingsville community and to find a property that fits your needs!