Are you considering changing locations and moving to Belleville? Before you pack up your bags you must be aware of all the pros and cons of moving to the city. Here is a comprehensive review of the pros and cons of living in Belleville, Ontario so that you can make an informed decision. The city of Belleville is located in the fourth largest province of Canada Ontario. The province is located towards the east-central side of Canada and borders the United States. The province is important as it is home to the city of Ottawa which is Canada’s capital.
The city of Belleville is located between the two major cities of Ontario and Toronto. It is bordered by Lake Ontario towards the east, Moira River, and the Bay of Quinte. Being surrounded by all these significant natural landmarks makes it an important city and tourist attraction. Belleville has a rich indigenous history and traditions. The city spans a total area of 247.21 km2 and a population of about 50,716. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the city.
Pros
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1. Scenic beauty
The city of Belleville and its surrounding areas are a picture of scenic beauty. The Bay of Quinte which is a prominent scenic point offers a beautiful waterfront view of the city. The Bay attracts locals and tourists alike with its 45-kilometer waterfront trails. The area is used for boating, fishing, and many other recreational activities. The cities authorities have made the most of its natural beauty and added a number of parks and trails throughout the city for the residents to enjoy.
2. Good weather
The weather in Belleville is generally quite nice. The city does experience the typical Canadian cold winter when the temperature can get below freezing but the weather in the city is not as bad as most places in Canada, it enjoys a shorter span of winter. This is because the city is towards the southern part of Ontario which itself is towards the south of Canada. Fall in Belleville is especially beautiful as the leaves change color and the whole city transforms into a picturesque town straight out of a fairytale.
3. Entertainment
The city provides several entertainment opportunities to its residents. These include outdoor activities, festivals, and a vibrant social scene. Water sports such as sailing, fishing, and boating on the bay Quinte is a particular favorite of the residents. In the Winter season, the Bay freezes over for a brief period and people can also enjoy ice fishing. As for other recreational activities, Belleville has many wineries, breweries, and distilleries located in the area around the city. Located in close proximity to the city towards the south is Prince Edward County there are beaches and campgrounds as well.
4. Close proximity
One great feature of Belleville is its close proximity to other major cities in Ontario. The city is located almost halfway between Toronto and Ottawa. Moreover, there is an extensive road system especially the major highway 401 which makes traveling to these cities quick and easy. So if you’re ever bored of staying in Belleville you can easily take a trip to either one of these major cities and enjoy the exciting city life they have to offer.
5. Industrial activity
Belleville is also a manufacturing and industrial hub. The city has a lot of economic activity such as warehousing, manufacturing automotive parts, plastics, food processing, and packaging. Belleville also has a biotechnical industry. A number of renowned companies have set up factories in Belleville, such as Kellogg Company, Procter & Gamble, Magna, and Vantage Foods.
6. Healthcare
Healthcare is an important aspect to consider when moving to a new city. Fortunately, Belleville has the best state-of-the-art healthcare services. You can consider it a hub for healthcare in the region because of its diverse and comprehensive services. The Quinte Health Care Belleville General Hospital is one of the biggest hospitals in the region and offers all medical facilities. Moreover, the city also has medical laboratories, nursing services, dental laboratories, ambulance services, and home care medical suppliers Another great aspect of Belleville’s healthcare sector is the abundance of family doctors that you can find. The city has a wide private practice and family doctors who have treated generations of the same family.
7. Transportation
In terms of roads and public transport, Belleville is at par with other cities in Canada. The city is connected to Highway 401 with has interchanged at Wallbridge Loyalist Road, Highway 62, and Highway 37. The city is also connected through rail routes. The VIA Rail is one of the busiest railways in Canada and stops in Belleville many times a day.
Cons
1. Housing
Unfortunately, housing in the city is a bit of a sore point among citizens. The city does not have a diverse choice of housing as other cities of the same size do. In terms of prices, the apartment in Belleville are either too expensive and the cheaper ones are not well maintained. It becomes difficult to mid-range apartments in the city.
2. Cost of living
In Belleville, the cost of living is a little higher than in some places in Canada. Housing can be more expensive as well as certain other amenities such as food and services. This is a serious point to consider when moving to the city especially if you belong to the lower-income bracket.
3. Tax
The province of Ontario has higher tax rates. Since Belleville is located in Ontario it follows the strict taxation policies enforced throughout the province. Residents of the city have to pay federal tax and provincial tax. The lowest tax rate gets as high as 20% of the income and almost 53% of the income for the highest tax bracket. The high rate of taxation may be a cause of concern for many thinking of moving to the city.
Final Verdict
Hopefully, you will have found our list of pros and cons useful, and it would have given you a clear idea of what it’s like to live in Belleville, Ontario. No doubt the city has great natural beauty and scenic views which make for a lot of recreational activities. In terms of infrastructure and amenities, the city has a lot going on in its favor. The higher cost of living in terms of housing, taxes, and other amenities is the only downside to an otherwise perfect town.