This snowy city is known for its harsh winters, but the cold has a way of bringing the community together. The capital of Manitoba gets a bad rap, but people who live here know the many advantages that this prairie city has to offer; there is a lot to love about it, from its lively sports scene to its diverse culture and affordable living options. If you’re considering moving to Winnipeg, here are some things to consider before making your decision:
- The extreme weather. This one may be obvious, but it is worth considering. During the wintertime, temperatures can drop to frigid degrees. If you are considering moving to “Winterpeg”, you’ll need to prepare yourself for the weather. This means investing in quality snow gear, like a set of gloves, toque, scarf, thick winter parka, and even ski pants. Insulated boots are essential. Your car will need winter tires during the icy months; otherwise, you will be slipping all over the road. Contrarily, the summertime temperatures can rise to very high degrees; Winnipeg is one of the sunniest Canadian cities. It can be surprisingly hot for a city that is known for its winter season. People in The Peg endure both extreme ends of the weather spectrum, but the advantage is they enjoy four distinct seasons. You will always see snow during the Xmas holidays, and bask in beautiful sunshine during the summer.
- Employment options. From the healthcare sector to construction work, there are many different fields in which to find employment in Winnipeg. It has a growing IT sector, along with manufacturing and public administration. If you are considering moving to Winnipeg, the size of this city means that you will find many job opportunities among different employment sectors.
- The cost of living. Depending on where you currently reside, chances are that the cost of living will decrease when you move to Winnipeg. There are many affordable housing and apartment options, especially compared to other Canadian cities. The economy in Winnipeg is strong and stable, with a thriving real estate market, making it an affordable city to live in.
- The culture. Winnipeg is a mosaic of many cultures - this is reflected by the festivals and art shows held annually. At Birds Hill Provincial Park, the Folk Festival is an outdoor celebration of music and culture. It features a different lineup of musicians each year and offers an array of food options and unique shopping items. Attendees can visit for the day, or purchase a camping pass to set up at the campsite for a weekend. There is also Folklorama, a celebration of diversity and culture. Its Pavilions showcase the many different ethno-cultural communities in Winnipeg, featuring performances, souvenirs, and activities. There are also delicious food options that exhibit the multicultural cuisine that you can find in Winnipeg.
- Attractions and destinations. This city offers many unique tourist spots. The Assiniboine Park Zoo is home to an iconic polar bear exhibit, where viewers can walk through an underwater tunnel and see animals swimming beneath the surface. There is also the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, which displays points in world history and is a landmark for society’s progress. It is an architectural feat and an eye-catching attraction from nearly anywhere in Winnipeg. There is also the Winnipeg Art Gallery, or the WAG. Exhibits here change seasonally, so there is always new and exciting artwork to view in the heart of downtown.
- Crime. One negative aspect of Winnipeg is its crime rate. The city struggles with drug issues, homelessness, and homicides. Crime in Winnipeg is concentrated in certain neighbourhoods, so if you are considering moving to this city, select a safe district, such as St. James, Tuxedo, Charleswood, the Maples, Osborne Village, or St. Vital.
- The sports scene. Winnipeg has electric enthusiasm about its sports teams. When the Jets were reassembled in 2011, it brought back the infectious sportsmanship that Winnipeg prides itself upon. The Bell MTS Place is super fun during hockey nights, and when playoff games happen, the streets fill with excited fans all wearing white. For football fans, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have a lot to offer; they took the Grey Cup in 2019 for the first time since 1990. People in this city love their Bombers; you will notice many custom license plates and other team merchandise around the city.
- The natural appeal. Winnipeg is split in two by the Red and Assiniboine Rivers - in fact, the name of the city means murky waters. During every season, there are different areas that you can explore to stay in touch with nature. Hiking trails that follow the river are the perfect place to go for a morning walk or jog. In the winter, you can skate across the ice rinks in The Forks, and explore the frozen river trails. Neighbourhoods like Wolseley are covered by a canopy of trees for lovers of greenery. In Winnipeg, you are never far from the natural beauty this prairie province has to offer.
- Public transport. The expansion of this city has left some areas of transit lagging - it can be difficult to use bus routes to travel around Winnipeg. Main roads have good coverage, but for newly-developed areas, bus routes can be lacking. This is compensated for by Winnipeg’s extensive bike paths that cover many major roads. If you aren’t satisfied with Winnipeg’s public transit options, consider investing in a bicycle.
10)Affordable education. The tuition for universities in Winnipeg is lower compared to other provinces like B.C. or Alberta. Educational institutions like the University of Winnipeg or the University of Manitoba have excellent programs in many different fields. Red River College is also a great educational institution. Students will be impressed at both the affordability and breadth of options that post-secondary schools in Winnipeg have to offer.
Have you decided that Winnipeg is the city for you? Globe Property Management can help you find the perfect place to call home. We have thousands of apartment listings on our website; start your search for your new apartment in Winnipeg today.
