Things to Consider Before Moving to Winnipeg, Manitoba
So, over 82,000 of you watched one of the first videos I ever posted: Things You Should Know Before Moving to Winnipeg. Thank you! To that end, I figured I should write a blog post for those that don’t love watching a long video. My team and I handle dozens of relocations to and from Winnipeg every year—many stemming from that original video.
Just a quick aside: Please, pretty please, do not feel compelled to go seek out that video. It was one of my first and still incredibly embarrassing. Yet, I’ve left it up because for some reason people find it useful.
Moving on - we noticed common requests for neighborhood guides, relocation advice, and lifestyle insights coming through our Website since this video was posted. To help, we created a relocation guide (sign up for one here!).
Through our work, we’ve spotted trends in what people want to know before making the move. Some of these things might surprise you, and some might just confirm what you already suspect. So, let’s get into it!
Winnipeg: The Right Fit for You?
Before I dive in, I want to say this—Winnipeg is not for everyone, and that’s okay! Every city has its strengths and weaknesses. What works for one person might not work for another. I absolutely love living here and think it's been an incredible place to grow my family and my business. But you need to decide for yourself if it’s the right move.
Winnipeg isn’t perfect, but no place is. The key is to do your research and determine whether Winnipeg offers the lifestyle and opportunities that matter most to you.
Crime in Winnipeg: What You Need to Know
Let’s start with one of the most common concerns: crime rates. Winnipeg has made headlines as the most violent city in Canada, with crime rates twice the national average (source).
Now, before you let that scare you away, let’s put things in perspective. Much of Winnipeg’s violent crime is linked to gang violence and domestic incidents, both of which tend to be localized to a specific area. What does that mean for you? If you move to a well-researched, safe community, you may rarely, if ever, be impacted by violent crime. I personally would never sell a home in an area where I wouldn’t feel safe walking at night.
And if you’re coming from the U.S., here’s a fact: moving to Canada automatically lowers your chances of being involved in a violent crime by 37%. Canada as a whole has lower crime rates than our southern neighbor.
We have seen an increase in non-violent crime, especially things like car break-ins and bike thefts. These are issues that many Canadian cities deal with, but they are usually crimes of opportunity. Locking your car doors and securing your valuables can go a long way toward avoiding them.
Affordability: A Big Reason People Move Here
One of the biggest draws to Winnipeg? Affordability. In a time when inflation is making it harder to live in major metropolitan centers, Winnipeg remains one of Canada’s most affordable cities.
The average detached home price at the start of 2025 is around $425,000, which is almost half the national average. That price can buy you a starter home in a top-tier community, or a 3+ bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a finished basement in a safe, established neighborhood.
Unemployment rates here are low, and the economy is historically stable, making your investment in a home here a relatively safe one. I’ve helped many families relocate to Winnipeg after being priced out of their current markets, and they’re often shocked at how much more they can afford here compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
We also benefit from lower energy costs. Manitoba is a hydroelectric powerhouse, meaning our electricity rates are some of the lowest in Canada. Many homes even opt for electric furnaces instead of gas due to the cost savings.
What’s There to Do in Winnipeg?
The long and short of it: There is ALWAYS something to do in Winnipeg. Whether it be the dead of winter, or the sizzling days of summer.
If you’re worried that Winnipeg might be “boring,” think again! There’s so much happening here, from world-class arts and culture to outdoor activities and major festivals.
Arts & Culture: Winnipeg is often called the "Cultural Cradle of Canada," and for good reason. The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) houses the largest public collection of Inuit art in the world. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, founded in 1939, is Canada’s oldest ballet company. And let’s not forget the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Manitoba Theatre Centre, which provide year-round performances.
Festivals & Events: No matter the season, there’s always something happening. Festival du Voyageur in February celebrates Franco-Manitoban culture, while Folklorama in August is the world’s largest and longest-running multicultural festival. In July, we have the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, the Folk Festival, and the Jazz Festival, all of which bring thousands of visitors to the city.
Outdoor Activities: We’re also lucky to be so close to nature. Winnipeg is surrounded by beautiful lakes, and you can reach many of them in under an hour. If you love to skate, the Forks River Skating Trail is a must in the winter, offering up to 10 kilometers of winding ice paths along the river.
Getting Around: Do You Need a Car?
I get asked this a lot: Do you need a car to live in Winnipeg? The honest answer? It depends. If you’re living downtown and working in the core, you might be able to get away without one. We do have a public transit system, and there are car-sharing services like Peg City Car Co-Op.
But if you have kids or a job that requires commuting, most families do own at least one car—if not two. The city is very spread out, and while our commutes aren’t long (you can usually get anywhere in 20 minutes or less), a vehicle does make life easier.
Winnipeg Weather: What to Expect
Winnipeg’s summers are gorgeous—hot enough to enjoy a beach day but not unbearably humid. But let’s talk about winter. It gets cold. Like, really cold. -40°C with windchill cold.
But here’s what I’ve learned: Winnipeggers don’t let the cold stop them. People bundle up and go about their day. A good parka, thermal layers, and an attached garage make all the difference. If you’re new to this kind of winter, I highly recommend getting a car with a remote starter—trust me, you’ll thank me later.
We are also one of Canada’s sunniest cities, with over 316 sunny days per year. If you’re coming from the West Coast, you might actually find Winnipeg warmer, simply because the dry cold doesn’t seep into your bones the way damp coastal weather does.
Final Thoughts: Is Winnipeg Worth the Move?
If you’re looking for an affordable, family-friendly city with a strong sense of community, Winnipeg might be exactly what you need. My husband and I weren’t born here—we had no ties to the city when we moved. But we stayed because we love the quality of life, the people, and the opportunities.
At the end of the day, no city is perfect, but Winnipeg has given us a wonderful life. If you’re thinking about making the move, my team and I are here to help. We’d love to show you what this city has to offer!
Jennifer Queen
Phone: (204) 797-7945
Email: Jennifer@QueenTeam.ca