Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Montreal to St. John's in 2023
Do you ever dream of living in a vibrant cultural hub, or perhaps a small coastal town with stunning views? If you're considering a move from Montreal to St. John's in 2023, there are many things to consider before making the big decision.
Montreal is the largest city in Canada's Quebec province and one of North America's most diverse cities. With more than two million residents, it is home to an array of art galleries and museums, as well as renowned restaurants and nightlife options. It also has an eclectic mix of architectural styles that showcase its rich history - from the Gothic Revival style Notre-Dame Basilica to modern glass buildings along the waterfront. Exploring Montreal is like taking a trip through time; it offers something for everyone from lively festivals and street markets to peaceful parks and charming neighbourhoods.
St. John's is located on Newfoundland Island off Canada’s east coast, known for its rugged beauty and quaint fishing villages that dot its coastline. With a population of about 200,000 people, St John’s combines small-town charm with modern amenities that make it an attractive destination for those seeking outdoor recreation opportunities or just looking for an escape from urban areas. From hiking trails along Signal Hill overlooking St John’s harbour to whale watching trips off nearby Witless Bay Ecological Reserve - there are plenty of ways to explore this picturesque corner of Canada!
Relocating to St. John's from Montreal
Moving to a different city can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it is important to take the time to consider all the factors involved in such a big change of location. We have carefully chosen five of the most critical considerations when relocating from Montreal to St. John's – cost of living, benefits of moving, where to live, pros and cons, and best moving solutions. With these topics in mind, read on for more information about making your move successful!
Cost of Living
St. John's, located in Eastern Canada, is one of the biggest cities in the country. Although it seems like a big change for Montrealers, living expenses can vary widely depending on a person's lifestyle, as seen in the table below.
| Category | St. John's | Montreal |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $200/sq ft. | $243/sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $200 / sq ft. | $376 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,200 / Month. | $1,366 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $250 / Month. | $180 / Month |
| Transportation | $60/month for a Metrobus transit pass. | $85 / Month (OPUS Transport Pass) |
| Car Insurance | $1,080 / Year. | $717 / Year |
| Entertainment | $150 / Month | $100-$150 / Month. |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $250 / Month. | $250 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $120 / Month | $90 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50 / Month | $50-80/month for gym memberships. |
| Sales Taxes | 15\% | 15\% |
The cost of real estate in St. John's is much lower than in Montreal, with production homes costing around $200/sq ft., compared to $243/sq ft. in Montreal, and custom-built single family homes costing the same at $200/sq ft. in both cities. Housing costs are also lower in St. John's, with 1 bedroom apartments running at around $1,200/month compared to over $1,300/month in Montreal. Utilities and insurance for housing cost about $250/month in St.John's compared to just under $180/month in Montreal. Transportation also costs less in St.John's with a metrobus transit pass costing around $60/month compared to an OPUS transport pass costing around $85/month in Montreal. Car insurance is much cheaper in St.John's, costing an average of over $1,000 per year compared to just over $700 per year in Montreal. Entertainment costs vary between the two cities but are generally less expensive in St.John's, with estimated costs ranging from around$100 -$150 per month compared to an estimated range of$100-$150 per month in Montreal. Groceries cost the same across both cities; about $250 per month for one person on average. Communication costs for phone and internet are also cheaperin St John’s averaging around$120 per month compared to just under$90per monthin Montreal. Finally Health and Fitness expenses range from around$50 to 80 per month depending on each city; however gym memberships tend to be priced similarly across both locations averaging around$50to$80per month respectively
Benefits of Moving to St. John's
The vibrant culture and art scene in St. John's is unlike any other city in Canada. The colourful downtown buildings, packed restaurants and lively nightlife are sure to bring joy to settling families. Meanwhile, Montreal is known for its French-style atmosphere, but the atmosphere found in St. John's is second to none because of its unique Irish influence.
Beautiful scenery can be found all over the city of St. John's with easy access to outdoor parks, beaches and walking trails--something Montreal lacks due to its heavy urban development. In addition, the friendly community here makes it a great place for newcomers as they will be warmly welcomed by the locals here! For those who enjoy good food and drinks, there is no shortage of exciting options available in this city as well - such as pub grub or fish 'n chips served up at pierside pubs!
Best areas to live in St. John's
With its rapidly growing population and booming economy, selecting a neighbourhood in St. John's can be quite a challenging task. With several factors to consider such as location, amenities, cost of living and neighborhood vibe it is not an easy decision. To help make the process simpler, here are some of the best areas to live in this beautiful Canadian city.
King William Estates
Moving to King William Estates in 2023 is an attractive option for Canadians who are looking to experience a unique culture. Located close to the downtown, this neighbourhood provides easy access to some of the city's main attractions. The King William Estates are located near some of St. John's most notable landmarks such as Signal Hill National Historic Park and Fort Amherst National Historic Site, with both being within walking distance from each other. Moving here provides an opportunity for people to experience a friendly small-town atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and shopping opportunities nearby. Living in the King Williams Estates gives you the perfect balance between peaceful living and exciting city life, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking for a great new home!
Waterford Valley
Waterford Valley is a vibrant, up-and-coming neighbourhood situated on the outskirts of St. John's. It is bustling with diverse restaurants, trendy shops and entertainment venues. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Waterford Valley boasts several parks, walking trails and waterfront views within walking distance for those looking for a quick escape from city life. For those wanting to explore more of St.John's famous attractions such as George Street or The Battery, they are only a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of Waterford Valley. With its convenient location and attractive amenities, living in Waterford Valley makes it easy to enjoy all that this remarkable city has to offer!
Churchill Park
Churchill Park is home to an eclectic set of people, with a diverse array of backgrounds and cultures. It is surrounded by stunning natural beauty on all sides, with lush greenery, breathtaking views of the Harbour and access to nearby attractions like Signal Hill, The Rooms and many more. Moving to Churchill Park means you'll never be too far away from what St. Johns has to offer - being close enough for easy access but still secluded enough for some peace and quiet. Living in Churchill Park promises plenty of outdoor activities as well as local eating establishments serving some delicious seafood dishes - perfect for taking in that beautiful harbour view every day!
Elizabeth Tower
Elizabeth Tower, located in the beautiful city of St. John's in Canada, is home to a rich population of diverse people. You'll find yourself surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and public parks that are perfect for spending a relaxing day or night outdoors. No matter where you go in the neighbourhood, you're never too far away from the bustling downtown core or breathtaking waterfront views. What's more, many of its attractions are within walking distance of each other so exploring the city won't take long at all! Living in Elizabeth Tower means enjoying an urban lifestyle but with all the convenience and amenities that come with it - as well as plenty of opportunities to experience Newfoundland life.
Bally Haly
Bally Haly is a charming and lively neighbourhood in St. John's, located near the Memorial University of Newfoundland, Signal Hill National Historic Park, and St. John's Harbour. It is surrounded by beauty both natural and man-made, with scenic views of the city skyline to the south and rugged coastlines to the north. The area offers easy access to all major attractions within walking distance or a few minutes drive away. Living in Bally Haly provides you with an opportunity to be close to numerous outdoor activities as well as a vibrant nightlife scene while still providing the tranquil atmosphere desired for raising a family or simply getting away from it all.
Pros
- The breathtaking landscapes of St. John's offer a beautiful and remarkable contrast to the urban views of Montreal.
- The residents of St. John's are welcoming and amicable, a major plus compared to the city of Montreal.
- The advantage of moving from Montreal to St. John's is a lower cost of living, making it easier for newcomers to settle in and start their life in the city.
Cons
- The winters in St. John's can be significantly harsher than those in Montreal, making the transition more challenging for new residents.
- The limited job opportunities in St. John's when compared to those available in Montreal can make the move seem less appealing.
- Moving from Montreal to St. John's comes with the disadvantage of isolation, as it is further away from other major Canadian cities than Montreal.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Montreal to St. John's?
With the numerous moving companies in Canada, it's crucial for a person planning to move from Montreal to St. John's in 2023 to research the best options. Hercules Moving Company is just one of many that offer a variety of moving services such as packing, loading and unloading, transportation and insurance services. Each company offers different benefits depending on the services needed during a move, so it is important to do your research and find the one that meets all your needs.
Meanwhile, it is equally essential for customers to read customer reviews online and check if the moving company they are looking into is registered with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). Doing this can help them determine if they are receiving reliable service or not.
Conclusion
Relocating to St. John's from Montreal is a great way to experience a different culture, with its vibrant art scene, diverse restaurants and lively nightlife. With lower cost of living than Montreal and plenty of outdoor recreational activities, the city offers an ideal balance between urban life and peaceful retreats. There is no shortage of amazing neighbourhoods such as King Williams Estates and Waterford Valley, to name a few, making it easy to find the perfect place for you. Before deciding on the right moving company be sure to do your research on reviews online and check registration with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). Moving from Montreal to St. John's in 2023 can be an exciting experience if planned correctly so make sure you consider all aspects carefully before taking the plunge!
