Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Ottawa to St. John's in 2023
Are you ready to move from Ottawa to St. John's in 2023? The capital of Canada, Ottawa is a vibrant city situated on the banks of the Ottawa River with a population of about 1 million people. It is famous for its iconic Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. Moving from there to St. John's will be quite an adventure!
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador is the capital of this province and has a population of over 190,000 people. It is surrounded by stunning natural landscape with mountains, fjords and islands all around which makes it one of the most picturesque cities in Canada. Living here will be an experience like none other!
Moving to St. John's from St. John's
Moving to St. John's from Ottawa in 2023 comes with a variety of considerations, but we've collected the 5 most important factors you need to know before you leave. From the cost of living to the best moving solutions, ensure you're informed and prepared for your big day. Let's dive into these key considerations and move confidently towards a new life in St. John's!
Cost of Living
St. John's is the easternmost city in Canada and is quite smaller than Ottawa, so it's understandable that the cost of living may be different. Moving from Ottawa to St. John's doesn't have to be expensive when you know where your money should go; check the table below for a full comparison of expenses between these two cities.
| Category | St. John's | Ottawa |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $225 / sq ft. | $320/sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $230 / sq ft. | $369 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1100 / Month | $1,460 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $250 / Month | $150-250 / Month |
| Transportation | $63 / Month with Metrobus Transit Pass | $119 / Month for adult monthly transit pass. |
| Car Insurance | $950 / Year. | $1,100 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $150 / month | $150 / month. |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $400 / Month | $300 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $100 - $150 / Month | $87 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50-100 / Month | $60-100 per month for gym memberships. |
| Sales Taxes | 15% | 13% |
Moving to St. John's from Ottawa can be very economical! The cost of living is lower, with real estate prices approximately 20% cheaper, and housing costing up to 25% less. The cost of transportation is also much lower in St. John's, as a monthly transit pass will cost about $56 less than in Ottawa. Car insurance is also $150 cheaper on average. Groceries are around 25% less expensive in St. John's compared to Ottawa, and communication costs can be significantly lower (up to 33% less). The sales tax rate in St. John's is 15%, 2% higher than in Ottawa. Health and fitness expenses are similar between the two cities.
Benefits of Moving to St. John's
The city of St. John's offers many benefits that Ottawa does not have. For starters, the scenic landscape gives people incredible views of the nearby ocean and mountains, while Ottawa is mostly flat terrain. Moreover, if you are a fan of history, St. John's boasts several centuries-old buildings - some even date back to the Viking era - whereas Ottawa is much newer in comparison. Culturally speaking, St. John's also stands out for its vibrant music scene and unique art galleries that flourish in part due to Newfoundland's rich culture and heritage; a stark contrast from what one finds in Ottawa. Finally, when it comes to recreational activities there are countless outdoor activities such as hiking trails and whale watching excursions readily available year round; which are more limited options in Ottawa itself or farther away from the city centre .
Best areas to live in St. John's
Choosing a neighbourhood to live in St. John's can be a challenging task due to the vast number of options available. With an array of distinct regions, each offering different characteristics and attractions, selecting your next home may be difficult. To help narrow down the choices and make an easier choice, here is a list of five top neighbourhoods in the city which are ideal for starting a new life in St. John's.
Elizabeth Avenue
Elizabeth Avenue is an eclectic neighbourhood on the edge of St. John's that is well-known for its lively nightlife and vibrant street art. Surrounding the area are some of the most popular attractions, such as Signal Hill, The Rooms and Cape Spear Lighthouse, all with a distance of 10 kilometers or less. Living in Elizabeth Avenue means being able to explore all the amazing sights and activities this unique area has to offer while still maintaining a close connection to the city centre - perfect for finding something new every day!
Rennie's Mill Road
Moving from Ottawa to St. John's in 2023? If so, you must know about one of the most popular neighbourhoods in St. John's: Rennie's Mill Road. Sitting just west of downtown St. John's, Rennie’s Mill Road is a vibrant community with stunning views and a mix of local charm and modern city amenities. The neighbourhood offers easy access to miles of trails, parks, beaches and other attractions – all within walking distance or a short drive away. From days spent exploring nearby Signal Hill Park or taking strolls by Quidi Vidi Lake to evenings spent enjoying incredible restaurants or catching an Oceanview Arts show at the intimate Mile One Centre; with an array of activities close by and big city comforts there isn't much more one could ask for when living in Rennie’s Mill Road neighborhood!
King William Estates
King William Estates is a trendy and inviting neighbourhood in St. John's, boasting stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Signal Hill. It is surrounded by some of the city's most iconic attractions, including Quidi Vidi Brewery, The Battery, and Cape Spear --all situated just minutes away from King William Estates. Residents of this neighbourhood enjoy easy access to some of the best hiking spots in the province, as well as plenty of nightlife options to satisfy all tastes. Long-time locals consider King William Estates to be a dream come true with its mix of idyllic ocean views and modern living conveniences that make it one of St. John's most desirable locations for new residents looking for an adventure-filled life near their hometown.
Waterford Valley
Waterford Valley is a vibrant neighbourhood located in St. John's, with a population of nearly 25,000 residents. It is situated between Signal Hill and Quidi Vidi Lake and offers quick access to some of the city's best attractions. Exploring the area by foot is easy since everything from restaurants and shops to parks are accessible within a few minutes' walk. Nearby landmarks include Cabot Tower, Mile One Centre, The Rooms Museum, and Bowring Park - all under 10 minutes away from Waterford Valley by car. When you move here you'll be living an organized life as there are plenty of public amenities nearby that will make living comfortable for you and your family.
Bally Haly
Bally Haly, located in St. John's, is a charming neighbourhood home to thousands of people. It is surrounded by local restaurants and shops, as well as a few parks and attractions nearby. It is only a 5 to 10-minute drive away from the downtown core or Signal Hill National Historic Site providing plenty of entertainment for those looking for things to do. Living in Bally Haly provides easy access to daily errands with all the amenities you need close at hand – but also provides some breathtaking views of the city from its hillside location. With its vibrant neighbourhoods, quaint pubs and stunning views – Bally Haly has it all: an exciting blend of modern comforts and old-town charm!
Pros
- The breathtaking scenery of St. John's provides an ideal setting for those looking to enjoy nature and a change of pace from Ottawa.
- The friendly locals of St. John's make moving to the city a more enjoyable experience than in Ottawa.
- From the captivating street art to the centuries-old architecture, St. John's is a city of immense cultural richness, a real treasure trove of historical attractions that make it ideal for those looking to explore their new neighbourhood.
Cons
- The harsh winters in St. John's, compared to Ottawa, can be a real challenge for those who are moving.
- Moving to St. John's from Ottawa may pose a challenge due to limited job opportunities in the area.
- Moving from Ottawa to St. John's can be isolating, as it is a much smaller city with fewer activities, transportation options and services.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Ottawa to St. John's?
Moving from Ottawa to St. John's can be a big undertaking, but with the right plan, it can make for a successful journey. To ensure you have an easy and stress-free move, there are a variety of professional moving solutions available. Hercules Moving Company is one of the many reliable companies offering full-service packages which include everything from packing and loading services to transportation and storage solutions. Furthermore, customers have peace of mind knowing that all CAM registered moving companies adhere to strict standards when handling your belongings. Meanwhile, it's important to do your due diligence when researching any other potential movers as well – remember that checking online reviews and the company registration with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) is essential before making any decisions or signing contracts!
Conclusion
Moving to St. John's in 2023 is an exciting prospect and offers many advantages over Ottawa; from lower living expenses to the vibrant culture, stunning scenery and recreational activities that await you there. With the help of a professional moving company like Hercules Moving Company, you can ensure a smooth transition from Ottawa to St. John's with all your belongings safely in tow. When planning for your move, it is important to do research on the best areas to live in St. John’s and weigh the pros and cons of both cities for a successful journey into your new life!
