Everything You Must Know Before Moving From St. John's to Kelowna in 2023
Have you ever considered moving from one side of Canada to the other? In 2023, if you are looking to move from St. John's in Newfoundland and Labrador to Kelowna in British Columbia, then you have come to the right place!
St. John's is a vibrant city with a population of over 110,000 people and a rich culture. It is known for its colourful architecture and lively nightlife, as well as its breathtaking coastal views. When strolling through the streets of St. John's one can feel the energy and excitement of this unique city!
Kelowna is located on Okanagan Lake in British Columbia and has been growing steadily since 2011 with a population over 130,000 people. As one of BC’s most beautiful cities it offers gorgeous mountain views as well as access to outdoor activities like hiking, biking and skiing nearby. With its temperate climate year round it has become an attractive destination for many Canadians!
Relocating from St. John's to Kelowna
Moving from one city to another can be a difficult decision - and it's important to take into account all aspects of the situation. When relocating from St. John's to Kelowna, there are many factors that need to be considered, however we have selected the five most influential ones - cost of living, benefits of moving, where to live, pros and cons and the best moving solutions available. This section will explore these considerations in more detail as you make your way towards a successful move in 2023!
Cost of Living
Kelowna is the largest city in the Okanagan Valley, a region known for its beautiful lakes and vineyards. Moving to this city requires getting acquainted with the cost of living which can vary significantly depending on your lifestyle and preferences. To help you make an informed decision about your move to Kelowna, below is a comparison of expenses between St. John's and Kelowna that will give you an idea of what kind of budget you'll need to plan for.
| Category | Kelowna | St. John's |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $300 / sq ft. | $200 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $390/sq ft. | $240 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,400 / Month. | $1,050/Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $190-250 / Month | $230 / Month. |
| Transportation | $45 / Month for a monthly transit pass. | $65 / Month for a Metrobus Transit Pass. |
| Car Insurance | $1,680 / Year | $950/Year. |
| Entertainment | $200 / Month | $300 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $200 / Month | $325 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $100 / Month | $110 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $60 / Month. | $50 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 5% / 7% (depending on the province in Canada) | 15% / Year |
If you are planning to move to Kelowna from St. John's, you'll find that real estate prices are considerably lower in the former, with production homes costing $300/sq ft. compared to $200/sq ft. in St. John's. Similarly, custom-built single family residences cost $390/sq ft. in Kelowna as opposed to $240/sq ft. in St. John's. As for living costs, housing is also cheaper in Kelowna with a one bedroom going for approximately $1,400/month versus $1,050/month in St. John's. Housing utilities and insurance are slightly more expensive in Kelowna at an average of $190-250/month compared to the latter's $230/month on average. Transportation is cheaper too; a monthly transit pass is only $45 in Kelowna while it costs $65 for a Metrobus transit pass in St. John's. Car insurance premiums are also lower at an annual average of only $1,680 compared to the latter’s 950$. Other expenses like entertainment and communication (Phone and Internet) are slightly higher in Kelowna at around $200 and 100$ respectively than their counterparts which cost around 300$ and 110$ respectivelyin St John's whereas grocery cost for 1 person is lower at 200$ compared to 325$ .Lastly, taxes vary from province to province but Sales Tax is generally higher in St John’s at 15% per year as opposed to 5-7% depending on the province you live in Canada when you're living in Kelowna .
Benefits of Moving to Kelowna
In Kelowna, life is a lot more lively than in St. John's due to the sunny climate. Moreover, it’s nestled in a natural beauty that takes your breath away. Meanwhile, the mild climate makes it suitable for various outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking all year round. Furthermore, Kelowna is famously known for its wide variety of wineries and vineyards that are perfect for wine lovers and tourists alike. Lastly, recreational activities like skiing or skating are readily available here throughout winter season unlike in St John’s where those opportunities are limited. Ultimately, moving to Kelowna from St John’s will bring you plenty of fun experiences that you wouldn’t find if you stay there!
Best areas to live in Kelowna
Finding the perfect neighbourhood to move to in Kelowna can be a challenging task. This is because there are so many diverse and unique areas in the city, all offering different amenities and attractions. Whether you're looking for an urban experience with nearby nightlife, or a more secluded area with plenty of outdoor activities - there's something for everyone in Kelowna. To make your decision easier, here is a list of some of the best neighbourhoods that Kelowna has to offer.
Upper Mission
Moving to Upper Mission in Kelowna is an exciting opportunity for many. Surrounded by Okanagan Lake, this neighbourhood is known for its outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking and fishing. It’s only a short drive away from popular attractions like Big White Ski Resort, Knock Knolls Park and Myra Canyon Trestles. Living in Upper Mission brings the best of both worlds - it’s a vibrant community with plenty of activities to enjoy yet close enough to all of the big city amenities.
Crawford Estates
Moving to Crawford Estates in Kelowna is an exciting undertaking. Located right off of Highway 97, it is surrounded by rolling hills, nearby lakes and lush forests. With the downtown core just minutes away, no matter what you crave for your entertainment or leisurely pursuits, it’s all within reach. Whether you are craving a night out at one of the chic restaurants or outdoor activities like skiing and hiking in the mountains, there is something for everyone. Life in Crawford Estates provides residents with access to modern amenities yet offers the tranquillity of a small town atmosphere.
Sheerwater
Sheerwater is known for its stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and Okanagan Lake. It's rich in natural beauty, boasting an abundance of parks and trails, as well as nearby wineries, golf courses, shopping centres, and Kelowna International Airport. Whether you're looking for a peaceful spot to relax or explore new city areas - Sheerwater has something to offer everyone! With its close proximity to both downtown Kelowna and the local ski resorts, Sheerwater has become a popular destination for locals and newcomers alike. Living in this vibrant neighbourhood offers residents the perfect balance between urban living and nature-filled days filled with adventure.
Quarry Bay
Quarry Bay is a small suburban neighborhood in Kelowna, an urban city in Canada's beautiful British Columbia. This popular area is marked by lush greenery and trendy restaurants, giving it an air of vibrancy and a unique personality. From the middle of Quarry Bay, the beachfront and downtown attractions are a short 15-minute drive away while more rural areas lie just outside the boundaries for exploring. Living in Quarry Bay offers residents a perfect balance between urban convenience and calm country living with stunning views of the lake that surrounds it.
South East Kelowna
Moving to South East Kelowna in 2023? Get ready to take full advantage of this vibrant and diverse neighbourhood. South East Kelowna is surrounded by hills, stunning nature, vineyards and lakes including Okanagan Lake. From the heart of South East Kelowna, you can reach local attractions in no time; Downtown Kelowna is just a 15 minute drive away. Living in this lively neighbourhood will provide you with all the best that the Okanagan has to offer – plenty of outdoor activities, delicious food and wines available year round, diverse culture and events.
Pros
- The milder climate of Kelowna will be a welcome change for those moving from St. John's.
- In comparison to St. John's, one advantage of moving to Kelowna is its lower unemployment rate.
- The poverty rate in Kelowna is notably lower than that of St. John's, making it a more attractive option for those looking to avoid the financial burden associated with living in poverty.
Cons
- Moving to Kelowna from St. John's may be hindered by the higher cost of living compared to that of its destination.
- The lack of cultural diversity in Kelowna compared to St. John's can be a major disadvantage when moving.
- Moving from St. John's to Kelowna could mean being farther away from the ocean, making beach visits less convenient.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From St. John's to Kelowna?
Moving from St. John's to Kelowna in 2023 is a big decision for many people, with various factors to consider. There are numerous moving companies that offer services, including Hercules Moving Company, which can provide different solutions ranging from packing and loading services to transport and unloading your belongings. This variety allows customers to choose an ideal solution for their move that meets the specific needs of their individual situation. Moreover, when selecting a moving company it is important to remember to check the reputation of the organization online and ensure its registration with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). This ensures you are receiving quality service and makes sure your items will be transported safely across Canada without any hiccups along the way!
Conclusion
Summary: Moving to Kelowna in 2023 is a great decision as it offers lower real estate prices and cost of living compared to St. John's. There are plenty of recreational activities available throughout the year as well as fantastic outdoor adventures that you won't get in St John's. In terms of finding an ideal neighbourhood, there are many unique areas with different amenities and attractions - from Upper Mission to Sheerwater - that you can choose from depending on your lifestyle preferences. Lastly, when making the move it’s important to take into account all factors, including cost of living and benefits; understanding your pros and cons for the relocation is essential for deciding on the best moving solution for you which includes selecting reputable moving companies like Hercules Moving Company that are registered with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM).
