Everything You Must Know Before Moving From St. John's to Kitchener in 2023
Have you ever considered moving from St. John's to Kitchener in 2023? If so, there are a few things you should know before making the big move! St. John's is the capital and largest city in Newfoundland and Labrador with a population of just over 105,000 people. It is located on the eastern tip of Canada and boasts breathtaking ocean views with its rugged cliffs and cliffsides that run along the Atlantic coastline. A person can experience an unforgettable lifestyle here, surrounded by nature and culture that has been around for centuries.
On the other hand, Kitchener is located in Southwestern Ontario with a population of 233,000 people. It has a diverse economy supported by manufacturing industry as well as being home to many technology companies like Google and Open Text Corporation. The city also offers plenty of recreational activities such as skiing in winter or biking along its picturesque trails during any season - perfect for those who enjoy outdoor adventures! With a vibrant arts scene featuring music festivals, museums, art galleries, theatres or simply exploring downtown's eateries; Kitchener promises an exciting lifestyle all year round!
Moving from St. John's to Kitchener
Moving from St. John's to Kitchener in 2023 can be a great adventure - but there are a lot of factors to consider. To make your move smoother, we have gathered the most important 5 things to look out for: Cost of Living, Benefits of Moving, Where to Live, Pros and Cons and the Best Moving Solutions. Let's dive right in!
Cost of Living
When it comes to towns and cities, size matters! As cosmopolitan as Saint John’s is, Kitchener has an even more extensive options for day-to-day living. Expenses vary between both places and depend largely on yours or your family’s lifestyle; a comparison of the two can be seen in the table below.
| Category | Kitchener | St. John's |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $260 / sq ft. | $200 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $280/sq ft. | $250 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1250 / Month | $900 / Month. |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200-$300 / Month. | $220-300 / Month |
| Transportation | $85 / Month for a monthly adult pass on Grand River Transit. | $62 / Month (Metrobus Transit Pass) |
| Car Insurance | $1500 / Year. | $1067 / year. |
| Entertainment | $200 / Month | $200 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $400 / Month. | $300 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $120 / Month | $125 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50-80 / Month | $60 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 13% / Year | 15% / Yearly |
Kitchener is the pricier option for those planning to move from St. John's, with higher real estate costs and higher monthly housing expenses. Transportation costs in Kitchener are also more expensive, with an adult pass costing $85 a month compared to just $62 a month in St. John's. Car insurance is also more expensive in Kitchener, averaging $1500 per year compared to $1067 per year in St. John's. Grocery costs and entertainment costs are both similar in both cities, as are communication expenses such as phone and internet bills. Finally, health and fitness expenses will be slightly lower in Kitchener than in St. Johns, while sales taxes will be slightly higher.
Benefits of Moving to Kitchener
Moving to Kitchener offers a plethora of benefits that cannot be found in St. John's. For starters, Kitchener is home to vibrant arts and culture scene, providing residents with plenty of opportunities for musicals, plays and art exhibitions. Moreover, the cost of living in Kitchener is relatively affordable compared to many other cities across Canada. Meanwhile, St. John's residents may find it difficult to make ends meet given their higher cost of living expenses.
Kitchener also offers a diverse and welcoming community with access to natural spaces and outdoor activities, allowing people from all different backgrounds to come together as one city. In addition, the job market in Kitchener is thriving with more opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and startups looking for success stories among others who have made it here before them. Unfortunately this kind of opportunity cannot be found in St John's due to its smaller population size and lack of diversity when it comes to career options available in the city itself
Best areas to live in Kitchener
Finding the right neighbourhood to live in Kitchener can be a challenge, as there are many factors to consider. From cultural diversity to proximity to necessary amenities and services, it is essential for new residents of the city to do their research before making a decision about where to settle down. To make that research easier, we have compiled a list of the best areas in Kitchener for newcomers looking for an ideal home.
Grand River North
Grand River North is a vibrant neighbourhood located in Kitchener. It's home to a diverse and eclectic population with something to offer everyone. This area is surrounded by lush parkland and nature reserves, making it ideal for leisurely strolls or bike rides along the river shore. The popular uptown district is a mere 5 km away, allowing for easy access to shops, restaurants, art galleries and other attractions. The average commute time from Grand River North to the local university campus takes about 15 minutes. Living in Grand River North offers the best of both worlds: its peaceful environment invites relaxation while its proximity to amenities allows for an active lifestyle.
Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley is a vibrant and culturally diverse neighbourhood in Kitchener located just west of the downtown core. It's known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, colourful homes, and array of local shops and eateries. The neighbourhood is within minutes from major attractions such as Victoria Park, Centre in the Square, or Deer Ridge Golf Club. For those moving to Hidden Valley, you will find yourself surrounded by green spaces, a variety of dining options, shopping experiences that can't be matched anywhere else in Canada's Midwestern city - all this amongst a welcoming community atmosphere. Living in Hidden Valley gives you the best of both worlds with big city convenience and small town charm!
Pioneer Park/Doon/Wyldwoods
Pioneer Park/Doon/Wyldwoods is an up-and-coming neighbourhood in Kitchener, located close to the city centre and many shops, restaurants and parks. It is a diverse area with a mixture of older and newer homes. From Pioneer Park/Doon/Wyldwoods, you can reach downtown Kitchener in just 15 minutes by car or public transportation. The area has plenty of amenities such as cafes, parks, markets and schools that make it ideal for families looking to settle down in a vibrant community. Plus it's just an hour away from Toronto and Hamilton - perfect for anyone looking for weekend getaways or cultural experiences. Living in Pioneer Park/Doon/Wyldwoods will provide you with access to all the great things life in Canada has to offer!
Kiwanis Park
Kiwanis Park is a popular neighbourhood in Kitchener known for its beautiful foliage and wide, open spaces. It's situated near the Grand River and is only minutes away from the picturesque downtown core. There are plenty of great local eateries, cafes, shops and attractions nearby and it's a short drive to Toronto or London. For those looking to make a long-term investment in their new home, living at Kiwanis Park offers all the amenities of city life with the comfort of suburban living. With its natural beauty, great access to nearby attractions and safe surroundings, Kiwanis Park makes for an ideal place to call home.
Rosemount/Victoria Park
Rosemount/Victoria Park is an up-and-coming neighborhood that attracts young professionals and families. The neighbourhood has a thriving arts scene, with several galleries and creative venues. It boasts a wide variety of ethnic restaurants and markets, as well as historic sites dating back to the 1800s. The area is well connected to the rest of Kitchener via public transportation, with bus stops close by and easy access to highways 7 and 8. Rosemount/Victoria Park also offers many recreational activities such as golfing, biking trails, bird watching or relaxing in one of its many parks or lakeside beaches. Living in this vibrant neighbourhood gives you close proximity to all the attractions Kitchener has to offer while still providing a quiet retreat from hustle and bustle of city life!
Pros
- Moving from St. John's to Kitchener provides greater job prospects, with wider and more varied access to employment opportunities.
- The population in Kitchener is significantly larger and more diverse than that of St. John's, providing more opportunities and variety.
- In Kitchener, there is an improved access to amenities and services compared to those available in St. John's.
Cons
- The disadvantage of moving from St. John's to Kitchener is having to leave behind familiar surroundings and the supportive networks formed in your previous location.
- With the cost of living in Kitchener much higher than what you'd find in St. John's, moving costs can quickly add up.
- Moving from St. John's to Kitchener can be difficult, as it means leaving family and friends behind, being farther away from many of the people you care about.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From St. John's to Kitchener?
Movers in St. John's offer a diverse range of services, ranging from packing and transportation to storage and delivery. Companies like Hercules Moving Company have experienced staff that can help with every step required for a successful move, such as providing sturdy boxes, expertly wrapping fragile items, driving the van to Kitchener, unloading the cargo and arranging it in its new home. There is also an array of other services available during the moving process which varies depending on the moving company – whether you want help with full packing services or just renting equipment for your self-pack. Moreover, when choosing your preferred moving company from St. John's to Kitchener don’t forget to do some research beforehand; check their online reputation amongst former customers and make sure they are registered with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). This will give you peace of mind knowing that you have chosen a professional service provider that fulfills all safety standards and regulations for cross-country moves in Canada.
Conclusion
Moving to Kitchener in 2023 can be a great adventure with its diverse economy, vibrant arts and culture scene, welcoming community and range of leisure activities. It may come at a relatively higher expense compared to St. John's; however, the cost of living is still affordable. Choosing the right neighborhood is key when moving to Kitchener and areas like Grand River North, Hidden Valley, Pioneer Park/Doon/Wyldwoods and Kiwanis Park offer something for everyone. When it comes to planning your move from St. John's to Kitchener be sure to do your research on moving companies beforehand; Hercules Moving Company offers professional services for an efficient move along with peace of mind through their adherence to safety regulations set by Canadian Association of Movers. Ultimately, there are plenty of benefits that come with making this move from the eastern tip all the way out west!
