Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Toronto to St. John's in 2023
Are you considering relocating from Toronto to St. John's in 2023? Toronto, Canada's largest city, is a vibrant metropolis with stunning architecture and a rich cultural history. With a population of over 2.9 million people, it is the fourth most populous city in North America and one of the most diverse cities on the planet. In Toronto, you can experience everything from bustling downtown life to quiet residential neighborhoods and beaches along Lake Ontario’s shoreline.
St. John's is an Atlantic coastal city located in Newfoundland and Labrador that has been ranked as one of Canada’s most livable cities since 2017. The oldest English-founded city in North America, St.John's has an estimated population of more than 200 thousand people living within its boundaries. It boasts beautiful scenery with stunning views of rolling hillsides leading up to cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean – making this port town truly unique!
Moving to St. John's from St. John's
Moving to St. John's from Toronto in 2023 requires forethought and consideration, and there is so much to think about. However, we have collected the most important 5 moving considerations to make your transition easier: Cost of Living, Benefits of Moving, Where to Live, Pros and Cons, Best Moving Solutions. By looking through these points you will be better able to make an informed decision about your move.
Cost of Living
Moving to St. John's in 2023? With a population of nearly 200,000 people, this Canadian city is far smaller than Toronto. Your expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle and the comparison below will give you a better understanding of what to expect when you certainly make the big move.
| Category | St. John's | Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $250/sq ft. | $365/sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $220/sq ft. | $850 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $900 / Month | $2,300 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $250-450 / Month | $250 / month |
| Transportation | $78 / Month for Metrobus monthly pass. | $156 / Month for a Presto Pass. |
| Car Insurance | $875 / Year. | $1500-$2000 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $200 / Month | $100-150 / month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $300 / Month | $400 / Month. |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $150 / Month | $100 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50 / Month (Average Cost of a Gym Membership) | $50-100/month |
| Sales Taxes | 15% / Yearly | 13\% |
Moving to St. John's from Toronto can be a great choice for those looking for a change of scenery, as living costs are significantly lower. Real Estate is almost half the price, with production homes being $250/sq ft. compared to $365/sq ft. in Toronto and custom-built single-family homes being $220/sq ft. compared to $850 / sq ft. in Toronto respectively. Housing costs will also be much cheaper, with one bedroom apartments costing on average $900 per month compared to the significantly higher $2,300 per month in Toronto. Utilities and insurance are also lower, ranging between $250-450 per month compared to just $250 per month in Toronto. Transportation is much cheaper too, with Metrobus monthly passes costing only $78/month as opposed to Presto Passes at a much heftier price tag of $156/month in Toronto. Car insurance is also much more affordable at around $875/year compared to the range of between $1500-$2000/year in Toronto. Entertainment and Groceries cost less with entertainment being around the same cost for both cities but groceries costing an average of only $300/month rather than the hefty price of around $400/month in Toronto. Communication costs such as phone and internet are significantly lower too, costing an average of just $150/month rather than the comparatively low cost of just$100/month in Toronto Lastly, Health and Fitness expenses are roughly the same ranging between$50-100 per month but Sales Taxes are lower at 15% yearly than that of 13% yearly in Toronto
Benefits of Moving to St. John's
Move to St. John's, and you will be delighted with the breathtaking scenery and natural beauty that surround it. Here, you can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, whale-watching, and kayaking in one of Canada's most scenic cities. Moreover, the city is home to a rich culture and history that you can explore through its vibrant arts and music scenes. Meanwhile, Toronto may have its own charms but there is nothing quite like being immersed in nature with the vast array of recreational opportunities St. John's offers. Its strong sense of community makes it an even more desirable destination for anyone looking to make a move across Canada.
Best areas to live in St. John's
Choosing a neighbourhood to call home in St. John's can be tricky; with its diverse range of cultures, lifestyles and amenities, deciding on the right fit for you can be overwhelming. To make the task easier, here is a list of five highly regarded areas in the city that offer something special to everyone who's looking to move there.
King William
King William is a beautiful neighbourhood that captures the charm of St. John's in its own unique way. It is surrounded by parks, cafes, and great shopping locations. It is located only 20 minutes away from Cape Spear Lighthouse Park and 10 minutes away from Quidi Vidi Village Plantation, two of the must-see attractions in St. John's. Living in this area will be an opportunity to experience all the best that St. John's has to offer: convenience, comfort, and a deep sense of community.
Forest Hills
Forest Hills is a vibrant neighbourhood in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador with a population of more than 8,400 people. It is surrounded by the neighbourhoods of Bull's Road, Southlands and Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove and is close to many popular attractions like Memorial University of Newfoundland, Signal Hill National Historic Site and The Rooms Museum. From Forest Hills, the nearest attractions are located just few minutes away by car or bike. From here you can also easily access various public transportation options that can take you anywhere around town. Life in Forest Hills will be exciting - there are plenty of personal and professional opportunities available for those who want to explore them!
Virginia Water
The Virginia Water neighbourhood offers the perfect combination of a vibrant city life and a peaceful countryside atmosphere. Located on the outskirts of St. John's, it is surrounded by lush parks, spectacular mountain views and pristine beaches. The nearby attractions are within walking distance, as are some of St. John’s most popular restaurants and shopping areas. With its convenient location and vibrant city energy, residents can look forward to early morning runs along the beachfront or evening walks through town – all while living in one of Canada's most beautiful cities! Moving to this cozy neighbourhood is sure to bring great joy, adventure and relaxation – perfect for anyone looking for an escape from Toronto!
Country Club Estates
The Country Club Estates neighbourhood in St. John's may have a small population, but it packs a solid punch for entertainment and convenience. While the location is residential, the area boasts of green spaces, pubs, eateries and other amenities that make it an ideal spot to settle down. Shoppers will be delighted with the bustling downtown district which is just minutes away while nature-lovers can enjoy a hike or picnic at nearby Signal Hill National Park or Quidi Vidi Village Plantation. The Country Club Estates neighborhood offers something for everyone - from quiet residential streets to exciting attractions and everything between - making it an attractive option for those looking to move from Toronto in 2023.
Wedgewood Park
The neighbourhood of Wedgewood Park is located in the expansive city of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Nestled between Quidi Vidi Lake and Fort Amherst, this vibrant community is surrounded by stunning coastal views and abundant with opportunities to explore its rich history. Wedgewood Park is conveniently close to all the action; downtown St. John's, Signal Hill National Historic Site, The Rooms Museum and many other famous attractions are within a short driving distance away. Living here allows you to experience cultural diversity while also taking in all that nature has to offer! Whether you're relocating for work or leisure, Wedgewood Park offers an ideal combination of urban amenities and beautiful waterfront views - a truly unique place for anyone who's looking for a fresh start in 2023!
Pros
- The lower cost of living in St. John's compared to Toronto makes it ideal for those looking to make a move.
- The stunning views and dramatic coastal scenery in St. John's offer a breathtaking backdrop to call home, making it an attractive alternative location to Toronto.
- The slower pace of life in St. John's compared to Toronto offers a great opportunity to enjoy leisurely activities and relaxation while still having access to the amenities of a major city.
Cons
- Writing in a con point sentence: While Toronto may offer a variety of job opportunities, St. John's offers significantly fewer.
- The harsh winters in St. John's may be a huge disadvantage compared to the milder temperatures in Toronto.
- The geographic isolation of St. John's in comparison to Toronto can make the move considerably more challenging and time-consuming.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Toronto to St. John's?
Moving from Toronto to St. John's is a big task, and it can often seem overwhelming or intimidating. Luckily, there are a number of solutions that moving companies offer to make the journey easier. For instance, Hercules Moving Company provides professional packing services and full-service move management; meanwhile, other movers offer DIY options that allow customers to pack and load their own belongings for transport. There are different companies offering varying levels of service; therefore, it’s important for customers to research the reputation and registration credentials of any potential movers before committing to them. Additionally, customers should ensure that their chosen company is registered with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) for added peace of mind when making such an important decision.
Conclusion
Summary: Moving from Toronto to St. John's in 2023 is a great option for those looking to experience the natural beauty of Canada while saving money on living costs. With stunning scenery, vibrant culture and a strong sense of community, St. John's offers a multitude of opportunities for people looking to make the move. There are many neighbourhoods to choose from each bringing something special, with King William and Wedgewood Park being two ideal spots when selecting where you will call home. Before relocating, it is important to research potential moving companies who offer professional packing services or DIY options; always consult the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) before committing too find peace of mind during this big transition.
