5 reasons you and your family should move to Winnipeg

By Christine Purfield
August 14, 2015

Affectionately known as “The Peg,” Winnipeg is home to a booming housing market, an active downtown revitalization project, and easy access to outstanding scenery and recreational opportunities. Let's look at some of the reasons why you and your family might want to consider a move to Winnipeg:

1. Housing costs and the building boom

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Winnipeg is in the midst of a downtown revitalization project with new developments springing up everywhere. Residential glass tower highrises are rubbing shoulders with heritage buildings converted into condominiums. While housing costs have risen in recent years, Winnipeg still remains an affordable place to live with the average sale price of a detached home, according to RE/MAX Realty, sitting around $290,000 – compared to $483,000 in Calgary or a whopping $838,000 in the Vancouver area.

2. Historical buildings

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One of the most beautiful parts of downtown Winnipeg is the Exchange District. The original heart of the city, the Exchange District is a designated national historic site. This 20-block area holds around 150 heritage buildings, some of which have been converted into condo buildings in Winnipeg's effort to encourage more people to live, work, and play downtown.

3. Festivals and events galore

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Winnipeg is home to some of Canada's biggest festivals and events all year round. Take in the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, enjoy theatre at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, explore Manitoba's history at the Festival du Voyageur, or take the young-at-heart to the Freeze Frame International Film Festival for Kids of all Ages. Whatever your idea of fun, Winnipeg has a festival or event for you.

4. A food lover's paradise

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With diverse ethnic communities all over the city, Winnipeg offers delicious food experiences for every taste. Tapas bars, sushi, Greek food, fast food – it's all here. According to The Huffington Post, Winnipeg might just be Canada's "best-kept food secret!"

5. Family friendly

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Apart from the many festivals and events that offer fun for the whole family, Winnipeg boasts numerous beaches, zoos, water parks, and playgrounds – not to mention museums and other education-focused activities. Kid City is a huge indoor play centre with lots of fun things to do for toddlers to 12-year-olds. The Forks is popular with residents and visitors alike, offering live music, a spray park, and trails, as well as local vendors and restaurants.

Just five of the reasons why “The Peg” deserves to be considered as a family home destination!

Photos by: Wikimedia Commons, Qualico Company, Ô TOURS, Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, JUST EAT, Today's Parent

About Christine Purfield

Christine Purfield traded numbers for words when she gave up the dizzy heights of finance and accounting to become a freelance writer. She can usually be found writing, knitting, or avoiding housework. If you can't find her, she's travelling.

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