7 Surprises and Misconceptions for Out-of-Province Buyers Moving to Winnipeg

Moving to a new province can be exciting, and a little overwhelming. Our team assists countless out of province buyers; from military/RCMP transfers to those looking to move to Manitoba to be closer to family, or for the affordability Manitoba has to offer. For buyers coming to Winnipeg from other parts of Canada (or elsewhere), there are a few misconceptions and surprises that tend to come up. Here’s what you need to know before making the move.

1. Flooding (from the rivers) isn’t as common as you think

One of the biggest concerns I hear from buyers is flooding. Many worry that Winnipeg’s rivers might overflow and impact their property. The reality? Winnipeg has a low risk of river flooding, thanks to systems like the Red River Floodway, which has been effectively diverting floodwaters around the city. That said, basement water issues do occur—but they’re usually not caused by the rivers. More often, they result from excessive rainfall, rapid snowmelt, or an overwhelmed sewer system. Rather than worrying about the rivers, it’s more productive to focus on keeping water out of your basement by staying on top of general home maintenance and understanding your home’s preventative systems such as proper grading, back water valves and sump pumps.

2. Clay soil means shifting—not structural damage

Winnipeg’s soil is primarily heavy clay, which means homes here naturally shift and settle over time. This settling can lead to minor issues like cracks in basement floors, doors that stick, or sidewalks separating from stairs. While these things might catch out-of-province buyers off guard, they are generally normal and not signs of major structural problems—it’s just part of living in Winnipeg! The good news is that these issues can be professionally addressed. For example, concrete can be lifted and stabilized using specialized foam injections. Understanding this can save you unnecessary worry and help you feel more confident in buying a home here.

3. Basements are standard here

Almost every home in Winnipeg has a basement. They’re great for storage and contribute to energy efficiency and insulation. That said, basements also require maintenance like proper grading, sump pumps, and weeping tiles to handle moisture effectively.

4. Sump pumps, and HRVs may be new to you

Some home systems might feel unfamiliar if you’re from another province.

• Sump pumps manage groundwater around your foundation. They help keep your basement dry by automatically pumping out water that collects in a small pit, preventing flooding & water damage.

• Heat recovery ventilators (HRV) bring fresh air into your home while maintaining energy efficiency. Our homes today are built airtight, the HRV is essentially the ‘lungs’ of your home, taking stale air out and bringing fresh air in.

5. Downtown Winnipeg isn’t like Toronto or Vancouver

Out-of-province buyers often expect a bustling downtown full of condos, nightlife, and walkable streets. Winnipeg’s downtown is smaller, more spread out, and still developing residentially. There are vibrant pockets like the Exchange District and The Forks, but most residents live in nearby neighborhoods and commute in.

6. Drive times and traffic are manageable

In Winnipeg, a 30-minute drive can get you almost anywhere. Traffic during rush hour exists, of course, but it’s nothing like the congestion in larger cities. Whether you head through the city or hop on the perimeter and bypass a lot of the neighborhoods, Winnipeg driving (in my opinion) is far less stressful than the other major Canadian cities. Just keep an eye out for potholes!

7. Winnipeg’s housing market is stable

Unlike markets in Toronto or Vancouver, Winnipeg’s real estate market tends to be steady. Prices don’t swing wildly, which makes it a reliable long-term investment. Historically, the market gradually appreciates over time, making Winnipeg one of the more affordable major cities in Canada—a big reason why people are moving here.

In summary:

• Rivers don’t flood regularly

• Clay soil causes homes to shift but it’s normal (to some degree)

• Basements are standard and useful

• Some home systems might be new to you

• Downtown offers its own charm, but is not comparable to Vancouver, Toronto or Calgary

• Traffic is manageable

• The housing market is stable and affordable

If you’re thinking about relocating to Winnipeg, we’d love to help you explore neighborhoods, learn more about the market, and start your home search.

Moving to Manitoba can be smooth and exciting with the right guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out for our relocation guide!

Sheyla Duncan

Phone: (204) 871-3228
Email: Sheyla@QueenTeam.ca