NYC, might be moving to Winnipeg (best neighborhood, apartment, rent)

[nycer1]

I understand that a lot of Winnipeg isn't walkable. What would be the best neighborhood for a native New Yorker to move to? Downtown, Corydon, or some other place?

Also, are there any apartment buildings that connect to the underground walkways downtown?

thanks.

[Fred Derf]

During my one visit to Winnipeg (albeit in the summer), I came to the conclusion that, if you lived, worked and shopped in the enclosed downtown walkway system, it wouldn't be so bad. There were quite a number of buildings connected to that system.

Winnipeg Walkway - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[nycer1]

Thanks. So it is possible to live around there.

[Fred Derf]

Originally Posted by nycer1

Thanks. So it is possible to live around there.

Well, you should get a local to confirm. As I said, I visited there once and walked around all the skyways but I never lived in downtown Winnipeg.

[glparker4]

I do not live in Winnipeg so I am not the best person to dispense advice to the OP. However, I have visited Winnipeg many times and I have a close friend that lives in Grand Forks, ND and spends much of his time in Winnipeg since there is nothing else to do in the Prairies.

Regarding downtown Winnipeg...

CRIME - There have been incidents of shootings downtown as Winnipeg does have a high crime rate. Much of the violence is related to gangs attacking each other and it's rare but not impossible for bystanders to affected. However, this is something to consider, especially if you will be walking around at night.

NIGHTLIFE - Downtown Winnipeg is generally dead at night and on weekends. There are areas that have a vibrant nightlife scenes such as the area by Portage & Main and the city is trying to revive it. However, you will want to venture to some of the neighbourhoods outside of downtown such as Corydon Avenue, the West End, and some of areas on the north side of the city. The concept of the skywalk is very good, but there is a high vacancy rate within the walkways and many merchants are closed after 6 PM and on weekends making the skywalks virutally dead during this time.

TRANSPORTATION - I would question the ability of living in Winnipeg without a car. There is no train or high-speed rail. I don't know how extensive the bus system is there, but buses usually aren't the most efficient method of transportation. Also, the elevated skywalks do not go outside of the downtown area. However, Winnipeg does seem to have a decent network of roads with a perimeter highway. It seems to be much better than most Canadian cities and equivalent to US standards.

Good luck with your decision!

[suitup17]

Being from Winnipeg, I'm not so sure if you'd want to live downtown. If you're looking for more of a night scene I would recommend living near Corydon Ave or maybe even Osborne. Most of the nicer areas in Winnipeg are all outside of downtown and the North End. The city is not too big and is easy to drive from one side to the other. You would definitely need a car to live here. Oh yeah, and buy a nice winter jacket. Have fun. Most crime usually happens in the North End, which is really not that far from downtown. Hope some of this helps you.

[nycer1]

Thanks. I guess I was looking for an area that might be somewhat walkable - maybe it sounds like Corydon is it.

As for crime, we have a fair amount in NYC but I've never really been personally affected.

[lily951]

I live in Winnipeg. Regarding a walking area, yes, the Corydon/Crescentwood/River Heights area is where you should look. We have a condo we rent near Corydon and that location is great because you are close to funky restaurants, local shops, bakeries and so close to down town that you could be there by car in 5 minutes or take public transit. The crime situation is mainly in a ten block radius in the north end and more often than not it is criminal on criminal and not random, which is good. The other crime issue is car theft but have never had that happen personally. Lock your car, don't leave valuables visible and use common sense. We have numerous (over 100,000 in the province) lakes/beaches within an hours drive and further. There is a good cultural scene, symphony, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, contemporary dancers, many stage theatres etc. (a good way to force yourself out in the winter months). Yes, the winters are cold; however, if you can enjoy the winter wonderland until after new year's and take a vacation somewhere hot in January or February to break up the season, that helps. The summers are beautiful and we have so much urban green space - i.e. Assiniboine Park - visitors are surprised. Regarding winters, the best I had was when I was active outdoors, cross country skiing for example. One can have the hope of being able to afford to buy a property here, unlike other cities and get good value for their money. Overall, it is a friendly medium-sized city and a great place to raise children. We have two universities in the city. Hope that helps and best of luck.