The Canadian province of Manitoba is located in the central region of the country and borders both Nunavut and Northwest Territories to the north, Saskatchewan to the west and Ontario to the east and both the US states of North Dakota and Minnesota to the south. Manitoba is the 8th largest province in terms of area and 5th largest in terms of population. The capital of Manitoba is Winnipeg which is also the largest city in the province. Other large cities in the province include Manitoba suffers from extreme temperature fluctuations between winter and summer, this is due to the fact the land is fairly flat and so succumbs to both the Arctic winds coming downwards in winter and the warm air flow from up from the Gulf of Mexico in summer.

Manitoba – Employment

The website of the Manitoba province government has several links which can help new residents to find work. The provincial nominee programme allows those with specific skills to apply for the relevant work visas and permits to move to the country. The skills required do vary depending upon the needs of the region but generally include medical staff, teachers and construction workers.

The industry in Manitoba is mainly agriculture and natural resources such as oil. Those who have experience in these areas should find it easy to find work. The tourism sector is growing each year so there are opportunities in this field, but these may be seasonal and there is usually a lot of competition for vacancies. Many people work in government departments and government run institutions such as schools and hospitals.

Manitoba – Property

The city of Winnipeg is already home to several communities of expats and there are a number of neighbourhoods which are ideal for those who are looking to move to Canada. The neighbourhood of Fort Richmond first developed in the 1960s and continued to grow until the 1980s. Fort Richmond first developed in order to house staff and students from the University of Manitoba. There are several other suburbs which have since developed around the area as the University grew. The types of homes available include single family homes, one storey homes and apartments and property prices fall into all budget ranges. The area has several good schools and a range of amenities to suit all needs.

Lindenwoods is a Winnipeg neighbourhood which started life in 1982. The area caters for those who are looking for larger family homes in a more exclusive area. Lindenwoods is set around a lake and there are many green spaces which mean that the area is much sought after. Properties range from apartments to large family homes and prices in the area are higher than in Fort Richmond, with starting prices more than double. There are two schools in the area and high school students will need to travel a short distance.

The River Heights district has two distinct parts, north and south. The houses there date from the turn of the century with additions made up until the 1940s. Most of the houses are situated on large lots with gardens and off road parking, although there are some apartment buildings too. Prices cover a wide range of budgets so there is something for everyone. There are several schools to choose from in the area and the shopping facilities are good.

The district of St Vital is a residential area which has a French heritage that can be seen in the architecture. Most of the houses are single family homes although there are a number of townhouses in the district. Most streets are fairly quiet and schools in the district are a mix of English and French speaking.

The town of Brandon has been voted one of the best places to live in Manitoba. The town is small but has everything needed for daily life. The average price of a property is a little lower than in Winnipeg. The different neighbourhoods have a range of property types, from small apartments to large detached family homes. There are good schools and leisure facilities in the area and residents can choose busier areas closer to the centre of the town or quieter suburbs on the outskirts.