5 Things to Know When Moving to Ontario From Another Province

Ontario is fast-growing, and for good reason. Offering an unbeatable quality of life, a strong economy, and great homes in sought-after communities, it’s not hard to see why Canada’s largest province by population continues to draw in new residents. 

If you’re interested in moving here, there’s a lot you’ll need to know before you start packing. Relocating to a new city is one thing, but interprovincial moving is even more complex. No matter where you’ll be settling in Ontario, you’ll face important considerations at almost every step of your move. 

If this sounds stressful, don’t worry. We’re here to help. As real estate agents in Vaughan, Ontario, who specialize in welcoming relocators to our province, we know everything there is to know about moving to a different province. 

In this blog, we’re passing that expertise on to you. Keep reading to find out 5 things you need to know when moving to Ontario from another province. 

1) It’s a Different Real Estate Landscape 

One of the biggest challenges of moving to another province is finding a new place to live. Luckily, there’s no shortage of high-quality homes in Ontario, but the real estate landscape definitely stands out from other markets in Canada. This is especially true when it comes to cost.

Home to some of the most in-demand properties in Canada, it’s no surprise that house prices in Ontario are higher (on average) than most other provinces. Even rental housing can be comparatively expensive in certain markets. Of course, there is still a wide range of housing options for every budget, but you may want to do some research in advance if you plan to buy a house when you arrive here. 

If you’re moving from Alberta or Saskatchewan, you’ll want to know about the provincial land transfer tax, which is a one-time expense applied to home purchases in Ontario. Toronto, Ontario’s Capital also charges a municipal land transfer tax. 

Thinking about buying a home in Ontario? Check out these related blogs next!

• What’s the Average Down Payment on a House in Ontario?
• What is House Hacking?
• What Are Vaughan’s Top Neighbourhoods For Families?

2) There’s More to Ontario Than Toronto and Ottawa 

If you don’t yet have your heart set on a specific place to live in Ontario, it’s worth exploring all your options. While Toronto (and even Ottawa) tend to get all the attention, countless great communities across the province are worth your consideration. 

For instance, Vaughan, Ontario, found in the Greater Toronto Area, offers all the perks of big city living while being sheltered from the hustle and bustle. Plus, your budget as a home buyer can take you a lot further in Vaughan compared to Toronto and other cities. 

3) You’ll Need to Update Everything

Another important thing to do when moving provinces is to update your address and status of residence. This is something that you must do as soon as you arrive, even if you’re renting a place in the short term. 

Here’s a quick checklist:

• Exchange your out-of-province or non-Canadian driver’s license for an Ontario driver’s license within 60 days of your move. 
• Update your address with any key service providers. Cancel utilities at your old home, and schedule set up in your new address. 
• Sign up for Ontario’s public health insurance program (OHIP) to find a family doctor and have access to various health services. 
• Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post. 

4) You’ll Need to Book Your Move in Advance 

There are a lot of things to consider when moving to a new province. However, you shouldn’t overlook the actual moving process itself. Interprovincial moves are intricate, and you’ll want to line up the major details in advance. Or at least, as far in advance as you can. 

If you plan to fly to Ontario from your current province, book tickets early. This will help you cut back on costs and ensure you get your first choice of flight times. The same goes for movers. 

While there are a number of interprovincial moving companies in Canada, they can book up quickly, especially during the spring and summer months. The sooner you make a reservation, the more options you’ll have. 

Moving to Ontario in search of luxury? The posts below can help you realize your vision:

• What Are the Essential Features of a Luxury Home
• Where Are the Best Luxury Homes in the GTA
• Top Gated Communities in the Greater Toronto Area

5) You Should Work With a Relocation Specialist 

Finally, if you’re relocating to Ontario, you’ll want to partner with a real estate expert who can guide you through your move with ease. Specifically, a relocation specialist real estate agent. 

A great place to look is the Re/Max Cross Canada Referrals network, where you’ll find a dedicated group of Realtors with a unique familiarity of what it’s like to move to Ontario, the specific needs of relocators, and how to help them.

Alternatively, you can reach out to us directly – the Lino Arci Team. As members of the Re/Max Cross Canada Referrals network, we offer specific services to help you move across Canada with ease.

Moving to Ontario? We Can Help! Call 416-571-2724 or send an email to info@arciteam.com today!