The best places to live in Manitoba in 2025 include Winnipeg, Thompson, Brandon, Springfield, and Winnipeg Beach—offering affordability, strong communities, natural beauty, and solid job and healthcare access. Whether you prefer city life or lakeside peace, Manitoba has a place for you.
Did you know that happy people live longer? A study from the National Academy of Science found that optimistic people have a higher chance of living past the age of 85.
One of the best ways to be a happier person is to enjoy the space that you live in—and to make that space as healthy and fulfilling as possible. This can be done through the foods you consume, the environment you live in, and how you spend your time.
Living in Manitoba can support all of these goals. With access to healthy local foods, reliable healthcare, affordable housing, and a wide variety of natural and cultural attractions, Manitoba continues to rank among the best places to live in Canada.
The province is well known for having one of the most stable and diverse economies in the country. From agriculture and mining to transportation and tech, Manitoba offers opportunity without the high cost of living found in larger provinces.
But which areas truly stand out as the best cities to live in within Manitoba?
Let’s take a look.
1. Winnipeg
The capital of the province, with over 750,000 residents in 2025, is a city that continues to evolve and expand. Winnipeg is known for its unique blend of old-world charm and modern energy, marked by distinctive architecture, cool continental weather, rich cultural heritage, and a strong sense of community.
One hour, you could be relaxing at a Scandinavian-inspired Nordic spa; the next, walking through St. Boniface, a vibrant French-speaking neighbourhood just across the Red River.
Not only is the culture diverse, but it is also known as one of the friendliest cities in the country.
One blogger described Winnipeg this way:
"Winnipeg may boast a mega cool skyline and a bumpin’ downtown core, but in many ways, it combines the best of big-city amenities with the community and kindness of a small Prairie town. After all, the province’s slogan was formerly 'Friendly Manitoba' – a name well deserved based on the few local interactions I had."
Despite outdated jokes about the city being cold and dull, Winnipeg is alive with things to do year-round. In summer, the city comes alive with festivals like Folklorama, Winnipeg Folk Festival, and the Fringe Theatre Festival. In winter, residents skate down the frozen river trail, take part in Festival du Voyageur, and enjoy light displays across the city.
You can walk through the Historic Exchange District to view more than a century of stunning architecture, or spend an afternoon at The Forks—a popular gathering place where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet. The area is full of cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.
Other notable attractions include the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Assiniboine Park Zoo, Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, and several impressive urban parks.With an affordable housing market compared to other major Canadian cities, Winnipeg remains a smart and enriching place to live in 2025.
2. Thompson
For those seeking peace, fresh air, and a deep connection with nature, Thompson is a fantastic place to live. Known as the "Hub of the North," the city has a population of around 14,800 and is surrounded by some of the most untouched wilderness in the province.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the pine-scented forests, glassy blue lakes, and countless trails. Hikers, snowmobilers, and paddlers have plenty of space to explore, while photographers and wildlife watchers may catch a glimpse of wolves, moose, or even bears.
Thompson has even earned the nickname “Wolf Capital of the World.” According to Vice, the province of Manitoba is estimated to have more wolves than the entire continental United States.
In addition to wildlife, the northern lights are often visible in the night skies above Thompson. From fall through spring, you can see stunning displays of the aurora borealis dancing over the treetops—one of nature’s most beautiful spectacles.But Thompson is more than just scenic. It has a strong economy built around mining, particularly nickel, which provides a solid employment base. As of 2025, rental prices remain reasonable—averaging around $1,000 per month for a two-bedroom unit—making it one of the more affordable places in the province to settle down.
3. Brandon
Brandon is the second-largest city in Manitoba and home to over 51,000 residents. Known as the “Wheat City,” Brandon has a long and proud history in agriculture, the railway, and early trade. It’s a city that mixes history with growth, and small-town charm with urban convenience.
Located in southwestern Manitoba, Brandon is known for its low crime rates, strong public education system, and reasonable cost of living.
Average home prices in 2025 remain modest at around $285,000, and the city boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the province. This makes it ideal for young families, first-time homebuyers, and retirees looking to stretch their dollar.
Brandon is also great for food lovers and artists. It has a growing culinary scene featuring multicultural options, bakeries, and casual fine dining. Art murals decorate many downtown buildings, giving the city a creative flair. Museums, galleries, and theatres keep the arts alive and accessible.
Nature lovers can walk or bike along the beautiful Assiniboine Riverbank Trail System, enjoy local festivals, or take weekend trips to nearby Spruce Woods Provincial Park for hiking and camping.
With great schools, strong employment, and a welcoming community, Brandon is one of Manitoba’s best-kept secrets.
4. Springfield
If your dream is to live close to nature but within reach of the city, Springfield offers the best of both worlds. Located just 30 minutes east of Winnipeg, Springfield is a rural municipality with deep roots and a growing population of families, retirees, and professionals.
Founded in the 1800s, Springfield is Manitoba’s oldest municipality, named for the many natural springs found in the area. It offers residents a peaceful rural environment with quick access to Winnipeg’s shopping, health services, and entertainment.
Springfield borders the expansive Agassiz Provincial Forest, giving nature lovers access to trails, wildlife, and scenic vistas. With low crime rates, a close-knit community, and affordable housing, Springfield is ideal for raising a family or settling into a slower pace of life.
New developments in 2024 and 2025 have expanded local infrastructure, with improved roads and more family services, making Springfield more livable than ever.
5. Winnipeg Beach
Located just 65 kilometres north of Winnipeg, this charming resort town sits on the shores of Lake Winnipeg and is a favourite summer destination for both residents and tourists.
Originally developed in 1900 by the Canadian Pacific Railway as a vacation hot spot, Winnipeg Beach once featured amusement rides, a dance pavilion, a pier, and luxury hotels.
Though many of those early attractions faded after the 1950s, the area was revitalized in the 1960s with the creation of Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park. Today, the town has retained its historic charm while evolving into a peaceful and picturesque lakeside community.
Visitors and residents alike can stroll the historic boardwalk, sip a latte at a local café, explore shops, or admire the town’s iconic 1928 water tower. Winnipeg Beach is popular for boating, fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, and soaking up the sun on the sandy shoreline.
While many homes in the area are used seasonally, more people are choosing to settle in Winnipeg Beach full-time, enjoying a relaxed pace of life with beautiful views and easy access to Winnipeg.
Manitoba Living—What to Consider
Before moving to Manitoba, consider key factors like the weather, transit, and housing wait times. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind when planning your move.
Extreme Climate: Winters can plunge to –30 °C or colder (wind chill reaching –50 °C), while summers can exceed 30 °C with humidity. Northern communities like Thompson are colder and drier whereas southern cities experience more humidity.
Transportation & Infrastructure: Public transit is largely limited to Winnipeg; outside the capital, owning a car is essential in most communities. Infrastructure upgrades outside Winnipeg have lagged, particularly in smaller municipalities.
Wait Times for Subsidized Housing: Reports from early 2025 detail long wait times—up to 3–5 years (sometimes more) in popular areas like St. Vital and desirable neighbourhoods within Winnipeg.
FAQs About Living in Manitoba
Considering a move to Manitoba or just curious about life in the province? These frequently asked questions will give you the insights you need—from affordability to weather, safety, and more.
Manitoba remains one of the most affordable provinces in Canada. Housing, groceries, and transportation costs are all below the national average, with Winnipeg offering urban amenities at a lower price point.
Brandon, Springfield, and Steinbach consistently rank among the safest places due to low crime rates and strong community infrastructure.
Yes, Winnipeg offers a mix of culture, affordability, and opportunity. With updated transit, strong healthcare, and festivals year-round, it’s an increasingly popular choice for families and young professionals.
Thompson is one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights, especially during winter months.
Home prices remain affordable compared to other provinces. In cities like Brandon and Steinbach, average home prices are between $260,000–$285,000.
The job market is stable, with strong demand in healthcare, manufacturing, tech, agriculture, and education sectors.
While Winnipeg has the most facilities, rural communities are supported by regional health authorities. Wait times can vary, but coverage is strong under Manitoba Health.
Winters are long and cold, with temperatures often dropping below –30°C. However, Manitobans embrace the season with festivals, skating trails, and winter sports.
Springfield, Brandon, and Steinbach are popular choices due to good schools, safe environments, and family-friendly activities.
Yes! Manitoba has a strong Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), low cost of living, and multicultural cities that welcome newcomers with job support and community integration.
Creating a Healthy Lifestyle in One of the Best Cities to Live In
Insurdinary would love to talk more with you about your needs and let you know how they can help! We may even be able to save you money, so you can spend more enjoying your new lifestyle in one of the best cities to live in Manitoba. With all that extra cash maybe you can do some exploring and travelling through the Province to discover even more great places in Manitoba!
No matter where you choose to live, building a healthy lifestyle is key to living longer and feeling your best. Eating well, staying active, enjoying nature, and surrounding yourself with a positive community are all crucial.
But another major factor in your health and peace of mind is having the right health insurance plan.
At Insurdinary, we’re here to help you explore your options and find the most affordable, effective coverage for your needs. We can even help you save money, leaving you with more to spend on enjoying your new lifestyle in one of Manitoba’s top places to live.And with the money you save, why not take some time to explore more of Manitoba’s hidden gems? There’s so much to discover!
For more on healthy lifestyles and Canadian health insurance, click here.
