Pros and Cons of Moving to Ajax

Picking up a great place for living depends on so many things. When you want to choose a place for your home, you need to set up your priorities. What is the most important thing you are looking for in the new city? Are you going to move because of the job opportunity? Are you trying to find the best neighborhood for your kids? Whatever the reason for your move is, you should consider hiring reliable Professional Movers Canada to help you out with the relocation. So, if you decide that moving to Ajax is the best choice for you, you need to know some pros and cons about this place.

A few things you need to know about Ajax before moving

Ajax is a town in Canada. It is best known as a place where a growing population is one of the fastest in GTA. In this town, there are over 60 languages spoken. So it does not surprise you when we say that Ajax is the most diverse place on the planet. People from many other cities and towns in Canada, for instance, Aurora, move to Ajax. That is why you can find reliable movers, such as movers in Aurora, wherever in Canada you are moving from. The town of Ajax is also known as a place that cares so much about the environment. All drinking water comes from Lake Ontario. So, people in Ajax are very sensitive when it comes to saving the planet.

There are a lot of green areas, so it is perfect for spending time in nature. There are also a lot of festivals, cultural centers, and museums that you can visit and upgrade your knowledge of art. In Ajax, you can play and discover everything that you are interested in. This means that this place is a blast for everyone. There are activities that everyone from 9 to 99 can do. However, like every town, Ajax also has some good and bad sides. Read more about both and decide if this is the place for you.

What are the pros of moving to Ajax?

We have already mentioned that moving to Ajax has many benefits. Of course, that highly depends on what you are looking for and whether Ajax can offer that. In any case, when you move to Ajax, you can expect:

• welcoming community,
• high quality of life,
• access to nature and outdoor activities,
• great economic opportunities,
• proximity to major cities.

Welcoming community

Ajax is a diverse town with an array of cultures represented in its population. This cosmopolitan blend makes the town welcoming to everyone, with different traditions and customs celebrated throughout the year. Community events, such as the annual Winterfest, Summer in the Park, and Canada Day celebrations, provide ample opportunities for social engagement. So, if you like interacting with people, Ajax is the place for you.

High quality of life

Ajax offers a high standard of living that caters to families, professionals, and retirees alike. Its public healthcare system is highly rated, with a variety of medical facilities available, including the Ajax Pickering Hospital. The town is also known for its excellent public and private schools, making it a great place for families with kids. In terms of safety, Ajax’s crime rates are lower than the national average, which contributes to the sense of community and well-being. To compare, Ajax’s crime rate is 38% lower than the national average. This is important overall, but especially if you are moving with your family.

Schools in Ajax

Ajax is home to a variety of reputable schools that cater to a wide range of age groups and educational needs. These schools are part of the Durham District School Board or the Durham Catholic District School Board.

Elementary schools:

• Ajax Public School: Located in downtown Ajax, this school serves students from Kindergarten through Grade 8. It offers a comprehensive academic program along with a variety of extracurricular activities.
• Lester B. Pearson Public School: This school also serves students from Kindergarten to Grade 8, focusing on academic success and social-emotional learning. The school offers unique programs like French immersion.
• St. James Catholic School: A part of the Durham Catholic District School Board, St. James Catholic School provides a faith-based education for students from Kindergarten through Grade 8.

Secondary Schools:

• Ajax High School: As one of the oldest institutions in the region, Ajax High School offers a wide range of programs from Grades 9 to 12, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses for students seeking academically challenging studies.
• Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School: Known as “DOC”, this school provides a faith-based education for students from Grades 9 to 12. It offers a variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities.
• Pickering High School: While technically located in the neighboring city of Pickering, this high school serves many Ajax residents. It is known for its high academic standards and offers a range of programs, including a specialized Arts program.
• J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate: This high school is known for its emphasis on technology and also has strong arts and sports programs.

So, if education for your family members is one of the reasons for your move, there can be no mistake with Ajax.

Access to nature and outdoor activities

For outdoor enthusiasts, Ajax is a paradise with its picturesque parks, trails, and the stunning Lake Ontario waterfront. Rotary Park provides a great family-friendly space with picnic areas, a playground, and even a splash pad. The waterfront trail spans over 7 kilometers, perfect for biking, walking, or running with beautiful lake views. The town is also home to several sports clubs and facilities that cater to a range of interests, from soccer to sailing. Also, after the relocation, you can discover Ajax’s hidden gems. You will be surprised by the number of wonderful places to explore.

Economic opportunities

Ajax boasts a robust economy with a range of job opportunities. The town has a strong industrial sector, with businesses in automotive, retail, and healthcare leading the way. Major employers include Volkswagen Canada, Toyota Canada, and Lakeridge Health Ajax Pickering Hospital. There’s also a growing tech industry attracting professionals from various sectors. The town’s economic growth potential makes it an attractive destination for those looking to further their careers. So, if you are planning a commercial move, for instance, from Toronto, office movers Toronto can plan your relocation. You can expand your business or start from scratch in Ajax. One thing is for sure – your business will grow.

Proximity to major cities

Strategically located in the Durham Region of Southern Ontario, Ajax is just a short drive away from Toronto. This proximity to Canada’s biggest city offers residents the best of both worlds – the peace and tranquility of a smaller town with easy access to the hustle and bustle of a major city. Public transportation, like the GO Transit, makes commuting between Ajax and surrounding cities easy and convenient. Additionally, it’s close to other significant towns such as Markham, Vaughan, and Oshawa, providing additional opportunities for work and recreation.

The cons of living in Ajax

When you have made the decision of moving to Ajax, there is some additional information you need to pay attention to and dome challenges you might face. Of course, it also depends on your lifestyle, and you may not find it an issue. However, you must be prepared for:

• the cost of living,
• weather conditions,
• limited nightlife,
• commuting challenges.

The cost of living

The cost of living in Ajax can be higher than the national average, particularly when it comes to housing. As of 2023, the average price for a home in Ajax is approximately $850,000, higher than the national average of $600,000. Renting can also be pricey, with a two-bedroom apartment costing around $1,600 per month. On top of the housing, the cost of utilities averages at about $150 per month for a standard 85m2 apartment. Groceries and food expenses can be estimated at around $400 per month for a single person. Residents can expect to pay a combined sales tax rate of 13% in Ontario, which includes the federal GST of 5% and the provincial PST of 8%. So, plan your budget well before you move to Ajax.

Weather conditions

One of the most important things you need to know is the weather. Canada can be really cold in winter. And also can not brag about some very hot summers. So, if you are more of a summer person, moving to Ajax is a con. But nothing can replace the hot cup of tea in the morning while you watch the snow falling. However, another thing that you need to know is that some of the best GTA movers are located in Ajax. So, when it comes to moving days, these professionals will take care of everything that you agreed on, no matter the weather conditions.

Limited nightlife

Being primarily a residential and family-oriented community, Ajax does not offer the same level of nightlife as larger cities like Toronto. While there are a handful of pubs and bars for a night out and the Ajax Downs Casino for entertainment, those seeking a more vibrant nightlife may need to head into Toronto or other nearby cities.

Commuting challenges

During peak hours, commuting in Ajax can be time-consuming, particularly if you’re traveling to and from Toronto or other nearby cities. The average commute time in Ajax is about 34 minutes, which is slightly higher than the national average of 29 minutes. The GO train system alleviates some of the stress of commuting, but it can still be crowded during rush hour. Planning ahead, leaving early, or using public transit can be ways to manage these potential commuting challenges.

How to prepare yourself and your kids for moving to Ajax?

When you want to move to Ajax, make sure that you have to find the most reliable moving company. Talk to people you know that have moved recently. They will help you find out the company. If you do not know anyone who has moved, you can find that movers Ajax has on offer have the best references and reviews. Once you have found a moving company, you need to prepare yourself and everyone around you for the move.

Packing and decluttering before the move

So, if you are moving from some other part of Canada to Ajax, or you are coming from another state, have on your mind that packing can be really exhausting. Not only that, you need to pack all of your valuables and belongings. You need to make sure you have brought something from the old place. But when you need to pack, and you do not have enough time, or you just do not know how to pack, there is a solution for you. Once you have decided that packing is not your thing, reach out to some of the best packing services Toronto has. This way, you will be packed by professionals. You would not have to worry about breaking something or labeling it wrong.

But if you decide to pack by yourself, there are some rules that will help you a lot. Those are:

• Pack room by room,
• Label boxes,
• Do not overload the box, and
• Have on your mind that what you pack the last will be unpacked first.

Nevertheless, if you need to move bulky items, such as a pool table, or instruments, such as a piano, a DIY move is not an option. It is better to contact piano movers Toronto, or piano and pool table movers from any other city you are moving from. This way, you will be sure your items will be delivered to Ajax in one piece.

The decision is up to you

Moving to Ajax has its pros and cons. When you decide with your family what are the most important stuff you need to search for in a place, moving will go smoothly. With some of the best moving companies, you will be in good hands. Ajax is the perfect place for you to discover your hobbies and the things that you like. A move to the town of Ajax is good for your mental health. Not to mention the fact that local people take care of their nature, so you would be sure that your kids are growing up in a safe and clean town. Take a pen, sit down, and write down the pros and cons of moving to this town. You will be closer to making up your mind.