Moving to Windsor, Ontario: Neighbourhoods, Essex County and Moving Tips

Windsor is a border city on the Detroit River, across from Detroit, at the western end of Highway 401. It pairs city neighbourhoods and a riverfront with the towns of Essex County, from LaSalle and Tecumseh next door to Leamington and Kingsville on Lake Erie. When you move here, choose between city and county first, then by commute, because the two feel very different.

What is Windsor like?

Windsor grew up around the auto industry and cross-border trade, and both still shape the city. The University of Windsor and St. Clair College bring a large student population, and the riverfront parks look straight across at the Detroit skyline. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are milder than much of Ontario, though snow and freezing rain still happen.

Which areas might suit me?

• Downtown and the riverfront: apartments and condos close to the river, the university and the border crossings.
• Walkerville and Olde Riverside: older, character homes on tree-lined streets, often with narrow stairs and street parking.
• South Windsor: established suburban streets with larger lots and driveways.
• LaSalle and Tecumseh: suburban towns right next to the city, popular with families.
• Lakeshore and Belle River: growing communities on Lake St. Clair, east of the city.
• Amherstburg: a historic river town south of LaSalle.
• Leamington and Kingsville: Lake Erie towns known for their greenhouses, with Point Pelee National Park nearby.

How do I get around?

Most people in Windsor-Essex drive, and Highway 401, the E.C. Row Expressway and County Road 42 connect the city and the county. Transit Windsor runs city buses. Crossing to Detroit is by the Ambassador Bridge or the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, and you will need the right documents to cross.

Moving tips for Windsor

• City to county is a local move. A move between Windsor and LaSalle, Tecumseh, Lakeshore, Amherstburg, Leamington, Kingsville or Essex is priced at our local rate, so you can get an instant estimate online.
• Coming from the GTA or further? Toronto is about four hours away on the 401, so it is a long-distance move, usually quoted as a flat rate. See how much movers cost in Canada and how to compare moving quotes.
• Student season. Rentals near the university and the college turn over at the end of April and the end of August. Book early for those dates; see the best time to move.
• Older homes. In Walkerville and other older neighbourhoods, measure big furniture against the stairs and doorways and tell us about street parking.
• Know your rights. Ontario requires a written contract for moving services over $50; see your rights when hiring movers.

Who moves you in Windsor?

Forge Movers moves families across Windsor and Essex County, and between Windsor-Essex and cities across Canada. See our Windsor moving page for local details, check pricing for the Ontario rate, and request a free quote when you are ready.