I am just outside Winnipeg and love the area I'm in. We moved out of the city about 7 months ago after living there for 8 years. I am so happy to be out of the city! It wasn't for us. I would say definitely avoid the North End!! The best areas are Island Lakes, although houses are quite pricey there, St. Vital, Royalwood. Those are just to name a few. Like I said, I would avoid the North End, downtown, Elmwood... I guess it also depends what your price range is. That can also deicde which area you'll be living in.
Hope that helps!