Best Cities To Live In: New Brunswick, Canada

New Brunswick is one of the Atlantic provinces of Canada. It is heavily forested with about 80% of the land covered with woodland. New Brunswick is the country’s only officially bilingual province with English speaking community living in the southern part and the French community living in the northern part. The province is an attractive destination for immigrants and those desiring a simple, no-frills lifestyle. Apartments in New Brunswick are among the cheapest in Canada. In June 2018, an average house price was $192,000 according to the Canadian Real Estate Association. The average hourly earnings in the province are also significantly higher than other Atlantic provinces. Here are the ten best cities to live in New Brunswick.

10. Saint John, NB

Saint John is the most industrialized city in New Brunswick. The metropolitan area of Saint John has a population of approximately 125,000 residents. It is the principal port and manufacturing region of New Brunswick. The port is free of ice during winter because of the many activities that take place there. Some of the booming industries in the city include call centers, electricity generation, and brewing. Housing in Saint John is affordable with a two-bedroom apartment costing $723 to rent from a median household income of $70,973. The city authorities have made it one of the safest places in Atlantic Canada with a crime rate maintained below 7000 per 100,000 people.

9. Edmundston, NB

Edmundston City is located in Madawaska County, surrounding a federal Indian Reserve known as the St. Basile. The economy of Edmundston is centered on the Saint John River paper industry with the river providing water for the paper manufacturer. The average household income for most people working in the industry and other sectors in the city is $66,000. The city also hosts the regional hospital for the area, facilitating easy access to health care for the residents. Edmundston is a safe place to live in with crime rate managed below 5,000 per 100,000 people. The major attractions in the city are the two provincial historical sites; Fortin du Petit-Sault and Cathedral of Immaculate.

8. Miramichi, NB

Miramichi City is the largest city in Northern New Brunswick. It is located at the point where the Miramichi River enters the Miramichi Bay. The city was established in 1995 through the amalgamation of the Newcastle and Chatham towns, and several other smaller communities. The economy of Miramichi is focused on forestry, mining, and fishing. However, the service sector remains the largest employer. For fun lovers, several local festivals are held to celebrate the Miramichi culture including the Miramichi Folksong Festival. The city also offers a wide range of summer and winter sports activities such as swimming, golfing, and skating.

7. Bathurst, NB

Bathurst is located in the Bay of Chaleur in the northern part of New Brunswick. It has a population of about 13,000 people within the city boundaries while the greater region has a population of over 80,000 residents. While Bathurst is multicultural, the two prominent cultures are English and French. The city prides itself in the natural resources that has been its strength since 1826 when it was founded as a village. At the center of the city are the shopping and service centers for the Northeast New Brunswick. The median listed house price in Bathurst in 2018 was relatively lower compared to other cities in New Brunswick, with the residents spending approximately $585 to rent a two-bedroom apartment.

6. Quispamsis, NB

Quispamsis is located 12 miles to the northeast of Kennebecasis River Valley. It has a population of approximately 18,500 people. Quispamsis is among the ten best places to live in Atlantic Canada due to the quality of life, safety, and availability of several recreational facilities. The average household income for the residents is $118,113. It also offers affordable housing with a two-bedroom house costing $723 to rent. Property owners in Quispamsis enjoy a low tax rate of 2% of their income. Crime in the area has been managed to less than 2,000 per 100,000 population. The town has several recreational facilities including recreational parks and unique amenities.

5. Rothesay, NB

Rothesay is located in the Kennebecasis Valley, east of the city of Saint John. It has a population of approximately 12,000 residents. Rothesay is one of the most attractive environments to live in Atlantic Canada, providing a high level of services to its citizens. The quiet suburban community has something to offer to everyone including the children and adults. The residents can enjoy hiking trails, beach sites, park areas, and the several playgrounds. Rothesay is generally safe with a crime rate of 1,667 per 100,000 people. The residents also enjoy one of the highest median household incomes in New Brunswick while property tax is only 2% of the total income.

4. Riverview, NB

The town of River is situated on the southern side of Petitcodiac River. It is New Brunswick’s fifth-largest municipality with a population of approximately 19,000 people. Riverview is one of the unusual special places to live, work, and raise a family. The communities there are friendly and committed to active living. The crime rate is low at about 7,000 per 100,000 population. Riverview has the lowest tax rate in Greater Moncton with housing quite affordable. The safe streets have become popular for cycling. Residents also enjoy skiing and snowshoe trail. The rivers and the surrounding forests are perfect for strolling.

3. Moncton, NB

The metropolitan area of Moncton has a population of approximately 140,000 residents. The city is lively with a mixture of French and English communities and cultures. French speakers make up about 30% of the population and almost all are bilingual. Moncton is considered a center of high-tech and service industry in New Brunswick. The city has partnered with Halifax city to promote the Moncton-Halifax growth corridor to enhance their mutual economy. New Brunswick’s main airport is located in Moncton, connecting the city to different parts of the country and other overseas destinations such as France and Germany. Moncton has a favorable property tax with property owners paying a tax of only 2% of the average income. The household income averages $75,477.

2. Fredericton, NB

Fredericton is the capital city of New Brunswick. It is located almost at the center of the province, along the Saint John River. The metropolitan area of Fredericton has a population of approximately 90,000 residents depending on the number of students. It is an educational center and has good shopping, school, and recreational facilities. In recent years, the city has witnessed a growth in IT-based businesses which has increasingly employed most of the residents. The household income for most people living in Fredericton is approximately $82,143. Those looking to relocate to the city can either rent a house for $871 or buy one for approximately $305,353.

1. Dieppe, NB

Dieppe is the second best city to live in Atlantic Canada after Halifax, Nova Scotia. It is a unique hub for activities due to its location. The city is known for its European-style downtown which is so close to the nature trail, beaches, and parks, including the famous Parlee Beach. Dieppe is the fourth-most populous city in New Brunswick with a population of 26,000. The city is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada due to its strategic location and the economic asset. It offers quality life with a median household income almost $100,000. Dieppe also features many leisure, sports, and cultural activities.