8 Best Places To Live In The Maritimes In 2025
Between the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Nova Scotia, the jaw-dropping coastal landscapes of Prince Edward Island, and the laid-back pace of life in New Brunswick, Canada's East Coast is filled with incredible destinations to call home. Each city offers its own natural beauty, has distinct cultural charms, and varies significantly in lifestyle options. Whether you are looking to spend your golden years somewhere beautiful, start a family in a quiet and affordable town, find your ideal university destination, or explore employment opportunities in a vibrant new city, choose from the 8 best places to live in the Maritimes in 2025!
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Approximately 70 minutes from Halifax lies Lunenburg, a captivating coastal city filled with charm. As many as 70% of its buildings downtown are from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Old Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic District. Soak in the beauty and history as you explore the picturesque streets of the Lunenburg Waterfront, which are lined with colorful homes, quaint distilleries, unique shops, and bustling breweries.
Much of the economy consists of service and creative industries, manufacturing, tourism, and the working waterfront. There are various educational opportunities available, from Bluenose Academy to Nova Scotia Community College. Halifax is only an hour away, where courses are accessible by commute or distance education. Living in Lunenburg is also much safer than living in the provincial capital. There were only 71 Crime Stoppers calls made for 2024, compared to 434 in the Halifax Regional District. Fishermen's Memorial Hospital offers Emergency, Physiotherapy, Long-Term Care, EKG, and other services in town. Whether you are looking for a safe city to raise a family or would like to retire somewhere beautiful, Lunenburg is an excellent place to call home.
Summerside, Prince Edward Island
Under one hour from Charlottetown, you will find Summerside, one of the best places to live in the Maritimes in 2025. Be ready for unique island adventures in the City By the Sea. PEI’s second-biggest city is abundant in cultural, natural, and culinary activities. Shop for produce in the Summerside Farmers' Market, see an intriguing performance at the Harbourfront Theatre, or discover historical exhibits and artifacts in the PEI Fox Museum.
With a median listing price of $362,450 CAD according to Houseful.ca as of April 2025, Summerside is an affordable city to purchase a home. The economy is growing and expanding, and opportunities, especially in the Aerospace, Information Technology, and Green and Renewable sectors, are key. Young professionals searching for work in these areas can truly excel. Opportunities in ICT Enterprise, Education, Consumer Product Providers, and Advanced Manufacturing are also prominent. Spots like Breakwater Bar & Grill are perfect for unwinding after a long day or enjoying a drink by the harbor on the scenic patio.
Shediac, New Brunswick
Located on the magnificent Shediac Bay, which extends into Canada’s Northumberland Strait, Shediac is a breathtaking city. Nicknamed "The Lobster Capital of the World" (represented by the Giant Lobster statue in town), this is the perfect destination for nature lovers. Leave your worries behind and escape to this charming seaside community as you transition to a slower pace in one of the 8 best places to live in the Maritimes in 2025.
The Bass, Trout, and Mackerel fishing opportunities are abundant at Shediac Harbour, and the scenery of the nearby Parlee Beach Provincial Park, which received the Blue Flag international eco-certification, is spectacular for a peaceful morning stroll. While you can enjoy a quiet lifestyle here, Moncton is only 20 minutes away. The Moncton Hospital is also easily accessible; Emergency, Seniors Health, Oncology, and other services are available. Considering communities like the Villa Providence and its extensive activity program are in town, Shediac is a wonderful place to spend your golden years in New Brunswick.
Saint John, New Brunswick
With a median listing price of $289,000 CAD as of April 2025 (according to Houseful.ca), Saint John is one of the most affordable cities to live in Canada. “The Port City” also has one of the lowest Crime Severity Index (CSI) rates in the province, according to the Canada Crime Report in 2023. Plus, with scenic spots Irving Nature Park offering incredible views of the Fundy coastline, the captivating Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site used in the War of 1812, and the lively AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village, you will have plenty to do.
Various schools are in Saint John, from Bayview Elementary to Millidgeville North School, Saint John High School, and the University of New Brunswick. Regarding healthcare, Saint John Regional Hospital, one of the top 40 hospitals in Canada (according to Newsweek in 2025), is also located here. Overall, if you would like to live in a fascinating place filled with activities, where you will feel safe and secure, Saint John is a wonderful city in which to raise a family.
Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Welcome to Wolfville, one of the best places for students to live in the Maritimes. Home to Acadia University, ranked fourth on Canada’s Best Primarily Undergraduate Universities for 2025 list by Maclean's, you will quickly fall in love with this university town. Over half of Wolfville’s population consists of Acadia students, who find opportunities for study, work, volunteering, and recreation here.
Situated in the stunning Annapolis Valley, Wolfville is filled with scenic spots like Reservoir Beach and Waterfront Park. Find a shady spot to study outside, plan a picnic by the water with friends, or join free live music events in the summer. There are several bars and restaurants on Main Street. Paddy's Brewpub & Rosie's Restaurant has a lovely patio to sit back and enjoy a drink or have brunch on warm weekends. You will also be happy to hear that Annapolis Valley is home to the province’s mildest climate, with the warmest temperatures and lowest precipitation (mainland).
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Between well-preserved historical architecture, vibrant city breweries, its close proximity to beautiful beaches, and being the “Birthplace of Confederation,” PEI’s provincial capital is full of wonders. Explore the charming shops and variety of restaurants as you meander down Victoria Row, or soak in the beauty of the coast at the nearby Prince Edward Island National Park. You can even drive to Green Gables Heritage Place to see the exquisite grounds that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s famous Anne of Green Gables novel, or see the famous red sand of Cavendish Beach.
Considering the city’s growing population, affordable housing prices, and increased multiculturalism with residents from 90 different cultures, Charlottetown was listed first on Canada’s Best Affordable Places to Live list by Macleans in 2024. Key economic sectors include Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing/Marine/Aerospace, Financial Services, Tourism, and Meetings and Conventions. Whether you are a young professional looking for work and a new home, or thinking about relocating your family to a gorgeous city, Charlottetown is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in the Maritimes in 2025.
Truro, Nova Scotia
One of the province's best-kept secrets, with a central location and historic downtown area, Truro is often referred to as “The Hub of Nova Scotia.” If you are a fan of small-town vibes with a strong sense of community and plenty of recreational activities, then this is the place for you. The 3,000-acre Victoria Park features lush hiking trails with captivating waterfalls and natural gorges, and the Marigold Cultural Centre offers art, classes, and shows to inspire creativity.
With various living options available for seniors, including the Riverwood 55+ Community and the family-owned and operated long-term care Wynn Park Villa, Truro has many options for retirees. Regarding healthcare, Colchester East Hants Health Centre is in town, where Emergency, Chronic Pain, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and other services are available. Boost your physical and mental well-being at Rath Eastlink Community Centre. They have an Aquatic Centre, Fitness Centre, Walking Track, and Skating Surfaces. Explore the available programs; membership rates are reduced for those 60 and over.
Fredericton, New Brunswick
A breathtaking city situated along the St. John River, Fredericton is not only naturally beautiful; you will also find a variety of sports and recreational facilities here that the whole family will love. Beaverbrook Art Gallery showcases contemporary and historical paintings and sculptures, and Willie O'Ree Place is a great place for the kids to learn skating or hockey.
If you would like to own a start-up, the costs here are very low compared to other cities. According to CanadianImmigrant.ca in January 2025, the city has one business per every 14 residents. A range of schools are located here, from Connaught Street Primary to Park Street Elementary, Fredericton High School, and the University of New Brunswick. Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital is in town, offering Emergency, Oncology, Family Medicine, and other services.
Affordable housing prices, quality schools, nationally recognized hospitals, bustling employment opportunities, and low crime rates are a few factors to consider when selecting your new home. Throw extraordinary well-preserved architecture, captivating coastal landscapes, and exciting city attractions into the mix, and you will find a destination you will quickly fall in love with. Between the colorful houses and stunning waterfront of Lunenburg, the picturesque parks and historical wonders of Saint John, and the riverside vistas and recreational opportunities of Fredericton, choose from the 8 best places to live in the Maritimes in 2025.
