8 Reasons to move to St. John’s, Newfoundland

St. John’s is a lovely old city situated on “The Rock” at the most eastern point of Canada. Never boring and always growing, it’s been inhabited for over 500 years and is as vibrant and unique as its residents. Whether you’re young or old, single or partnered, with or without children, St. John’s is a great place to live. Here are eight reasons to pack up and make the move to St. John's.

1. Affordable pricing

Average house costs are approximately $300,000 and up, and apartment rentals typically start at $800 per month. There are many heritage buildings in the city, and St. John’s is famous for its brightly coloured houses.

2. Education facilities

All the basic education facilities are available (elementary, junior and high school), as well as post-secondary options, including Memorial University and the Marine Institute.

3. Booming local economy

St. John’s is close to several oil fields, and the local economy is booming. There were some lean years after the cod fishery collapsed, but the oil business has revitalized the city.

4. Essential amenities

St. John’s is home to hospitals, churches, banks, museums, parks, a harbour, airport, public transport, sporting facilities, and even a professional hockey team (St. John’s Ice Caps). Pippy Park is a 3,400-acre activity zone with lots of recreational activities, two golf courses, a campground, and plenty of walking trails and skiing. The Royal St. John’s Regatta is a perennial favourite of locals and visitors alike.

5. Cultural hot spots

The city is rich with cultural hotspots, heritage buildings, boutiques, and tourist shops. Murray Premises, originally a fishery, has been converted into offices, retail stores, a restaurant, and a boutique hotel. Signal Hill is famous for being the site where Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless transmission on December 12, 1901.

6. Lively atmosphere

George Street, although only two blocks long, is famous for its nightlife, music festivals, and its overall party-like atmosphere. Popular Newfoundland band Great Big Sea has mentioned George Street in their songs.

7. Endless seafood

St. John’s is home to delicious local seafood and restaurants of all kinds, such as Aqua Restaurant and Bar, Oliver’s, O’Reilly’s Irish Pub, and Nautical Nellies, to name a few.

8. Beautiful scenery

Stunningly beautiful scenery is everywhere in Newfoundland, including the Grand Concourse Trail, whale watching, and the parade of icebergs in late May/early June.

Photos by: Kenny Louie - Wikimedia Commons, Catherine Alexandra, O'Reilly's Irish Newfoundland Pub, Canada's Garden Route, Memorial University Instagram, Grand Concourse Authority, City of St. John's, Jcmurphy - Wikimedia Commons, Tolivero~commonswiki - Wikimedia Commons