Five reasons to move to Moncton, New Brunswick
May 08, 2015
Moncton, New Brunswick is a vibrant, bilingual city renowned for offering both affordable housing opportunities and an eclectic mix of entertainment venues, restaurants, and museums. With a metropolitan population of around 140,000, Moncton provides that perfect balance between city amenities and small-town living.
Thinking about a move to the Maritimes? Consider these five great reasons for choosing Moncton:
- Affordable Housing Market
According to a 2014 report from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Moncton continues to enjoy a buyer’s market with an average house sale price of just over $164,000 – the lowest in the Maritimes. With one of the highest vacancy rates in Canada, rental units in the Moncton area are among the most affordable in the country.
- Brilliant Nightlife
Small doesn’t mean dull! A revitalized downtown core offers numerous restaurants, bars, cafés, and other entertainment venues. And with approximately 6,000 people living in the downtown area, Moncton’s city centre is vibrant and alive.
- Great Place To Do Business
In 2004, the Canadian Business Magazine named Moncton "The Best Place To Do Business in Canada” and the city remained in the top ten rankings for five consecutive years. The magazine reached its conclusion by considering the city’s business friendly atmosphere, an educated workforce with a can-do attitude, and a business-friendly government. In 2014, KPMG ranked Moncton as the lowest cost location for business in Canada.
- All-Season Entertainment Possibilities
Moncton is home to both the largest indoor and outdoor entertainment facilities in Atlantic Canada. There are multiple parks for walking, biking, and general enjoyment. And just 20 minutes down New Brunswick’s Northumberland Coast, you’ll find the warmest beaches north of Virginia.
- Shopping Capital of Atlantic Canada
According to the City of Moncton’s website, retail sales in Moncton reached $2.1 billion in 2011, 17 per cent higher than the average elsewhere in Canada. Home to Champlain Place – the largest mall east of Montreal – Moncton boasts retail outlets of all sizes and types, including many of North America’s biggest names.
Moncton is also home to a growing high-tech industry and call centres, which are drawn in by the city’s bilingual workforce. A robust healthcare system, world-class universities (including the French-speaking Université de Moncton), and New Brunswick’s main airport all make the city attractive to people looking for small-town atmosphere in a growing metropolitan area.
Photos by: Moncton Tourism, Greater Moncton REALTORS, Moncton Residence Inn
About Christine Purfield
Christine Purfield traded numbers for words when she gave up the dizzy heights of finance and accounting to become a freelance writer. She can usually be found writing, knitting, or avoiding housework. If you can't find her, she's travelling.