Best Cities To Live In: Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

St. John's is the top rated city to live in Newfoundland. Editorial credit: Art Babych / Shutterstock.com
St. John's is the top rated city to live in Newfoundland. Editorial credit: Art Babych / Shutterstock.com

Newfoundland and Labrador is a unique place to live. The province has a long history, with its capital, St. John’s, considered the oldest city in North America. Newfoundland and Labrador’s modern amenities, vibrant culture, and world-class hotels, all just a few miles away from the pristine coastland and woodland offer an excellent urban and rural living. Although the cities are much smaller than other cities in the rest of the country, they offer adventure and a different way of living. Newfoundland and Labrador is much bigger than some of the countries like Germany and Japan. It has a population of approximately 550,000 people, with the majority living in urban area. The province has six parks and several provincial wilderness parks. Here are some of the best places to live in the province.

7. Conception Bay South, NL

The Conception Bay South is situated on the southeastern shores of the Conception Bay on the Avalon Peninsula. It is part of the larger St. John’s Metropolitan Area with most of the residents employed in the surrounding cities. The Conception Bay provides a suitable fishing ground for the residents. Tourism is also a growing economic activity in the area with tourists frequenting the geological sites. Conception Bay South offers quality life with most households earning an average income of $100,000. A two-bedroom apartment costs $630 while property owners are required to pay a property tax of only 1% of their income. The crime rate has been maintained below 8,000 per 100,000.

6. Grand Falls-Windsor, NL

The town of Grand Falls-Windsor comprises two towns which were amalgamated in 1991. It is situated on the Exploit River. The town is named after the river’s magnificent falls. Grand Falls-Windsor is a major service and distribution center. Mining and aquaculture are also major economic activities in the region. The town boasts of man-made amenities that make it one of the best place to live in NL. The beautiful scenery and the economic aspect of the town make it even more attractive. In Grander, there is always a recreational activity for everyone irrespective of age. Some of these activities include cross-country skiing and visiting the Joe Byrne Memorial Museum.

5. Paradise, NL

Paradise is a town located on the Avalon Peninsula. It is part of the larger St. John’s metropolitan area and borders the cities of St. John’s and Mount Pearl. The town has a population of approximately 23,000 residents. The Town of Paradise is one of the fastest growing towns in Atlantic Canada with the majority of the population being average-aged. The town offers a mix of urban and rural living, providing the residents with easy access to shopping, work, recreational, and educational institutions. Several businesses have been established in the town and continues to grow rapidly. Some of the established industries include manufacturing and construction.

4. Gander, NL

The town of Gander is situated on the northeastern part of Newfoundland Island, approximately 25 miles south of Gander Bay. It hosts the Gander International Airport which is an important emergency landing for aircraft facing emergency issues. Gander has a population of approximately 12,000 residents and has experienced rapid growth in recent years. The town is currently expanding, especially the business park which currently hosts several big stores such as Walmart. Gander is also offering quality healthcare with the medical services offered by James Paton Memorial Health Center. Several recreational facilities such as parks and walking trails have also been made available to the public.

3. Mount Pearl, NL

Mount Pearl is the second largest city in NL after St. John’s. It is situated southwest of St. John’s, on Avalon Peninsula’s eastern tip. The city is part of the larger metropolitan area of St. John’s. Mount Pearl has a population of approximately 23,800 residents living in the over 10,000 dwellings. The majority of the residents are white with the Aboriginal and other ethnic groups accounting for less than 5% of the population. Mount Pearl one of the best places to live in Newfoundland because of the beautiful and clean environment, safety, and access to other cities such as Paradise and St. Johns. Its residents are one of the best income earners in Atlantic Canada with a median household income of $104,213. The city offers affordable housing with two-bedroom apartment costing $868 to rent.

2. Corner Brook, NL

The city of Corner Brook is situated on the west coast of Newfoundland Island. It is the fifth largest population center in NL with a population of approximately 19,000 residents. The city is mainly a service center for the northern and western Newfoundland. Corner Brook’s small population makes it less hectic compared to most of the cities in the province. It is a cheap place to live. The cheap average prices of homes make it one of the preferred destinations in Atlantic Canada. The average price of a home is $276,000 while renting a two-bedroom house is $760. Tax on a property has also been lowered to 1% of one’s income, making the city an ideal place to invest and own property. Corner Brook is also known for affordable healthcare with over 40 doctors’ offices spread across the city. It hosts the region’s only community radio station and also hosts the Gros Morne Summer Music, a musical festival held between July and August every year.

1. St. John's, NL

St. John’s is the provincial capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is located on the eastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula on the Newfoundland Island. The name of the city is attributed to John the Baptist. St. John’s existed on the map as early as 1519, with several sources placing it as the oldest city in North America. The economy of St. John’s is connected to its role as the provincial capital city and the ocean. The largest employers are the provincial government and the Memorial University. The city is characterized by the old-style European charm and unique architecture with the surrounding area offering modern amenities, beautiful sceneries, and magnificent coastline. The city also boasts of a strong local food culture and several clubs, world-class hotels, and pubs. St. John’s is a safe city with a crime rate of 7,335 per 100,000. On average, each household earns an income of $68,901.

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