The 10 Best Places to Live in New Brunswick (Updated for 2023)

Do you live in New Brunswick? Or, are you considering moving to New Brunswick?
New Brunswick, one of Canada’s Maritime provinces, is known for its friendly people, beautiful coastlines, and historic charm.

Whether you’re a student, young professional, or retiree, this province has a lot to offer in terms of quality of life.

However, with so many great cities to choose from, it can be challenging to decide where to settle down.

If you’re looking for a vibrant community, affordable housing, and plenty of amenities, you may be wondering: what is the best city to live in New Brunswick?

In this post, we’ll explore some of the top contenders and help you find your perfect match.

Quick Look at the Best Places to Live in New Brunswick

Bathurst – a picturesque coastal city with a thriving arts and culture scene, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Edmundston – a bilingual city on the border of Quebec with a vibrant downtown, a strong francophone community, and access to outdoor recreation.
Fredericton – the provincial capital with a small-town feel, a lively arts and music scene, and plenty of parks and trails.
Miramichi – a historic city on the Miramichi River with a strong sense of community and a growing arts and culture scene.
Moncton – the largest city in New Brunswick, with a bustling downtown, a diverse population, and plenty of shopping and entertainment options.
Quispamsis – a growing suburb of Saint John with a high quality of life, access to nature, and plenty of amenities.
Riverview – a family-friendly community near Moncton with excellent schools, parks, and community events.
Rothesay – an affluent suburb of Saint John with a strong sense of community, beautiful parks and beaches, and a high standard of living.
Sackville – a small university town with a thriving arts and culture scene, access to outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community.
Saint Andrews – a picturesque coastal town with a rich history, charming architecture, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like whale watching and hiking.

Chatham-Kent

Chatham-Kent always tends to be at the very bottom of the list when parents talk about where their children should go to school.

Why is that? Well it all comes down to test scores and popularity as a city. Chatham-Kent is also very isolated compared to other cities, it can be difficult for students from other schools in Nova Scotia to get involved with others from different provinces or even different countries who are trying to make it big in Chatham-Kent .

This is because the school systems are completely different and the students are not familiar with each others schools.

Saint John

Originally called Ashland on the Bay of Fundy, Saint John has been around since 1604. There have been many contributions made to the city of Saint John such as the Irving Eco-Centre which is one of the largest facilities in Canada for environmental education and also focuses on natural sciences.

It is a great place for students to get an education. Although this city does not give off a great impression to visitors, it still is well rounded when it comes to schooling and entertainment for residents.

Miramichi

Miramichi is a charming city located in northern New Brunswick, known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and strong sense of community. The city is situated on the Miramichi River and offers plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and hiking. Miramichi also has a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums and galleries showcasing the area’s history and art.

One of the unique features of Miramichi is its vibrant sense of community. The city’s residents are known for their hospitality, and the city offers a range of community events and festivals, including the annual Miramichi Irish Festival, which celebrates the area’s strong Irish heritage. The city is also home to the Miramichi Folk Song Festival, which brings together musicians from across the Maritimes for a weekend of traditional music and storytelling.

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural offerings, Miramichi has a range of amenities and services to offer its residents. The city has excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and a range of shopping and dining options. The cost of living in Miramichi is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for families and retirees looking for a high quality of life.

With its breathtaking natural scenery, vibrant sense of community, and comprehensive range of amenities and services, Miramichi stands out as an exceptional place to call home in New Brunswick.

Whether you’re looking for a welcoming community that values hospitality and connection, outdoor recreational opportunities that take advantage of the stunning surroundings, or convenient access to top-notch schools, healthcare, shopping, and dining, Miramichi has something to offer.

From the rich cultural scene to the affordable cost of living, this northern New Brunswick city ticks all the boxes for those seeking a high quality of life in a close-knit and friendly community.

Bathurst

Bathurst is a beautiful coastal city and an excellent place to call home in New Brunswick. Located on the Bay of Chaleur, the city boasts a stunning natural landscape with miles of sandy beaches, hiking trails, and parks.

The community in Bathurst is tight-knit and friendly, with a strong sense of local pride and a thriving arts and culture scene.

Residents can enjoy a range of cultural events and festivals, including the popular Bathurst Hospitality Days festival, which celebrates the city’s Acadian heritage.

In addition to its natural beauty and community spirit, Bathurst also offers plenty of amenities and services.

The city has a range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as excellent schools and healthcare facilities.

The cost of living in Bathurst is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for young families, retirees, and anyone looking for a high quality of life in a welcoming community.

With its vibrant arts scene, picturesque waterfront, and friendly atmosphere, Bathurst is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in New Brunswick.

Moncton

Moncton is the largest city in New Brunswick and is also part of the Greater Moncton Area. This whole community is over 230 000 strong and even has a large number of residents from other countries like France, Germany and Spain who have chosen to live there.

You can get some great education here as many students choose to go to the local community college for their post secondary education. Many jobs in Moncton are available for you whether you have a college degree or just a few years worth of experience.

Fredericton

Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, is a charming and picturesque city located in the heart of the province. The city is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal place to call home. Fredericton has a small-town feel with all the amenities of a big city, including excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.

Residents of Fredericton can enjoy the city’s many parks and trails, including the famous Odell Park, which features over 400 acres of forested trails, ponds, and wildlife. The city also has a lively downtown area with a range of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the Fredericton Playhouse and the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural offerings, Fredericton is an ideal place to live due to its strong sense of community. The city has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and its residents are known for their warmth and hospitality. The cost of living in Fredericton is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals looking for a high quality of life.

Overall, Fredericton is an excellent place to live in New Brunswick, thanks to its friendly community, stunning natural beauty, and diverse cultural offerings.

Check out our guide on moving to Fredericton to find out more about this beautiful city in New Brunswick.

Edmundston

Edmundston is a bilingual city located in northwestern New Brunswick, near the border with Quebec. It is a vibrant and welcoming community with a rich history and a strong sense of local pride.

The city is known for its friendly people, excellent food, and cultural diversity, making it an excellent place to call home.

Residents of Edmundston can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and fishing, thanks to the city’s proximity to the Appalachian Mountains and the Madawaska River.

The city also has a lively arts and culture scene, with regular festivals and events, including the Edmundston Jazz and Blues Festival and the Festival d’été de la région de Edmundston.

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural offerings, Edmundston has a range of amenities and services to offer its residents. The city has excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and shopping and dining options.

The cost of living in Edmundston is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for families and retirees looking for a high quality of life.

Overall, Edmundston is an excellent place to live in New Brunswick, thanks to its welcoming community, natural beauty, and diverse cultural offerings.