Why St. John's is One of Canada's Hidden Gems

St. John's, Newfoundland

This historic and picturesque city on the eastern coast of Canada has a lot to offer, but like any place, it also has its challenges. Here are some pros and cons to consider before making the move to this colorful city.

Pros:

Beautiful scenery: St. John's is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, from the rugged coastline to the colorful houses dotting the hillsides. The city is also home to many parks and green spaces, including Bannerman Park, Bowring Park and the East Coast Trail.

Vibrant culture: St. John's has a lively arts and culture scene, with numerous festivals, events, and galleries throughout the year. The city is particularly known for its vibrant music scene, which includes traditional Newfoundland music as well as indie, folk, and rock acts.

Friendly locals: Newfoundlanders are known for their warm and welcoming nature, and St. John's is no exception. The city has a strong sense of community, and newcomers are often welcomed with open arms.

Affordable cost of living: Compared to other Canadian cities, St. John's has a relatively low cost of living. Housing prices are lower than the national average, and groceries, utilities, and other expenses are generally affordable.

Photo by Pei Yu on Unsplash

Cons:

Harsh winters: Newfoundland is known for its harsh winter weather, which can include heavy snowfall, strong winds, and icy conditions. This can make transportation and outdoor activities challenging, and can also lead to higher heating costs.

Job opportunities: While St. John's has a diverse economy, it can be difficult to find work in certain fields. Many people in the city work in industries such as oil and gas, healthcare, and education. The unemployment rate in St. John's was 5.6% as of March 2023, down 0.6% from the previous month. The unemployment rate stood 8.1% below the peak from July 2020 and is below the long-run average.

Isolation: St. John's is located far from other major Canadian cities, which can make travel and transportation challenging. It can also be difficult to find certain goods and services in the city, as some items must be imported from other parts of the country.

Seasonal tourism: While tourism is a major industry in St. John's, it is largely seasonal, with the summer months being the busiest. This can lead to a lack of year-round job opportunities in the tourism sector.

Photo by Pei Yu on Unsplash

Resources:

If you're considering a move to St. John's, here are some resources to help you get started:

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: The provincial government website has information on living, working, and doing business in Newfoundland and Labrador.
St. John's Board of Trade: This organization provides resources and support for businesses in the St. John's area.
Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism: The official tourism website for the province has information on attractions, events, and accommodations in St. John's and beyond.

Fun Facts:

St. John's is one of the oldest cities in North America, founded in the early 1600s by European explorers.
The city is home to the iconic Signal Hill, where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901.
Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province in Canada that has its own time zone, half an hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
St. John's is known for its colorful houses, which were originally painted as a way for fishermen to identify their homes from the sea.

Posted by Infinity Admin on May 8th, 2023