Welcome to St. John's

Why Relocate to St. John's?

St. John's is a vibrant, welcoming city on Canada's Atlantic coast. Whether you're coming from Toronto, Calgary, or anywhere in Canada, you'll find a unique blend of opportunity, culture, and natural beauty:

Cost of Living Comparison

St. John's offers good value for living. Here's how it compares to other major Canadian cities (2026 estimates):

Healthcare & Social Services

Healthcare in NL is publicly funded through the Canadian healthcare system:

• Health Sciences Centre: St. John's primary hospital, major research facility affiliated with Memorial University
• Eastern Health: Provincial health authority managing hospitals and clinics across the region
• Family Doctors: Some accept new patients; others have full practices. Can be challenging to find, but getting easier with new graduate recruitment
• Prescription Costs: Covered by provincial plan for most people; some out-of-pocket costs depending on income
• Dental & Vision: Not covered by public healthcare; private insurance or out-of-pocket costs apply
• Mental Health Services: Available through Eastern Health; also private practitioners throughout city

Registering for Healthcare: When you move to NL, register with the provincial health card program. You'll receive coverage within 3 months.

Employment & Job Market

St. John's has a diverse, stable job market:

Unemployment Rate: Approximately 7-8% (varies seasonally). Generally comparable to Canadian average.

Average Salary: $55,000-65,000 depending on sector. Government and healthcare offer higher average wages.

Schools & Education

St. John's has excellent public and private school options:

• K-12 Education: Public schools managed by Newfoundland & Labrador Department of Education. High school graduation rate above 85%.
• Top School Jurisdictions: Mount Pearl, Paradise, and CBS have highly-rated schools with strong academic records
• Memorial University: Major research university with strong programs in engineering, business, sciences, and humanities. Approximately 18,000 students
• College of the North Atlantic: Vocational and trades programs
• Private Schools: Bishop Feild, Prince of Peace, and others offer alternative education
• International Baccalaureate: Available at select schools
• Diversity: Schools welcome international students and families; English is the language of instruction

Culture, Entertainment & Recreation

St. John's punches above its weight in arts, culture, and entertainment:

Getting Around: Transportation

• Public Transit: Metrobus provides city bus service. Day pass $3, monthly pass ~$60. Reliable and affordable.
• Car Ownership: Most people own vehicles. Parking is generally available downtown (paid) and residential areas (free).
• Walking: Downtown is very walkable. Many neighborhoods have good foot traffic and local shops.
• Biking: Growing bike infrastructure. Flat coastal areas make biking feasible in good weather.
• Taxi & Ride-Share: Traditional taxis available; Uber operates in St. John's
• Air Travel: St. John's International Airport connects to major Canadian cities daily. Good flight options for business or travel.
• Ferry: Argentia Ferry connects to Nova Scotia (seasonal). Trans-Labrador Highway connects to Labrador regions.

Weather & Seasons

St. John's has a cool, maritime climate. Four distinct seasons:

Tip: If you're relocating from southern Canada, adjust expectations for colder winters and shorter summers. Many relocators appreciate the dramatic seasonal changes and outdoor opportunities.

Moving Checklist: What You Need to Do

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

• Downtown St. John's: Walking distance to shops, restaurants, culture. More urban living. Higher prices, vibrant atmosphere.
• Mount Pearl: Suburban, family-friendly, excellent schools. 15 min drive south. Most popular for families.
• Paradise: Growing suburban area, mid-range prices, good access to amenities. 20 min west.
• Conception Bay South (CBS): Oceanside, 15 min drive south. More affordable, tight-knit community, strong school system.
• Cowan Avenue: Trendy urban neighborhood near downtown. Walkable, good restaurants and cafes. Higher prices.
• East End: Diverse, affordable neighborhoods with character. Good for renters and budget-conscious buyers.

Relocation Services: We're Here to Help

Royal LePage Turner Realty specializes in relocating professionals and families to St. John's. Our services include:

• Neighborhood Orientation: Personalized tours of neighborhoods matching your lifestyle and budget
• Home Finding: Search St. John's MLS for properties meeting your needs
• Mortgage Support: Referrals to trusted lenders experienced with relocation financing
• School Research: Information on schools, ratings, and enrollment procedures
• Employment Connections: Network of local employers and professional contacts
• Community Resources: Information on healthcare, utilities, transportation, and local services
• Lease or Purchase Guidance: Advice on renting vs. buying and relocation timelines

Hear From Clients Who've Made the Move

"We weren't actively searching to buy our first home, but military relocations had us navigating the rental market. Ashley graciously took the time to show us homes, provided invaluable market insights, and ensured we stayed updated on new listings — often notifying us before properties were posted publicly. I would highly recommend Ashley to anyone looking to buy or sell a home!"

We can also connect you directly with past clients who've made similar moves and can share their experience first-hand.

Your Relocation Starts Here

Moving to St. John's is an exciting opportunity. Let Royal LePage Turner Realty guide you through every step of your relocation. From neighborhood selection to mortgage approval to community resources, we're your trusted partner.