Moving to Canada is a duration filled with optimism. It is also the time when you make great decisions, including the region of Canada where you would like to live, as well as the city you choose to live in. Well, Fredericton is located in Canada’s Atlantic Region and is one of the best cities to reside in. This blog covers all you need to know about living in Fredericton, New Brunswick.   

So, without further ado, let us begin!

About Fredericton, New Brunswick

Fredericton is the capital of New Brunswick and is known for its colonial charm. It is a city rich in culture and history as well as combines the comfort of a small town with excellent facilities. 

Culturally, the province was first inhabited by Indigenous people. The province is Canada’s only officially bilingual province that blends English and French cultures. While most individuals speak English in Fredericton, you need to speak both languages to work in the government sector. 

Located just outside the Fredericton region is Oromocto that houses Canadian Forces Base Gagetown. Well, this is Canada’s second-largest military base, and its rich history goes back around two hundred years. 

In addition, the Greater Fredericton Region includes the City of Fredericton as well as the outlying communities of the Town of Oromocto, the village of New Maryland, and Hanwell. As one of Canada’s prettiest cities, you will find residential streets lined with beautiful homes and architecture. 

The amazing Saint John River flows through the center of the city. In addition, along the river, there’s a network of around 88 km of wooded paths. So you can quickly get back to nature with activities such as cycling, walking, running, or cross-country skiing along the tranquil trail. 

How Many People Reside In Fredericton, New Brunswick 

The first thing to know about living in Fredericton, New Brunswick, is its population. 

The population of Fredericton, New Brunswick, is 63,115 as of the 2021 census. By Canadian standards, it is a small city. Generally, cities with less than 100,000 are defined as small. The population includes Chinese, South Asian, Arab, Korean, West Asian, and Southeast Asian nationalities. 

Fredericton’s Local Economy

While government services make up a significant percentage of Fredericton’s jobs, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), business, and research are key drivers of the economy. The city is the startup capital of Canada, thus making it a popular destination for talented immigrants. 

In 2016, Fredericton was named as the ‘Startup Community of the Year’ by Startup Canada. Well, there is also a high concentration of knowledge industry companies because of its educated talent pool as well as recognized universities. You will find industries related to: 

  • Biotech 
  • Clean Technology
  • Defence and Aerospace

Fredericton also has the most engineers per capita in Canada. It is an innovative smart city and a national leader in cybersecurity, financial services, IT, agritech, and agriculture. 

Other sectors include: 

  • Education
  • Government Services
  • Natural Resources
  • Retail Trade
  • Accommodation and Hospitality
  • Health and Social Services 

The Greater Fredericton region has developed export-focused engineering services as well as information technology clusters, all of which continue to attract new talent. 

Is Housing Expensive In Fredericton, New Brunswick? 

The next thing to know about living in Fredericton, New Brunswick, is its accommodation costs. 

Well, Fredericton is an affordable city offering a range of real estate options for newcomers as well as renters. However, the city has witnessed average home prices rising significantly. This growth is because of an influx of out-of-province buyers and dwindling housing inventory. 

However, irrespective of these increasing prices, average rent costs in Fredericton are: 

  • 135.41% lower than in Toronto 
  • 25.39% lower than Montreal
  • 62.73% lower than in Vancouver 

Driving and Public Transit In Fredericton 

Most residents use a private car to get around for convenience and ease. While there is a transit system, the service is less frequent than in large urban cities. 

If you want to drive a car, it is important to know the road rules. You can also download the New Brunswick Driver’s Handbook as well. Well, drivers need to know the basics of road safety. If you need to get a driver’s license, the province has a graduated licensing process. 

As far as public transit is concerned, the city offers a network for people living in Fredericton and its suburbs. A priority for Fredericton Transit is to offer transit options to driving by introducing certain changes to the system and services. The city operates around 28 buses on twelve routes that run Monday through Saturday from 6:15 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. 

Community Support For Newcomers In Fredericton 

Another thing to know about living in Fredericton, New Brunswick, is the community support it offers to newcomers. The city continues to attract newcomers by focusing on recruiting and retaining foreign/ international students and entrepreneurs. It also expands support for broader newcomer groups. 

In addition, the Multicultural Association of Fredericton is a key contact for newcomers that offers settlement help, employment services, language classes, as well as connections to community services. Fredericton also has one of the most strong immigrant support systems in Atlantic Canada, with programs and services to help you succeed. 

Personal Support and Banking In Fredericton 

Managing your finances, savings, and investments is integral to immigrants in Canada. And newcomers to the city have access to different banks, credit unions, and financial institutions. 

Most banks have programs to help immigrants open a bank account, obtain a credit card or mortgage, and get help with other financial products. It is best to visit a local bank branch in person/ online to get started. All banks need proof of residence before you open a bank account. 

Conclusion 

Living in Fredericton, New Brunswick, offers a blend of small-town charm with city conveniences. As the province’s capital, it showcases a rich cultural scene, historical landmarks, as well as a vibrant community. With affordable housing, beautiful nature trails, and access to the Saint John River, outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking are popular. 

In addition, the city’s strong education system, including the University of New Brunswick, attracts students and professionals alike. Fredericton is known for its friendly residents, making it a welcoming place for families, retirees, and newcomers looking for a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].