11 Great Things About Moving to Newfoundland

Canadians often dream about moving to Newfoundland to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a quieter pace of life. But there are many other reasons to move to the beautiful province of Newfoundland. Here are 11 great reasons to relocate.

1. Stunning Natural Scenery

Newfoundland is home to some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes, from the dramatic fjords of Gros Morne National Park to the rugged coastline. If you are thinking of moving from Alberta to Newfoundland, the sights will be different, but no less spectacular. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking, kayaking, and whale-watching opportunities.

The beautiful scenery comes with sounds and smells that soothe the soul and awaken the senses. From the waves crashing against the rocky shores, to the cool moisture of fog against your skin, moving to Newfoundland will open up a world of imagination and sensation you can get in few other places.

2. Low Crime Rates

Living in a place with a relatively low crime rate is one of the main reasons for moving to Newfoundland. Compared to many other regions in Canada, Newfoundland offers safety and security for families and people of all ages.

3. Affordable Housing Compared to Other Provinces

While housing prices have risen in recent years, Newfoundland remains more affordable than many other parts of Canada, particularly compared to Ontario or British Columbia. With average home prices of under $400,000, you could have mortgage payments that are lower than the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto. Moving to Newfoundland from Ontario is starting to sound good, isn’t it?

Whether you are looking for a house in St. John’s, a property in Corner Brook, or some vacant land where you can build a custom home, Newfoundland has the perfect listing for you. There are also plenty of commercial properties available if you want to set up shop there.

4. Friendly and Welcoming People and Close-Knit Communities

Newfoundlanders are known for their warmth, hospitality, and sense of humour. Moving there means becoming part of a community that looks out for one another and is always up for a chat. Although it may take time to get accustomed to the more mellow lifestyle, you will eventually find yourself right at home.

Communities both big and small tend to be close-knit, perfect for people who are tired of the cold anonymity of larger urban centres. If you find the daily grind tiring, you will feel revitalized when you move to Newfoundland.

5. Rich and Unique Culture

Residents have a distinct English dialect that you will enjoy learning after moving to Newfoundland. This will take time, so you will need to be patient with yourself, but you will always find people happy to engage in conversation with you so you will learn faster than you might expect.

If you are interested in the indigenous peoples of the region, you will find opportunities to learn about their culture upon moving to Newfoundland. The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is home to four peoples of indigenous ancestry: the Inuit, the Innu, the Mi’kmaq and the Southern Inuit of NunatuKavut.

6. Fresh, Delicious Seafood

If you are thinking of moving to Newfoundland, you will not be disappointed by the food. Seafood (especially cod, lobster, and mussels) is plentiful in Newfoundland, and you can get it prepared in new and tasty ways. Toutons are a popular breakfast food sometimes described as a cross between a pancake and a donut.  Other foods you can savour in Newfoundland include moose, which can be prepared as burgers, sausages, and roasts, and the traditional Jiggs’ Dinner meal made of salt beef or turkey, cabbage and potatoes. Jiggs’ Dinner is often served with Figgy Duff, a traditional bag pudding made with breadcrumbs, raisins, brown sugar, molasses, butter, flour, and spices.

7. Lively Music Scene

Newfoundland has a vibrant and distinctive music scene rooted in its Celtic heritage, which blends with maritime storytelling and seafaring themes. The sound of fiddles, accordions, and singing fills pubs and local kitchens, creating a sense of fun and camaraderie. Beyond traditional music, Newfoundland also has a growing indie and rock scene along with venues that celebrate electronic and hip-hop music.

The island’s music scene thrives in places like St. John’s, where you will find some of the best live music venues in the country, while the annual Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival celebrates the province’s musical roots.

Upon moving to Newfoundland, you will find that music is not only entertainment for locals; it is also a way of preserving history and fostering community. If music is an important part of your life as well, you will find yourself at home in Newfoundland.

8. Shorter Commute Times and Less Traffic

Tired of being stuck in traffic jams to and from work? Moving to Newfoundland from Ontario or other busy places will lower your stress level and add years to your life by shortening your commute. Being home in 15 minutes instead of 115 is reason enough to pack your bags right now!

9. Laid Back Lifestyle

You may not realize how caught up you are in rushing around until you get to a place where people are not in a hurry. Upon moving to Newfoundland, you will find yourself wishing people would move faster until you realize that there is no reason to. Everything else follows suit: you will learn to smell the flowers instead of trampling them so you can get to work on time, and mindfulness will become a way of life rather than an isolated 15-minute practice on the commuter train.

10. Thriving DIY and Barter Culture

Newfoundland has a strong tradition of self-sufficiency, with many residents engaging in DIY projects, small-scale farming, and home-based crafts. There is also an active barter and trade culture, where people exchange services, homegrown food, or handmade goods instead of relying solely on cash transactions. These activities were vital to the early settlements in Newfoundland, which were isolated from the mainland and where cash-based exchanges were not practical. If you enjoy this type of lifestyle, moving to Newfoundland could be a great choice!

11. Unique Career and Business Opportunities

While people often focus on Newfoundland’s natural beauty and slower pace of life, the province also offers unique career and entrepreneurial opportunities. With fewer big-city competitors, small businesses can thrive, and there’s strong support for local ventures. Industries like tech startups and renewable energy are growing, making it an appealing place for professionals who want to carve out a niche for themselves while enjoying what Newfoundland has to offer. Plus, remote work is becoming more feasible, allowing people to enjoy the island’s lifestyle while working for companies anywhere in the world.

Thinking of moving to Newfoundland? RE/MAX can help you find a residential or commercial property (or both!) that will work perfectly for you and your family. Contact a RE/MAX agent today for more information!