Updated: April 2025  |  bremo.io financial guides

Best Neighbourhoods in St. John's, NL 2025

St. John's is a city of distinct neighbourhoods, from the colourful rowhouses of the historic downtown to sprawling newer subdivisions on the city's western and southern edges. Here's a practical guide to the main areas and what they offer buyers and renters.

Downtown and East End

The oldest and most characterful part of St. John's, the East End includes streets like Duckworth, Water Street, and the famous Jellybean Row houses. Properties here are a mix of century homes, converted row houses, and a small number of condominiums.

Mount Pearl

Technically a separate city, Mount Pearl sits adjacent to St. John's and functions as a major suburb. It's known for well-maintained streets, good schools, and a strong community feel.

Conception Bay South (CBS)

CBS is the fastest-growing community in the province. Located 20–25 minutes west of St. John's, it has attracted thousands of families over the past decade with newer housing, lower prices (relative to the city), and a suburban lifestyle.

Paradise

Paradise is a town immediately west of St. John's with substantial growth over the past 15 years. Home sizes tend to be larger here, and the community has its own schools and amenities.

Southlands and Galway

Galway is a large planned community development in the southern part of St. John's with newer construction and modern amenities. Southlands is an established neighbourhood with a mix of property types.

North End

The North End offers some of the most affordable housing in the city, with older housing stock and a more working-class character. It's an area of opportunity for buyers who want in at a lower price point.

Neighbourhood tip: NL's deed transfer tax is 0.4% regardless of which neighbourhood you buy in — that's only $1,200 on a $300,000 purchase. Closing costs in St. John's are genuinely low compared to most of Canada.

Summary: Which Neighbourhood Fits You?

NeighbourhoodPrice RangeBest For
East End / Downtown$300K–$550K+Character, walkability
Mount Pearl$280K–$400KFamily, schools
CBS$300K–$450KGrowth, value
Paradise$320K–$480KSpace, families
Galway/Southlands$380K–$600KNew construction
North End$200K–$320KEntry-level buyers

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