The People of New Brunswick
New Brunswick, Canada’s only officially bilingual province, is shaped by its diverse communities—from Indigenous stewards to early settlers and recent immigrants. This vibrant mix, alongside a rich Protestant heritage, makes NB a welcoming home for families, professionals, and investors with M Property Group.
Indigenous Heritage
For thousands of years, the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet), and Passamaquoddy have shaped NB’s cultural and natural landscape. Their traditions of fishing, art, and storytelling thrive in communities like Elsipogtog and Tobique First Nation, enriching NB’s identity.
Acadian and Loyalist Roots
In the 1600s, Acadian settlers established a Francophone culture, enduring through festivals like Tintamarre in Caraquet. Loyalists, arriving in the 1780s after the American Revolution, founded Saint John and shaped NB’s English-speaking identity, seen in Fredericton’s Historic Garrison District.
Recent Immigrants: A Global Wave
Since the 2000s, NB’s population of ~830,000 has grown with ~23,000 newcomers (2023) from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, particularly in Moncton (~85,000), Fredericton (~65,000), and Saint John (~70,000). Syrian restaurants, South Asian festivals, and African community centers enrich NB’s cultural fabric, while newcomers drive innovation in tech, healthcare, and small businesses. Affordable homes (~C$343,260 average) make NB a haven for these communities.
Top Places to Visit in NB
- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Saint John): A historic 1853 Gothic Revival cathedral hosting ecumenical events for all Christians, including Protestants.
- Hopewell Rocks: See the world-famous flowerpot formations shaped by the Bay of Fundy’s dramatic tides.
- Fundy National Park: A natural playground of waterfalls, hiking trails, and coastal forests.
- Saint John City Market: One of the oldest farmers' markets in North America, full of local charm.
- Kouchibouguac National Park: Explore salt marshes, dunes, and bike trails along the Acadian coast.
- Fredericton’s Historic Garrison District: A hub of cultural events, history, and museums in the capital city.
Top Things to Do in NB
- Attend a Protestant-led ecumenical worship service or community outreach event at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or churches like Centennial United Church in Moncton, connecting with NB’s vibrant Protestant community.
- Walk on the ocean floor during low tide at the Bay of Fundy.
- Attend the Harvest Music Festival in Fredericton or Acadian Festival in Caraquet.
- Whale watch off the coast of Campobello or Grand Manan Island.
- Indulge in seafood delicacies like lobster rolls, scallops, and smoked salmon.
Job Market and Economic Growth
New Brunswick’s economy thrives in IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and construction, fueled by a $150.5M housing infrastructure investment. Moncton and Fredericton are tech and education hubs, while Saint John leads in energy and shipping. Home sales rose 12.3% year-over-year in July 2025, signaling strong economic vitality.
Eastern Canada (NB, NS, PE, NL) sees robust job growth in construction and logistics, with NB’s 6,169 housing starts in 2024 (a 50-year high) driving demand for skilled workers. Nova Scotia and PEI lead with higher housing starts (162 units per 100,000 population vs. NB’s 89), supported by tax incentives. Immigration programs (9.3% of newcomers stay for jobs) and initiatives like Canada Summer Jobs bolster NB’s workforce, making it a hub for opportunity.
Housing in New Brunswick (2025)
New Brunswick remains one of Canada’s most affordable housing markets, with an average home price of C$343,260 in July 2025, up 4.2% year-over-year. A seller’s market (SNLR 67%) and low inventory (3.6 months) make NB ideal for investors and homebuyers.
| Area | Avg. Home Price (C$) | Price Visualization |
|---|---|---|
| Fredericton | 359,000 | |
| Moncton | 340,000 | |
| Rural NB | 250,000 |
With low property taxes and a growing population, NB is perfect for families, retirees, and remote workers. Contact M Property Group to explore these opportunities.
Interested in New Brunswick?
Join NB’s diverse and faith-filled community in a thriving economy. Contact M Property Group today to learn more.