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Originally Posted by HomeInMyShoes
Homes? What kinds of issues do homes have in St. John's. In Regina, it's basements and water damage. What should I be looking for when and if we look for a home? What are some good locations (area names) to buy a home (walking distance, or at least easy access to Memorial University is high on the list or requirements)? Are there any areas to avoid?
Rentals? Is this an option? What is the rental market like? Are rentals likely to allow or disallow pets (we have a cat)?
Smoking? Any smoking bylaws? I dislike second-hand smoke a lot and am wondering if I'm taking a hit moving from a place with strict laws.
Memorial? I know it's a good school, I had some friends who went there, but is it a good school for Geography/GIS? It seems like it based on doing some reading and I might try to pursue the certificate program in GIS while in St. John's if job opportunities are slim in my field and we're going to be there for a few years.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
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I lived in STJ NL for 5 years; The winters are potentially brutal (no sun for weeks, more snow than I've seen in a winter than anywhere else a few years back) - get a good set of 4 studded snow tires. Buy a snowblower....this works well until the banks are over 8-10 feet, and then the blower is useless too LOL
Weather is very chaotic...if the fog rolls in or theres a nice blizzard, flights get cancelled for 2,3 or 4 days on end....take this into account when planning trips...BUY CANCELLATION INSURANCE.....
The rental market isnt too bad...lots of places close to the University, but rental prices are a little inflated given the fact that Atlantic Canada's largest UNiversity is there.....lots of people build their houses in STJ NL in such a fashion that there's an apartment available to rent in them.....Walking distance --> anything around the avalon mall area, or the west end of elizabeth avenue / Empire avenue. avoid rabbit town. 5 min drive....lots of options (Cowan heights is pretty decent)....your chances for cats are pretty good...dogs, more iffy. *** If you get a place downtown, be aware that parking is by permit, and it can be a pain in the winter unless the place has off street.
stjohns.kijiji.ca has a lot of offers, as does the local paper (thetelegram.com)
I think a smoking bylaw went into effect last year in the bars/restaurants.
Buy a snowblower.
Buy 4 good snow tires.
Buy a raincoat / survival suit.
Hope this helps.