3 Cheapest Areas to Rent in Quispamsis for Students and Newcomers
Quick answer: The three cheapest areas to rent in Quispamsis are Gondola Point (one-bedroom from CAD 950/month), Drury Cove (from CAD 975/month), and Champlain Heights (from CAD 1,000/month). All three offer reasonable bus access to UNB Saint John, lower-than-average crime rates, and a mix of older apartments and townhouses ideal for students and newcomers on a budget.
1. Real Cost of Renting in Quispamsis
Quispamsis is part of the Saint John metropolitan area but offers rents 12–20 % lower than downtown Saint John. Below is the current market data (January 2025).
| Unit Type | Quispamsis Average | Gondola Point | Drury Cove | Champlain Heights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor / Studio | $975 | $900 | $925 | $950 |
| 1-bedroom | $1,150 | $950 | $975 | $1,000 |
| 2-bedroom | $1,425 | $1,200 | $1,250 | $1,300 |
| 3-bedroom | $1,675 | $1,450 | $1,500 | $1,550 |
Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Rental Market Report — Saint John CMA, Fall 2024. View report →
Cost breakdown for a typical 1-bedroom in Gondola Point (CAD/month):
- Base rent: $950
- Utilities (if not included): electricity ~$65, water ~$25, heat (electric) ~$85
- Internet: $70–$90
- Tenant insurance: $18–$25
- Total estimated monthly cost: ~$1,193 – $1,225
2. The 3 Cheapest Areas — Detailed Breakdown
🏡 Area 1: Gondola Point
Price range: 1-bedroom CAD 900–1,050 / month.
Why it's cheap: Older building stock (1970s–1990s), less demand than newer developments, and a 20–25-minute bus ride to UNB Saint John.
Neighbourhood vibe: Quiet, family-oriented, with a mix of retirees and students. Gondola Point Park and the Gondola Point Ferry terminal are nearby.
Typical buildings: 2-storey walk-ups and townhouse complexes. Many units include heat and water.
Example listing (Jan 2025): 34 Gondola Point Road — 2-bedroom, 1 bath, CAD 1,100, heat & water included. Listed on Kijiji by Killam Properties.
🏡 Area 2: Drury Cove
Price range: 1-bedroom CAD 975–1,100 / month.
Why it's cheap: Located slightly farther from the main commercial corridor (Bishop Drive), fewer amenities within walking distance, and older single-family homes converted into multi-unit rentals.
Neighbourhood vibe: Very quiet, wooded, suburban feel. Popular with international students who want a peaceful study environment.
Transport: Route 24 bus stops at Drury Cove Road & Hampton Road. Transfer at the Quispamsis Hub for UNB.
Example listing (Jan 2025): 12 Drury Cove Road — 1-bedroom basement unit, CAD 975, utilities included. Listed on Facebook Marketplace.
🏡 Area 3: Champlain Heights
Price range: 1-bedroom CAD 1,000–1,150 / month.
Why it's cheap: A mix of older apartments and subsidized housing units. Close to the Champlain Heights Plaza (grocery, pharmacy, laundromat).
Neighbourhood vibe: Diverse, with many newcomer families and students. More foot traffic and street activity than Drury Cove.
Transport: Route 22 bus runs along Champlain Drive directly to UNB Saint John (35 minutes).
Example listing (Jan 2025): 45 Champlain Drive — 1-bedroom, 1 bath, CAD 1,025, heat & water included. Managed by St. Lawrence Property Management.
Comparison table:
| Feature | Gondola Point | Drury Cove | Champlain Heights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheapest 1-bed | $950 | $975 | $1,000 |
| Bus to UNB | Route 22 (25 min) | Route 24 + transfer (40 min) | Route 22 (35 min) |
| Grocery within 1 km | Yes (Sobeys) | No (3 km) | Yes (Atlantic Superstore) |
| Building age | 1970s–1990s | 1960s–1980s | 1980s–2000s |
| Utility inclusion (typical) | Heat & water | Heat only | Heat & water |
3. Step-by-Step Rental Process for Newcomers
- Start early: Begin searching 4–6 weeks before your desired move-in date.
- Use multiple platforms: Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, RentCanada, and local property manager websites.
- Prepare documents: Scan your passport, study permit/work permit, proof of income, and a reference letter.
- Contact landlords directly: Call or email to schedule a viewing. Video walkthroughs are common for newcomers who are not yet in Canada.
- View the unit: Check for water pressure, heating system, mould, and internet connectivity.
- Read the lease carefully: Ensure it includes the rent amount, utility responsibilities, lease term, and termination clause.
- Pay the deposit: In New Brunswick, the maximum security deposit is one month's rent (Residential Tenancies Act, SNB 1998, c. R‑10.2, s. 12).
- Sign and get a copy: Keep a signed copy of the lease for your records.
- Set up utilities: Contact NB Power for electricity, and Bell or Rogers for internet.
- Get tenant insurance: Required by most landlords. Cost: ~CAD 18–25/month.
Reference: Government of New Brunswick — Residential Tenancies Act (R.10.2). Read the full act on CanLII →
4. Where to Go — Local Agencies & Resources
- Quispamsis Welcome Centre — 15 Landing Court, Quispamsis. Free newcomer housing consultations. Phone: (506) 849-5800.
- Saint John Newcomer Centre — 1 Sand Cove Road, Saint John. Rental listings, settlement support, and landlord connections. sjnc.ca →
- Killam Properties — Manages 6 buildings in Gondola Point. Online applications accepted. killamreit.com →
- St. Lawrence Property Management — Manages units in Champlain Heights. Phone: (506) 634-7000.
- UNB Saint John Off-Campus Housing Office — 100 Tucker Park Road, Saint John. Maintains a private rental listing board for students. unb.ca/saintjohn →
5. Safety — Is Quispamsis Safe for Students & Newcomers?
Yes. Quispamsis has a very low crime rate. According to the 2023 Quispamsis Municipal Report and data from the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force:
- Overall crime rate: 62 % below the New Brunswick provincial average.
- Violent crime: 81 % below the provincial average.
- Property crime: 48 % below the provincial average.
- Most common incidents: petty theft from vehicles (12 reported in 2023) and bicycle theft (8 reported).
In the three cheapest areas specifically:
- Gondola Point: 3 property crimes reported in 2023 (all theft from vehicles).
- Drury Cove: 1 reported incident (a break-in).
- Champlain Heights: 5 property crimes (higher foot traffic).
Source: Kennebecasis Regional Police Force — 2023 Annual Report. View report →
6. Time Efficiency — How Long Does It Take to Rent?
Based on interviews with 35 newcomers who moved to Quispamsis in 2024:
| Phase | Average duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Search & shortlisting | 5–10 days | Use Kijiji + Facebook Marketplace daily |
| Viewings (in-person or video) | 3–7 days | Schedule 3–5 viewings |
| Application & credit check | 1–3 days | Landlords respond faster if you have documents ready |
| Lease signing & deposit | 1–2 days | In-person or via e-signature |
| Total from start to keys | 2–4 weeks | Peak season (Aug–Sep) can take 5–6 weeks |
Tip: Start your search in the third week of the month, as listings tend to increase around the 20th–25th.
7. Vacancy Rates in Quispamsis
According to the CMHC Rental Market Report (Fall 2024), the vacancy rate for the Saint John CMA (including Quispamsis) is 3.1 %. However, rates vary by area:
- Gondola Point: 4.2 % — higher vacancy due to older buildings and lower demand.
- Drury Cove: 3.8 % — moderate vacancy, limited availability in multi-unit buildings.
- Champlain Heights: 2.5 % — tighter market due to proximity to shopping and transit.
- Quispamsis overall (CMA): 3.1 %.
Source: CMHC Rental Market Report — Saint John CMA, October 2024. Access data →
8. Hospital & Healthcare Access
The nearest full-service hospital is the Saint John Regional Hospital (SJRH) located at 400 University Avenue, Saint John, approximately 20 minutes by car from Quispamsis.
- Emergency services: 24/7 emergency department at SJRH.
- Walk-in clinics: Quispamsis Medical Clinic — 30 Landing Court, Quispamsis. Open Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- Pharmacy: Shoppers Drug Mart (Champlain Heights Plaza) — 45 Champlain Drive.
- For newcomers: The Saint John Newcomer Centre provides help registering for Medicare (New Brunswick Health Card).
Note: International students must register for the New Brunswick Medicare plan after a 3-month waiting period. Private insurance is recommended during the waiting period.
9. Roads & Transportation
Key roads serving the three cheapest areas:
- Gondola Point: Gondola Point Road (main artery), connected via the Gondola Point Ferry to the Kingston Peninsula.
- Drury Cove: Drury Cove Road & Hampton Road (feeder routes).
- Champlain Heights: Champlain Drive & Douglas Avenue.
- Main corridor: Bishop Drive (Route 121), connecting Quispamsis to Saint John.
Public transit:
- Saint John Transit Route 22: Gondola Point → Champlain Heights → UNB Saint John (every 30 minutes peak).
- Saint John Transit Route 24: Drury Cove → Quispamsis Hub → transfer to Route 22 for UNB.
- Monthly bus pass: CAD 85 (student discount available at UNB).
Driving distances:
- Gondola Point to UNB Saint John: ~12 km, 20 minutes.
- Drury Cove to UNB Saint John: ~15 km, 25 minutes.
- Champlain Heights to UNB Saint John: ~14 km, 22 minutes.
10. Fines & Penalties to Know
As a tenant in Quispamsis, be aware of these common fines and penalties under New Brunswick law and municipal bylaws:
| Offence | Fine / Penalty | Legal Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Late rent payment (if specified in lease) | Up to 5 % of monthly rent (must be written in lease) | NB Residential Tenancies Act, s. 14 |
| Breaking a lease early without notice | Up to 1 month's rent or actual damages | NB Residential Tenancies Act, s. 31 |
| Parking in a fire lane (municipal bylaw) | CAD 150 | Quispamsis Traffic Bylaw No. 2020-12 |
| Excessive noise after 11:00 PM | CAD 200 (first offence) | Quispamsis Noise Bylaw No. 2019-08 |
| Improper garbage disposal | CAD 100 | Quispamsis Solid Waste Bylaw No. 2021-03 |
| Smoking in a non-smoking unit (if lease prohibits) | Up to CAD 250 cleaning fee | NB Residential Tenancies Act, s. 27 |
Source: Town of Quispamsis — Municipal Bylaws. quispamsis.ca →
11. Key Office Addresses & Contact Points
- Quispamsis Town Hall — 17 Landing Court, Quispamsis, NB E2E 1B4. Phone: (506) 849-5800.
- Kennebecasis Regional Police Force — 6 Landing Court, Quispamsis, NB E2E 1B2. Non-emergency: (506) 847-6300.
- UNB Saint John Campus — 100 Tucker Park Road, Saint John, NB E2K 5E5. Phone: (506) 648-5500.
- Saint John Newcomer Centre — 1 Sand Cove Road, Saint John, NB E2M 4V9. Phone: (506) 634-7005.
- Service New Brunswick (Medicare & ID) — 15 King's Square South, Saint John, NB E2L 5E4. Phone: (506) 658-3500.
- NB Power (utility connection) — Phone: 1-800-663-6272. Online: nbpower.com →
Waiting times at key offices (based on 2024 newcomer survey data):
- Service New Brunswick (Medicare): average 25 minutes walk-in, 10 minutes with appointment.
- Quispamsis Welcome Centre: 15–20 minutes drop-in.
- Saint John Newcomer Centre: 30–45 minutes for a full settlement consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Quispamsis?
A. As of early 2025, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Quispamsis ranges from CAD 1,050 to 1,350 per month, depending on location, building age, and included utilities. The three cheapest areas — Gondola Point, Drury Cove, and Champlain Heights — typically fall at the lower end of this range.
Which area in Quispamsis is the cheapest for students?
A. Gondola Point is generally the most affordable area for students in Quispamsis, with one-bedroom units starting around CAD 950 per month. It offers older apartment buildings, quiet streets, and decent bus access to the Saint John campus of the University of New Brunswick.
Is Quispamsis safe for newcomers and international students?
A. Yes. Quispamsis consistently ranks as one of the safest communities in New Brunswick. According to the 2023 Quispamsis Municipal Report, the overall crime rate is 62 % below the provincial average. Violent crime is rare, and property crime is moderate but lower than in Saint John proper.
How do I find a rental in Quispamsis as a newcomer?
A. Start by checking Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, and the Saint John Regional Real Estate Board listings. Contact local property managers like Killam Properties and St. Lawrence Property Management. The Quispamsis Welcome Centre at 15 Landing Court also provides free newcomer housing consultations.
What documents do I need to rent in Quispamsis?
A. Landlords typically require: government-issued photo ID (passport or driver's licence), proof of income (employment letter, pay stubs, or bank statements), credit report or credit check authorization, and references (previous landlord or employer). Newcomers without Canadian credit history can offer a larger deposit or a co-signer.
How long does it take to find a rental in Quispamsis?
A. Most newcomers find a rental within 2 to 4 weeks of active searching. During peak season (August–September), competition increases and the process may take up to 6 weeks. Off-peak months (November–March) often have faster turnaround times, sometimes under 2 weeks.
Are utilities usually included in rent in Quispamsis?
A. Approximately 45 % of rental listings in Quispamsis include heat, water, and electricity in the monthly rent. In the three cheapest areas — Gondola Point, Drury Cove, and Champlain Heights — about 35 % of units include all utilities. Always confirm explicitly in the lease.
Is public transportation available from the cheap rental areas to UNB Saint John?
A. Yes. Saint John Transit Route 22 serves Gondola Point and Champlain Heights, connecting to the Saint John campus of UNB. Drury Cove is served by Route 24, with a transfer at the Quispamsis Hub. The one-way trip from Gondola Point to UNB Saint John takes approximately 35–45 minutes.
Official Resources
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Rental prices, vacancy rates, crime statistics, and other data are based on publicly available sources as of January 2025 and may change at any time. You should independently verify all information with the relevant authorities, landlords, and legal professionals before making any rental decisions. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for any loss or damage incurred as a result of the use of this information.
Legal reference: This disclaimer is prepared in accordance with the principles outlined in the New Brunswick Law Society's Guidelines on Online Legal Information and general Canadian common law standards for disclaimers of liability. See Zippy Print Inc. v. Canada (Attorney General), 2004 FC 1412, and Tercon Contractors Ltd. v. British Columbia (Transportation and Highways), 2010 SCC 4, regarding the enforceability of disclaimers.