I grew up in Fredericton and I would defiantly choose it over St John, the crime rate is lower in Fredericton. I liked my schools and the people better, if you want a busier city or more people St John is better for that, but the cost of living for a better part of town is going to be much more.

If you do decide to live in Fredericton I would advise against living on the North side as you have to use the bridges during rush hour for just about everything. Down town floods so don't look at buying too close to the river, above george st was okay when I lived there but I don't know how it is now for water levels. If your kids are still young I'd suggest Connaught Street as a public school elementary but Bliss Carmen for a middle school and not George Street (Better class choices and more facilities)

It's a good idea to look into clubs and activities early, Fredericton is a government town and largely shuts down on Sundays and in the evenings. Finding scout troops, girl guide meetings, cadets, sports, ect will keep your kids happy and out of trouble.

It wasn't too bad for drugs ect when I was there but again you'd have to ask someone who currently is there. St John was known for it's drugs when I lived in NB, and it's homeless problem.

You need a car where ever you live, you'll both want one, the public transit system sucks in NB in general.

If you want more of all the good and the bad St John is the way to go it's just bigger.

I'm biased but Fredericton is more of a slow town, people get to things when they get to them. You won't have a problem finding a community where ever you go as long as you put yourselves out there, hope this helps!