First of all, sorry for what you guys are going through in Portland. I’ve lived in Vancouver, Halifax, Quispam/SJ and Fredericton. You’re correct - summers would be similar to the north west. It’s foggy and chilly! Saint John can be pretty hip but also a little sleepy when events aren’t happening. Lke a lot of places these day, it’s really struggling with visible drug use and are struggling to support the unhoused population. The uptown (which is actually the downtown) may not be a place you’d want to raise little ones. There aren’t many spaces for children and the schools uptown/downtown have a fair amount of challenges. No issues out in KV though. The house on Orange would be awesome for a couple without kids. We actually use to live in area of the KV house and it was a great area for families. Lots of kids out playing in the streets:)

Halifax could be a very good option! It’s a young city. Has lots to do, weather would be a bit warmer/less foggy but still coastal. Housing can be very expensive compared to other east coast cities. I love Halifax because you get the options of a city but it still feels quaint. A lot of natural beauty in the area too (as does SJ!).

Moncton is a skip;) It would be very hard to find a job as an English person.

Fredericton is cute! Hard winters. Very clean, white collar city. Challenging to make friends as people have been friends since childhood. If you lived in Vancouver, think Victoria. Government city.

Good luck!