moving to nova scotia Archives - Keith Kucharski, RE/MAX REALTOR®

Oct 19 No Comments

Radon Awareness for Nova Scotia Homeowners: Protecting Your Health and Home

Author: Keith Kucharski

Categories: Buying in Nova Scotia,Home Inspections

If you’re thinking of buying a home in Nova Scotia, or if you already own a home in Nova Scotia, it’s important to know the facts about radon.

What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odourless, and tasteless radioactive gas that forms naturally in the ground. It’s a byproduct of the decay of uranium, a common element in soil and rocks. When radon is released from the ground, it can seep into buildings, particularly through basements and crawl spaces. This makes it one of the leading causes of lung cancer in non-smokers. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels can have severe health consequences, making it crucial for Nova Scotia homeowners to take action.

Why Is Radon a Concern in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia has unique geological characteristics that make it prone to radon infiltration. The province is rich in granite and other rocks that contain higher levels of uranium. When these rocks break down, radon is released, and it can easily find its way into your home through cracks and openings in the foundation.

You can view the Radon Risk Map, produced by the Government of Nova Scotia.

The Canadian Guideline for Radon recommends that indoor radon levels should not exceed 200 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³). Unfortunately, many homes in Nova Scotia have radon levels that exceed this guideline, putting residents at risk.

Radon levels are not tested by home inspectors as a matter of course, as the testing must run over the course of multiple weeks.

Protecting Your Home

Radon Testing: The first step in protecting your home is to conduct a radon test. Most Nova Scotia libraries offer home radon testing kits that you can borrow for free for two weeks. You can also purchase a do-it-yourself radon test kit, or hire a professional to assess your home’s radon levels. Testing should be done in the lowest livable area of your home (usually the basement or crawl spaces).

Mitigation: If your test results indicate elevated radon levels, it’s essential to mitigate the issue. Radon mitigation systems are designed to redirect radon gas away from your living space. These systems typically involve a fan and a ventilation pipe that safely expels radon outdoors.

Ventilation: Proper ventilation is key to reducing radon levels. Ensure your home is well-ventilated, and consider sealing any cracks or openings in your foundation to prevent radon from entering.

Radon is a hidden threat that every Nova Scotia homeowner should take seriously. By testing your home, investing in mitigation systems, and practicing good ventilation, you can protect your family and loved ones from the dangers of radon.

May 25 No Comments

Nova Scotia’s Regional Differences

Author: Keith Kucharski

Categories: Annapolis Valley,Buying in Nova Scotia,Life in Nova Scotia,Moving to Nova Scotia,South Shore

Nova Scotia may be Canada’s second smallest province but a lot of people misunderstand how diverse Nova Scotia’s regional differences really are. The famous ‘East Coast Lifestyle’ is not a uniform culture from one side of our little province to the other. Here are a few of the most notable regional differences in some popular areas I serve.

Halifax

I can’t count how many clients have asked me, “What city should I move to?” My answer is always the same–there’s only one! Halifax is Nova Scotia’s only city. There are plenty of towns and communities, but Halifax is the only city. It’s home to a beautiful and bustling waterfront, excellent restaurants and nightlife, and many head offices and government offices. If you want the excitement of a city with lots happening every night of the week, Halifax should be your destination.

Annapolis Valley

The Annapolis Valley is known for its fertile farmland, scenic landscapes, and long growing season, so it’s very popular with farmers and gardeners. The Valley tends to have an interesting mix of wealth (mainly around Wolfville and Annapolis Royal), university youth (Wolfville again), and more average areas.

Each community really has its own feel. To help people understand the differences, my wife and I have developed MovetotheAnnapolisValley.ca, a website devoted to helping potential residents learn what it’s like living in the various communities in the Valley.

South Shore

Nova Scotia’s South Shore is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming fishing villages, historic lighthouses, and stunning beaches. While there are some small agricultural operations and plenty of Christmas tree farms, the soil and weather conditions aren’t as conducive to growing, which might be important to you if you’re dreaming of a large garden.

The South Shore has a strong history of seafaring and fishing heritage, and you’ll find those influences in the people who reside there. There can be some resistance to newcomers on the South Shore, though many people are trying to improve the welcoming nature of the community. If easy access to spectacular public beaches is important to you, you can’t go wrong on the South Shore.

The French Shore

The French Shore is deeply rooted in Acadian history and culture. Acadians are the descendants of French colonists who settled in the region in the 17th century. The French Shore is dotted with picturesque fishing villages that exude a quaint and authentic maritime charm but might feel very remote and cut off from civilization if you’re used to more populated areas.

Though Nova Scotia’s French-speaking population is dispersed throughout the province and 10% of Nova Scotians speak French, most of them live in a concentrated area. Acadians make up the majority of the population in the municipalities of Clare and Argyle on the French shore.

While you can certainly get by living on the French Shore without speaking French fluently, it’s difficult. Most of the people you’ll meet will prefer to converse in French, while chatting at the grocery store, attending a community supper, in your workplace, etc. If this isn’t a fit for your family, you may feel quite isolated by the language barrier.

Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore is culturally most similar to the South Shore, with some notable differences. There are fewer wealthy enclaves of retirees and less tourism. Without towns like Chester, Lunenburg, or Mahone Bay to draw in tourists or wealthy retirees from the city or other provinces, there are fewer amenities such as restaurants, theatres, and shops. There are a large number of bedroom communities, where residents commute into the city to work, play, and shop, and head home to sleep and relax. There are some beautiful walking trails and beaches on the Eastern Shore.

Are you interested in looking at properties in one of these areas? Give me a call at (902) 349-1022 and let’s chat.

Jan 15 No Comments

Nova Scotia’s Slower Pace of Life – What Does That Mean?

Author: Keith Kucharski

Categories: Life in Nova Scotia

Many people move to Nova Scotia to enjoy a slower pace of life. But what does that mean, exactly? People are more relaxed and less rushed in Nova Scotia, for the most part. Which can lead to some culture shock when you’re relying on other people to feel a sense of urgency when it comes to fixing your heat pump, serving you dinner, or other related services.

My wife was born and raised in Nova Scotia, while I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. And while we visited the east coast often before moving here permanently a few years ago, there were still quite a few things about life in Nova Scotia that I wasn’t expecting, and they’re directly related to the slower pace of life on the east coast.

The Trades

First, tradespeople are in high demand, but that doesn’t mean tradespeople are working lots of overtime and taking on evening and weekend jobs. While some might burn the candle at both ends, it’s much more common for homeowners to find it difficult to get a tradesperson to return your calls, show up at the appointed time (or at all), send the promised quote, or even remember to send an invoice. Tradespeople in Nova Scotia will be prioritizing time with family or enjoying the beautiful outdoors (that may be why you’re moving here too!), and typically aren’t as driven as they are in larger cities.

Open for business (or not?)

There are many small businesses in Nova Scotia, from little consignment stores to independently owned restaurants, and a lot of them are very flexible in their adherence to their hours of operation.

The business hours shown on Google, Facebook, or their website are often incorrect, and many shops will close for bad weather, family plans, or because walk in customers slowed so they closed up early. Don’t leave picking something up until the last minute, and if you’re going out of your way to visit a small business, you’ll get used to calling first to ensure they’ll actually be open!

Winter weather blues

Speaking of closing, if you have school aged children you’ll want to have backup care arranged in advance of winter. Nova Scotia schools close a good deal for bad weather and poor roads. In fact, we lead the country in weather related closures for schools.

Halifax typically has 4.4 snow days a winter on average, with the rural number being even higher. In comparison, schools in Winnipeg have not had a snow day in 30 years! During bad weather, businesses are also quick to close early, open late once the roads have cleared, or just not open at all for the day.

A different kind of party

Another part of Nova Scotia’s slower pace of life is being more connected to the environment. More beach days, more walks in the woods, more time connecting with friends and loved ones, more time for fishing or gardening (and maybe even raising chickens).

If you’re in a rural area, there’s less opportunity to get dressed up and head out for an expensive night of drinking, dinner, dancing, theatre, etc. People are more likely to throw on their flannel jacket and hang out around someone’s rustic camp or head to a kitchen party with a six pack. Rural residents especially don’t typically have access to costly gyms, pricy salons, high end shopping, ritzy private schools, etc.

Still considering a move to Nova Scotia? I can help. Download my free Guide to Buying a Home in Nova Scotia for Out of Province Buyers, or give me a call at (902) 349-1022.

Jul 18 No Comments

Raise a family in Annapolis Valley

Author: Keith Kucharski

Categories: Annapolis Valley,Buying in Nova Scotia,Life in Nova Scotia,Moving to Nova Scotia

Are you thinking of moving to Nova Scotia, and wondering if the Annapolis Valley is a good place to raise a family? In 2017 my wife and I moved to the Annapolis Valley with our then 10, 7, and 6-year-old children, and we’re so happy we did. Here are some of the reasons we love raising our kids in the Annapolis Valley.

Close to nature

We traded in our tiny city suburban backyard for a beach, lake, and forest. But even if you’re moving into one of the towns in the Annapolis Valley, you’ll likely still find nature is much closer than it is where you’re living now. When we lived in Alberta, the closest public beach was a 90-minute drive away, and the ocean was a full province away! Now we spend a lot of spring, summer, and fall hiking and enjoying the hundreds of beaches Nova Scotia has to offer. Because we bought a rural property, we can raise chickens, grow a huge garden, and feel like we’re on vacation as soon as we pull up to the house. The kids get hands-on experience with growing their own food, and their new peer group is also more familiar with this kind of lifestyle. Many of the kids they now socialize with have chickens, barn cats, or horses, and raise animals for food.

A slower pace of life

People often say they want to move to Nova Scotia for a “slower pace of life.” But what does that actually mean? For some, it means enrolling the kids in fewer structured activities and enjoying more leisurely pursuits, such as family board games, fishing, or just spending time together at the waterfront or around a campfire. If you move to a rural part of Nova Scotia to raise a family in the Annapolis Valley, it’s not as easy to access elite-level sports or academics. For instance, many smaller schools don’t offer AP or IB classes in person but do offer them virtually, and clubs like Debate or Coding may not be available at all. Stepping out of the elite level of these pursuits and enjoying them more recreationally might be the right move for your family.

Fewer commercialized activities

There are so many free or inexpensive events and activities in the Annapolis Valley, and the focus is less on attending large-scale, costly events or facilities. When you have to drive an hour to the nearest indoor trampoline park, or 45 minutes to the McDonalds, you just don’t go as often! Instead, you can take in a festival, sign up for a free class with groups like Annapolis Valley Folk School, or visit one of the many beaches, parks, playgrounds, orchards, or farms in the area.

Do you want to learn more about what each of the smaller towns and communities has to offer? Visit my relocation website, MovetotheAnnapolisValley.ca, to find information on places like Berwick, Kingston, Paradise, and more.

Jun 16 No Comments

Where to stay when driving to Nova Scotia from Ontario

Author: Keith Kucharski

Categories: Moving to Nova Scotia

Are you driving to Nova Scotia from Ontario? Here are a few options for good hotels to stay at during your drive.

First, if you’re travelling with pets, be sure to check in advance if the hotel will accept your pet. BringFido.ca is a great website for your initial research into any size or breed restrictions, but I also recommend you call the hotel directly and confirm that the information is up-to-date and their policies haven’t changed.

Comfort Inn Cornwall
The indoor heated saltwater pool is an interesting amenity! This hotel has a small gym, perfect for getting your body moving after a long day on the road. Further, the Comfort Inn is within walking distance of a number of restaurants, but if you’re tired of road food, they charge for microwave or mini-fridge rental.
Hotel Rive Gauche Beloeil
Just outside Montreal, this hotel is a little more upscale than the others on this list, and perfect if you’d like an excellent in-hotel restaurant with superior wine choices. There’s an outdoor pool, and the hotel is situated next to the river.
Hotel Universel Riviere-Du-Loup
With a pool and waterslide for the kids, and a Nordic spa for the parents, this is an excellent choice just an hour before the New Brunswick border. They have lovely spacious suites for families that want to spread out.
Days Inn by Wyndham Riviere-Du-Loup
A nice place to stop in Riviere-Du-Loup featuring standard hotel rooms as well as cabins with full kitchens and washers and dryers. This inn has an outdoor pool.
Hotel 1212
Enjoy an indoor pool and fitness centre at this popular stop for travellers. The hotel side of Hotel 1212 has more spacious rooms, but if you’re travelling with pets, you may be placed on the motel side, which features smaller rooms and more dated decor.
Best Western Plus Edmundston
This hotel has ample-sized rooms, a great pool, hot tub, and gym. Additionally, it’s walking distance to a number of restaurants and offers a good-sized parking lot for those with trailers.
Days Inn Edmonston in St. Basile
The Days Inn doesn’t have a pool, but it does have a small outdoor climbing structure. It also has larger rooms and great parking for trailers. They definitely allow pets, but you’ll likely want to call ahead and book a ground floor room.
Best Western Plus Woodstock
This popular stop for those driving to Nova Scotia from Ontario has a small pool, gym, good parking, walking distance to a variety of restaurants.
Fredricton Holiday Inn Express
No pool at this hotel, but the rooms feature many amenities like microwaves and mini-fridges, and there’s no charge for the first two pets.

Jun 07 No Comments

Moving to Nova Scotia with pets

Author: Keith Kucharski

Categories: Moving to Nova Scotia

Are you moving to Nova Scotia with pets, and wondering about the best way to transport your pals? Here are some tips for travelling with or shipping your precious pets.

Driving with your pet

If you’ve driving to your new home, you might decide to bring your pet along. Here are a few tips:

Visit a vet first, and ensure your pet is in good health. Ask about vaccination for Lyme Disease, if your dog is not already vaccinated for Lyme.
Ensure you make plenty of stops to allow your pet time out of the carrier or kennel (safely leashed of course).
Ensure your pet is microchipped and wearing a collar with your current contact information. Sadly, many beloved dogs and cats have escaped their owners at busy rest stops, and not had current contact information on their tag or microchip.
Check to ensure the accommodation you’ve booked really is pet-friendly, and bring your own water and food dishes. Pre-booking your accommodation will ensure you can find a pet-friendly place to stay.

Flying with your pet

Are you looking to bring your pet with you on your flight? Small animals under a certain weight limit can fly in the cabin with you. Typically this is a small animal in a soft-sided carrier, under 10lbs. Larger pets will have to fly in the baggage compartment in an airline-approved kennel or carrier, which should be lined with training pads.

You’ll need to call the airline to register your travelling pet and pay the additional fee, which varies by airline. Because not all aircraft are equipped with temperature-controlled and ventilated baggage compartments, animals can only fly cargo at certain times of the year.

It’s recommended that you book a vet visit in advance of your travel and ask your vet for specific travel recommendations. They can tell you when to limit food or water prior to the trip and may provide you with an animal sedative and any necessary paperwork.

Some airlines will have specific rules. For example, Air Canada will not permit your pet to travel with you in the cabin if you are seated in an exit or bulkhead row, require the use of a medical device that needs to be stowed underneath the seat, or are travelling in their Premium Economy cabin.

Shipping your pet

Airlines like WestJet and Air Canada offer a cargo option if your pet is flying, but you’re not. When we moved here from Alberta, we drove across the country over 10 days. A family member cared for our cat Lucy, and we arranged for Lucy to travel by WestJet’s cargo service once we had arrived and settled in. While we made the arrangements ourselves, there are pet transport companies that will handle all travel arrangements and documentation, veterinary arrangements and transportation, approved carriers, pet boarding near the airport, etc.

Certain short/snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds of cats and dogs cannot travel in the baggage compartment because they are susceptible to increased risks of heatstroke and breathing problems when exposed to extreme heat or stressful situations. Certain dog breeds classified as strong dogs by the airline must be transported in a special reinforced container or crate when travelling in the baggage compartment. If you have a pet with special needs, you may be asked to book your pet’s travel through the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association.

Safe travels!

May 13 No Comments

How to Move to Nova Scotia

Author: Keith Kucharski

Categories: Moving to Nova Scotia

You’ve bought your house and are ready to move to Nova Scotia – but how are you actually going to get your belongings from where you are now to your new home?

Long-distance moves can be intimidating. There are a lot of horror stories about movers underquoting a move, then holding a homeowner’s possessions hostage until they paid thousands of dollars over the quoted rate.

Hiring a moving service

If you want to hire movers, it’s important to know that scams are rampant in the moving industry. Looking for the lowest cost moving company is a risky move (pun intended). Research your moving company carefully to ensure they have a long history of happy clients and a professional online presence. Ensure they haven’t been featured in negative news stories! You can also join popular Facebook groups like Move to Nova Scotia and search the group for the company’s name, or ask group members for recommendations/reviews. Recently, a month-long investigation in Toronto resulted in the possessions of 22 families being recovered. Certainly, thousands of Canadians have been overcharged by fly-by-night companies that change their names frequently. If you’re going to use a moving service, ensure they have an excellent track record.

PODS, U Box, and Sea-Can moves

Another common way to move is to book a sea-can, U Box or a PODS service. The storage units are typically dropped off at your home, you fill them at your leisure, and then they are delivered to your new home. You can usually take your time unloading the units, and pay a monthly fee until they’re picked up. The company may even offer loading and unloading services, for a fee.

Be sure to get in writing that they’ll pick up from your address, and most importantly, deliver to your new Nova Scotia home. Some of these delivery services will not deliver to very rural areas in NS.

Check to see if the company you’re considering using offer a refund on unused units. They do not hold as much as you’d think, and you’d be surprised how many you’ll likely need for a standard 3 or 4 bedroom home. Consider ordering more and get a refund if you don’t end up using them, if that’s an option.

With the box options, be sure to clarify if the unit is waterproof or water resistant, and what recourse you have if any of your items are damaged during the move of while in the possession of the storage company.

As to what size you’ll need, some companies will send out a sales rep to help you select the right size unit. When in doubt, size up! Even the best Jenga packing master can underestimate how much space they need.

Move to Nova Scotia – DIY

Some homeowners choose a more DIY method. Our primary move choice was to buy a pickup truck and enclosed trailer. When we made our big move, we packed as much as possible into the truck and trailer and sold the trailer when we arrived at our final destination. If you take this route, I highly recommend you invest in high-quality trailer and hitch locks.

A final note

No matter which method you choose, check with your home insurance to ensure your belongings are covered during your move, during transit, and at your destination. Don’t assume you can leave your items stored indefinitely without a new home insurance policy.

Apr 14 No Comments

Should I move to Nova Scotia?

Author: Keith Kucharski

Categories: Annapolis Valley,Buying in Nova Scotia,Moving to Nova Scotia

Should you move to Nova Scotia? Here are some of the reasons why the answer might be yes.

Affordable housing

Nova Scotia housing prices were once the envy of the nation. “But there are no jobs!” people used to complain, and certainly a depressed job market was an east coast reality.

However, Nova Scotia is booming, and with remote work finally gaining by leaps and bounds, living in Nova Scotia but working for a remote company is a reality for many.

Though increased demand has driven up the cost of housing and home prices in Nova Scotia are rising faster than nearly anywhere else in the country, homes here are still affordable compared to other areas. We were able to buy an acreage on a lake for a fraction of the price of our suburban home in Alberta. And while our place needed significant repairs (many older Nova Scotia homes do), it was definitely the right decision for us.

Lakefront and oceanside fun

Living near the ocean, “lowers stress and anxiety, increasing an overall sense of well-being and happiness, a lower heart and breathing rate, and safe, better workouts. Aquatic therapists are increasingly looking to the water to help treat and manage PTSD, addiction, anxiety disorders, autism, and more,” says Dr. Wallace J. Nichols in his book Blue Mind.

Whether you choose Halifax, a suburb, a smaller regional centre, or a place out in the sticks, you’re never more than 30 minutes from the ocean, and usually less from a lake. It’s easy to plan a last-minute beach day or get out for a paddle or go fishing when the mood strikes, without having to plan a multi-day trip. This province is absolutely spectacular, with stunning shorelines, charming scenery, and the most incredible fall foliage you’ll ever see.

Friendly and welcoming people

While we had family in Nova Scotia (my wife was born and raised in Cole Harbour), we didn’t know anyone in the area of the Annapolis Valley that we moved to. However, East Coasters are a friendly bunch (as long as you don’t complain too much about the things we like, such as stores closing on holidays, or the slower pace of life). Even in the tiniest communities, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to make friends and connections in these close-knit communities. Community suppers, usually held in schools, church basements, and fire halls, are a tradition in Nova Scotia that bring neighbours together to raise funds for projects while sharing delicious, home-cooked food. Volunteering for the local fire department, or a shore clean-up is a sure-fire way to make friends fast.

A thriving cultural scene

Nova Scotia is a musical place, and there is live music everywhere, all the time. And the festivals? There are literally thousands throughout the province all year long (our favourites are the South Shore Lobster Crawl and the Apple Blossom Festival). Keep in mind that the further you buy from Halifax, the less sophisticated or frequent the events and restaurants will be. Each of Nova Scotia’s 7 distinct regions is different, and where one area might have vineyards and five-star restaurants, another might feature golf courses and food trucks.

Are there any downsides to moving to Nova Scotia?

Yes, there definitely are some reasons not to move to Nova Scotia. In fact, there’s enough that I wrote an entire post about it. Check out I Regret Moving to Nova Scotia to read some of the reasons why people might decide against moving to Nova Scotia. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to me to discuss why you’re considering moving here and how I can help, or download my free Guide to Buying a Home in Nova Scotia for Out of Province Buyers.

Apr 13 No Comments

“I regret moving to Nova Scotia!”

Author: Keith Kucharski

Categories: Moving to Nova Scotia

Are you considering moving to Nova Scotia, and worried you’ll someday say, “I regret moving to Nova Scotia”? Fear not! With careful consideration and lots of advance planning, you can reduce the odds that you’ll regret moving to Nova Scotia.

Things to think about before you start looking for property in Nova Scotia

Many city dwellers dream of moving to the country to raise chickens and live off the land, or just finding a place where they can afford to buy, not rent.

If you’re used to living in a big city, you might want to continue living somewhere you can easily drive to the best restaurants or enjoy the nightlife. Think twice about buying in Digby if you’re looking for wild Saturday nights or high-end shopping options! On the other hand, immersing yourself in rural living might be just what you’re looking for.

A local REALTOR® can help you understand exactly what the community you’re considering is like. While I specialize in the Annapolis Valley and South Shore region, I can refer you to Realtors in the Halifax region or other areas of Nova Scotia to find exactly the right property for you.

Rural living realities

If you’re wanting to make a change and live somewhere rural, it’s important to understand the realities of rural living. If you make a life-changing move without understanding what life is really like in your new province, you might regret it. Here are a few challenges unique to Nova Scotia:

Locally owned stores that close at 5pm on the dot (or earlier if the owner has an appointment or something more pressing). More prevalent in the rural areas.
Limited services, such as shopping or extracurricular activities for kids, in the rural areas. Rural schools might not have certain clubs or teams, while community clubs like cheer, gymnastics, or climbing could be a 90-minute drive away. Even in Halifax, specialty schools are few and far between.
Health care is challenging—more than 1 in 10 Nova Scotians don’t have a family doctor, most communities do not have walk-in clinics, and most rural hospitals aren’t open overnight. (If you’ve moved already, be sure to get on the Need a Family Practice Registry asap.)
Friends will be far-flung—you’ll spend a lot of time driving! It can be difficult to make new friends (but I have a whole blog post with tips on how to build community.)
Nova Scotia has some incredible restaurants, but in the rural areas, you might not have access to the kind of restaurants your family enjoys. And forget Uber Eats or even basic pizza delivery in many rural areas.
Do you work remotely, stream music or videos, or download quite a bit? Some areas of Nova Scotia have poor Internet, and some rural areas have no Internet at all. While Develop Nova Scotia’s Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative is working to bring high-speed Internet to 95%+ of the province, some areas are lagging. Your Realtor can help you ensure the property you’re considering has the Internet access you need.
While housing on average is less expensive than in many other provinces, there are a number of things in Nova Scotia that are much more expensive than in other provinces. Nova Scotia has high income tax rates, high property taxes, a high sales tax, and high service fees for things like registering your vehicle. Groceries are typically higher overall and even higher in rural areas than in Halifax.

People are still moving to Nova Scotia

Despite the many reasons NOT to move to Nova Scotia—there are so many great reasons to move to our gorgeous province! In fact, people are flocking to Nova Scotia because they believe the many benefits outweigh the downsides. Here are just a few reasons the locals love it here, and you might too.

Wouldn’t you love to be near the ocean, or live lakeside? Affectionately nicknamed “Canada’s ocean playground,” Nova Scotia’s coastline stretches 13,300 kilometres and the province boasts more than 1,000 lakes.
If you’re currently living somewhere like Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal, you’ll find your dollar goes much further for housing, specifically.
If you love food and entertainment, Halifax has a vibrant nightlife and bustling arts scene.
Prefer the quiet? A rural area or quaint rural town might be the best bet for you. You can create a large garden, raise backyard chickens or goats, or just enjoy the peace and quiet of fewer neighbours, further away.
While you might face a little resistance if you complain about rural living and tell your new neighbours, “Back in Ontario, we did it this way,” generally East Coasters have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming.
If you like local food, you’ll love the easily accessible farmers’ markets and side of the road fresh fruit and vegetable stalls with their honour payment system.
While there’s traffic in the city and surrounding area, if you move further out you’ll find traffic is nearly non-existent. Quiet country roads are the norm.
The job market is better than it’s ever been, and remote work is a dream from such a gorgeous place.
Some services and activities are less expensive than in larger centres, such as sports or athletic fees, tradespeople, and entertainment.

Not convinced? Check out Should I move to Nova Scotia? for more reasons why we love it here.