My husband and I moved back to Nova Scotia after living our entire Life Without Kids overseas. Although I grew up in Halifax, after having lived “away” for so long, I still grapple with the idea that maybe we’re not permanent. Maybe we will go away again. Maybe this isn’t exactly where we belong.
The constant feeling of being unsettled goes deep. My parents and I are immigrants of the 1970’s, and most of our relatives are still all over the other side of the pond. Hubby’s family is unsettled too. In the 1960’s they emigrated from the UK to Australia as “10 pound Poms“, only to return to Blighty 2 years later, jaded and homesick for damp houses and rosy winter cheeks. What was it that made them want to leave England for a “better life”? What drew them back?
Now that we’re back in Halifax, we often visit my sister and her husband in St. Margaret’s Bay. Unlike me, my sister and her husband never left, except to go to Calgary for 6 years, where she spent the whole time complaining that everything in Halifax was better, and he made oodles of money. When they got back, guess what? Everything had been so much better in Calgary (said she)…and my brother-in-law? Well, he traded his cowboy boots for a pair of waders; his Audi for an outboard motor. Finally, they both settled back, as if the whole experience had only been a long, dirty, fairly lucrative weekend.
My brother-in-law is from Cape Breton, and like most Cape Bretoners, he has a house and a family there too, as well as on the mainland. I like spending time with my sister and her husband because, despite their brief affair with Alberta, their Nova Scotia-ness makes me feel connected. With them, I feel vicariously local. Like I belong here.
Last weekend, they took my daughter and her cousin out on the boat, to one of the Islands in St. Margaret’s Bay. The girls spent just under an hour exploring the sandy beach, climbing the rocks, before zooming back home for an evening barbecue. When I saw the day’s photos (see photo above) I knew we made the right decision to bring our children up in Nova Scotia.
And so, as summer arrives, I think of all the reasons we are happy we moved back. Here are the top 5:
1. The Ocean
In Nova Scotia, you’re never more than half an hour away from the sea, so they say. But there’s more than just water. I love our ocean for its sand, its boulders, its fat, brown seaweed. There are many amazing shores in the world, but I want my kids to know these beaches.
2. The People
Like many small places, it does take a little longer to get everything done. And yeah, sometimes I would like to be anonymous. Here, you see someone you know every 3 minutes. But it’s great when your husband stops by Lawton’s to pick up some milk on his way home from work, and the cashier tells him the wife already bought 2 litres of 1% and a litre of the Lactose-free this afternoon, and yes, she bought bread, so he can put that back too.
3. Our Backyard
It’s big, it’s green and it’s usually full of kids. We have about 10 trees, a shed, a play house, a cool hill, and a swing set. Try buying that in Calgary for the same price! The neighbours do not give a hoot how often we mow the grass, and they always talk to us over the chain-link fence, which is so old and damaged, it’s hardly a fence at all. Good fences do not make good neighbours here. Good people do.
4. The Traffic
There is none. The worst you get is a 60 second wait at a set of lights, or possibly some congestion on the bridge, but it’s nothing compared to anywhere else in the world.
5. My Parents
A lot of women move back home when they have kids, dragging their poor husbands along with them, and I am no exception. I don’t know what I would do without my parents. In my twenties, I didn’t care so much about being a travel-orphan, but now that I’m 40 and they’re 70, I am so glad they’re close.
And the number one reason I wonder if we should leave again? It’s pretty simple:
1. Jobs
I’m not going to “labour” this point (haha), but since we moved back to Nova Scotia six years ago, neither my husband nor I have been able to get a permanent job. We’re not lazy, we’re not unqualified, we’re not unrealistic and we’re not in the film industry. We’re just in Nova Scotia…and you know what? Life is actually really hard here sometimes. Although we love the ocean, we worry about money every day, and like many other “term” employees, we face uncertainty, and unemployment, every single year.
So, my advice to young families: Come back! Life is great here, and you’ll get a grand house and an enormous backyard for pennies compared to other world cities. But before you return, make sure you tuck away some of that big city cash, because although Nova Scotia has plenty of space and beautiful beaches, there’s no money here.
Did you go away and come back? Are you thinking of coming home? Did you make buckets of cash out West? Please share your experiences. I would love to hear about them.
x East Coast Mum
I am moving on my own to Truro this coming week. I am now terrified at the thought that I’m making a gigantic error. I have work which is awesome but am concerned that I won’t be welcomed by the locals and that I will be isolated as a result. I’m moving due to a separation so building a social circle is very important to me. I worry about the “backwardness” that I read about online – is it really that bad?? Any encouragement you can share would be very much appreciated!
No! You’ll be fine! Join some kind of a group – maybe there is an online Facebook community or something? Truro is great! You’ll be fine. Enjoy the move! – East Coast Mum 🙂
Hi, I have completed my Bachelor’s in Computer Science from India and now I have got an offer from Dalhousie University, Halifax for pursuing Masters in Computer Science. I wanted to know the job prospects for a person in my field in Nova Scotia and job opportunities for a Student of my field.
Congratulations on your acceptance to Dal. It is a prestigious university! I am sorry, Sahil, I am not sure about the job opportunities in your field, only that a degree from Dal will put you in good stead for any future in Computer Science, and that you will very much enjoy your time in Halifax. Good luck! – East Coast Mum
Hello Sahil,
Dalhousie is good university. Nova Scotia is very good place to be in. There are lots of international students in there. I am immigration consultant who deal with these people every day specially from Nova Scotia hence can definitely guide you for this. Email me if more details needed. hrdcanadaimmigration@gmail.com
Thanks
Hiral
Thanks Hiral! Please note that I am not associated in any way with Hiral’s company and do not endorse it. Just allowing the comment in case it is helpful to anyone! 🙂 Helen
Thank you for very interesting read.
We’re thinking about retirement in Nova Scotia. Is it a good place to be in your golden years?
Ideally we would like to live in a very small town but relatively close to the hospital – it’s a necessity when you’re getting older. We love nature and isolation so a house on the lake under tall pines is our dream!
We’ve been living in Montreal for the past 30 years but want to move somewhere quiet and English-speaking 🙂 .
So any comments on NS as a retirement place? Would our pension be enough to live comfortably? We don’t want a big luxury house but we would like a large land where dogs can run freely.
Thanks!
Hello Tanya, and thank you for your comment. Sorry for the delay in reply! I think that NS would be an ideal place to retire. There are several good hospitals in Halifax, Bridgewater, Kentville, Antigonish…. and more. You can definitely find nature isolation and tall pine trees here. I hope that you will enjoy retirement, wherever you are… once this pandemic is over! – Helen
Hello,
We are a family physician and nurse team thinking about moving to N.S. from Australia, mainly because our dog is a Staffy cross and is illegal in Ontario where I originally grew up on. We are looking on moving out side of Halifax, within a 20-25min radius. Given all the posts I have read here I have mixed feelings, but we do not want to be contained inland as in Australia we live along the coast and it is much more liberating to be close to the water. I would greatly appreciate your feedback and advice that you may have come across from either doctors/nurses that practice in N.S., and /or ones that have moved to N.S. from other places.
Thank you
Thank you for the comment – it was missed last year, so I am posting now, a year later! We certainly do have plenty of nurses and doctors from other parts of Canada and the world here. It is a pleasant place to work, from what I hear with lots of support in terms of training and research. We have Dalhousie school of medicine. I’m not an expert though. As well as gauging the temperature here, you could also enquire with Doctors Nova Scotia – they are the professional organisation of Doctors… in Nova Scotia! I hope you are both safe and well, wherever you are practicing. – Helen
From a reader: RE: DIGBY
Just wondering about Digby, NS We have friends moving there that are in their seventies with health issues. They would love for us to move there but I think that boat has sailed since I was diagnoses with bile duct cancer in 2016. Had surgery and am still here. They say the weather has no snow and if it does it’s gone the very next day. I would think the healthcare is scary there. They say everything is cheap there. They also so the winters are mild and not damp which I don’t believe so can you find out for me please what it’s really like there
Thank you and love reading your blogs. Unfortunately I have tried to write something but when asked for website it doesn’t allow me to get on.
Hi there
just wondering about Digby, NS. We have friends that are about to move down there and want us to come live there as well. They say it’s always mild no storms friendly town healthcare is good ect… sounds to good to be true. Just want to know the real story to Digby, NS
Thanks! love the posts I see here
I love Digby, but maybe some other readers would like to chime in? 🙂 Best of luck! – Helen
Hi,
Great post! Loved the simple and very real 5 considerations.
I’m a little late to the game on this post, but I’d love to get your thoughts as a Nova Scotian on my possible situation! I’m a single, 30 something yr old from Toronto and have a job offer in Amherst, NS (so no worries re: employment, though the pay would be less than what I make now, even considering the comparison in cost of living). Many of the posts I’ve read are of/by couples or families thinking of moving to NS — what would you say to a single person thinking about a move for a job prospect? In terms of career growth, it is a good opportunity so I’m not terribly hung up on the difference in pay, and I’m not so urbanized that I need to live in a big city (change of pace could be a great thing!), but I’m wary about travel time, finding accommodation and health services.
Thanks for any feedback!
Hello, thanks for your nice comment! First of all, I will say that everyone I have ever met in Amherst has been really really nice. Really laid back and friendly. You’ll definitely be slowing down your pace there, compared to Toronto. The nearest urban centre is Moncton, NB, which in my opinion is a great town. I don’t think you’ll have trouble finding a place to live or a doctor, not sure about travel time – depends where you’re going. There’s no traffic, that’s for sure! 😉 One nice thing about Amherst (pronounced AM-urst), apart from the historic buildings, is that there is a VIA rail station there, so you can hop on the train to Halifax or Montreal. Best of luck with your decision. – Helen 🙂
Thank you very much Helen! I really appreciate you getting back to me so quickly, and that info is very helpful.
I actually disagree with a lot of what eastcoastmum has said regarding Amherst. I moved here almost a year ago from Ontario (Cambridge), and my experience has been very different from what she is suggesting… I have met a few other people who have moved here and they echo the same feelings about the town.
I am also single, although a bit older than you (41) lol, and was looking for a quieter life now that my children have started their own lives elsewhere, but was still excited to live my personal life, meeting new friends and possibly make a connection with a special guy. There isn’t much in this town for singles at all, and it’s not easy to meet friends either. The three local hangout pubs are usually filled with 20-somethings who are just looking for a fight. At the end of the night, there are close to 4 or 5 police cruisers sitting in the parking lot just waiting for it to happen. Maybe I went on off nights, I have only gone about 3 times but it was enough to put me off entirely.
The people out here are friendly, but also not friendly. My job developer nailed it on the head when he asked me if I found the people out here to be friendly, but not welcoming. They like people to come here to spend money, but don’t live here if we don’t know you or someone that you know.
I faced that directly when I took a survival job to set up my home. I worked directly with the public and had daily interactions with them. I was consistently asked why I moved here and who I knew in Amherst… Almost like I had to justify being here. A few even told me that I was too friendly and happy, and how that would change quickly if I stayed. I don’t know if it was advice… But the way it was delivered definitely didn’t feel like it. Now I’m not saying that everyone here is like that… But a good majority are. As I have said, I met a lot of great friendly people, but only to find out that many of them Were also newcomers here. We were facing the same plight.
You said that you have work lined up… That’s extremely helpful as finding work out here is difficult. There are a lot of jobs available if you are willing to try to live off of minimum wage… If you have aspirations to better your life and have the ability to own something for yourself… You need a better job than minimum wage or you will get stuck in that cycle. The problem with that is there is not a lot of that in town unless if you know people.
There is no public transportation in this town. That in itself makes getting around tricky if you are used to a more urban lifestyle. There are a number of cab companies that do a flat rate per trip which is fantastic, however if you are planning to shop at a few stores, it will cost you extra. That’s totally reasonable! But they won’t wait for you if you aren’t just running in and out really quick. The cabs are also not totally reliable. I have had set call times to be picked up for work only for them to show up late (making me late for work) or not show up at all. Also had times where I have waited for an hour to be picked up standing in front of a store with my groceries.
Healthcare! That is extremely important to all! There are no doctors available in Amherst who are taking new patients. I know people who have been waiting for a number of years to get one. They don’t even have a nurse practitioner LED clinic and the walk-in clinic is closed. Due to this, everyone goes to the hospital emergency for everything which definitely takes away from their foremost duty of service. If you do happen to go to get prescriptions, ask the doctor to fill all of them, then when you need a refill, ask the pharmacy to contact the doctor for it. It’s much faster and doesn’t interrupt their time for actual medical emergencies.
Cost of living; I have found food to be more expensive here than in Ontario, definitely! Especially if you prefer to eat healthy and not the packaged garbage that you get in the aisles. You will be paying more for fruits and vegetables, meats and bread… And definitely tempting to just buy a few boxes of KD for 69 cents instead.
Rentals are difficult as well. I have seen a few nice 2 bdrm places go for around 700… But they are usually just on the outskirts of town so transportation definitely becomes a factor. In town gets a little shaky because there are quite a few slumlords who provide apartments for just under the same but don’t take care of the units/property at all. Actually, there is a Facebook page of decent listings to help combat that issue.
The via rail stop in town is not actually a functioning stop. You cannot board the train there… The building has been for sale for a few years, and there are rumours that it was purchased by a restaurant.
Hope this helps you with your decision. If you wanted to discuss privately, I would be happy to do so. I’m actually looking to get out of this town because I don’t see anything here for me at all.
Wow, Newcomer2Amherst, you have definitely encountered a classic and upsetting “Come From Away” (CFA) experience in Amherst. The CFA experience is not unique to Nova Scotia (I have lived in Cornwall, UK where you’re not actually considered Cornish unless you’ve been there since the Bronze Age), but it is well-documented here. Some other readers of this “Reasons to Move to Nova Scotia” post have felt it too.
I genuinely thought things were getting better as Halifax and surrounding communities welcome an increasing number of newcomers from all parts of the world (even since I first wrote this post in 2015, the city has become more cosmopolitan…) but it seems that Amherst didn’t get the memo, at least not in your case. I am really really sorry that this seemingly quaint and lovely historic Nova Scotia town has left you with a bad taste in your mouth, and a desire to move on.
I hope that TorontoG gets this post, because your firsthand perspective is far more valuable than my drive-by experience. I have only ever dropped into Amherst, and I had no idea you coudln’t pick up the VIA Rail train there!!!
Thank you and best of luck – maybe you will come to Halifax?
x East Coast Mum
If you move to rural communities anywhere in the world you will find they lack services. If you want all the services of a city move to the Halifax area or even the south shore which has little towns with infrastructure but one cannot expect full services in the rural parts of Canada from any place that I have travelled witihn the country.
Hi Newcomer2Amherst, thanks for your very candid and tailored reply! That ship has since sailed for me (I had to make a rather quick decision & I chose to stay here in Toronto), but I really appreciate your reply. Looking into the possibility of moving provinces has been a very interesting experience — one has to filter between the various responses given by people who are currently living in the area, who have lived in the area & have since moved…I’m glad I chose to stay for the reasons you listed above (which reflect my own conclusions or feelings). I think for me at least, it would’ve made a lonely situation even lonelier.
There’s a great music program in the schools in Amherst and also in the community. There is a local hockey team and other sports 4 women and men. It is a rural community with farmers markets and loss of fresh veggies grown in local area. Totally English, old Victorian town, close to NB Border.
Hi I was just reading a lot of the comments and they are very enlightening…
I am about to retire as an equipment operator here in Toronto and am thinking of selling my home here in East York.
My interest is moving to around Digby or I did see a nice place (huge garage) in Lower Saulnierville,I am so tired of the city Toronto thing.
Is there someone out there that could give me some insight on me relocating to this area, I am a single person and do realize perhaps it might be a little quieter than I am used to perhaps..
Are the winters rough?
Any info would be so much appreciated…
Thanks
Steve
I grew up in Nova Scotia as well, however I have been working in the West for almost 25 years. I have just transfered to an expat position and will be working a 28 days on 28 days off schedule, and am thinking of moving back with my wife and two boys. I would like to be relatively close to Halifax but not in the city, Fall River is appealing as it is inbetween airport and the city, however it is hard to finf lakefront property. I would be interested in your thoughts on Fall River – McCabe lake – Hammonds Plains areas.
Thanks
All great places, Andy. Hammonds Plains is a very busy spot now (compared to when I lived there as a kid!) but has everything you need – lots of people around, activities for the boys. I would say Fall River would be slightly less convenient in terms of grocery stores, rinks etc. but only slightly less so, and probably you might get a bigger property. I am sure you know about Viewpoint – a great site for finding property- and if you’re looking for a realtor, Stacey Falkwin and her team are amazing! Good luck! 🙂
Fall River is a great area but no inexpensive if one wants to be on the lake, Grand or otherwise. I think you will find the prices similar in the Hammonds Plains area. The Enfied area of Grand Lake is also interesting with lower taxes and access to the larger part of the lake but one will still be paying between $500. and upwards for waterfrontage.
Pat Parker
Tradewinds Realty.com
pat.parker@tradewindsrealty.com
Hi there, I am Pritul and wanted to move NS from India with my partner. I just wanted to have an idea about the employment market in NS. We are fascinating for NS as we have found this country liveable than any other countries in Canada. Can you please brief me about the employment market because we are young and enjoying our 25. Thank you.
Hi Pritul and thank you for your comment on the post “5 Reasons to Move to Nova Scotia….” There’s definitely work in the province (not country!) of Nova Scotia, although many immigrants find that they have to take employment outside their field of expertise, or take two jobs, in order to get ahead. You can search at Career Beacon (an employment website), or for more information on settling here, check out ISANS, an organization that helps newcomers to settle in.The good news is that Nova Scotia (Halifax in particular) is a great city for young people. Lots of universities, outdoor activities, bars, restaurants… you will definitely have a good time here, especially in the summer. 🙂
HI really
I love LOVed resding it’s. Includes INcludes every reason why we love niva acotia. But parents moved out the there to tire about 6 years ago and we visit them every summer and just fall in love time after time. We’ve moved from Alberta to Ontario and now considering the move to Nova Scotia. I’ve taugjt in both provinces and have had my time starting from the bottoms and building some seniority. Just curious if you can shed some light on the teaching prospects. Can teach k-6 and currently teach grade 1. Ontario for the last 3 years have been a battle although I have managed to get supply work 1 year, and now this is my second year of long term contracts. (Not permanents) but still steady for the year. Thoughts of Halifax more specifically Halifax regional schools on board.
Thanks for your comments, Stephanie, Teaching jobs are easy to get….and impossible to get at the same time. Halifax Regional Education Centre (HRCE) has the MOST COMPLEX hiring system in the world. First, you have to get certified by the Dept of Ed (easy). Then, visit the HRCE in Spectacle Lake in Dartmouth and sign on as an employee and a substitute. After that, you you can probably get sub work every day through a call-in system called AESOP (or just by becoming friendly with a school). Your next step is to nab a Term. Term contracts are when a permanent employee goes on long term leave or parental leave etc. Term contracts can also be part-time positions or new positions. Term contracts become available to “outside employees” (i.e. anyone who is not permanent) in August, but you don’t get priority unless you have already worked a Term (this is called “term recall”). After October 15th (yes, once all the jobs are gone) you are able to apply on even footing. Sometimes Terms pop up throughout the year, as teachers get pregnant etc. but it usually goes to someone within the school. Next: you’re getting on the ladder for Probationary/permanent. To get a probationary contract, you have to work 2 consecutive years as a Term teacher, or an aggregate of 398 (?) days over X consecutive years. If you’re short one day, too bad. As many Term contracts are not a full year, it can take a long time (5 or more years) to build up this status. After you reach your days, you are eligible to enter the TPP (Teacher Placement Processs) which happens in May, and you are pretty well ALLOCATED to a job (you choose a shortlist) based on your seniority. No interview. But – these jobs are usually Term jobs too, so you often have to go back year after year. My husband is an Art teacher. He finally got a permanent job after 10 years. He moved from England where he had 20 years experience. He’s a great teacher, and had instructed at University level. The process and the humiliation of re-applying for a job year after year, nearly broke him. Because I choose to work part-time (I write also), I will never get a permanent teaching job (Part time jobs are always term, not permanent) but I have a lovely part-time job as a Resource teacher, which I reapply for each year. If you have French, or you are certified to teach Special Needs (you need a Masters in a relevant area), you’ll have a better chance. So YES, you’ll be fine… but the hiring process sucks, and, although I hate to be a negative Nellie, once you get in the schools you may be shocked at how little money they have compared to Ontario and especially Alberta. Good luck! See you in the lunchroom! haha
Pritul
If you have the needed skills the work is here in Nova Scotia http://www.careerbeacon.com
2018 – I was looking for a cost comparison of living in CB and Calgary AB. Hubby is from CB
We already have purchase vacant land – so need to put in all the items to actually build or put a modular home on.
Times have tanked here in the oil field.
We are trying to decide the cost of living when we move back.
Hubby keeps telling me it will be cheaper to live, but having lived in Tracadie NS for a few years in the 90’s I am not so sure. Has anyone done a recent cost comparison?
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_cities.jsp?country1=Canada&city1=Halifax&country2=Canada&city2=Calgary
I can’t wait to bring my wife back home to see a Nova Scotia. I’d love to move back, but as always, I know we won’t find the work we need. 💗
your wife? you seem like a woman yourself ?! I’m confused 🙁
The good news is that if Nicole does have a wife, that’s perfectly OK here! Same-sex partnerships are legal and – at least in my experience – well accepted in Nova Scotia! 🙂
Hi, I’m one of those people that been away for a long time(40 yrs), my ancestors landed in the late 16 hundreds, lots of family in NS . I’ve been wanting to come home for a long time but, it’s a big move now that I’m older.
I just hope I make the right decision . I’m torn….I’m afraid I’d feel like a stranger.
Are mathematics and physics teachers in good demand in Nova Scotia? I’d like to get a teaching certificate, and I’m considering teaching in the Maritimes.
I’m speaking as a former citizen of the USA who has lived in Scotland for over 30 years and is now a UK citizen. I have visited Nova Scotia, and have a whole bookcase full of historical and contemporary books about the province. In short, I love the place. However, I will be staying where I am, in Scotland.
What struck me about Nova Scotia, and what makes is such a unique and wonderful place, isn’t the ocean or the scenery or the wildlife in particular. All of these things can be found many other places. What is unique is the sense of ‘home’ that Nova Scotians seem to feel. Their families often go back generations, even centuries, in the same small locations. They know their local history and are happy to share it, when asked. They live sensible lives, and remain aware of what else is out there, but seem capable of not always looking for greener grass, but appreciating what they have and where they are instead.
Family connections seem very important to most of the Nova Scotians I met and got to know. And this is the key to the ‘friendly in public, not so friendly in private’ thing that some folks have mentioned on this thread. Any place where incomers threaten to usurp local people, dominate the job market and buy up most of the housing is likely to develop an antipathy towards being invaded. It’s not unfriendliness at all, but simply survival that’s at stake.
I overheard a very bitter conversation that took place in a shop in Lunenberg, where a local woman was upset because her family had lived there for over 200 years, and now her children were having to move away because people from outside the country (mostly Germans in her case) were buying up the properties for sale in Lunenberg and outbidding the locals and raising the prices to where locals could no longer afford to meet them. She was nearly in tears over the issue, and I can certainly understand and share her point of view. Is there anything worse than family being forced away from a beloved place that has been their home for centuries, to make way from incomers who are mostly interested in adopting the ‘lifestyle’ and soaking up the scenery?
Much as I love Nova Scotia—and the people I met who were so kind, helpful and made me laugh uproariously with their droll sense of humor and lengthy, convoluted stories that carried such a sense of the absurd—I know I can’t live there. It would be my dream existence (much as I love Scotland for different reasons) but I would be displacing somebody else whose claim to the place is much stronger than mine. To displace original residents is to destroy what makes Nova Scotia so special, in my opinion.
More power to the arms of the folks in this conversation who want to go ‘back’ to rejoin family, etc. Nova Scotia is your home. But to others, I’d say …be sensitive to the things your greater wealth and privilege may be displacing. If people turn you down for jobs or refuse to sell their home to you, that’s not because they are unfriendly. It’s because they are realistic about their own chances of continuing to live and work where they have always been.
“be sensitive to the things your greater wealth and privilege may be displacing”… what a thoughtful and eloquent reflection, Jan. Thank you! – H
I mis-spelled “Lunenberg.” Should have been “Lunenburg.” I knew it as soon as I pressed the send button, but it was too late! (Embarrassed emoticon here….)
I love this. I am one of those who call NS home. I have lived away in Alberta for 11 years and plan to move back soon. I miss my roots, the easy laid back feeling, the beaches, the tough rugged and beautiful landscape, the kind people who although may not have much would give you the shirt off their back without hesitation but most of all I miss my family and the sense of belonging.
Everywhere I have ever gone in my lifetime is full of a variety of people of different cultures and languages and so may it continue.
I don’t think anyone has a monopoly on an area-everywhere I have ever gone in the UK and Canada has totally changed population wise and I am not going to have an issue with it -this is the way life is.
I think rather than hating outsiders it might be a better idea to look more closely at the economic system we have subscribed to and perhaps start thinking about changing it. For example bring in politics that uses cash to buy decent local housing to house people and equalize out wealth more rather than taking it out on the nearest person to you e.g. an outsider.
This is a very thoughtful and perceptive comment. I appreciate it — in large part because I share in the feeling of being displaced from where my wife and I have lived for about 40 years (in the USA) thanks to rising costs of living/property taxes/ exploding housing costs. We’re also not happy about the perpetual political slant of this state (Texas) and now that we’re not tied to day jobs, and are financially independent altho far from wealthy, we have the option at last to sell and move to a more convivial and affordable place. We have been looking seriously at Nova Scotia as at least a part-time home — because we can’t qualify for a permanent Canadian resident visa — because it looks to be a calm, peaceful, contented place to spend some of our years. We’re being pushed out of our current home thanks to a boom we did not ever vote for or support and our options are very limited on a low-wage pension. We’re not coming to NS to change anything or displace locals and I’d hate to be thought of as such. I play the pipes and have a lifelong enthusiasm for Scottish heritage and culture (sadly, Scotland is not any more a feasible alternative than Canada, and is even further away to boot) — I’d love to find kindred spirits in NS, there certainly aren’t many where I live today.
So I guess my point in commenting is to point out that I understand completely the feeling of being shoved out of a home by outsiders; this is happening to us, too (lousy rich suburban Californians!) and it’s creating a domino effect. But not everyone who looks for a new home in a faraway place is necessarily an enemy or soulless speculator or hustler or disinterested aristocrat. Some of us may be folks like you, seeking a better life and not wanting to change a thing about where we’re going.
Beautifully written. I am from Lunenburg and my family is one of the founding families. Although I am not living there right now most of my family are still there. It will always be my home.
Well Jan, technically the people there are not “original” at all. Yes, they might have generations that have lived there, but at some point they were all immigrants and basically invaders that stole the land from the indigenous that lived there.
While I totally agree with respecting the locals and not “gentrifying” a place, it also cannot be said that the people there have more claim to the land than anyone else. They are descendants of European colonizers just like most of the population of North America.
You have hit it on the head with this piece Helen! The perfect place to retire (except for the medical system) but not to earn a living.
And unfortunately all the retirees moving back have spent years paying into the medical system in their province, but when they are more likely to access services, are in NS. It is no secret that the population is older in NS than generally in Canada and while I welcome the retirees, perhaps this needs to be recognized in health care funding. Just saying,,,,
Interesting point, Margaret. Thank you for your comment! 🙂 – Helen
Hello!
Thank you for such an informal read!
Our family is seriously considering the move from small town Ontario to Nova Scotia. Any Chance you would have any insight in horse farms out that way? I currently train client horses and offer a youth horse program. We’re looking at a place an hour from Sydney, so not exactly close to many urban areas but can’t beat the price and has an indoor arena for all year riding. Husband is a red seal certified automotive tech so he’s fairly confident at being able to find a job, (hopefully!)
Any insights would so greatly be appreciated!
Thank you!!
Thanks for reading, Holly! I am afraid I don’t know much about horses, but your dream of owning a horse farm in Cape Breton sounds wonderful. Cape Breton is a very beautiful part of the province. There are a few Cape Breton community Facebook groups. I am sure people there will be really happy to chat to you and help you in your decision. Good luck. Please comment again if you make the move! It would be great to see how you got on. – Helen 🙂
Hi
I know the call of the land is great but Sydney is far from a base of paying clients; it is a depressed areas population and it will be hard to establish a client base. The winters are harder and, generally you will find it more isolated.
Hello, i am currently in the process of joining the Canadian navy and as part of training i will be sent to Nova Scotia. For fun i started looking at real estate homes. I was wondering what like and job opportunities are like as i would like to relocate with my mother and brother.
Thanks for your comment, Ashley
It depends what jobs you are looking for. Best of luck with your training. 🙂
Hi my husband and I have been toying with the idea of moving to nova Scotia for about a year now, it will still take us another year before we make any actual moves. We love the idea of small town living and have been looking at the south end areas as ideal for us. His biggest concern is work, as he’s been a retail manager for 12 yrs. Currently I am a stay at home mom but I have my early childhood education certification that’s going to waist here as its too expensive to have my toddler and 7 yr old in care wile I watch other people’s kids. Out there the dream is to do an in home childcare, is this something that is needed? we can’t afford a big enough place here for this. our tinny 700sqf condo cost us over 114000 6 yrs ago and prices have continued to rise since. Dream space would be somthing with 4 bed rooms and a decent yard and at least 1.5 bath (daycare?) As my in-laws snow bird back and forth between Canada and the philipeans and would live with us during the summer
From what I understand, there are lots of opportunities here for ECE’s. Good luck, and thank you for your comment, Cristal! 🙂 Helen
Great post! It makes me look forward to our move there his summer. We’ve lived out in Victoria and I long to return to the coast. We have three little ones and are moving from Ottawa for my husbands navy job. I am a senior manager at a crown Corp and I make a very good salary in the communications field. I’m a bit concerned about my job prospects and making a comparable (six figure) salary out there. Also I can’t find anything on School rankings. We’d really like our kids to continue with the early immersion program and go to a great school. We currently live in a very urban neighbourhood with the top school in our city and it really does make a difference to us. Can you shed some light on the best neighbourhood to house hunt on the peninsula? We would like a nice walkable neighbourhood with grand character houses and lots of greenery and a great school district. We really enjoy the older neighbourhoods. Our current house is a craftsman that is over 100 years old. Our budget would be in the 600-800 range. Any thoughts on neighbourhoods, schools and career resources?
Hi Patricia – that’s a very good budget for a house here! but you are right, you may have trouble finding a comparable job. I would say that you could lower your budget for a house to 400-600 and still find something great. If you want to be in walking distance of downtown, you can find a half-decent house in the South End of Halifax, but there aren’t many playgrounds there, and you risk being next door to a University frat house. Many of the older houses have been converted into flats. So…if you want a bit more bang for your buck, head to the West End (West of Quinpool, or Westmount subdivision) for a nice house with a yard and lots of neighbours. For even better value, find something beautiful in the North End, where you’ve got tons of playgrounds, a great coffee shop culture nice restaurants, a mixed bag of really nice neighbours… it’s just awesome here. Now, to be honest, none of the schools in Halifax are great. I am serious. And french immersion? Forget it. It’s totally hit or miss. Your teacher may not even have french as a first language. It’s also hard to do your homework (haha) because we don’t rank schools. So, as a guideline, South End Schools are good because parents tend to come from a place of privilege and offer pressure. West end schools – 50/50. North End schools – again, do your homework. Some are OK, some are so busy dealing with the social and emotional needs of kids, that the academics tend to suffer. Visit the school first, and go with your gut. Have you ever considered Bedford? Super-friendly former town (now part of Halifax Regional Municipality), really really great bang for your buck. Great swimming pool/swim team Eaglewood subdivision is lovely and leafy.. you can walk around there… but then you have to drive to get to Halifax itself. And my fellow citizens would kill me if I didn’t also suggest Dartmouth. With a budget of 600-800k, you could probably buy Dartmouth! Good luck!
Oh my gosh! This is great info. Thanks so much. No we definitely want to be in a downtown neighbourhood similar to what we’re coming from. We love being within walking distance of great restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and boutiques. We love the Victorian homes in Halifax and would love something like that. Our big concern is the schools. Are you able to tell us what schools specifically have a good reputation in the south, west or north end? We are not considering anywhere outside of those areas.
LOL My pleasure. I am working on an article for another publication today, and happy to procrastinate! In answer to your question, I wouldn’t say that any one public school is better than another, only that the South End schools are more accountable to parents, and have better funding through PTA or home and school organizations because of the wealth and privilege of parents in that area. The North End is more community-minded, and in my opinion, more fun than the South End (you may like the Hydrostone area), but there are also concentrations of poverty. To get the language right: for all these areas, you are talking about “peninsular Halifax” and the schools you are looking at are all in Admin unit #1. Saying it another way, you are in the “Citadel High family of schools” (meaning all the schools feed into Citadel High School). There is only one board, unlike say, Calgary where you’ve got the Catholic etc… When you look at a property listing with your realtor, it will show the school. You can then go look it up: https://www.hrsb.ca/about-our-schools/school-finder/ and gain information about student numbers, age of the building etc. Otherwise, not a lot of information. There are several private schools too – Gorsebrook, Sacred Heart School and Shambhala. You may want to have a look at those. My favourite sites to go ‘dream shopping’ for houses are Realtor.ca and Viewpoint. My favourite realtors are Stacey Falkwin or Heather Morgan at Royal LePage (http://www.falkwingroup.ca/) and if you want a great site for finding out about local stuff to do with kids, check out Family Fun Halifax (http://www.familyfunhalifax.com) 🙂
Hi
You are probably looking at the south or west end of Halifax but one can be 10 minutes outside of Halifax and one is able to live on the ocean; another plus to Nova Scotia and still be within that budget.
You may get more value in the West End and it is still near all the good school. If you look at Tradewinds.ca you will see mapping and prices and if you sign in then you can see “sold” prices so you can education yourself.
https://search.tradewinds.ca/listing/1614-preston-st–halifax-201721468
There are good schools, both paying and non which will provide French Immersion. There are also very good jobs here as the government, military and a robust growth in jobs in Halifax.
The kids rate the teachers on this site but I think they are a pretty good judge.
https://ca.ratemyteachers.com/nova-scotia/halifax/2
If you have any questions I am a Buyer’s Agent for Tradewinds and can answer most questions.
Best Regards
Pat Parker
1 902 275 8112
or pat.parker@tradewindsrealty.com
Thanks for this! I will check out the links you provided.
Hi,
my partner and I have been contemplating moving out East for several years now. Now that I am finishing up my teacher’s education we are determined to move there. We plan to move to the Lunenburg, Bridgewater area (from Ottawa) because he has family there. He is a red seal welder , and, as mentioned before, I will be a certified teacher (with a lot of barista experience).
It’s hard to get a teaching job anywhere, especially where we currently reside…but I worry after some of the research I have done, that I would not be able to find something to pay the bills while I go through the process of teaching in NS.
The job prospect is the only thing I worry about. We love NS and are both very inclined to the outdoors. We dream of having our own house and yard.
Any ideas, thoughts or advice about this big life decision?
Hi Grace, thanks for your comment! Teaching is crazy here. If you thought it was tricky to get a job in Ontario, wait until you meet with the nonsense that is teaching red-tape/hiring practices in Nova Scotia. Note that you may not be a fully certified teacher here if you trained in Ontario. Unless you did a full BEd after your degree, you will be knocked down a pay scale and put you on a “bridging certificate”. Please check with the Dept of Education here to confirm. Saying that, we need teachers at the moment. And of course, Nova Scotian kids are lovely!!! So, yes, come! You will love Nova Scotia, but yes, jobs are not always easy to find. Good luck!!!
Thanks! I wasn’t sure how it worked there. I did complete a BA and am now about to finish my BEd, which is an additional two years. Thanks for the heads up! I will definitely check, but am definitely willing to do the waiting there if it means I get to be in nature!
Thanks again for the info!
I have read all posts here and Im really worried about job market in Nova Scotia.
Im moving to Halifax and going to attend a 2 year Business-Accounting post secondary at NSCC on september, Im already an international accountant (Brazil).
still wondering if its the best decision or choice another province.
anyways the truth must be said about it if its worth to move to Halifax.
NSCC is a great school, and the waterfront campus is really beautiful. Good luck with your decision!
A good friend of mine got an Honors BA in English from McGill, got into the very competitive NS teacher training program (Halifax, so MAYBE Dalhousie?) AND never got a teaching job. She’s now a successful real estate agent and perfectly happy. Just don’t count 100% on getting a teaching job.
Hi
I know the call of the land is great but Sydney is far from a base of paying clients; it is a depressed areas population and it will be hard to establish a client base. The winters are harder and, generally you will find it more isolated.
A great read, thanks eastcoastmum,
I’ve been planning to move to Nova Scotia, and hence have initiated my immigration plans (I am a family man, with a wife and a little kid). A dear friend of mine moved from New Delhi, India to Halifax last year and his reviews of Halifax (he’s been living there for 6 months now) have strengthen my resolve to come there.
I work as a Freelance translator here in India (French to English) and so would be taking along some of my work here too. But please do let me know if there are jobs for people like me. I am also interest to go into any other field where I can use my French language skills.
Thanks for your comments, Priyank. With your French skills, you are sure to find a great job here. That skill set really should be highlighted at the top of your resume! Best of luck with your job search! 🙂 East Coast Mum
I’m Canadian (from Montreal originally) & have been living in the NYC metro area for over 25 years. I have a 15 year old African American daughter. I want to retire to rural Nova Scotia in 3- 5 years. I’d like to live close to the ocean, in a house with 2-3 bedrooms, and enough space for a garden. I’m interested in permaculture, and in volunteering with newly arrived refugees. I’d like to be no more than an hour away from Halifax. I hope all my dreams will come true!
Good luck with your move. I don’t think anything on your wish list is unreasonable: ocean, modest house, big garden – and the opportunity to help others! I wish you the best of luck (but won’t you miss the hustle and bustle of big city life?) 🙂 Helen
Hello – what are your thoughts about Yarmouth and what area would you recommend to live in?
Hi Wenz, and thanks for your comment. I am biased. I am a Halifax girl, who likes big cities. (I lived in London, England for over a decade), so I would go crazy in Yarmouth, which is very remote to my mind. However, I have a dear friend who lives there, and brought her family up there, and lives on a BEAUTIFUL lake and goes canoeing every morning. The town of Yarmouth is lovely. Property = very affordable! It depends on who you are and what you are looking for! 🙂 Helen
Very interesting overview! My wife and I (US citizens) are very interested in living part-time in Halifax as self-sufficient retirees. Part-time because that’s all we are allowed under immigration policy — but I think six months a year in Nova Scotia sounds like a great deal if we can swing it, I there is no financial reason why we couldn’t. Where should we begin our search for a good-sized rental or purchase that we might sub-let for half a year at a time? And could we bring a US-registered car over the border freely, or this prohibited or taxed excessively? Thanks! Hope to make a scouting visit to NS in the next year to gather more information and make contacts, find a real estate agent for guidance, etc.
Good luck Kevin! You need a realtor. Laurianne Falkwin is the best one in Halifax- https://www.facebook.com/FalkwinGroup/ !!! Best of luck
hey there! i am a 35 year old single Indian man living in Kolkata in eastern India. All my life I have lived and worked in Indian cities. I have a degree in electronics and communication engineering and worked briefly as an IT consultant. However, I was never satisfied working as an IT consultant. Finally, I found out that working outdoors is what i need. You know, blue skies and green fields 🙂 Thus, I am looking for a career in agriculture. At this stage of my life, I would like to explore different cultures and countries as well. if I delay it , I guess it would be too late. Thus, I am looking towards canada and consulting a few colleges and universities to decide on a suitable program. In this process, I came across NS and the peninsula and the atlantic :), the lifestyle etc. Okay, even I am sick and tired of living in Indian cities. The rat race never ends and seeking for artificial happiness doesn’t come to a stop. So, last couple of days, I have been researching on NS.Okay, my first preference is agriculture but I don’t think there are many options in agriculture in NS. So, something related to maritime/shipping/ports would be nice, I guess. Look, you have a lot of marine and maritime, shipping stuff there right?! Aren’t there any jobs in those fields? I am not after material benefits. However, a self sufficient nice peaceful life with a lot of hiking, cycling, fishing…is what i seek. Of course, I am ready to work hard in my real job. Now, I have come across a course on Marine – Industrial Rigging under NS community college at the Institute of Technology Campus, Halifax. These guys claim ..”The program has been developed in co-operation with industry in order to meet an increasing demand for highly skilled Riggers.” Here is the link: https://www.nscc.ca/learning_programs/programs/PlanDescr.aspx?prg=MIRG&pln=MARINDRIG What do you think about this? If you may kindly let me know. See you in NS 🙂 Fingers crossed! Thank You 🙂
Dear Abhishek, Thank you for reading my reflection on what it is like to move back to Nova Scotia. A self-sufficient nice peaceful life with a lot of hiking, cycling and fishing is definitely possible in Halifax. The Nova Scotia community college is a highly regarded post-secondary institution that is indeed closely linked with industry. I don’t know the exact stats but my feeling is that most successful graduates do attain jobs in their field. Another employer to explore is the IRVING oil company which has recently expanded in Halifax. If you love agriculture there is plenty of it here! We have an agricultural college in Truro Nova Scotia (now part of Dalhousie University) and our Annapolis Valley is a huge area for farming and producing. In Victorian times, this region used to produce all the apples for England! There may be seasonal work there, not sure. Best of luck! 🙂
hey! all noted! thank you 🙂
I have my heart set on moving to halifax but since I’ve never been there at all it scares me. My plan is to go to school there for baking and pastry arts and maybe work in a bakery or something. Also I don’t know which is a good and safe neighborhood to live in and I have no car. Is halifax a good place to live in?
Thank you!
Most of the neighbourhoods are safe! A lot of people start in Clayton Park, but if you are doing pastry at NSCC you will find plenty of nice places to live in Dartmouth. There are a few neighbourhoods in North End Dartmouth that seem to have a high crime rate, just avoid them. Most parts are lovely. Good luck!
We are planning to move to NS . I am Auditor/ Accountant and my wife is computer trainer . We have three kids of agre 12, age 11 and 7.
Kindly advise if the school education is free for migrants ?
Is there is little scope for Auditors / Accountants and Computer trainers.
Thanks for this kind blog
Thank you for reading! Yes, school for children is free for all residents, and the school system is very welcoming to newcomers. Many schools in the city have support workers and teaching staff that specifically help newcomer children to settle in. I am not sure about jobs in your field. Good luck!
Im from new brunswick and kived in toronto, alberta, Vancouver, quebec, ottawa…and i can tell you i experienced almost every cukture small town, city, huge city and situation on eaRth. Ottawa is a rotten place pretty and has money but no soul. Akot of greed here and sekfishness kike i never experienced. I can say the maritimes may not be rich but the people and lifestyle is there are no peopke like this in all of canada they have a kindred spirit honest heart and love life they help strangers…
Hi there,
Me and my family are looking to move to Canada from the UK sometime in the near future (hopefully). We are looking at either Alberta (specifically Edmonton ) or the outskirts of Halifax NS (Possibly Wolfville or Kentville).
My husband is a Carpenter/Joiner and researching the Edmonton area offers many more possibilities for his trade but the housing you can get for your money in NS is second to none i’m looking through thinking these are dream homes that living in the UK would never be a possibility for me but i could buy a house outright and a beautiful one in NS at that.
We have 2 young children who at the moment are only 5 and 3 years old, which of these do you think would give the children the best quality of life as they are what are important?
I realise that getting a job offer in Alberta is more of a likelihood than NS so im prepared for starting out in Alberta but i was wondering if we go to Alberta would it be worth uprooting the kids again for a life in NS after a year or so?
You should consider Hubbards NS.We are 30 minutes outside of Halifax on the beautiful South Shore..Our area is in high demand for carpenters, and the community of Hubbards offers an amazing scholarship fund for all children pursuing college education. We are a small rural community on the ocean, with a wonderful community spirit, and we would welcome a new family from the UK
I second that! Hubbards is so beautiful!
Digby is a good place too
Hubby and I are trying to make the decision whether to go back or not. He’s not Canadian so it’s only ‘going back’ for me.
I miss the sea and the nature so much. So, so much.
But I’m terrified of the job prospects. We both have pretty decent jobs right now and to leave them for complete uncertainty is terrifying.
I loved your article and what timing. My husband and I have just decided that after 16 years in Alberta that we want to move back to Nova Scotia where we are both from as is all our family. However we are finding that people who live there are telling us not to move! They say there are no jobs, crime is bad and that the health care, in the way of wait times is awful. My Husband hoped to go back to school and there seems to be lots of post secondary education. We also have a son that will be graduating before we move. I worry about his opportunities. Any advice? We are having second thoughts.
If you are looking for a good paying job, with excellent benefits and a great pension, perhaps the two of you should apply online to one of the Michelin plants. The plants in Bridgewater and Waterville can’t get enough workers. I lived in Ontario for 18 years, and saw advertisements in the Halifax Chronicle Herald for Michelin and applied online from Ontario. Now I am working full time making a good wage, and enjoying the peaceful life back home. Houses are much cheaper here than in Ontario, electricity and insurance are also less expensive. Groceries and gas are all at the same level, cost wise, as they are in Ontario. No more fighting traffic jams, or temperatures 40 degrees plus or minus in summer and winter.
True, if you are living outside of Halifax, public transportation is non existent (except in the Annapolis Valley), but even when living in London Ontario I owned a vehicle and barely used the available public transit options.
Is Michelin a good company to work for?
I have heard that Michelin is a great company to work for! I have a friend whose hubby worked at the plant in Bridgewater. He had no complaints. I have heard that the pay and benefits are good. Thanks for reading, Steve! 🙂
Thanks for the article, it’s clearly evoked a lot of thought! Many of these comments have come from a few years ago. Is anything changing on the job front more recently? Also, when people speak of poor health care, what does that mean? Is it a lack of doctors? Or long wait times? Maybe a combination of both?
Hi Steve, yes, In answer to your latest question. think the job situation HAS improved in Halifax the past few years since I wrote this – 2014? Almost six years ago – although it’s hard for me to judge, since I am a freelance writer, which is a fairly unstable career… I think with health care the main problem is NOT being able to get a GP, rather than the actual quality of care. My persona; experience with the heath care system in Nova Scotia has been positive so far, when I consider my kids’ emergencies, and my friend who has recently been treated for cancer. Also, without being morbid, we now have a hospice in Halifax, which is a positive addition to palliative care. (Formerly, palliative care was offered in a hospital setting only).
Halifax itself has certainly grown into a world city since I first wrote this. The restaurants are greater in number, and better. Immigration and movement of people has made the downtown feel very cosmopolitan. The downtown has seen lots (possibly too much) construction, but it’s better than before where entire streets, like Barrington, were just there, slowly dying in the middle of our downtown core.
I wonder if anyone has anything else to add?
Helen
Thank you ao much for this post!
I too struggle to feel “settled”. My family is stretched to each end of Canada and spackled in between.
I was born and enjoyed my childhood in beautiful BC. But moved to Ontario just in time for my teenage years.
I have always missed the ocean and beaches and have never lost the feeling of not being where I belong. Moving back to BC just isn’t a financial reality for many different reasons (auto insurance, housing, and health insurance…ouch!).
I am still in Ontario and have a family of my own. I work part time as a hospital ward clerk. Husband drives for a moving company. My parents live in Newfoundland now. Miss them dearly and wish I was closer.
I yearn for the ocean. I am lucky enough that I get to fly to Newfoundland almost yearly for a visit to family and the sea salt air. But I still have that itch of just getting out of Ontario for good. Especially since the cost of housing in our area is increasing drastically (we rent so our options are very limited more and more), we have no family nearby, and we just feel an overall unhappiness. We need a change.
So after stumbling on your blog, pictures, and honesty, I would like to hear your opinion on the job market for health office admins/hospital clerks. Finding full time (well paid) in Ontario is nearly impossible. My husband could get a work transfer to Halifax so the move would be easy. What would be potential financial setbacks if we were both able to find full time permanent employment? Housing seems to be quite cheaper than out west. But what about heating, gas, food prices…what are the biggest financial burdens in Nova Scotia?
Thanks for your comment. It’s my understanding that health care is one of the fields where it’s easier to find work, but it’s all unionized- even admin and clerical, so it would take time to work your way in. That’s what I think… The name of our health care authority is Capital Health. You could do some creative googling there, for some answers.If you both get full time work, you’ll be fine, I think. The only setback would be that, depending on your level of equity, you might have a hard time leaving. We pretty well ruled out any ability to buy again in England once we cut those strings… I wish we’d bought a small flat as an investment before we left! Best of luck with everything!
Good day everyone, I am currently living in Montreal and have an opportunity with work to take on a position in Halifax. I had a friend who spent of few years in Halifax with the military and has loved it, has anyone else from Montreal did the move? and what were the pros and cons? I really like the the whole idea of the the east cost life, ocean… I did a little research and found housing rental/buy is higher than Montreal, I am currently married and working on building a family, any suggestions on a great family neighborhoods? constantly find myself looking at different neighborhoods without really knowing where to look. I am looking for a safe and family oriented neighborhood, I will be at the Halifax airport and well my wife will be looking for work.
Thank you in advance for your suggestions and help.
Thanks for the comment Jonathan, and good luck with your search. If you need a realtor, I can recommend Stacey or Heather from the Falkwin Group (Royal LePage). They are true professionals. Tell them I sent you!
How is winter like in Nova Scotia. Is it harsh compared to other provinces?
I would look outside the city then ride in for work, though I’m unsure of the traffic situation (maybe someone els can give input on that). There are wonderful family home in the Tantallon area, some with lovely lake fronts, your close to the ocean and outside of the city. Its near Peggys Cove too. Though there are many safe areas in the city it still has a higher crime rate and there are some bad areas. I have family in the police forces, which is why i recommend living outside of the city. Bedford is also a popular area for people who work in the city and can be a bit more urban if thats what your looking for 🙂
Thanks for this article! Seriously considering it myself. Grew up in Truro, but have lived in Vancouver for 8 years now. It’s a tough call because I’m a marketer/designer/photographer, which Vancouver has been good to me for. And the not so harsh winters have been great too! But this past winter, we had more snow and sun than usual (it’s normally all rain!), and while everyone else was complaining, I found myself loving it.
While only 27, my dad is now almost 70 years old, and is sick. And it’s killing me being so far away. I can also afford to buy a home there, and can’t even purchase a 1 bedroom condo anywhere near the city here.
Only downside is that I think I would miss the mountains very badly. As well as the close proximity to Oregon and California…
Thanks again for this!
Ach- Come back home Caley!
Madam welldone good job. Please am doing this express entry and am planning to get the nova scotia provincial nominee program. I want to know if coming to nova scotia for me and my wife is a good choice. We are just in our 30s. I am a database analyst and a my wife is a nurse and a midwife. We are currently living in Nigeria. Please give an advice.
Dear Ebenezer, On the surface, you will find that Halifax is one of the friendliest cities in the world, but once you settle here, you may face challenges. Work is not abundant; we are one of the poorer Canadian provinces, so there will be lots of competition when you get here. On the bright side,it sounds like you might be in the right field (nursing and tech). Once you arrive, you have to really get out there and introduce yourself to people personally. In my opinion, that’s the best way to get a job. Thank you for reading, and best of luck with your immigration plans! Oh, and p.s. watch out for the winters! Brrrrrr. – Helen 🙂
Hello Helen, Loved your post. Wanted to check the prospects of finding a permanent job in and around Halifax in the field of Human Resources. I am presently in India and thinking about immigrating with family. I was given to understand by a Canadian Consultancy that Nova Scotia is the only province where Human Resources professionals are in demand. Presently I an employed in a global IT Consulting Company as a HR Manager.
Hi Karim and thank you for your comment. Yes, HR is an area that is in demand, but do be aware that although this ticks a box on the immigration form, it does not mean that when you get here, you will find a job. My neighbour, a high-level HR professional from Jamaica, emigrated last year and has only found temporary work, much below her level of expertise. On the other hand, her husband, a chef, has had no problem finding work! So, yes, Nova Scotia is looking for HR people now…but we’re a small city- with hundreds of applicants vying for each position, so do be prepared for a back-up plan too. My neighbour did mention that there is a Canadian Immigration forum, which has a good discussion thread about this. I must remind myself to get the link from her so I can share it – maybe it can be googled. Anyway, Best of luck and I am so glad you liked my post. 🙂
Amazing article! I am thankful I found such a honest opinion about the life in N.S.
We are green oriented family with 2 small kids. 🙂 We love the nature and being out among it. We are thinking about the decision to move to Halifax for reason 1, 3, and 4 🙂 We are immigrants without families across the pond, currently residing in Montreal where french happened not to be our thing. Although, the main reason to look for relocation are the kids environment and the language.
My hubby is IT specialist (not programmer though), I am in between carriers none if them in demand across the country I am graduate Geography in Europe and I have Canadian diploma in Interior design… So I’m just collecting diplomas for the last 10 years.
Struggling to make the right call is not easy since we know no one, neither we have so called important connections for success.. 😉 We are planning а research trip to Halifax this spring. We will see what happens.
Greetings!
Good luck with your journey, Isabelle! When you visit Halifax, check out Family Fun Halifax.. I edit that website. It will give you some ideas of fun things to do with the kids while you are getting a feel for the place. 🙂 Helen
Hi! Good read! We are planning to move to NS and wondering how it is to settle in Dartmouth? How much is the standard cost of living, car and house rents? Thank you!
Hello Eirob, Dartmouth is a great place to settle – it’s a little more affordable than Halifax. You can buy a good second-hand car (maybe 5-6 years old) on http://www.kijiji.ca for about 6-7k. House rents vary, but again, Kijiji is a good place to start. Some areas are more desirable than others. For example, while North End Halifax is a nice area to rent a house, North End Dartmouth (just across the bridge) is rough and transport links (bus) are poorer. Good luck with your search!
I really loved your article! I actually came to your blog desperately googling bloggers from the east coast to get a clear sense of the lifestyle. My boyfriend and I live in Ontario right now – both having grown up around the busy Toronto area. We are both hard workers but ideally want a simple well balanced life and a place we could eventually have little ones. I enjoyed everything you had to say about reasons to stay but the no job market really scares me.. You see, we are drawn to the idea of east coast living so we can have a stable 9-5 job that is slower paced and rewarding, a small house we can afford, and a community that will become our new family since we won’t have any. We will both be in our mid-20’s and getting close to early marriage and children.. I want to work in a bank and my boyfriend works with computer development. Based on my story, do you think we could find what we’re looking for in Nova Scotia or any other parts of the coast? I’d really appreciate your input! Thank you
Dear Jess, it’s hard to say- Moving anywhere is a strain on a relationship. When kids are added, it becomes really important to have family nearby. But yes- you might fall in love with Nova Scotia. If you already have equity in a home, or some investments, you can probably get some nice property here… but you won’t be able to generate the income you would in Ontario. This is only my opinion… Anyway, I am so glad you enjoyed my article. I will try to write more about “what it’s like to live in Nova Scotia”. The topic seems to have had an impact on so many people. In the meantime, you can check out the website that I edit: http://www.familyfunhalifax.com. Best of luck with your decision! 🙂 Helen
Do not move to the Maritimes if you have no family or relatives there. We lived there for 12 years and during holidays, long weekends it was a very lonely time. We had lots of friends, kids had a great school and we both had good jobs. Having lived in Ontario now and previous I find it much easier to make friends and are open to being much more hospitable. And, yes I do have lots of family here too. Martinets are friendly to visitors but not outsider IMO. Furthermore, my husband family lived in another part of Atlantic Canada and we visit often.
Have enjoyed reading through the various ‘stories’ and comments. We too are considering a move from Ontario to NS. We are young retirees and not looking at the job market. I spent 3 yrs in NS with the Air Force, loved it and have felt drawn back every moment when moving is discussed. Trying to find the ‘right’ fit, near health care but not in a city. Near activities but not wishing to be smack in the middle of a densely populated area. Wanting to be nearby ammenities but not in the midst. Guess we are looking for somewhere we can have an opportunity to fit in to the community and activities and not spend all our time on house maintenance.
You’re spoiled for choice, PJ- and lots of bang for your buck here. I would start looking on the South Shore, around Hubbards – there are actually some gorgeous condos for sale there. Little pricey by our standards, but easy maintenance! Congratulations on your retirement! 🙂
Thanks for your response. I have been reading around a few different blogs & sites and they all seem to have recurring comments. Heating, water and insurance costs are all expensive. There seems to be bias in smaller communities to folks coming in from other countries or Canadian Provinces. Also there is the concern of purchasing a home and then being unable to sell when the time comes. While homes and land are inexpensive, it does raise concerns around cost of living and feeling welcomed. Will check out St Margarets & Hubbards as they come highly recommended. Thank you for your input.
I can vouch that insurance, electricity, and home prices are all less expensive here than in Ontario where I had lived for almost 19 years. Heating is a different issue, it all depends where in the province you are located as to what you would be using to heat your home. We use wood heat with some electric back up. Those who heat using furnace oil are the ones paying the most. Natural gas is only available to Halifax residents. Gasoline, food costs, and cable/internet are priced roughly the same, but rural areas of the province can have poor to no internet access. However, all of the smaller towns and larger communities have decent internet access.
Hello,
Thank you for your article.
I am considering moving to nova scotia to attend university to get my nursing degree and working as a RN and purchasing a house.
Curious about life for teenagers and nursing opportunities.
Hopefully within a yr I’ll be there
Hello Paige, and thank you for reading Eastcoastmum. Lots of jobs in healthcare here, from what I am told. Life for teenagers depends on the teenager. You can visit http://www.familyfunhalifax.com for some idea of the activities and festivals around Halifax. Good luck with your plans! – East Coast Mum 🙂
I’ve so enjoyed reading all the comments, and this post. Since my first visit to Nova Scotia 20 years ago (I’m 48 now) I have wanted to live there – mainly for the geography and the people. We currently live in Ontario (York Region, outside Toronto), own a house that is now worth more than we paid, near family, with good jobs – but we aren’t happy here! We dream of an East coast life, and visited last summer again to scout out the possibility of moving. Maybe we’re delusional?
We are planning on moving our family (we have two sons, ages 10 and 12) before they start high school. I have a good job prospect in Sackville, NB and have been focusing our relocation on Amherst, NS. I will be paid less than here, and do worry because the cost of living isn’t that different. We will make money on our house, but I was hoping to save the bulk of that for retirement. I think my husband should be able to find work in Moncton, but again, we don’t expect that he will make the same salary. We are all so excited about this change and have a very positive attitude, however, I am trying to find the balance between living my dream without setting ourselves up for disaster. Most of what I read about living in the Maritimes focuses on how bleak it is – I am encouraged when I read posts like this that also share the positive. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
Thanks for your comments, Laura, and good luck with the move!
Laura,
My family and I are in the same boat as you are, and are around the same age as you with boys the same age as well so it is nice to have come across your comments. We have been seriously thinking of moving to NS however I am so leery and excited all at the same time about the whole idea.
We currently live in a small town outside of Woodstock, ON and it is a great community to raise children, however we feel we may live a more comfortable and less stress free lifestyle if we make the move to NS.
With the prices of houses at the moment we will over double our original purchase price which will just about put us mortgage free with other debt to clear. With that being said, I don’t want to have that great mortgage or almost mortgage free feeling but at the same time feel so financially stressed if we can’t afford to live on the much lower income then we are use to. I am a licensed Bookkeeper/Payroll Practitioner and my husband is a licensed Auto Mechanic, and if I go on the ‘indeed’ job search site to see if there is anything in NS for both/either of us there is jobs available.
I however worry for my boys. Once old enough I need to know they will be able to work part time jobs until finished College/University and then be able to have careers of their choice. I don’t want them to want/have to move somewhere far away simply to make more money in order to get somewhere, and then I possibly won’t see much of them after that (or any grandchildren they may have). This is my biggest fear 🙁 I have family here that I am not comfortable leaving behind, however I am trying to think of what’s in the best interest of my boys and their future.
Did you happen to do the move, and if so how are things for you now?
Hi Vicki,
Thanks for your comments. We certainly share the same struggle – I too am very concerned about the future for our boys if we make the move. Additionally, our family is here too. The call of the ocean and East Coast life is strong, but not strong enough for us to abandon the practicalities of living. For these reasons we are still here – just north east of Toronto, but looking to move to a smaller community on Lake Ontario, with the goal of benefiting from some of the small town community feelings that the East Coast does so well. This way we can both commute, as well as make money from the sale of our house – a compromise I realize, but sits more comfortably with my need for security. Hope that helps!
Laura
Hi Vicki & Laura. I’m glad I’ve stumbled onto this post. We’re in the same boat here in my house. I too live in York Region and would really love the move (in theory I think). However, I’ve been reading the same things (lack of jobs, lower paying jobs, higher heating/electrical costs, unfriendly towards newcomers “come from away”). All of this seems to outway the romantic dream of east coast living. I’m now beginning to consider moving out to western part of Ontario (Waterloo/Guelph).
As much as I loved our visits to the East Coast I’m not sure it’s worth the risk at this time. Maybe when I retire!!
Good luck!!
I’m so glad I stumbled across this post!! I’m in Australia and after 13 years, we have decided to come back, and I am leaning towards Halifax. I’m from NB originally, but I can’t remember how to speak French and my Aussie hubby has no hope! So I am thinking Halifax might be a good choice. I love all the things you touched on, and all the comments. We are a little concerned about employment though. We have no idea about employment opportunities, and I would love to hear any opinions- he is a senior level manager currently in hospitality. He’s worked in a club (leisure centre/casino type) environment for the past 13 years, and is currently the F&B Manager. He manages multiple food and beverage outlets and a large conference centre. I’m a HR Coordinator with lots of admin and recruitment experience. I’m also a mum to 2 little ones, so while I do work, I am hoping not to have to do it full time….
I left NB and went to Alberta when I was 18 and once I had a taste of the $$ I swore I would never return to the maritimes. But isn’t it funny how having kids makes you yearn for your family and your roots?!
Now we are planning this trip, it’s hard to decide whether we (more him) should pursue a high paying career- which would mean going west and still being a million miles from family- or if we should ‘simplify’ and see how we go on the East Coast.
We are used to quite a comfortable life here, but we don’t have any savings or anything, so we will need to work and pay rent. I’d like to give it a try. I guess we can always pack up and head west if it doesn’t work out… 🙂
Lisa, Thank you for the comments and best of luck with your move back! I would say that you’ve been far away long enough. Halifax is a great city- move here and be poor …. but close to family! 🙂
After 25 years of working and living from coast to coast I decided to return home when the provincial government was asking for an experienced work force to return home and promoting to other experienced workers to come to NS for the lifestyle it has to offers.
So in 2001 I and my wife who was from Ontario and met in Calgary had decided to move to Nova Scotia.
My wife was an experienced Administrative Assistant, and was looking so! forward to moving hear for what it had to offer as a lifestyle. My wife was a volunteer for Victims services in Vancouver for a number of years, and did Junior Achievement in Calgary for 3 years.
This is where the story gets into the “come from away” issue. My wife had great experience in her career. The kind of experience the government was looking for to get the population growing again.
My wife took a 6 week temp job in HRM to get her foot in the door and get things started. On her first day she was asked to remove a spiritual pendant that she was wearing from a supervisor who was wearing a spiritual pendant herself. My wife refused, but did not take it to anyone higher at that time. After the temp job was over she was relieved because it made her feel very uncomfortable.
My wife was still in contact with a former boss from Calgary who suggested that she go to a career consulting company in Halifax that he had used in the past. Long story short the male consultant told her she had great skills, but because she was a woman it would make it hard for her to enter the workforce in NS. Needless to say she did not employ their services. I guess this was foreshadowing of things to come as all of a sudden it felt like we were back in the mid-20th century.
We had both lived and worked all over Canada and could not believe that in the 21st century things like this could happen in the work force… we blew these two incidents off as a very isolated and let it be, as opposed to making a complaint of either incident to the companies or human rights.
We had decided to settle in the Valley. For the next 7 ½ years my wife applied on many jobs she was skilled at and never ever got an interview for any of them, and to add insult to injury there were a couple jobs that had been re-posted within a few weeks of her applying on them. So she re-applied to them and still never got called for an interview.
Finally after 7 ½ years of disappointment and humiliation my wife finally got called for a job interview. She was interviewed and hired by a consulting company hired from outside the province. Six months into a job she loved the Administrator gave her a hand written memo that said “I feel you have mental health issues that are causing your work to suffer” This was unacceptable. So she contacted the head office and told them about what had happened. My wife was fired when she came back to work the following Monday.
She took it to Human Rights, and after many months and legal fees got a settlement that didn’t even come close in covering damages and costs. I just cannot believe in the 21st century that this kind of treatment happens in a Canadian Province.
People have said to me…”oh she was overqualified it seems” How can a province expect experienced people to move here if that is the attitude? We moved here not with expectations of high pay or storming the business world. We moved here for the “Lifestyle”…and just wanted to enjoy the other things that NS had to offer.
My intent with this next statement is not to offend or to be arrogant, but sometimes the truth can be offending and sound arrogant. Anyone who has worked outside of the east coast for over 20 years will have more experience than persons who have worked here all their life…this is just fact. So should there be signs at the border, airports and job ads posted outside of the province state “welcome to Nova Scotia, but if you are looking for work please make sure you have minimal job experience”
We had made a couple attempts to possibly leave the province, but we decided to keep giving it a try, because we just did not want to be moving again at close to 50 and try to re-establish our careers, and by this time we really did not have the finances to do it right anyway. By conservative estimates I can honestly say that out life had been shorted $400,000.00 with lost wages, benefits, and having to spend most of our savings to survive over a 14 year period. This has been calculated using NS wage/salaries. If calculated using wages that we would have continued receiving in Calgary it would be much higher.
I have personally discouraged people I know who have shown an interest in moving here. I told them not to bother as their careers would most likely fail or suffer greatly. I have read about very similar experience by people from online forms. I have never encountered a place where management treats employees with such unethical power, or where others are rejected for what they know, and or for being a “CFA”
After 8 years of humiliation and rejection my wife ended up working for an online support company out of our basement for minimum wage and less than full time hours before her passing last year.
All I can say is thank you Nova Scotia for being so welcoming…you were friendly in public, but not so welcoming in private.
This story is not unique to us, as other CFA people have told us very similar stories. The only reason I have stayed here at this point is because of my 84 year old Mothers health.
Just to advise if your not s nova scitian you sre not considered the same. Its the same when i moved to toronto i was not considered for most jobs your sn outsider
Thanks for your comments, Mary. There is certainly a CFA “come from away” culture here, but I think it is improving as Halifax especially, becomes more cosmopolitan.
Reading with interest as considering a move to Halifax from Toronto. I am close to retirement, but not there yet. I’m 58 years now. I have some equity in my house in Scarborough and the prospect of cheaper housing is attractive. I came to Toronto from London Ontario for a career opportunity in Banking in 2001 and have stayed even though being downsized from banking in 2005, and struggling with various other opportunities since. The difference I’ve found about Toronto, is that nobody is actually from Toronto and many come here from feeder cities and communities from all across Canada. It doesn’t seem like quite the same as the CFA issue, but it could just be my perception. After a run at several different things, I’ve reverted back to more labour related work I had done before my banking career and enjoy it; involving Swimming Pool construction, Pool Service, Construction equipment delivery (Truck Driver) and have upgraded my license to DZ just this winter. This is equivalent to a class 3 in NS with Air brake endorsement. I’ll not be looking for a high flying career or anything, but some kind of related driver opportunity would be important. I don’t get the feeling there are many swimming pools in NS 🙂 . I am a bit of a loner anyway so the CFA thing doesn’t scare me too much, but it will if it prevents me from getting any kind of a job. I’ll try and find an opportunity 1st, though I know it is a long shot particularly at my age. I gotta move somewhere though …
Thank you, Todd for this insightful post. Thinking now NS will not be in the cards. As you stated …
“All I can say is thank you Nova Scotia for being so welcoming…you were friendly in public, but not so welcoming in private.”
Sounds like covert hostility to me which is most dangerous. Although I’ve always admired the fact that the east is not so built up and could provide for a more simple existence, seems they need to get with the times too. I was in recruiting for a few years and the practices you describe here would not fly at all in Ontario and these firms would be facing law suits. If the government wants to grow it, these attitudes need to change. For now though, will take a pass.
When you are ready to retire it could be a good move. If done right it can be less expensive to live a nice retirement. After almost 20 years back I see NS never being anything more than a retreat and retirement destination. Which is a shame because if it was more welcoming to new and open ways of progress,and the people who could be part of that it could have a lot to offer. At 55 with an ok paying job I still have to take other work to stay on top and try to makeup for everything lost by moving back. Not what I had planned for this point in my life.
Thanks, well, look after yourself first. The rest will work itself out. This is same advice I should have listened to.
It would most certainly be less expensive then Toronto. My mortgage is starting to be too much. I haven’t worked since December of 2017 when I accidentally backed the Stirling Salter into a Mercedes. It was the owners car of a new property, our company had just taken under contact and expensive to fix. I thought that is what company insurance was for? Well, it is but small companies work a little different and wanted me to cover a $2,500 deductible and more. I don’t get that many hours in the winter. It is all on call work and usually going out at midnight. It would have taken me all Winter to pay them off. So, I ended up with the Winter off looking for work. As I was billing this company for my hours, I was never on their payroll and I never applied for EI. I’ve never collected a cent from EI or any other social help my entire life. As it turns out, it is just as well I was not working over the Winter as a little later on II had a heart attack during an angiogram procedure, which has slowed me down a bit. They said I was headed for one anyway. So, better on the operating table then in the Stirling in the middle of the night in a snow storm, LOL. Bottom line is now, I’ve been living on savings and feel like I am kind of being forced into early retirement. I’ll be 59 in October. Most of the DZ trucking work is heavy duty physical work which I don’t want anymore. I also got my Pool Operator Certification over the winter. This is for Commercial Swimming Pools, facilities management type stuff. I like the work, but these jobs are few and far between. Municipalities mostly. Anyway, I’ve decided I need to get out of Dodge and downsize. Luckily I have some equity in my house. My plan now is to sell in the biggest city and buy in the smallest city. I’ve picked Owen Sound, Ontario “The Place You Want to Be”. Actually, no joke it’s very lovely, and I like it a lot. Right at the foot of Georgian Bay. It’s not the Ocean, but it is deep, cold and big water. I could put a canoe in and paddle to the Atlantic from the back yard of some of the houses I’ve looked at. If all goes well, I should be able to get just as nice or maybe a bit nicer place for a third the money and invest the rest, is the plan. The plan is in motion and I’ve just signed a listing agreement to sell. Even though only 3 hours away, it feels like a big move. Not as big a move as NS though. My feelings have changed and I think I would be too isolated, but hope to visit again. Hopefully I can cope and find work in Owen Sound. It’s not a town, it’s a city and about 22,000 population. I feel positive, but is always a struggle it seems. Best of luck in your future.
I will add that NS also has a very misguided envesis on pedigrees. Employers and government push strongly on education over experience. I worked with a guy a few years back who was in a similar situation as my wife and I were. She was from here, and he was from PEI. He had graduated from a college in PEI…moved to Quebec and worked his way into managing a store for a small QC chain. He had taken his GED equivalent in QC (not recognised in NS). Shortly after moving here he applied for a job packing trucks at a plant. He was told after the interview he wouldn’t be considered because he didn’t have his grade 12. Government pushes for workers entering the work force to take as many work place courses as possible…WHMIS,Work Safe, Working in confined spaces etc leading them to believe that this will put them at the top of the pile for consideration. I feel part of the reason my wife never got called for jobs interviews was that she had not graduated with some sort of an office administrator course. Yet she had worked her way up in her career with night courses, and self educating to the point she would be the one in at work to teach new office software programs to staff. To add to the other couple mentioned… she was an interior design consultant in QC, and applied for a job at an interior design business here. They were impressed with her resume,and the fact that she had CAD program experience…they offered her minimum wage. It is pretty much a doubled edge sword here with experience and pedigree. I know for a fact that when I first applied on jobs here that my resume was thrown in the trash by some employees…the chef. I did not have my Cooks Red Seal when I moved back. It was never a question or concern in Alberta…only my experience was of concern. So eventually I spent $800 to take my Seal. Which was a joke here at the time. There are jobs here you won’t even be considered for with out it…yet some employers will hire none Seals for fear of having to pay them higher wadges. Government is the biggest problem with advancing the work force because of how it promotes this attitude.
Thanks for the comment Todd. I totally agree – I can only compare it to my experiences working and living in the UK, and what you have described definitely rings true. Helen 🙂
I can’t imagine a more different environment than Nova Scotia from Australia. But you’ll get invitations to people’s homes. Take them up on it. And you WILL need some savings. Like three month’s salary.
I am a microbiology consultant in Abbotsford, BC.
I am planning to relocate my small business in Halifax area and I never been to Halifax or Atlantic Canada. How this city for family, school and weather?
Any detail for life in this city will be great for family.
Hi Amir, thanks for your comment. Family: great! School: pretty good, depending on the area. Weather? Compared to BC, it will be a cold, slushy winter. Your car will rust! I am also the editor of a website called http:www.familyfunhalifax.com. Why not head over there to get a feel for the events and activities for families in Halifax. Best of luck!
I’ve been looking for places to move to that are near the ocean and have a good community. I currently live in Colorado and I want to move to Seattle cause I love the forest and ocean and mountains all in one zone though it seems to be becoming overpopulated just like Colorado due to the legalization of marijuana. While I don’t mind the plant I absolutely do not like traffic and overpopulation.
Anyways, I had also considered Maine due to the low cost of housing though later in life I think I’d like to consider Canada/Nova Scotia but I have no idea how to go about getting a citizenship.
Marry a nice Canadian girl? Seriously, though. Best of luck with your plans, Tobias. Thanks for your comment!
I’m currently in Denver, looking at relocating to Nova Scotia and for the much the same reason — overpopulation and heavy traffic!!
Hoping for some advice…. is there a high school in West Dover? Also, if we started a B&B in West Dover, do you think it would be successful? Is there a lot of visitor traffic that would support us owning a B&B in West Dover? Thinking about moving from Ontario to Nova Scotia. It’s like moving to the moon. We don’t know that much about Nova Scotia or West Dover, but hear Peggy’s Cove is beautiful. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much.
Hi Scott, yes, you would get the Peggy’s Cove Crowd. It would work for sure! Students would be bussed to school. Check the Halifax Regional School Board website at http://www.HRSB.ca to see which school – probably Sir John A MacDonald, which is a very nice school! Good luck!
Hi, We are from NB had to leave our home province because we could not secure employment due to the bilingual law now. In Nova Scotia 9 years, and we are leaving. Moving to Acton, Ont. Great jobs, 30 min commute to Mississauga, cost more for a house, But we went out farther, great country living with Guelph and Georgetown 20 min away,a s well as the city of Toronto if we care to go, an hour away. Just the way we like it. It does not get any better. Nova Scotia brought us much personal happiness, but unable to plan for retirement, so we will return probably in 10 years, without the struggle of getting by.
I’ve heard this story many times. So glad you found work and a nice home, and hope you do come back one day!
Eastoh! You are a cool person and appear to be be wise as well. How so? from William Kearns
Hi there,
My husband is originally from Dartmouth. We now live in Newfoundland. I was born in St. John’s but did not come back to live until my mid 40’s. My daughter came out from BC in 2006 and has been here ever since. We all have good jobs and friends… and my daughter is wrapping up her Uni education in the next 2 years. She is unsure as to what her opportunities are in the field she has studied ( geography/oceanography/ marine biology). But…We are all sick of the weather here… we never get spring and the summers are so short and winters so long ….and being taxed to death and ill-governed by incompetent and punitive governments. The cost of food is high and quality is inferior ( produce goes around the world..makes it here…is half rotten…they throw that out and then charge us twice as much for produce that lasts mere hours before it starts rotting too). Recently, the PUB has “asked for an 18% increase in electricity rates (but they’ll “settle” for 9-11 while they already have millions in a slush fund)) Muskrat Fall is about to bankrupt the entire province…they’ve closed half the libraries….laid off hundreds of civil service workers…put a 16 cent tax ON TOP of our gas tax….raised the HST to 15%…put a $3,000 levy on our heads ( pay per wage level)… Healthcare is a huge concern as the aging population grows and grows while the gov does nothing to entice the younger people to come and set up a life. They are leaving. Doctor/hospital/wait times are bad and getting worse. It costs a fortune to get off the bloody island ( a flight from NYC return to St. John’s would be $450…but from St. John’s to NYC $900….wth ???) IF you can get off.
But ….we have decent jobs…..
My daughter and I want to live in the same place and only very recently we have expressed to each other that we would be willing to leave (not knowing the other was thinking in that direction)!
So …we have 2 mid to late 50-somethings and 1 30-something looking in the direction of Halifax.
I would be devastated to make another mistake and move somewhere worse…we just want a bit of warmth…to have a spring….not be taxed to death …have a nice relatively quiet life.
Any advice?
PS: I hate sounding so negative – but I have put a brave face on for long enough…the PUB (Public Utilities Board) thing …was the straw that broke this camels back. BTW – they gave them an 11% rate hike. What a surprise.
I love your post. We are currently living in South Africa and are applying for every job for which hubby is qualified, but we find ourselves in a catch 22 situation – need a job offer for visa application but need a visa/residency for a job offer argh:-(
We live in a little village on the Kwazulu Natal South Coast, within walking distance of the sea, we know pretty much all of our neighbours and the only time we have traffic congestion is during holiday season, but then we have maybe a 1 – 2 minute wait at a stop sign – which is really long when you can usually simply give way then proceed lol
Nova Scotia offers all that we dream of BUT we need a job. A stable good income earning job – have 2 teenagers (13 & 16) who are presently home schooled. I love a town steeped in history and my research on NS has shown that there is tons! Your post basically listed all of the things on my “wishlist” So my only hope is that this is where we are destined to be and that our (mainly mine, I must admit) dreams come true.
Did you find a way to get out of SA? Are you in Canada now?
Good luck Laura. Jobs sure are hard to find here, and the winters are hard, but I hope your dreams come true!
We moved back to Nova Scotia (Halifax) after 8 years in Alberta (Calgary).its been 10 months…and it’s been tough… I’m working two part time jobs and he works one full/part time job and try’s to pick up odd jobs and we still just scrape by.i think we are going to move back this type of struggle especially with two kids doesn’t appeal to us…it’s very sad we will miss our family so much but feel we have no choice if we want to be able to put away for education And retirement.
Hi Jessica, and thanks for your comment. I feel your pain, the financial/job struggle is very real. Good luck with whatever you decide – maybe a beautiful Nova Scotia summer will make things a little brighter!
I am thinking of moving back to retire. I have been in Alberta since 86. My parents lived in Pictou County and though I love the area…the pulp mill has destroyed the beaches and the air so I am looking for greener pastures. I do have relatives in that area so am torn between Caribou and Economy. I love the valley but am not that familiar with it. I won’t have tons of money because I bought here in Alberta 8 yrs ago when prices were high. I want to be close to the water and have a sister (or two) that will be retiring at the same time as I am. Would love to find an acreage large enough for 3 small homes. Maybe I’m dreaming but we are going home in July to look at areas that will appeal to us. It should be a fun trip. (We do like the look of St. Margarets Bay.) Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks for your comment Steph. It’s wonderful that you and your sisters are returning home to the Maritimes. I really like both Economy and Caribou. Caribou has beautiful warm water and some really nice beaches, and of course you can scoot over to PEI for the weekends, but Economy is closer to the town of Parsboro, which is a lovely place. I wonder if any of our other readers have ideas for you? Comments and suggestions welcome!
I love living in Nova Scotia! My husband is a carpenter, and after 12+ years in the service industry, I have recently started a career in real estate. We were both raised here. We have always been lucky to be able to find work and make a living, and now are able to for the most part, work for ourselves. Our two children are growing up learning to grow gardens and raise livestock, it’s amazing. I could not imagine a better life. There is so much opportunity here to mould this province. There are jobs, and there is also immense opportunity to be entrepreneurial, self sustained, off grid, adventurous and creative!
Thanks for your comment. You are in Real Estate! Dani, you should scroll through the comments. We get so many ‘real estate’ questions here! 🙂
I’m with Bridgett. Born and raised in Seattle, my husband and I are working to sell our house and travel a bit. We have been interested in Canada but when I started to look into Nova Scotia it became serious. Looking into how to gain permanent residence. We have been trying to have kids for years but working 80 hr weeks and fertility issues – if we don’t make changes soon we will miss out. We love nature and community. I’d love a small town where you know everyone, but still can commute to a big city for a day trip. We are looking at bridgewater. Any suggestions on towns would be great!
If you are looking for a small town that is still commutable, I would recommend the Hubbards or St. Margaret’s Bay Area. Hubbards is about 40 minutes from Halifax. It is sometimes a pain driving into town in the winter, but the beautiful scenery, friendly people, the boating and sailing opportunities and the stunning beaches make it worth every minute on the highway. Good luck Laura. It sounds like we’re going to get a few Trump-dodgers! Although to be honest, I hope he does not win! 🙂
BTW – I sincerely apologize for my previous message. Honestly. No insult intended. I look to the future and Nova Scotia is calling me. I have visited every province except PEI & NS. My heritage is very Scottish despite the Irish version (Kearns). And am in Ottawa currently.
What I plan to do is move to Digby region in the next 3 – 4 years. I will purchase property and live on the cheap. Probably have a lawn cutt and snow plow business or handy man.
watt u thinks?
William Kearns
http://annapolisroyal.com/
I live 10 min outside of Bridgewater. And looking forward to getting away from it. Poor health services, blue collar attitudes and resistant to any change. Once a CFA, (come from away) always a CFA. I have wonderful neighbors and friends on one side, and on the other side, in 9 years those folks have never even raised a hand to wave, or smile or say hello. So, it’s a crap shoot. We are moving this Sept.
Yes, there is definitely the CFA thing. And yes, Nova Scotia can be a hard place, socially, especially if you move here as an adult. Everyone already has their own thing going on. Good neighbours are important, crappy neighbours can really sap your spirit. Good luck as you move on!
My mother and grandmother and I are planning to visit Nova Scotia for the first time this summer. I’ve always wanted to go there since I was a kid and I’m getting more anxious and excited to visit there. I am curious though if ever I do love Nova Scotia and want to move there, is the apartments very expensive and is there at least good jobs to work there too? I don’t want to move there and be jobless and then having to move back to Quebec.
It depends on what your line of work is, Jane! I hope you girls have a wonderful time in Nova Scotia this summer. You will indeed love it!
I’ve been living in Moncton for the past 6 years. I’m originally from Digby, NS. Jobs here are few and far between, especially if you aren’t bilingual. That’s pretty much a requirement to get work here. That’s not the only reason why I want to move back to ns. All my family is there, I miss the smell of the salt air which you don’t get here, although i’ve been here 6 years I still don’t feel at home. Being in ns made me happy especially after spending time with my family last week. The scenery and the people of ns is awesome compared to here. People in Moncton I find aren’t as easygoing and friendly as bluenosers are. I’m hoping to move back by next month. I’m really looking forward to it 🙂
There’s no place like home! Welcome back. 🙂
Did you make it back to Digby NS?
I really have had a gut feeling to move from Seattle for the past decade. So many things are being cut each year here . I have told friends that if Donald trump wins I’m paddling away from the USA . If their are not many jobs up there how do people survive ? I’ve always liked Canada as they really seem to love their community but that’s coming from someone in the states. My dream location would either be Nova Scotia or New Zealand
Thanks so much for your comment, Bridgett. If Donald Trump Wins, I think there’ll be a few people paddling away from the USA! Good luck with your future plans.
I lived in NS before and my first son, now 15 was born there. My husband was brought up there and would like to return with me and our 3 kids. But it feels quite scary for a few reasons. Although I have been living and done my studies in the UK, I am Portuguese and would have to apply again to migration services to be able move to Canada and work there. I have worked in care in special needs education and finished a degree in mixed English law and English linguistics, as well as volunteering in advisory services etc. Any help about what could I possibly do with this? Any info would be welcomed as I will need to make a decision about going or remaining in the UK. Thanks in advance.
Thanks so much for your comment. I am not sure what kind of work you will be seeking in Halifax, Carla. All I can say is that it is a very competitive market. My advice is to register with Career Beacon.com for job alerts now, so you can see what kind of things are coming down the line. Also, you could check out ISANS- it’s an organization that helps immigrants to settle in. They do have an employment counsellor there. Good luck with your decision. A tough one! I will say that now (Winter 2015) is a good time to shift money over. Great exchange rate for the pound!!! 🙂
I just discovered this article and thought I’d throw in a comment. I’ve been living in Ottawa the last two years and have literally gotten two job interviews the entire time. It’s been horrible. So I recently decided to move back to Halifax, and I’ve already had an over-the-phone interview, and multiple other interviews lined up for when I arrive. My conclusion? The job market may not be quite as rich in Nova Scotia, but its also not nearly as competitive. I’ve seen job postings in Ottawa literally looking for new graduates with seven years experience. …What? Lol. And there are plenty of programs in NS to get well-educated young people (like myself) into jobs that will turn into careers. So I’m very excited to move back to Nova Scotia!
Thanks for the positive perspective, James- and welcome back!
I’m American all my life and just recently received dual citizenship because of the lost Canadians act. I have been thinking of moving to Halifax, I have researched it a lot. I have enough money to live there, employment isn’t an issue. I do want to rent and I don’t want to own a car, so the areas I would live are limited by that. Is it reasonable to live there without a car? I have so many questions actually that can’t be answered quickly (health care, banking etc) but thought I’d start with a basic one.
The Lost Canadians Act? Interesting! I would say that yes, you really do need a car if you want to live here, although if you got a nice house near Spring Garden Road, or a nice condo at Bishop’s Landing you’d be fine. In fact, yes- check out Bishop’s Landing. On the water!
I’m an American (New York City) who’s owned a sweet old house on Cape Breton since 2010, and I want to retire and move there, but am, of course, finding it’s not so easy to immigrate. My grandparents were Canadian, from Nova Scotia. Ben, can you tell me about your experience with the lost Canadians act?
Great read! 🙂
I’m actually moving back to Nova Scotia after living in Melbourne, Australia for 11 years!! I’m terrified – but like most people I have a baby now and crave the NS life style! Not to mention the affordability! Australia is so expensive!!!!
Congratulations on the decision, and welcome back! The Superstore carries Tim Tams. I think Pete’s Frootique has Milo and Vegemite. You will need to bring your own Berrocca! 😉
Originally from NS but having lived in the US for now nearly 16 years (Florida), I do dream about returning to NS to live. We are fortunate to own a small summer cottage on the water on the South Shore and return every summer with our 4 children. After living in the US all these years there are marked differences in culture. If we could find jobs to support living in NS with our large family (the cost of food in NS is outrageous and housing compared to FL) I would move in a heartbeat. I wonder if I would miss sunny Florida. Our kids (14 and under) ask to move to Canada all the time, but they haven’t had much winter experience or shoveling! As I get older it certainly pulls at the heart strings.
Thank you for your comment! How lovely to have a cottage here! (But I bet it makes the grass seem even “greener”!). No shovelling in Florida, that’s for sure! 🙂
You could also move to small town Alberta. We get #2 and #4 here – no traffic and a chance to know everyone. Stay out of Calgary/Edmonton and the big city issues and high costs disappear. The list also misses out the number #2 reason to stay – mountains.
I know what you mean. I recently spent a weekend in Vernon, British Columbia- a small town, and it definitely had that same small-town feel, plus beautiful mountains and lakes. But those property prices…. whoa!
Living in Vancouver, BC for almost 4 years and always smile when people complain from other provinces about living costs and salaries. Last couple years prices for housing skyrocketed and there is no way I can afford to buy something here and even renting is huge issue. Car insurance is high and salaries haven’t change within 5 years. I would love to buy or rent some land in Vernon area but prices are insane and to start something seems unreal. Alberta is not my cup of tea as I like different nature and scenari. Nova Scotia in other hand seems very appealing becouse of history and ocean and beautiful old farmhouses for very affordable price. Weather seems durable. I just wondering what situation is with child care in NS? What price for daycare? Here in Vancouver 1200 cad and up plus many places are full. Gathering information from true source as seriously thinking to move there and start something and escape rat race.
Hello and thank you for your comments. I visited Vernon last year on a press trip and it was sooo beautiful. Yes, you can get a beautiful property in Halifax for a faction on the price. That’s certain!
Like I say in my article, you should make your money first, and tuck lots away before you come here, in case you don’t get work right away. This depends on what you do, of course, but as teachers (and in my husband’s case, as a “come from away”, or CFA), we continue to struggle. A lot of people claim that locals usually get a job before a CFA.
As for daycare, it’s about 900 per month, and the wait lists are long. But- if the East Coast is calling….!
My partner ask me the option to move to Novia Scotia. He has a job making good money but we are still worry about money everyday because of expensive mortgage here in Regina, SK. I worked too and i can afford to pay half of the mortgage and i know we can make it but he said he don’t want us to work hard just to the mortgage cause if we are in NS or NB the money we pay for the mortgage here will give us a bigger and way better house there and could be mortgage free in few years compare to a 25years of paying here. I am just so scared to do. He’s from NB and we are going there on Christmas for him to show me the places, he’s trying to convince me to move but i am scared we will find a job like we do here or make money used to. One more thing scares me are the people, i am a Filipino and i don’t know if can find the bunch of people and friends i have here.
*could be mortgage free” i mean in few years in NS
It’s such a tough decision to move anywhere, but one thing I will assure you is that the people here are so friendly, and we also have a large Filipino community. Good luck with your decision, and thank you so much for your comment! 🙂
Hi! I have been reading the comments of this post. And came across yours. I am also a Filipina with a Filipino partner too. I am crossing my fingers that my application will be submitted before 2015 ends. I am checking out Nova Scotia as I find it very interesting to live. It’s nearer to the ocean and there are many trails for hiking, too. But primarily, we also look for stability with employment, I am in the healthcare side while my partner is in an engineer. Hoping for NS next year. 🙂
Happy New Year, and thank you for the comment. Good luck with your plans. 🙂
Love this post. I’m originally from Newfoundland, however spent last 15 years in Ontario with the military. Now that I’m leaving the military (within a year), my wife and I are struggling to find a place to settle with our 12-year old daughter. She, who is from Ontario, is also ready to a change. The ultimate goal of a slower pace, peace and quiet would be amazing. I’ve been to NS on multiple occasions, and absolutely love it. I have to go back to school (NSCC if possible) when I leave, to start a second career. We are just petrified in choosing a program to gain stable employment, whether it be trades, business etc. Everything you describe in with traffic, backyards, friendliness etc. would be a fantastic change from our Ottawa area townhouse (with postage stamp yard). If we can make it happen, we will be very much drooling with anticipation to get there.
NSCC is a great school, and a great place to start a new career. Plenty of co-op programs. And yes, if you choose to live outside the city, you can get a huge backyard here! Good luck!
E-C-M: Nova Scotia seems to have two growth industries, and one steady industry. Growth – tourism and elderly care. Steady – winter preparation and defense. Given your inability to land permanent jobs, consider self employment, in a manner that addresses these industries. Tourism – look for an established business, RV park or motel, with elderly owners. Elderly care – look for a big old house that can be inexpensively made to meet Provincial standards for elderly care (usually more stringent the more patients. Find the threshold, and aim for just below that threshold.) Either way, seek owner financing, with a share of the profits paid to the seller. Plan to purchase under a ‘contract sale’ so property can easily be repossessed if you do not meet your payments (that will help ‘sell’ the seller on the idea of financing. Husband, if not immediately involved with either business, should offer insulating, caulking, snow removal. He should estimate the time to do the job, and quote based on $25 an hour. You didn’t mention a vegetable garden – get one started so you can save more money for the purchase (of the tourism related real estate) you will make.
Bill- you are a wise man! I think these are all amazing ideas, except for the one about caring for elderly people in a “big old house”! We have professional skills in other areas, but we know nothing of nursing, geriatrics or palliative care. But Tourism, we do know! So….when I open my “East Coast Mum’s Bed & Breakfast” will you be the first to visit?
“Senior housing is designed for high-functioning elders, defined as those not requiring assistance with ADLs. Senior communities are usually neighborhoods or towns (consider Sun City, the nation’s “first and finest” senior community) that are limited to people of a minimum age. They are designed for active seniors and have a variety of social clubs such as golf, arts and crafts and cards.
While some senior communities offer additional levels of care, many are not equipped for individuals who require assistance with ADLs. Some senior communities require the resident move on, should they require this level of care.”
A friend in Arizona is making a fortune providing housing for the elderly. Maximum of 5 elders per house, she owns OR RENTS 3 houses. Five elders, because in Arizona, at 6 the housing requirements change. At each house, she has a watchful employee on each 12 hour shift, who prepares the meal appropriate for the time, changes linens, cleans, etc. While I don’t know all of the nuances of how she does it ( not too relevant given different governments, different requirements), I do know that she is not certified for any type of heath providing. I’ll bet that 2 days of telephone investigation with the Provincial authorities, would answer the majority of your questions, and allow you to determine the feasibility.
So interesting. Thank you for your comments! 🙂
This was a really good read! I am not from Nova Scotia I was born in Manitoba and my parents moved us to Ontario when i was about 8. I hate Ontario so many people in a hurry and people are actually quite rude. I would love to move out to Halifax for a different pace of life and higher quality of life, the struggle of work doesn’t scare me and our weather is worse in the winter from what I gather. The only thing is to convince my husband to move he has a good job right now but we are still having money trouble lol. He has never left Ontario so I think it is high time he experienced life somewhere else.
Thanks for the comments, Jessica. Nova Scotia feels poor sometimes, but it is a really beautiful place; great for families. And the pace is definitely a little slower than Ontario! Maybe we’ll see you here one day. 🙂
I really do hope so, I have not been able to get the east coast out of my mind, and once I have my mind set on something I don’t stop until I get what I want. I find I am antsy where I am and really need a change. I want to love where I live and feel that sense of community.I don’t have that feeling here.
We managed never to leave, and hope we never have to make that choice. Grateful that most of my family (all of my sisters) managed to make Nova Scotia home. But it does take some sacrifice. There’s always more money out there. Newer homes, better healthcare, even Ralph bucks, but I don’t think any amount of money could replace being able to see my parents (or have them here to help) in under 2 hours. Walking to the lake. Being a short drive to shore. Great schools (at least in my suburb). And so much more…
But if money doesn’t keep frighten you away, the February-April weather weather just might.
I know…and it’s so beautiful right now. How soon we forget! Thanks for the comments, Marni. 🙂
Nova Scotia is beautiful and you can enjoy a wonderful life full of family, friends and nature. A pay check is harder to come by but the quality of life is unmatched! I have just recently started a career in real estate because I love it here so much, and I want to be a part of helping people move back here after being away. My husband works out of province but in 2 years we have been able to pay off all our debt and are now mortgage free. We are working towards going off grid and raising livestock and gardens with our two young children. I believe you can make a beautiful life here, you just have to know what you are in for!
Thank you for your comment, Daniele. Stay in touch and good luck with all your ventures! Please check out the site I edit, http://www.familyfunhalifax.com. Your clients will love to see all the fun family events that are going on in Halifax.
My finance and I were interested in moving there from Ontario. There’s quite a few ducks needed in a row to pull this off but I wanted to know since you are in real estate what the market is looking like to buy during the summer of 2016.
Thanks for the comment Falon. I am actually a writer, not a real estate agent! But I do have an interest in the market, which is TOTALLY a buyer’s market right now. Lots of great deals and lovely houses for you in Halifax. My recommendation for a realtor is http://www.royallepage.ca/en/agent/nova-scotia/halifax/stacey-falkwin/4715/. Amazing team. Good Luck!
I’ve been dreaming about coming home since I finished school in Ottawa in 2003 but I had a god job and huge student loans and I’ve been paying off debt for the last 12 years. I’ve almost let it sink in that I’ll have to change my dream to trying to move home when I retire, or I’ll take a huge pay cut and move home in 3 years when my debt is finally gone. The second option sounds much more appealing :).
Halifax will be here, waiting for you! 🙂
Teaching jobs are very hard to find from what I’ve heard. A few of my friends are struggling with finding anything permanent in that line of work in Nova Scotia. The banks however tend to be hiring constantly if thats something you are interested in.
Thank you for your comments, Karen, and your suggestion too. Maybe a change of career is on the horizon!
I love this post. Am thinking of moving to nova Scotia with wife and 3kids. Am a qualified auto mechanic
Well, that’s one place you might get a job. Everyone hangs on to their cars, here! My family is still driving a 2002 CRV and we have certainly needed a mechanic over the years! 🙂
Update: Our 2002 CRV just died. LOL
You are needed and will find work. Careerbeacon.com