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While I'm only 20 and will have a while before making my move, I want to go ahead and do the research now.

I'm thinking of moving to Nova Scotia and run a small bakery and live in the countryside. What is the weather like? Bitter cold winters and horrifyingly hot summers? Or are they more mild?

What about the people? Cost of living? Real estate?

Thanks for the help!

You might want to start by looking at the following websites:

http://www.gov.ns.ca/cmns/overview/default.asp
http://www.farmvacation.ns.ca/move_to_nova_scotia.html

I've lived in Nova Scotia my entire life, so here's my take on things.

The weather is mostly easy to take. We generally get one extended heatwave per summer. The winters have been pretty low on snow lately, but that does mean more cold, cold days. But I'd rather bundle up than try to walk on ice and snow any day.

I bought a two-bedroom bungalow two years ago for about $123,000. Since then, the assessment value has gone up about $25,000.

And the people? We're delightful! <img src="/images/graemlins/angel.gif" alt="" />

Hi there,

Delighted to hear someone is thinking of moving to our wonderful province, instead of moving away from here to Alberta !

I'd like to add to what fellow Bluenoser Betty said- our weather is pretty temperate. We have been low on snow lately, although it depends where in the province you are. We're in the beautiful Annapolis Valley, the farming hub of the province, and we tend to get hotter summers and more snow than , say, Halifax, which is right by the sea. Speaking of the sea, wherever you live in this tiny place, you are never more than about a half hour from water !

Beaches are lovely, and if you get away from the obviously touristy areas, you can have a beach to yourself. Fabulous !

The cost of living is low, and if you are considering living in a rural area, you'll be amazed at what your $$ can buy you in terms of real estate. You could be a big landowner for very little. (We have more than 60 acres, and believe me, we're no millionaires !)

I was born here, but lived away until I was in my twenties. I've been back since 1990, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. The people are possibly the most friendly in the world <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />, welcoming, accepting and really laid back.

So, in a nutshell, come on over, we'd love to have you !

Hugs,

I agree totally. I hail from Dartmouth, moved away when I was 30. And I have to admit that Nova Scotians have to be some of the friendliest people on Earth! Of all the things I missed most about the province, it was the warmth of the people.

Living on the coast, I found the winters to be pretty temperate (esp. compared to Ottawa, where I am now). The warm winds of the Atlantic seemed to keep the temps pretty mild. There were a lot of windy days, lots of sunshine and lots of fog! LOL And if you're looking for a nice place in the countryside, then my vote would be for the Annapolis Valley. Extremely laid-back, scenery beyond description, and just so serene. My dad lives in New Minas and he just loves it there.

I've met so many people, Canadians and Americans, who swear they are going to move to NS some day after visiting the province.

Your best bet would be to research the websites, and if you can, go there for a holiday. You'll get a better feel for the place and, if your heart belongs there, you'll know it right away. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Nice to hear of people moving to Nova Scotia indeed! I am in Halifax and love it. Have also lived in other areas of the province. Our weather would be similar to the Northeastern US ... New York or Boston especially.

Hello Hatsumomo,

Well there are always pros and cons to every place you live and I have lived in a number of places in Canada. I know I may be biased living in rural Nova Scotia, but I am confident in saying this is the best place to live in the world if you love a slow pace and real quality of life, people who still know, talk and help their neighbours , truly awesome beauty, the ocean, beautiful pastural countryside, mountains, wildlife and I could go on and on. I think the other Nova Scotian's that have posted have said it all really. I have lived in my little piece of paradise for 15 years in very rural Nova Scotia and have never regreted it a minute. The only way I'm leaving this place is feet first!!! I hope these posts help you to decide? Hard to resist eh? We'll make you an honary Bluenoser!