10 reasons to move to Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia, situated in the heart of Canada's east coast, is more than just a province; it's a way of life. With its stunning landscapes, welcoming communities, and an abundance of recreational opportunities, Nova Scotia offers a perfect blend of modern convenience and natural beauty. Whether you’re checking out homes for sale in Nova Scotia or wondering what it’s like living in this beautiful province, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 reasons why you should consider moving to Nova Scotia.

Coastal living

Nova Scotia is a coastal haven with a vast 13,300 km of picturesque coastline. Here, the coast is always within reach, offering you easy access to pristine beaches, coastal trails, and unbeatable opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Imagine the convenience of having these natural wonders right outside your door. It's undeniably a fantastic location for buying a home, wouldn't you agree?

Affordable housing

One of the most compelling reasons to move to Nova Scotia is the affordability of homes and the overall cost of living. Here, you can find a range of housing options to suit your needs and budget, from charming rural properties to cozy urban homes, and even stunning waterfront homes. Nova Scotia offers significantly lower housing costs when compared to other Canadian provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia, making homeownership more attainable. The average home price across the province is $401,622, well below the national average. You'll stretch your money further in Nova Scotia, whether you choose to move to Halifax or one of the picturesque smaller towns. This affordability extends beyond housing to encompass your daily expenses, including groceries, transportation, utilities, and entertainment. Nova Scotia offers a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost, making it an enticing destination for home buyers looking for both affordability and a great lifestyle.

Thriving economy and job opportunities

Nova Scotia's economy is thriving, offering diverse employment opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, education, technology, retail trade, tourism, agriculture and fisheries, manufacturing, financial services, and more. While Halifax boasts bustling tech hubs and a burgeoning startup community, traditional industries like fishing and agriculture remain significant employers, especially in rural areas. The province's thriving financial services sector further contributes to its economic vitality, making Nova Scotia an alluring choice for job seekers. Whether you're seeking a new career path or looking to advance in your current field, Nova Scotia's thriving economy provides ample opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

Educational excellence

The quality of education in Nova Scotia is excellent, earning it the distinction of being Canada's education province. Nova Scotia boasts a higher concentration of academic institutions per capita than anywhere else in the country. Whether you're seeking top-notch primary and secondary education or considering post-secondary options, Nova Scotia's educational institutions consistently rank among the best in the country. The province is proud to be home to renowned educational establishments like Dalhousie University, Saint Mary's University (SMU), Acadia University, and St. Francis Xavier University. Nova Scotia's strong commitment to education ensures that your children will have access to quality schools, making it an outstanding place to raise a family. If you're considering a move to Nova Scotia and are looking to find your dream home near these exceptional educational institutions, partnering with a local real estate agent is a wise choice.

Moderate and pleasant weather

Nova Scotia boasts a moderate and enjoyable climate that offers the best of all seasons, making it a desirable place to live. Winters provide a true Canadian experience with ample opportunities for winter sports and activities, with temperatures generally milder, ranging from -1°C to -7°C (30°F to 19°F), compared to other regions in the country. Meanwhile, summers bring warm and sunny days, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F), perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. The autumn season blankets the province in breathtaking colors, creating an ideal time for scenic drives and hikes. While the overall weather in Nova Scotia tends to be consistent, there may be slight variations depending on your specific location. This moderate weather makes Nova Scotia a welcoming place to live, offering the best of all seasons without the extreme temperatures seen in other parts of Canada.

Diverse places to live

Nova Scotia offers a ton of diverse options for those contemplating a move, making it one of the top 10 reasons to consider relocating here. The province features a variety of cities and towns, each with its own unique charm and character. When it comes to buying a home, take a closer look at the following top cities and towns to live in within the province:

Halifax:

As the provincial capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax is renowned for its lively urban atmosphere, cultural attractions, and picturesque waterfront living.

Truro:

Nestled in the heart of Nova Scotia, Truro strikes a perfect balance with its small size, peaceful vibes, and its closeness to Halifax, making it an appealing choice for home buyers considering a move.

Cape Breton Island:

With its awe-inspiring natural beauty, housing affordability, vibrant festival scene, endless recreational opportunities, and an exceptional quality of life, this Nova Scotia destination is an enticing choice for home buyers.

Lunenburg:

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lunenburg displays its vibrant historical architecture and rich maritime heritage.

Wolfville:

Nestled in the picturesque Annapolis Valley, the town of Wolfville, with Acadia University at its heart, offers a vibrant small-town ambiance.

Kentville:

Located in the heart of Nova Scotia's renowned Annapolis Valley, Kentville provides a gateway to a welcoming community, the scenic valley, and a vibrant way of life that truly feels like a breath of fresh air.

Bridgewater:

The town of Bridgewater, in the picturesque south, offers a chance to experience a friendly community, beautiful coastal surroundings, and a high quality of life.

Annapolis Royal:

Renowned for its historical significance, Annapolis Royal captivates with its impeccably preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture, a close-knit community, outstanding schools, affordable housing choices, and a unique blend of urban and rural living, all set against the backdrop of an idyllic, small-town, waterfront setting.

Nova Scotia's various cities and towns cater to different preferences, making it an inviting and inclusive province to move to, whether you like urban life, the peaceful countryside, or coastal charm.

Cultural hub of Canada's maritime provinces

Nova Scotia, as the cultural hub of Canada's maritime provinces, offers a captivating blend of museums, attractions, and a vibrant music and arts scene. From the renowned Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, which showcases a vast collection of regional and international art, to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, home to a treasure trove of maritime artifacts and the famous Titanic exhibit, the province's cultural offerings are bound to captivate. For those who love history, places like the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, Grand-Pré National Historic Site, and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site are waiting to be explored. Whether you're a history buff, art lover, or simply seeking a culturally vibrant atmosphere, Nova Scotia has something to offer everyone. This makes Nova Scotia an attractive destination for home buyers considering a move.

Beaches, parks, and trails galore

A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, Nova Scotia invites you to explore a wide range of enticing activities that may just inspire you to make it your new home. With its year-round hiking trails, like Victoria Park, Cape Split Provincial Park, Castle Rock Trail, Celtic Shores Coastal Trail, and the world-renowned Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, you’ll discover an array of hiking experiences for adventurers of all levels. With ample national parks like Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, and Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, the possibilities for hiking, camping, birdwatching, kayaking, canoeing, and exploring unspoiled nature are endless. The province's pristine beaches and inviting waters provide ideal conditions for swimming and water sports. Not to be missed, the Bay of Fundy, with the highest tides in the world, presents a unique opportunity for tidal bore rafting and discovering the incredible geological formations and marine life that this natural wonder has to offer. For outdoor enthusiasts considering a move, the allure of year-round outdoor activities in this province is a powerful motivator.

Festivals and events all year

Nova Scotia is not only a place of natural beauty but also a hub of year-round festivals and events that make it an exciting and vibrant province worth moving to. From the iconic Halifax International Busker Festival in the summer, which fills the streets with awe-inspiring performances, to the Celtic Colors International Festival in the fall, celebrating Celtic music and culture set against the stunning backdrop of Cape Breton Island, there's always something to look forward to. In the winter, the Downtown Dartmouth Ice Festival transforms the city with live ice carvings and winter activities, while spring brings the Apple Blossom Festival in Annapolis Valley. The fun doesn't stop there, as the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival in August adds its unique blend of folk, traditional, and world music to the historic town of Lunenburg. And let's not forget Nova Scotia’s South Shore Lobster Crawl, recognized as one of Canada's premier winter festivals, offering a chance to indulge in everything lobster. These festivals and events are a delightful reason to consider making a move to this captivating province.

Seafood is abundant in Nova Scotia

Home buyers in Nova Scotia are in for a culinary treat when it comes to dining out. This coastal province offers an array of top restaurants, with a strong emphasis on seafood, particularly the renowned lobster. Whether you're buying a house in the vibrant city of Halifax or a charming small-town, you'll find exquisite dining options. Enjoy succulent lobster dishes at renowned establishments like Five Fishermen in Halifax, The Canteen in Dartmouth, and Tom’s Lobster Shack in Peggy’s Cove. Additionally, savor the freshest scallops, mussels, crab, oysters, and a diverse range of locally caught fish at quaint eateries across the province. Nova Scotia's culinary diversity is a feast for seafood enthusiasts, further enhancing the allure of relocating to this province.

Find the best real estate agent in Nova Scotia

If you're considering relocating to Nova Scotia, you've already discovered that it's a pretty sweet place to live, right? To make your move even sweeter, let Nobul be your trusted guide. With Nobul, you can seamlessly connect with experienced real estate agents who understand the local market and are committed to helping you find your dream home. From the charming coastal towns to the vibrant cityscapes, Nova Scotia offers a diverse range of properties waiting to be explored. So, why not make your transition to this captivating province as seamless as possible? Sign up with Nobul today, and you're just a click away from discovering your dream home in Nova Scotia.