You are here: Home
The Secret Is Out! by Linda King-Briggs
Once a well-kept secret, Nova Scotia, Canada is now considered one of the best places in the world to retire or own a seasonal home. Picturesque and charming, its shoreline speckled with historic towns, this ocean-kissed Canadian province is renowned for its peaceful beauty, Maritime friendliness and reasonably priced real estate.
From stunning ocean-front properties in gorgeous, upscale Mahone Bay to lovely restored homes in charming Annapolis Royal, this province has it all. Whether you want to buy a character-filled old farmhouse on a couple of acres where you can raise a few chickens, or whether you prefer the convenience of a modern retirement bungalow at prices you simply won't believe, it's all here for you, complete with fresh Atlantic air, fantastic early springs, and autumns of breathtaking beauty.
As a British expat formerly living in Ontario, Canada, I never lost my love for the gently rolling hills of England, the sleepy, peaceful villages, the rhododendrons, the colourful lupines, the cry of the seagulls, the crash of waves on rocks, the lanes decorated with blackberries. I lived in Ontario for years, never knowing the things I longed for were to be found in Nova Scotia. And then, some years ago, I stumbled across a house on the Internet, a house overlooking the ocean's shore. I flew out to see the property and not only did I immediately love it, but was overjoyed to discover the charming villages encircling this province, the well-kept, wooden houses, the beautiful gardens, and the incredible kindness of the people who live here. I live here, now, and would never leave this enchanting province since it satisfies every longing for a quality life-style I've ever had.
I was lucky to find the right house in the right place before I knew anything about Nova Scotia. I took a chance and it all worked out; however, if you're considering buying a home here, it's best to consider, among other things, the geography of this province. Nova Scotia is a peninsula, almost totally surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The interior is largely forested, sparkling with lakes and rivers. The perimeter is dotted with quaint villages, many of which are old coastal fishing communities. You'll generally find the most expensive properties close to Halifax since the majority of jobs exist in this capital city. Prices are also traditionally high on the South Shore in towns such as Chester and Mahone Bay, partly because of the easy commuting distance to the city, but partly because this ocean-front area with sailboats bobbing in the harbours and streets lined with beautiful old homes is one of the prettiest places in the world. And although the prices on the South Shore are considered high by Nova Scotian standards, they are certainly reasonable by almost any other yardstick.
But you don't have to live on the South Shore to dwell in beauty, here. The entire province is picture-postcard lovely, and properties of all types are available throughout Nova Scotia, many priced well under $100,000 Canadian. And Nova Scotia isn't just beautiful. For those interested in an active lifestyle, there is always something to see and do in this fantastic retirement destination.
Obviously, there's a great deal to consider before moving here (non-Canadians must follow Canada's residency and immigration laws), but the excellent quality of life, the financial benefits of investment in reasonably priced property, the low crime-rate, the shear beauty of the landscape, the wealth of activities, the lower cost of living (compared to Britain, for instance), together with universal health care make retirement in Nova Scotia a very attractive lifestyle choice.
