The Nova Scotia relocation guide
Relocating to Nova Scotia
A region-by-region guide to figuring out where you actually want to live, from someone who chose this province on purpose.
Start here
Welcome to Nova Scotia
Not knowing what an area is like is the hardest part of moving somewhere new. This guide is here to fix that.
I'm Jenny Scott, a REALTOR® with eXp Realty of Canada, Inc. I grew up in Ontario and chose Nova Scotia as an adult. I've made the Ontario-to-Nova Scotia move myself, more than once, so I know how overwhelming it is to look at a map and try to guess what a place feels like.
How to use this guide
- Skim Nova Scotia at a glance so you understand the lay of the land.
- Read the regions that catch your eye.
- Use the Quick Match table to narrow it down to two or three areas.
- Read the practical stuff on healthcare, taxes, heating and schools.
- Text me, and I'll help you turn "somewhere quiet and safe, close to work" into a real short list.
Every community has great streets and not-so-great streets. This guide gives you the big picture. The street-by-street stuff is where I come in.
The lay of the land
Nova Scotia at a glance
Small, coastal and very doable: about 1.09 million people, roughly half in and around Halifax, and the rest spread across small towns, farmland and fishing villages.
Seven regions
Where could you live?
Most people describe Nova Scotia by region rather than county. Tap a region to jump to it.
| Region | Counties | In one line |
|---|---|---|
| Halifax Regional Municipality | Halifax County | The city, the jobs and the suburbs |
| Truro, Colchester & East Hants | Colchester, East Hants | Commuter value and the hub of the province |
| Annapolis Valley | Kings, Annapolis, West Hants | Farms, wineries and a university town |
| South Shore | Lunenburg, Queens | Postcard harbours and beaches |
| Pictou County, the North Shore & Cumberland | Pictou, Cumberland, North Colchester, Antigonish | Warm-water beaches and small-town value |
| Digby, Annapolis & Southwest Nova | Digby, Annapolis, Yarmouth, Shelburne | Fishing, Acadian culture and the best value |
| Cape Breton Island | Cape Breton, Inverness, Victoria, Richmond | Highlands, Celtic music and big landscapes |
Halifax County
Halifax Regional Municipality
The capital region · About half the province lives here
If jobs, healthcare and amenities are high on your list, start here. HRM stretches from surf beaches to lake country to fishing coves, so you can live somewhere quiet and still commute.
Geography
Halifax and Dartmouth face each other across the harbour, linked by two bridges and a passenger ferry. Bedford sits at the top of the Basin, with suburbs and lakes fanning out from there.
The vibe
A small big city. A walkable downtown, a great food and craft beer scene, a big university crowd and trails everywhere. You will run into someone you know at the grocery store.
Who it suits
Anyone who needs to be close to work, hospitals or universities, plus growing families who want options at every price point.
Where the jobs are
Nova Scotia Health (the QEII and the IWK), CFB Halifax and 12 Wing Shearwater, the Halifax Shipyard, the port, government, universities, and Burnside and Bayers Lake business parks.
Interactive map
Explore all 17 HRM neighbourhoods
Hover over a pin for a quick feel, or click for the full rundown on the vibe, the homes and the spots locals love.
Open the map
Communities to know
- Halifax PeninsulaWalkable, historic and urban. The South End, North End, West End and downtown.0–10 min to downtown
- DartmouthThe City of Lakes, with the ferry, a walkable downtown and family neighbourhoods.10–20 min
- BedfordPolished and family-focused, with the Basin waterfront and newer homes in West Bedford.15–25 min
- Cole Harbour & Eastern PassageEstablished suburbs near the beaches and Shearwater.20–30 min
- Sackville & BeaverbankDown-to-earth family living with real value.20–30 min
- Fall River & WaverleyLake country with big lots, 15 minutes from the airport.25–35 min
- Hammonds Plains, Timberlea & TantallonWooded subdivisions and newer homes west of the city.20–35 min
- St. Margarets Bay & HubbardsCoastal and relaxed, with Peggy's Cove down the road.35–50 min
- Eastern ShoreSurf beaches, salt marshes and more land for your money.25–45 min
Must-dos
- Walk the waterfront boardwalk
- Ride the harbour ferry to Dartmouth
- The Citadel and the Public Gardens
- A weekend morning at the Seaport Farmers' Market
- Crystal Crescent and Lawrencetown beaches
- Peggy's Cove, early in the day
Known for
The harbour, the Citadel, lakes and trails everywhere, and surf at Lawrencetown.
Good to know
HRM's deed transfer tax is 1.5%. Rural areas may be on well and septic, and not every area has municipal water or natural gas.
Want the deep dive? I have a free HRM Community Guide (send HRM) and Halifax & Dartmouth Community Guide (send HALIFAX), with a page on every community. Text me the word at 902-999-7546 and I'll send it over.
Colchester, East Hants
Truro, Colchester & East Hants
30 min – 1 hr from Halifax
More space and better value than HRM, with the airport and Halifax within reach. Truro is called the Hub of Nova Scotia because the main highways all meet there.
Geography
Rolling farmland, rivers and small lakes along Highway 102, opening onto the Minas Basin and its huge Fundy tides.
The vibe
Practical, friendly and unpretentious. Young families, trades and healthcare workers, and Halifax commuters.
Who it suits
Families who want a yard and value, airport workers, first-time buyers priced out of HRM, and anyone who travels the province for work.
Amenities
The Colchester East Hants Health Centre, NSCC and Dalhousie's agricultural campus in Truro and Bible Hill, plus the East Hants Sportsplex.
Communities to know
- TruroA full-service town with the regional hospital and Victoria Park.About 1 hr
- Bible HillQuiet family streets right next to Truro.About 1 hr
- Elmsdale, Enfield & LantzNewer subdivisions minutes from the airport.30–40 min
- Brookfield & StewiackeSmall towns halfway between Truro and the airport.40–50 min
- Debert, Onslow & MasstownRural, with farmland and quick highway access.About 1 hr 10 min
- Shubenacadie & MilfordRiver villages, the wildlife park and tidal bore rafting.About 40 min
Must-dos
- Waterfalls and Jacob's Ladder in Victoria Park
- Tidal bore rafting on the Shubenacadie
- Walk the ocean floor at Burntcoat Head
- The Shubenacadie Wildlife Park
- The Truro Farmers' Market
Known for
The tidal bore, Victoria Park, farm markets and quick access to every corner of the province.
Good to know
Much of this area is on well and septic, and newer subdivisions may have covenants. Highway 102 gets busy at rush hour, so test-drive your commute.
Want the deep dive? I have a free Truro, Colchester & East Hants Community Guide (send TRURO), with a page on every community. Text me the word at 902-999-7546 and I'll send it over.
Kings, Annapolis, West Hants
Annapolis Valley
45 min – 2 hrs from Halifax
Nova Scotia's farm country and wine region, tucked between two ridges along the Bay of Fundy. One of the sunniest, warmest parts of the province in summer.
Geography
A fertile valley between the North and South Mountains, sheltered from the Bay of Fundy and the highest tides in the world.
The vibe
Warm, community-minded and outdoorsy, with a farm-to-table culture and university-town energy in Wolfville.
Who it suits
Families wanting small-town life with good amenities, retirees, food and wine lovers, 14 Wing Greenwood families and hobby farmers.
Amenities
Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, shopping in New Minas and Acadia University in Wolfville.
Communities to know
- Windsor & FalmouthThe closest Valley town to Halifax, and home of the first recorded game of hockey.About 45 min
- Hantsport & Hants CountyA quiet river town between Windsor and Wolfville.50 min – 1 hr
- Wolfville & the Gaspereau ValleyA walkable university town surrounded by vineyards.About 1 hr
- Kentville & New MinasThe Valley's hub, with the hospital and shopping.About 1 hr 15 min
- Greenwood & KingstonA welcoming military community around 14 Wing.About 1 hr 40 min
- Middleton & Annapolis RoyalSmall-town living, history and gardens.1 hr 45 min – 2 hrs
Must-dos
- Hike Cape Split
- Tour the wineries around Wolfville
- Visit Grand-Pré, a UNESCO site
- Lobster on the wharf at Hall's Harbour
- U-pick apples, berries and pumpkins
- The Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
Known for
Apples, wineries (try a Tidal Bay), farm markets, the Apple Blossom Festival and Acadian history.
Good to know
Many homes outside town are on well and septic. Acreage comes with extra checks on zoning, outbuildings, water and land use.
Want the deep dive? I have a free Wolfville, Kentville & Hants Community Guide (send VALLEY) and Greenwood & Kingston Community Guide (send GREENWOOD), with a page on every community. Text me the word at 902-999-7546 and I'll send it over.
Lunenburg, Queens
South Shore
45 min – 2 hrs from Halifax
The Nova Scotia you've seen on postcards: colourful harbours, white sand beaches and sailboats along Highway 103.
Geography
Rocky Atlantic coastline with deep bays, islands and long sandy beaches. Forest and lakes inland, with the LaHave River at Bridgewater.
The vibe
Relaxed, artsy and seasonal. Busy summers and quiet, close-knit winters.
Who it suits
Retirees, hybrid and remote workers, artists, and anyone who wants the ocean without being in Halifax every day.
Amenities
Bridgewater is the hub, with South Shore Regional Hospital, big-box shopping and schools.
Communities to know
- ChesterA sailing village close enough to commute to Halifax.About 45 min
- Mahone BayTiny, walkable and famous for its three churches.About 1 hr
- LunenburgA UNESCO World Heritage town with the Bluenose II.About 1 hr 10 min
- BridgewaterThe practical hub, with the hospital and better value.About 1 hr
- LaHave & Petite RivièreRural river and beach communities.About 1 hr 15 min
- Liverpool & Queens CountyQuieter living and the best value on the shore.About 1 hr 45 min
Must-dos
- The Bluenose II in Lunenburg, when she's in port
- Mahone Bay's three churches at sunset
- A day at Rissers or Carters Beach
- The LaHave Bakery and the LaHave River ferry
- Seals at Kejimkujik Seaside
- A show at the Chester Playhouse
Known for
Boatbuilding, fishing, beaches, artisans and summer festivals.
Good to know
Many homes are on well and septic, and older character homes are common. Waterfront carries a big premium, so inspections matter here.
Want the deep dive? I have a free South Shore Community Guide (send SOUTHSHORE), with a page on every community. Text me the word at 902-999-7546 and I'll send it over.
Pictou, Cumberland, North Colchester, Antigonish
Pictou County, the North Shore & Cumberland
1 hr 30 min – 2 hrs 30 min from Halifax
Some of the warmest saltwater swimming in Atlantic Canada, friendly small towns and real value, along the Northumberland Strait across from PEI.
Geography
Red-sand beaches, rolling farmland and quiet harbours on the Strait. Cumberland runs to the New Brunswick border and the Fundy cliffs at Joggins.
The vibe
Down-to-earth and neighbourly, with strong Scottish roots and lots of cottage country.
Who it suits
Families looking for value, retirees, beach lovers, and people with ties to PEI or New Brunswick.
Amenities
Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, St. Martha's in Antigonish and the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre near Amherst.
Communities to know
- New Glasgow, Stellarton, Westville & TrentonPictou County's hub, with affordable family homes.About 1 hr 45 min
- PictouA pretty harbour town near the PEI ferry.About 1 hr 50 min
- Tatamagouche & BruleA lively village and warm-water cottage country.About 1 hr 30 min
- Wallace & PugwashHarbour villages, golf and warm beaches.1 hr 45 min – 2 hrs
- AmherstA historic hub town right by New Brunswick.About 2 hrs
- Springhill & OxfordVery affordable small towns and blueberry country.1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 45 min
- AntigonishA university town with the oldest continuously running Highland Games outside Scotland.About 2 hrs
Must-dos
- Swim at Melmerby Beach
- The Hector Heritage Quay in Pictou
- The Tatamagouche Farmers' Market
- The Joggins Fossil Cliffs (UNESCO)
- Ski or hike at Wentworth
- The Antigonish Highland Games each July
Known for
Warm beaches, Scottish heritage, wild blueberries, the PEI ferry and family value.
Good to know
Many homes are on well and septic. Cottages may be seasonal, so check road access, insulation and heating.
Want the deep dive? I have a free Pictou County Community Guide (send PICTOU) and North Shore & Cumberland Community Guide (send NORTHSHORE), with a page on every community. Text me the word at 902-999-7546 and I'll send it over.
Digby, Annapolis, Yarmouth, Shelburne
Digby, Annapolis & Southwest Nova
2 – 3 hrs 30 min from Halifax
The province's fishing heartland, and usually where you'll find the most house for your money. It suits people who don't need to be in the city often.
Geography
The Bay of Fundy on one side and the Atlantic on the other, with fishing harbours, islands and long beaches. Digby Neck reaches out toward Long and Brier Islands.
The vibe
Hard-working, proud and tight-knit. Strong Acadian culture in Clare and around Yarmouth.
Who it suits
Retirees, remote workers, waterfront seekers on a budget, French speakers and families wanting a slower pace.
Amenities
Digby General Hospital and Yarmouth Regional Hospital. Specialist care may mean a drive.
Communities to know
- DigbyA working harbour town with the ferry to Saint John.About 2 hrs 30 min
- BridgetownSmall-town Valley living at very friendly prices.About 1 hr 50 min
- Annapolis Royal & Bear RiverHistory, gardens and an artists' village.About 2 hrs
- ClareThe heart of Acadian Nova Scotia.About 2 hrs 45 min
- YarmouthThe region's largest town, with the ferry to Maine.About 3 hrs
- Shelburne & BarringtonHistoric waterfronts and lobster country.About 2 hrs 30 min
Must-dos
- Whale watching from Brier Island
- Digby scallops, then rappie pie in Clare
- The Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
- The Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Birchtown
- Shelburne's historic waterfront
Known for
Lobster, scallops, Acadian culture, Black Loyalist history and great value.
Good to know
Most rural homes are on well and septic. Ask about heating, insurance and services before you fall for a view.
Want the deep dive? I have a free Digby & Annapolis Community Guide (send DIGBY), with a page on every community. Text me the word at 902-999-7546 and I'll send it over.
Cape Breton, Inverness, Victoria, Richmond
Cape Breton Island
2 hrs 30 min – 4 hrs 30 min · Flights into Sydney
Big landscapes, big hearts and big music, joined to the mainland by the Canso Causeway.
Geography
Highlands and cliffs in the north, the Bras d'Or Lake (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) in the middle, and Sydney on the east. The Cabot Trail loops the northern tip.
The vibe
Warm, funny and proud, with Celtic and Gaelic tradition, Acadian communities and Mi'kmaw communities like Membertou and Eskasoni.
Who it suits
Retirees, remote workers, golfers, music lovers and anyone looking for value and community.
Amenities
Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Cape Breton University and an airport in Sydney.
Communities to know
- Sydney & the CBRMUrban amenities with some of the best value in the province.About 4 hrs 30 min
- BaddeckOn the Bras d'Or Lake, at the start of the Cabot Trail.About 3 hrs 45 min
- Inverness & MabouLong beaches, golf and fiddle music.About 3 hrs 30 min
- Port HawkesburyClosest to the mainland, with practical amenities.About 2 hrs 30 min
Must-dos
- Drive the Cabot Trail in early fall
- Hike the Skyline Trail
- Celtic Colours in October
- The Fortress of Louisbourg
- A ceilidh in Mabou
Known for
The Cabot Trail, Celtic music, golf and some of the friendliest people anywhere.
Good to know
Distances are long and winters are snowier. Check internet carefully if you work from home.
Thinking about Cape Breton? Text me at 902-999-7546 and I'll connect you with a trusted local agent I know.
Narrow it down
Quick match: which area fits you?
Find your top priority, then start your search with the areas beside it.
| If you want… | Start with |
|---|---|
| Quiet and safe, but close to jobs | Fall River, Bedford, Hammonds Plains, Elmsdale/Enfield, Windsor |
| Walkability and city life | Halifax Peninsula, downtown Dartmouth, Wolfville |
| Newer homes for a growing family | West Bedford, Hammonds Plains, Elmsdale/Enfield |
| Lakes and bigger lots | Fall River, Waverley, Mount Uniacke, the Dartmouth lakes |
| Ocean views and beach life | St. Margarets Bay, the Eastern Shore, the South Shore, the North Shore |
| The most house for your money | Truro, Pictou County, Springhill, Digby, Cape Breton |
| Hospital and specialist access | Halifax and Dartmouth, then Kentville, Truro, New Glasgow and Sydney |
| A small town with good amenities | Wolfville, Kentville, Bridgewater, Truro, Antigonish |
| Retirement by the water | Mahone Bay, Chester, Tatamagouche, Baddeck, Annapolis Royal |
| A hobby farm or acreage | The Annapolis Valley, Colchester, Pictou County |
| A French or Acadian community | Clare, Pubnico, Chéticamp, Isle Madame |
| An easy commute to the airport | Fall River, Enfield, Elmsdale, Waverley, Bedford |
A quick self-check
- How many days a week will you actually commute, and where to?
- How far is too far from a hospital for your family?
- Do you want sidewalks, or privacy and trees?
- Are you comfortable with a well, a septic system, and oil or wood heat?
- Do you need reliable high-speed internet for work?
- What matters more to you: a newer home or a character home?
Before you move
The practical stuff
The questions I get most from people moving here. Always confirm the details for your situation with your lawyer, lender and insurer.
Healthcare
- Health card (MSI): moving from another province, coverage generally starts on the first day of the third month after you become a resident. Keep your old province's coverage until then. MSI: moving to Nova Scotia
- Family doctor: sign up for the Need a Family Practice Registry as soon as you arrive. The waitlist has been getting shorter month by month.
- While you wait: pharmacists can assess and treat many common issues, and virtual care and walk-in clinics fill the gap.
Buying costs and taxes
- Municipal deed transfer tax: paid by the buyer at closing and set by each municipality. HRM's is 1.5%.
- Non-resident deed transfer tax: most non-residents buying a home pay an extra 10% provincial tax, with an exemption if you become a resident within the required time. Province of Nova Scotia. Have your lawyer confirm the current rules before you sign.
- Sales tax: HST is 14%.
Heating, water and utilities
- Heat pumps, oil, electric baseboard, wood and propane are all common. Natural gas is only available in limited areas.
- Insurers care about the age and condition of oil tanks, so check before you firm up.
- Outside the towns, make a water test and septic inspection conditions of your offer.
- Internet varies a lot in rural areas, so check providers for the exact address.
Schools and getting settled
- Your address decides your public school. French Immersion is offered in many schools, and CSAP runs French first-language schools.
- Switch your licence and register your vehicle with Access Nova Scotia soon after you arrive. Out-of-province vehicles need a safety inspection first.
- Winter tires aren't required, but almost everyone uses them.
The property tax surprise
Nova Scotia caps how much a homeowner's taxable assessment can rise each year. When a home sells, the cap resets, and the new owner is taxed closer to full market value (PVSC). So don't just ask "what are the taxes?" Ask "what will my taxes be?" I'll help you estimate it.
Posted to Nova Scotia?
Military families
I'm a Sirva Approved Supplier, and helping CAF families land well is one of my favourite parts of this job.
| Base | Where it is | Popular areas to live |
|---|---|---|
| CFB Halifax | Halifax Peninsula, on the harbour | West End, Clayton Park, Bedford, Dartmouth |
| 12 Wing Shearwater | Shearwater, Dartmouth side | Dartmouth, Cole Harbour, Eastern Passage, Cow Bay |
| 14 Wing Greenwood | Annapolis Valley | Greenwood, Kingston, Middleton, Berwick |
- The MSI waiting period is waived for the spouse and dependants of CAF members moving to Nova Scotia.
- House-hunting trips are short. I pre-screen homes, preview by video and build a tight showing plan so your HHT counts.
- I know the IRP paperwork, the timelines and what your relocation counsellor needs from your agent.
Your next step
Let's narrow it down together
You don't have to figure this out from a map. Text me these three things and I'll come back with a short list of areas that fit:
- Where you'll work, or whether you're remote
- Your must-haves: bedrooms, yard, water, quiet, schools
- Your rough budget and timeline
902-999-7546
jenny@yournshomegirl.ca · yournshomegirl.ca