Nova Scotia is a land of rolling green hills, rivers, waterfalls and high cliffs that stand guard over its 4,000 miles of coast line. Most of the population (about 1 million people) lives on the coast where they enjoy the highest tides in the world and also some of the most delicious seafood.
The climate is one reason why many people move to Nova Scotia. It is somewhat like Scotland’s and in fact, Nova Scotia is Latin for New Scotland. They have sunshine, rain, hail, snow and freezing rain in season; spring temperatures are around 35-48° while summer temperatures can get as warm as 65. Autumn cools to around 60° and the chilly winter temperatures are around 27°. The province gets just over 46” of rainfall each year.
Nova Scotia has one of the fastest growing economies in Canada in large part due to the mining of gypsum and salt, silica, peat and barite. Offshore oil and natural gas deposits also make significant contributions to the GDP. Agriculture, lumber and paper industries provide employment, too. The defense and aerospace sector contributes about $1.5 billion to the economy each year. It is the 4th most popular destination for international television and film producers and provides a significant stop for cruise ships. The information and communication technology sector employs 15,000 people and tourism provides 40,000 jobs. It has more than 6,000 businesses tied to tourism. The insurance industry is projected to grow 25% over the next three years.
The average income in Nova Scotia is $47,100, which is average for the country. However, that is exceeded in Halifax, the capital, were average income is $58,262. Highly affordable housing and real estate makes Nova Scotia a very cost effective place to live. And because of special incentive programs and tax breaks, Nova Scotia continues to attract businesses from all over the world such as Lockheed Martin.
You’ll find that Nova Scotia is not only one of the most beautiful places on earth but has something for everyone, year round. 3,000 lakes provide a playground for those who love water sports and freshwater fishing. There are seaside vineyards and about 200 museums and historic sites. Theatre lovers will have no shortage of entertainment and art aficionados will have plenty of galleries and showings to keep them busy. There are fun parks for the family, gardens to walk through, breweries to tour and lighthouses to climb for breathtaking views. Children and adults alike will want to keep returning to the Burke-Gaffney Observatory in Halifax. Everyone will enjoy stepping aboard the Bluenose II, a replica of the original tall ship that sailed the seas from 1921-1946 and whose image graces the Canadian dime. After 2011 you’ll even be able to enjoy excursions on it.
Nova Scotia hosts over 500 festivals and events during the year that celebrate music, seafood, history, the arts, outdoor activities and more. You can watch a parade, learn to dance to Celtic folk music, enjoy the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival and take a guided tour of a maple sugar farm. Get the freshest produce from one of the many farmers’ markets that are sprinkled throughout the cities and countryside and shop at Artisans’ markets for unique crafts and décor.
Residents and visitors can surf, sail, fish, kayak, hike, golf, watch the whales and cycle the countryside. There are over 150 parks and miles and miles of wilderness to explore.
With a growing economy, low housing costs and its incomparable beauty, it’s no wonder that Nova Scotia is welcoming many new residents.
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