Nova Scotia is a Canadian province located on the east coast of the country. It is one of the four Atlantic provinces and is made up of more than 3,800 islands.
The province has a population of just over 953,000 people and the capital city is Halifax.
Nova Scotia is a beautiful province with rugged coastlines, picturesque towns, and friendly people.
The province has a lot to offer its residents. However, there are also some drawbacks to living in the province.
So, before you pack your bags and head to the East Coast, there are a few things you should know – the reasons not to move to Nova Scotia.
Moving to Nova Scotia
Moving to a new place can be exciting but also scary.
There are a lot of unknowns when you move to a new province, especially if you’ve never been there before.
You want to make sure you are not taking the wrong decision (moving from frying pan to fire).
Depending on your target, you need to ensure the province not only satisfies your immediate needs but also your future needs if you intend to stay there for a while.
You don’t want to end up in a province where you are a happy resident in the summer but a disappointed resident throughout the winter or vice vasa.
Though you can’t have it all, there should be a balance in between.
Nova Scotia is no doubt a beautiful province but moving to a new province requires more than just beauty.
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Here are some of the top reasons not to move to Nova Scotia – and why you might want to consider another province instead.
Reasons not to move to Nova Scotia
Before you move to Nova Scotia, you should know that:
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The weather can be unpredictable and brutal in winter.
Nova Scotia might be picturesque, but that doesn’t make it immune to harsh weather.
If you’re thinking of moving to Nova Scotia, be prepared for some cold winters.
The weather can be very unpredictable, and it’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop below -20°C.
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Recently, the province has seen some major snowstorms that have caused widespread damage and power outages.
So if you’re not a fan of cold weather, you might want to reconsider your decision to move to Nova Scotia.
But if you can cope with the weather, this may not be the reason to worry.
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The cost of living can be high
The beauty of some parts of Nova Scotia comes at a price; a high cost of living. The cost of living in Nova Scotia is nearly 10% higher than the national average.
This means that residents of Nova Scotia have to spend more money on essentials like food, housing, and transportation.
Consumer prices in Nova Scotia rose by 9.3% between June 2021 and June 2022, the highest increase since 1982.
Food prices also increased by 8.8% on average, while rents increased by 8.2%.
The high cost of living can be a major strain on families and individuals.
Many people are forced to work long hours just to make ends meet.
And with the rising cost of housing, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find affordable places to live.
If you’re thinking of moving to Nova Scotia, the cost of living can be one of the reasons not to move to Nova Scotia.
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The crime rate isn’t good looking
Nova Scotia has a long history of crime and violence.
The crime rate in Nova Scotia is on the rise. In the past year, there has been an increase in the number of reported crimes.
The province has seen a marked increase in violent crimes such as murder and assault becoming more common.
2019 had 1,414 violent Criminal Code infractions per 100,000 residents in Nova Scotia, which was more than the 1,276 national average.
This trend is concerning for residents of the province, as it impacts the sense of safety in their community.
See also: Everything you need to know about Manitoba before moving there
Lately, the concerning crime rate has become one of the main reasons not to move to Nova Scotia.
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Nova Scotia has high-income tax rates
Good things don’t come easy but far from it, Nova Scotia is all about tax, taxes are everywhere.
You could be taxed for mentioning the name of the province
In Nova, it’s tax till death. Every purchase is subject to taxation, there are higher property taxes, low wages, higher income taxes, a high sales tax, and so on.
Furthermore, eating out is highly pricey, and groceries are likewise pricey.
A few years back, purchasing a home in this area was reasonable, but during and after the pandemic, it has become exceedingly challenging.
For purchasing a home in Nova Scotia, much has changed in the past few years.
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In August 2022, residences sold for an average price of $385,935, a 9.7% rise from August 2021.
The more thorough year-to-date average price increased by 19.2% from the first eight months of 2021 to $424,336.
Water bill?
In Nova Scotia, you spend twice as much for wastewater leaving your house as it does for water coming in.
The taxes and bills are just much to cope with if you don’t earn a big buck.
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There are not a lot of job opportunities.
Limited job opportunity is one of the reasons not to move to Nova Scotia, there aren’t a lot of job opportunities in this province when compared to other provinces.
The economy is struggling and many businesses have closed their doors in recent years.
The unemployment rate is pretty high, and there are not a lot of jobs in general.
Of course, there are still some places hiring in Nova Scotia.
And if you’re willing to start your own business, there are plenty of opportunities for that as well.
But if you’re looking for a traditional job with a steady paycheck, you might want to look elsewhere unless you have a job lined up already.
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There’s a lack of things to do.
Sure, Nova Scotia has some great beaches and hiking trails but if you’re looking for a more lively scene, you might be disappointed.
There are few big cities and the nightlife is pretty mellow.
If you’re the type of person who likes to be constantly on the go, you’ll probably find yourself getting pretty restless in Nova Scotia.
Unlike in Toronto, there’s just not a lot going on here.
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The health care isn’t great
This will sound surprising but the healthcare system here isn’t great, not even close to expectations.
You will be dissatisfied with the appalling quality of the healthcare treatments offered here.
Even the most impoverished nations offer superior medical care when you need it most.
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Considering how the health care system is in Nova Scotia, the claim that all Canadians receive free health care will sound very incorrect.
You need to be here to see for yourself.
Going to the emergency room is like going through hell.
Even if you have a serious injury or are bleeding blood you will have to wait hours to see a doctor.
I’ve experienced that numerous times. Not just me; every home in Nova Scotia has a terrible story about emergency treatment to share with you.
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The province is largely rural
One of the main reasons people choose not to live in Nova Scotia is because the province is largely rural.
While this can be seen as a positive by some, others find it to be negative.
Over 60% of the province is considered rural, which means there are few job opportunities outside of agriculture and fishing.
There are also a few major cities in Nova Scotia, with Halifax being the only real metropolis in the province.
The rural nature of this province can be a big challenge at times.
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Lack of amenities
Getting around most places in Nova Scotia can be a bit of a pain if you’re not used to rural living.
There are many parts of the province where the nearest town is an hour or more away.
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Small towns and villages are scattered throughout likewise amenities like grocery stores, banks, and gas stations, they can be few and far between.
This can be a big adjustment for people who are used to living in big cities.
If you must move here, it’s important to be prepared for the rural lifestyle.
And if you already enjoy the rural lifestyle, that will be great, it will ease your adjustment.
You will also find people of like minds because there are also a lot of people who move to rural areas for the quiet lifestyle and the opportunity to be close to nature.
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Nova Scotia has high-income tax rates
Nova Scotia is a beautiful province with a lot to offer, but its high service charges are a big turnoff for many people.
Service charges are levied by the government on a wide range of services, from electricity to water to waste management.
These charges can add up quickly, making it difficult for residents to afford basic services, and can be one of the reasons not to move to Nova Scotia.
If you’re thinking of moving to Nova Scotia, be sure to factor in the cost of services before making your decision.
Where not to live in nova scotia
Where not to live in Nova Scotia include
- New Glasgow
- Sydney
- Dartmouth
- Halifax
- Halifax: The capital city of Nova Scotia, Halifax is a great place to live if you’re looking for a big city feel.
However, Halifax can be expensive, and it can be hard to find affordable housing.
There is also a lot of crime in Halifax which is a big turn-off for many.
See also: Is Vancouver a good place to live
- Truro: Truro is a small town located in central Nova Scotia. While it’s a great place to live if you’re looking for a slower pace, Truro can be a bit boring.
There isn’t much to do in Truro, and the town can be quite isolated.
- New Glasgow: New Glasgow has previously and numerously been voted the worst place to live in Canada. A lot goes on wrong here.
What is Nova Scotia known for?
Nova Scotia is known for its stunning scenery, friendly people, and rich history.
The province is also home to some of Canada’s best seafood, including lobster, crab, and scallops.
Nova Scotia is also famous for its lighthouses, which dot the coastline and make for some breathtaking scenery.
How many villages are in Nova Scotia?
There are over 21 villages in Nova Scotia. The province is divided into municipalities, which are then divided into communities.
The communities are scattered throughout the province, each with its unique character.
Before we go, here are the reasons not to move to Nova Scotia
- The weather can be unpredictable and brutal in winter.
- There are a lot of bugs in summer.
- The cost of living can be high.
- There are not a lot of job opportunities.
- The province is largely rural.
- There’s a lack of things to do.
- The winters are long and dark.
- Nova Scotia has high-income tax rates.
Summary
Every city and town has its negative and positive sides, and if you intend to move to a new place, it’s essential to study the positive and the negative.
This way, you can understand the place that satisfies your needs best.
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