seascape

Hi

Thought I would ask this to see if its possible to do, might be stupid question and if so just ignore me.

I am Scottish, originally from Highlands, now live in Edinburgh with Canadian wife. We are thinking where we might go in 5 years when retirement looms. For various reasons when we look at Canada we are thinking possibly PEC/Kingston type area east of Toronto, Nova Scotia or Van Island.

If it were possible to relate these areas to bits of the UK, what would you say they were like? Or if that's not possible, how would you rate these areas against each other in general terms?

My very crude summary might be: Van Island, retired folk, bit rainy, long way from UK; PEC/Kingston bit colder in winter, quite rural, easier to Toronto and UK if needed; NS cold winters, lower cost housing, ok if you're retired.

thanks

Howefamily

NS - cold winters, hot summers, gorgeous Fall.
Great if you are retired, you can also pursue a good career here, up to you.
Lower cost housing as you get out of Halifax.

scilly

My version ........

Vancouver Island ........ warmest area in Canada, less snow than anywhere else, less rain than on the mainland especially on the very dry eastern side, lots of retired folk and "snow birds" from elsewhere in Canada, close to Hawaii if you so inclined. Expensive.

BUT ........... you'll be retired as well, will you not???

That means plenty of opportunity to meet people of your own age, and plenty of activities.

rivingtonpike

We have two new elementary schools opening here in the Cowichan Valley alone because of the demand from new families with young children.

scilly

Yes, I did neglect to add that VI is becoming a mecca for young families, with many people either working from home or commuting to the mainland.

Nanaimo has expanded rapidly over the last few years. It's amazing to see how many developments there have been in that area in the last 10 years, let alone the last 40 or 50

Tumbling_Dice

I concur with this. Apart from the south end of Halifax, the houses seem reasonable. I have yet to buy a house, but I think our rent is very reasonable.

As for the career thing, it can take a while to get started as you really need to make contacts but, once your foot is in the door, there are good possibilities here.

I am from Northern Ireland, and been coming to NS since 2001. The instant I stepped foot in Halifax, I liked the laid back, friendly vibe, and said to the Mrs it felt like home in a way.

cheeky_monkey

if i was retiring i would prefer to retire to the Scottish highlands than anywhere in Canada.

Collie

We emigrated to Prince Edward County six years ago (just after I retired in my 50s) having fallen in love with the place ten years earlier. Feel free to pm me!

seascape

Hah! I wondered if someone might come back with that. Having lived there until 18, then back again for about 5 years 2000 - 2005, I've had my fill. In good weather its lovely, but there's only a few days of that and even then its not reliable. Happy to be from there and it has shaped me hopefully for the better. Plus been there, done that, would like to experience something else. It would just feel like going backwards if you know what I mean.

BristolUK

How long ago did your wife live in Canada and where?

Just thinking for the snowy/cold angle.

I married a Canadian who was already living in Canada and for the first 9 months we lived at her in-laws in Montreal.

They were well used to winters and not at all fazed by it. To live with someone with that attitude, seeing how life just goes on, made it easier for me to adjust to.

Moses2013

Well, it does sound that you are looking for all the benefits you have in UK + more benefits in Canada. The reality is that comparing just never makes sense and every area will have different advantages, or none at all.


If I think about it, even Vancouver Island is half the size of the Republic of Ireland. When I drive from Galway to Baltimore, there are so many differences, you can't even start to compare. You can only look at the benefits for yourself.

seascape

yes probably true. I guess it was more about how would one area in Canada compare to another (not Canada v UK) and could that be reflected with how one area of UK compares to another eg Van Island is to NS like the south coast of England is to Cumbria. But perhaps that's not really doable!

seascape

She was brought up in Toronto, moved to Vancouver around 98, Scotland in 2008.

Moses2013

Even then, I think it would be very hard. If you look at Vancouver Island alone, there are so many things to consider. If you were living near San Josef Bay, it would be a 6 hour drive just to get to Nanaimo. I suppose being retired, there are other things to consider too (Health Care, Transport)

If you look at the UK, you could be living in Wales, drive to Dover and be in Calais in 6 hours.

vh3

I am originally from the highlands and have lived in Canada since 1996. We have spent 10 years in Calgary and then split the rest of the time between Vancouver Island and Vancouver. For retirement, we looked at Kingston (which I loved) and would have been happy there but.. we are now deciding that home is calling and will move back to Scotland in 2020. Kingston is very traditional with a Scottish background. Great places to eat

The Island is nice but it is not for everyone and you may find it isolating. It is also expensive to go anywhere as you have to take the ferry or plan.