Hi, we are new to this forum and have found some pretty interesting reading so far. After trying our luck with a visa to take us to BC for the last 2 years we are now focusing our attention on Nova Scotia as the elusive job offer prospects there seems more in our grasp. Also, after having done some intial research online we like the history and culture, scenery and climate which seems to be on offer there. Also, a shorter flight for visitors from home.
We would really like to hear from anyone who has made the move from the UK to Nova Scotia and how they are finding life there.

Thanks for your time

Hello & Welcome!

Look for postings from 'Corky', she lives in NS and is very sweet and helpful
I haven't been here for a while but if you do a search then pm her I'm sure she will help you out.
Pam

Hi Pam, thank you for your reply. I will search for Corky's posts.
Bye for now
Victoria

I live approx 2 hours from Halifax on the border of NB. A lot will depend on where you are looking at working and living. We love it here, managed to find an area we like, house and land more than we could manage in the UK, rural just as we like although on a main road traffic busy during the summer months but still not bad. Just dh is working at the moment as trying to sort my nursing stuff out but he is fortunate to work from home although the last week has been a bit of a pain as we lost power from Monday evening until Thursday afternoon which resulted in buying a generator, will come in useful though if happens again. Found everyone so friendly

It will all depend on where in NS you want to settle which is the same for anywhere i guess.

We live on the North Shore of NS in a rural community and love it. Jobs are harder to come by than in the big towns but they are out there if you look.

The community spirit is tremendous and the scenery breathtaking which is why we picked the area and we are only 45 mins from Truro, New Glasgow and about an hour from Amherst if you want big box stores, cinemas town life etc.

We are 2 hours from Halifax if you want great nightlife and big city goings on and 2 hours is nothing on these roads unless in a storm of course

Hi, we moved to Cole Harbour in Dartmouth 18 months ago. Our kids (3) have settled in really well and we like the area. We came on a temporary work permit so we were limited to where we could consider living.

We would prefer something a little more rural (we moved from East Anglia) so this is a bit busier than we are used to. BUT - it is a lovely place and everything we need is easily to hand (including the children's hospital, as I've recently experienced!). We love our home and have made some great friends here.

Feel free to pm me if you want to ask me anything !! Good luck!

Hi

Not there yet, but we head out on the 9th June to the Colchester area, If I can help with anything, let me know

Hi there!
We moved over to NS in October and although its been tough we are now starting to settle, the weather has been hard to get used to, but even that is starting to improve slowly (Hope I'm not speaking too soon) We live in Pictou, which is about 15 mins from New Glasgow and just over 2 hours from Halifax. We have pretty much all we need here and if we want the bigger shops (like was said in an ealier post) we really don't have far to go. We chose Pictou because of OH job which he was offered just after our reccie trip last June, it all happens so quickly for us. As mentioned before one of the disadvantages with NS is the amount of jobs, but this all depends what line of work you are in too and if you are prepared to travel the opportunities open up. Have you been over on a reccie yet, if not then that really should be near the top of your list to do, what is right for one person might not be right for another its such personal taste.... Another piece of advice would be to research loads!! I know I speak for lots on this forum that I don't know what we would have done without the help and advice and personal experiences of the members here, we have made some lovely friends too whilst at it, good luck with it all hope it all pans out for you
Bella

Moving to NS has worked well for me - definitely one of the better decisions I made. I've been here about 3 years. The lower cost of living and real estate gave me the opportunity to retrain for a new career which never would have been a option in the UK (or other more-expensive parts of Canada). On top of that people are extremely friendly, great beaches and lots to do as a family and the economy in Halifax isnt taking a hit like some other parts of Canada.

What are your occupations?

We have been here 2 years, and dispite not knowing anyone, we have loved it since the day we arrived.

Here are a list of things that stand out for us:

• Very friendly people
• Positive attitude (like a breath of fresh air )
• Welcoming
• Respectful, especially children - they interact with everyone, especially nice to see that towards the elderly
• Great sense of humour (must be the Scottish and Irish heritage )
• Very family orientated
• Great community spirit with people who really do care about where they live

Always something to do or event to go to - all year round. Locals are heavily into charity events: boat races, fire station BBQs, potluck suppers, casino nights, bowling for kids, dances, live entertainment (indoors/outdoors) - and that's without the regular annual festivals - Canada Day gala, Lobster Festival, Festival of the Tartan, 4-day Music Jubilee, to name a few.

http://www.town.newglasgow.ns.ca/

So even though we are not based down in Halifax there is plenty to keep a family occupied. I am sure most communities in other parts of NS enjoy similar type activities all year round too.

When you first arrive you have to put yourself out there and network, network, network. Networking is the best way to integrate quickly into your new community. It may also help you to gain employment too because many jobs are not advertised.

Before you know it you will reap the rewards and quickly start enjoying your new lifestyle

Hi Yes-Can-Do

This sounds like the reasons i want to move to NS, so i can do more with my life and meet and make new friends.

My question is how do you start the whole networking process when you first move across, not knowing anyone etc..... and on your own? I am pretty shy with people i don't know and it takes me a while to open up etc so how would i go about meeting people on my own.

Look forward to any and all replies

Emmjay

Here are some suggestions for getting to know people in your area (if you are not working straight away):

• Initially starting networking on BE before you move to NS.
  
• Check to see if there is a newcomers club in your area.
  
• Use your realtor as a good source of local info.
  
• One of the first things I did was join Curves so I could get to know some women whilst the kids were at school.
  
• If you have kids at school, then try to get to know other parents. Invite kids over to play and/or for supper. Get their parents phone number and ask them first of course, then ask them in for a coffee when the pick their child up.
  
• Kids activities/sports are another great way to meet people. Just start chatting to them about the kids - a great ice breaker.
  
• Volunteering is another great way to meet people. Ask the people you meet if they volunteer or know of organizations looking for volunteers. Don't spread yourself too thin though and pick whichever organization(s) suits you best and fits in with your family life.

To be honest, people will want to get into conversation with you because of your accent. It's a great way to introduce yourself and find out a little bit about them and the local area too. Let them know that you don't know anyone; that may spur them on to asking to meet with you for a coffee, after all coffee/tea drinking is such a common pastime here that it's virtually a sport

With the summer not too far off, a BBQ always goes down well too.

People are extremely friendly here but it still takes time and effort on your behalf to make new friends. Even though you are shy, I am sure you will do well because most NS people are 'not in your face' or 'pushy' type people and naturally make you feel at ease.

Preview
Re: The low-down on life in Nova Scotia please
Hi
We live in fall river 15 mins from the airport and 25 from halifax. I love it here sadly my hubby and daughter dont! my husband works for a company at the airport and really hates it. Mainly the union side of it which is nother but trouble and you have to be in it its not an option.
Meeting people is pretty easy just go for a walk most people will say hello and before long you will be chatting and have friends I kept meeting the same lady on my dog walk in the mornings before long i was have 15 mums and babies for "play dates".
But please please please do your home work ask all the questions you dont want to hear the answers to. :0)
NS can be expensive food,clothes etc I feel far more than the Uk and I know a lot of brits here and they all same.
We are now looking at are options one being going back to the Uk as we were money wise better off with job prospects etc.
But it is a wonderful place with many great people if you are shy dont worry as the nova scotians have no idea what that means. lol so they will soon help you settle...
If you want any info I will give you the Good the bad and the ugly x

Curves?
That sounds like a....um....er.......an establishment where....um....er dancing goes on.....with poles and ....um....

I think you will find its a fitness place. Not what you are thinking.

Thats naughty!!!! She would like to meet friends not pimps