Hi, coming over to Nova Scotia on a research trip in May - staying near to Halifax but will be travelling up to Truro and New Glasgow to have a look round as well. Have 2 young children so schools will be important - know it will come down to personal preference but does anyone have any feedback in relation to whether Truro or New Glasgow would be the better place to move to?
In relation to anyone living in Truro or New Glasgow what would you say the major benefits have been? Are there any drawbacks that you have found??

Are there a lot of ex pats out there?

Thanks Rob

We have lived in New Glasgow for just over 3 years now and really like this area. The people are very friendly and it's very community spirited here. We have made lots of good friends and felt like we fitted in right away. We have a few lovely beaches here too, my favourite being Melmerby which is only 10 minutes drive away. It's a 1.5 hour drive to Halifax.

We have one soccer mad son aged 15 at High School and my older son (19) is up in St Johns, Newfoundland at Memorial University "having a blast". Mr Cookie and I both love our jobs so life is good.

New Glasgow has a river running through the middle and is hilly on either side. Mostly individual style houses (lots of Cape Cod style) - it's rare to find two identical houses in the same street. Population is around 10,000 but this rises to around 20,000 if you include the towns of Stellarton, Westville and Trenton which are joined on.

Here are some websites to check out:

Melmerby Beach
http://www.pictoucounty.com/
http://www.newglasgow.ca/
http://www.raceontheriver.com/
[url]http://www.jubilee.ns.ca/[/frl]
http://www.ccrsb.ednet.ns.ca/?q=node/2 - NS school boards. Pictou County is Chignecto region.
New indoor and outdoor soccer facilities - http://sobeysportscomplex.ca/

Hi Rob,

We're in a similar position although haven't firmed up a recce trip to Nova Scotia yet (likely to be towards the end of summer). We're going down the Spousal Sponsorshiop route (my wife is Canadian) and are keen on NS as that is where her Mum is originally from. In-Laws are now in Fredericton though.

There are quite a few topics regarding this - use the 'Search' function in order to find them and you'll spend ages reading them - I have done! As others have suggested, the only real way to get a feel for the place is to visit. Tastes differ but it's always good to hear from people who are already there, especially with young children re schools etc. Also will depend on whether you want a 'big' town feel or would prefer to be more remote and travel for shops, schools etc. I've been recommended Fall River amongst others and I'm pretty sure you'll find ex-pats all over NS!!

Good luck with it all. I'd be interested in hearing about your trip. Please feel free to PM should you wish.

Cheers,
Chobert

Hi Thanks for that. Will let you know how we get on. Are going to have a good look around the Halifax area generally and am meeting up with Mike and Orla Wilson from UK2NovaScotia and have made an appointment with realtors who they have recommended who are taking us around areas. Have heard that Fall River is a really nice area as well but also looking around areas such as hammonds plains. Think Fall River is 30-40 minute drive in rush hour to Halifax which may not be too much fun in the winter! My other half is a nurse who will work shifts so we have to take that into account.
This is one of the reasons why we are looking at Truro - more affordable housing which is within reach of bigger centres like Halifax and Moncton - think has good schools as well. Looks like more affordable housing in what appears to be nice areas close to Truro itself - be good not to have a long commute!
Am keeping a totally open mind though because we may well come across a place we had never thought of - part of the excitement really.
Anyway, let me know how you get on as well - would be interested to hear.

Thanks Rob