Hi all, we are new to the forum and we are looking to emigrate to Nova Scotia, and we are have a recci trip planned for april/may next year, we would like to be within an hour commutable distance or less of Halifax. Could anyone share any advice on the surrounding areas, we are looking for somewhere that is semi rural but not completely isolated as we would like to get a house with some land. Any pointers/advice would be very welcome. Does anyone plan any get togethers around the area? Many thanks.

There's a large expat community in NS, and there's a few meet ups throughout the year (BBQ in the park, bonfire night, etc).

Unless you're looking for a LOT of land (eg/ over 10 acres), you can find somewhere semi rural within about 25/30 mins of downtown Halifax. We have 3.5 acres, but can be downtown in under 30 minutes.

Fall River is an area that has a disproportionate number of expats, so much so that it's been nicknamed Little Britain. Hammonds Plains, Upper Tantallon, Stewiacke are all other areas that have their fair share of Brits.

Hope this helps, but any other questions, feel free to ask.

Hi
Many thanks for your answer.
It will be good to get involved with the establisehd expats alongside the local communities in which we are hoping to settle.
We are reading as any of the previous post on the surrounding area thats helping a great deal along with the wikis.
We will probably rent to begin with, although we are planning a reci trip
early next year, have you dealt with any local realtors you could recommend.

Realtors sell houses, whereas you're looking for a letting agent (I can recommend a realtor too though if you like).
Here are a few:
http://www.halifaxqualityhomes.com/
http://www.letsrent.ca/
http://www.thepadpicker.com/

Kijiji is also a good source.

@Jericho thanks for the links that would be great please if you could also recommend a realtor as we will be able to look at some properties whilst we are over. Many thanks again for your replies

Good luck with your research, if you are on Facebook, theres a friendly group called BEs of Nova Scotia. Theres also one thats apparently "official", I dont know much about that one, but can vouch for the other

Thanks @HoweFamily I have joined one of the FBs sites do not know if its the official one off to check and find the other one. Where abouts are you in NS?

We are near to Elmsdale - junction 8 off the 102

I live in Middle Sackville its a great area to live in, a 25 min commute to Halifax we are close to Springfield Lake for the summer. we even have a Tim Hortons now!!

Here are a few pictures of our house.

@Howefamily, going to check on my Huge new map to see where abouts you are
@Allycat231 Pictures of house and garden look great, also going to check out your location, will get to know some of these areas soon

Jericho, out of curiosity, what's the price range of something like that (above)?

The land was around $60,000, but it we paid to have a house built on it too.

Eastern Shore is worth a look too.

Porters Lake is just 15-20 minutes from Dartmouth, 30 for Halifax but has the sea & wonderful beaches, beautiful lakes & great trails all within minutes!

Thanks Jericho. Beautiful house allycat.

I second that, Porters Lake is stunning!