That explains things, although, as most know about the construction trades, not everyone declares all their cash earnings on their tax return. I'm not saying this is the case, but it is probable.

I do appreciate the comments, good and bad, but this is one of a few threads I have started regarding life in Nova Scotia recently, and pretty much all the negative comments are from folk who are not actually in NS, and get their info second and third hand.
One positive I can take from your reply, Almost Canadian, is that your client was earning $9k and $5k, and is now earning $100k. The recession was at its worst 3 years ago, so for his situation to improve so dramatically, must mean that construction in NS is on the up.

With regards to the replies I have had, maybe I should expand the topic a bit.

So, is anyone who is living in Nova Scotia at present, regretting having moved there, and would move to another province if they could? Is your life in NS comfortable, or is it a constant struggle financially? Is it better, worse or the same as where you lived previously?

I am looking for opinions on all sides of living in NS, and, if it turns out to be the financial wasteland I'm led to believe it is, then I do have a plan B. I just need to hear it from the horses mouth.

We plan to go out there early next year to see for our selves, so in the meantime, I can only rely on the internet and personal opinions.

Again, thanks to everyone that has replied so far.

I don't know if this helps at all (it might be the same old same old), but might offer a few varying perspectives of people who have indeed made the move to Nova Scotia from other parts of Canada. They aren't British expats, mind you: http://www.topix.com/forum/ca/nova-s...CQD0HJ1S76S0M1

Lived here over 5 years and we love it, finding a decent tradesman can be a bit hard but for us we are living rural although both husband and myself are in reasonable good jobs. Find buying stuff is swings and roundabouts as some stuff cheap and other expensive

Thanks for the link, that certainly covers the whole spectrum of experiences of living in Nova Scotia, from both ends of the scale. Very interesting reading.

That is the kind of thing I was looking for, from people who have actually lived there. The comments from the folk born there and moved away are understandable though, I think the same about where I was brought up, and remember it mostly in a negative light. Which is why I left my home in the first place!
My memories of Scotland are no work, struggling to make a decent living, shit weather, crime, no prospects. Very similar to the comments from native NS'ers who have moved on.

Undutchables,

Hi,

I lived in Calgary then moved to Nova Scotia, for me and my family it was certainly the right move and best for us. (Please note though my wife works from home for a Calgary company and I "commute " from the uk at the moment due to work arrangements) so I can't inform you on employment matters.

I lived for 4 years in Calgary and have been a regular work visitor to the city for 20 odd years, however after about 3 years proberbly less I knew I had enough and it wasn't for me.

I disliked the long winters, regardless of the chinooks and blue skies, if the ground wasn't white it was yellow. My last day of snow was the 6th June one year. Whilst I loved the mountains and Banff I felt everything got very repetitive after awhile. I missed access to places and obviously the ocean.

I moved to NS, where I have found the weather to be far more agreeable, I even burnt my head last April, yet was cold in Calgary when I visited there the same month. I have found the summers long and hot, definitely four seasons rather than the two in Calgary.

NS has stunning beaches and coastline and it has a lot more access to what I class as days out and weekends away.

This summer I saw the tattoo, tall ships festival and buskers festival which I thoroughly enjoyed. I have also been whale watching, eagle spotting, lobster catching and sat on glorious deserted pure white beaches. We also visited Cape Breton for a long weekend.

People mention the taxes which I understand, but I own a fairly large house on a beautiful piece of land, surrounded by lakes etc and a quick drive to Halifax, something I could never find or own in Calgary, believe me we are a normal family and not rich or wealthy.

Lastly, the people and community feeling is brilliant, so friendly, down to earth and accommodating, perhaps set in their ways and perhaps not the adrenaline rush of other places but I think it adds to the charm and appeal. I read about crime and hear about it but have never seen it or experienced it, I very much doubt it is worse than Calgary.

At the end of the day it is down to choice, perception and what suits the individuals. For us moving to NS was definitely the right choice and we don't miss Calgary at all.

I hope that gives a more balanced view on the move for us.

Thank you, Lamin, your reply is exactly the type of info I was looking for!

Your thoughts on Calgary are pretty much the way we feel about the city. It is a great city, and we have enjoyed our time here, made good friends, but it's definitely time for a change!
The second year we were here was the year we got snow on the 6th June, I remember because I stayed home from work as it was too wet to seal the job I was working on! The winters are very wearing on me, as I work outside all year round. And, affordable housing is one of the main reasons for wanting to move.

How you describe NS is exactly how we envision our life there, we lived in the Channel Isles for a few years, and your description of the lifestyle sounds very similar to there. Just to be near the ocean is another big draw for us.
I am still working on the work side of things, but have had some good info and doing lots of research and making contacts, so making progress on that front. We don't expect to make our fortunes there, just want a contented, more relaxed life and be able to do our own thing. We find Calgary a bit of a rat race, all work, not much play.

We are glad to hear it was a good move for you, and you have helped to lift our spirits and show us it isn't as bad a place as most would have us believe.

Thanks again, we needed the thoughts of someone who has first hand experience of moving to, and living in NS, and not just what people have heard about the place.

Undutchables,

Glad I could help and that it also lifted your spirits. Our reasons sound similar so I would imagine it is the right move for you.

Interestingly, I see you live in Royal Oak, I lived in Tuscany at the time, nice etc but very blah blah blah. I found it very much a wooden suburbia, yes a mountain view etc but very bland and every time you closed your eyes a new estate was carved out, 500,000 dollar houses with a Walmart epicentre!!!!!!

6th June- yes I remember it as its D day and I was watching the veterans on the tv, wondering what in hell I was doing there, I also got fed up seeing the Royal wedding on tv, people sleeping in the mall, end of April and I was still shovelling snow, a road trip to Banff or Cochrane to raise my spirits!!!!!!

I now live in a house half the price, twice the size and in a lovely area. I knew it was always the right move particularly when I saw how many garden centres there are etc, I couldn't think of the need for one in Calgary.

Good luck with your decision, its not utopia and not every bodies choice, but its proberbly a far better fit!!!

Contact me if I can further help.