Hey everyone,

I've been posting a few things here recently, just doing some research about certain areas in Canada, as I'm completely over living in Ontario, its just not for me, and before I leave Canada I would like to explore somewhere new!! And I'm so grateful for the tips/advice etc so far, thanks everyone.

Now I'm down to two choices of location...its always scary to move, especially when you are on your own!!

So, here are my choices along with a few pros/cons

Nova Scotia:
+ House prices are low - very low! I could live almost mortgage free which then means I can have more of a life and get out more.
+ Close to the ocean
+ Amazing scenery
+ I'm not fussy with where I work, and it seems jobs are available
- Min wage is lower than most provinces
+ People sound as if they are extremely friendly and welcoming


Calgary:
+ Close to the Rockies
+ Combination of city/country life
- House prices would cause me to struggle on my own (need to find a rich man to live there )
+ Work is easy to come by if you're not fussy
- Hard to find a place to rent with a dog (I have a bullmastiff so I cant exactly hide her either!!)
+ Young population, lots to see and do

Can anyone argue any good or bad points for either location? Suggestions also welcome

Can't comment on anywhere other than Calgary.
My husband and I have both lived here since the New Year (we're 29 & 30) and we love it.
It has everything we need- plenty of places to eat and drink- some quirky cool neighbourhoods. Lots of green spaces within the city. An hours drive to the Rockies- we like kananaskis- so it's close enough to go for the evening after work or for the day.
We arrived in the cold thick snowy weather but found it didn't stop us doing anything and despite temps of -30 it's a dry cold so you just wrap up and off you go. I love the free ice skating around the city (assuming you have your own skates). This summer has been much hotter than usual - today has highs of 32 degrees and the high twenties, low 30's hasn't been that uncommon this summer. While we've absolutely loved that (having come from the north east of England) we know it isn't normally like this- mid twenties in the summer is more the norm.
Prices- for us we are finding rentals are pretty much the same as what we paid in the UK (though we did live in a fairly affluent seaside village) but that's including when you cost in heating and electricity as well- our rental house here is bigger. I have a few friends who rent with dogs/cats and have never had issues. A lot of places, even condos and things seem happy to accept pets.
My husband came here to begin a post-doctorate position and I just came on a OTWP, but I got several job offers within 2 months of being here and now work a job I love for a decent salary.

We had 2 friends come from the UK in July, they stayed with us for a while, we did a road trip around Alberta, they then went to Vancouver to stay with friends and then Seattle, then back to us to fly home. They said they preferred Calgary- said they liked how clean it was and how despot eit being a large city there was greenery everywhere and it's set up well if you like to walk places or cycle.

Overall- we enjoy life here. It suits us and the things we like to do (husband mountain bikes), we like to hike and we love wildlife spotting, going out for dinner etc etc.

I can't speak for anywhere else unfortunately. Just how we're finding things in Calgary. :-) Good luck!

Once you have work, Calgary is great.

It is remote being 200 miles to the nearest metropolis, but the city is big enough to have almost everything you may need. If push comes to shove, you can drive to Vancouver and the sea in 10 to 12 hours.

Have lived in NS and AB so can comment:
Good NS
* Cheap housing but gasoline is more expensive.
* Halifax - decently sized city with good shopping & amenities (even Ikea is finally going there!)
Bad NS
* Lots of work, true, but mostly semi/un-skilled service sector work at close to min wage of $10.50/hr. Lots of 'grunt' work but few professional opportunities.
* Emphasis on credentialism at work and mistrust of outsiders (those 'from Away').

Good AB
* Wide, wide open spaces (even if no ocean; lotsa lakes)
* More $; more culture; more sports; more events.
* Work is about merit - can you do what you say you can? Show me.
Bad AB
* As rural as NS - big city folk live in Calgary & Edmonton; elsewhere is boonies and bush.
* Fires
* Erm....

I love reading your posts about Calgary, that's where we're heading and it's nice to read how much you guys are enjoying it

Definitely professional opportunities in NS but you have to be qualified to have a chance, what are you looking for?

This just made me want to move there tomorrow!! Thank you

Thats a great help, definitely great to hear from people who have lived in both, I understand its all down to personal preference at the end of the day, but it always helps to hear other peoples opinions, thanks

I've mainly worked in customer service - not exactly professional though currently working as a receptionist in a vet clinic.

You will find opportunity here in customer service for sure.

Do you speak French? If so they'll be lining up to offer you a job...

No...unfortunately I speak more Swahili than French!!! Hahaha

Je, mvua katika Nova Scotia kama vile unavyofikiri


(from google translate)

So I think I might have decided.....but this could change!!

I think I should choose NS, I love it in Alberta, but its a bit risky for me, I'm 35, single, I would be looking to buy a house quickly (having a bullmastiff tends to scare off a lot of renting possibilities), selling my house in Brantford would mean I could buy a decent one outright in NS, and then I would only have to pay bills etc and then I'd be able to save easily for vacations, reno's etc.

Living in Calgary, I could get a house, but I'd then have a big mortgage, which would restrict my social life and ability to get out and explore.

Currently, I have a cheap mortgage and a decent wage, but I just live in a crappy area at the moment, everyone in Canada know Brantford is a crappy place to live!! Hahaha

Am I making the right decision?!! I hate making decisions!!

I understand the frustrations of such a decision!! I've lived in NS and now live in Hamilton. NS is lovely and can be perfect. Just make sure you chose the right area.