by Phillip Townsend
If you're on a budget, tired of crowded beaches and packed hotels, love seafood, and have a 19th-century mindset, then Nova Scotia is for you.
Think New England, and vivid images come to mind: of lighthouses and fishing boats, charming coastal towns, lobster and crab, Victorian homes and rich history. It has always been an intriguing region, steeped in truth and in fiction by the novels of Stephen King. If you like New England, you'll love Nova Scotia, Canada's second smallest province.
Find Nova Scotia on a map — in the North Atlantic, east of the state of Maine — and "vacation hotspot" won't be the first thing that comes to mind. But don't let Nova Scotia's northern location fool. Summertime is comfortable and winters are milder and less snowy than in many northern states. Situated just two hours from New York City or Boston, Nova Scotia feels a world away...as if you've stepped back in time. Largely underdeveloped and rich in natural beauty, history and culture, this hidden has a lot to offer: pristine beaches, resort, spas, B&Bs and country inns, rustic lodges, world-class golf and whale watching.
Just picture England, Ireland or Scotland 100 years ago, and you get a idea of what Nova Scotia is like. Almost an island, it is best known for its picturesque coastline, sleepy fishing villages and friendly people. The province's gem is Cape Breton Island, an area deeply steeped in Scottish heritage. The island's breathtaking Cape Breton Highlands National Parkand the Bras d'Or Lake (pronounced "bra door") are popular with Canadian and foreign travelers alike.
Not only is Nova Scotia a prime tourist destination, but cheap real estate and a reasonable cost of living make it an attractive second home. 1-acre oceanfront lots sale for as little as $15,000, while a three-bedroom home on a few acres can be had for as little as $60,000. It's no wonder that Hollywood heavyweights such as Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore have snapped up summer homes here.
Considering its close proximity, not many Americans make it to Nova Scotia. Of those who do, few are disappointed.
Why not go see for yourself?
RESOURCES
If you go, stay at Stern's Mansion Victorian Bed & Breakfast. It's charming and conveniently located. See: www.sternsmansion.com
Nova Scotia's Best Private Guide
While a well-informed, open-minded guide can improve your trip by 100 percent, a bad one can completely ruin it. Mrs. Chiassaon is the kind of person you need at your side when traveling in Nova Scotia. She is one of the most competent tour guides in Nova Scotia. She is familiar with the entire province and offers guided tours tailored to your individual preferences and tastes. She may be contacted at: kjchiasson@eastlink.ca
About the Author
Phillip Townsend is the author of Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living and Retiring in Nova Scotia.
Sunday 15 June 2008
Sunday 1 June 2008
Nova Scotia: Cheap Living and Retirement in Canada's Hidden Paradise
by Phillip Townsend
A beautiful and inexpensive place in North America where oceanfront and lakeside lots can be had for as little as $10,000 (or a charming 3-bedroom home on several acres can be yours for under $50,000). Sound like a dream? It's not. This slice of Heaven does exist. Nestled in the North Atlantic on Canada's east coast, Nova Scotia is a little-known paradise steeped in Scottish, Irish and English history. For the potential expatriate or retiree, Nova Scotia has a lot to offer...cheap real estate, a low cost of living, unspoiled natural environment, friendly people and lifestyle opportunities to suit virtually every taste. Coastal property prices are among the lowest in North America and with the local government rolling out the red carpet to newcomers, it has the potential to become North America’s next great retirement haven.
Nova Scotia has long been a favorite escape for savvy Canadians and Europeans, yet few Americans live or retire in this secretive outpost. Why? Well, perhaps it's because Nova Scotia isn't a destination you stumble across by accident. Almost completely surrounded by water, it lies hidden between the Atlantic Ocean, the Bay of Fundy, the Northumberland Strait, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Canada’s second-smallest province (21,425 square miles), Nova Scotia is about half the size of Pennsylvania with a population of just under 1 million people. Its craggy 4,600-mile coastline is dotted with quaint fishing villages, lighthouses and working seaports. Over 3,800 islands lie off its shores (some are for sale); the largest being Cape Breton, which is nearly a quarter size of mainland Nova Scotia. Most of Nova Scotia’s population is concentrated along the coast. The largest city is the capital, Halifax, in which about 40% of the province’s population lives (much of the interior is heavily forested and sparsely populated). The area's most famous part-time residents are Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Roger Moore, and Alan Arkin, all of whom have summer homes here.
Live the Good Life...stress free
Nova Scotia is one of those places that can seduce you through its sheer natural beauty. The seemingly endless stretches of picturesque coastline, a lush green countryside, the beautiful colors of autumn, and the friendliness of its people, make it one of the most livable places in North America. Nova Scotia has a bit of something for everyone: old-world European architecture, everything is close to the water, New England-style charm, great restaurants and leisure opportunities, and slow-paced towns that haven't changed much since the 19th Century, where fishing and enjoying the outdoors is a way of life.
The climate is another plus. Summer temperatures range from the mid 60s to the low 80s, with the winters being much milder (with less snow) that you'd expect to see north of the border. Like the United States, Canada has a fully democratic system that respects individual rights and freedoms. In fact, Canada has some of the strictest personal and financial privacy laws in the world.
Compared with many places in the United States, Nova Scotia enjoys a low crime rate, with incidents of violent being remarkably low. Americans don't need a visa to spend up to 180 days as a tourist in Canada and non-citizens may buy property without restrictions.
Live the good life on less than $25,000 a year. Besides the fact that there's no such thing as a rat race in Nova Scotia, you can legally enjoy perks that are forbidden at home (such as being able to smoke genuine Cuban cigars). Its biggest asset is its cost of living. You’ll pay $12 a month for cable TV and $28 a month for home telephone service (or use a public payphone for just 20¢)...you can have fresh lobster, potato salad, coleslaw, bread, and mouthwatering dessert at a charming local restaurant for $17, and that includes a good bottle of local wine!
Affordable Real Estate
To give you an example of the costs in U.S. Dollars, here are some properties on offer right now (late May 2005):
• A beautiful private 1-acre lakefront lot (only 35 minutes from the capital) for only $10,500, and a 3/4-acre lot with ocean views: asking price: $14,500 (just an hour from the capital), both perfect places to build your dream home.
• A 4-bedroom home overlooking the harbor in a charming private neighborhood for $53,750.
• A 5-acre lot to build your dream home on in a new development right on the Atlantic Ocean neat several country clubs for $36,400.
• A newly-renovated ocean-view 4-bedroom home within walking distance of a golden sand beach and the local general store (and only a 10-minute drive from one of Canada's most picturesque historic towns) can be yours for only $105,000.
• A secluded, yet accessible 340-acre parcel of land that includes a lake on the property (your own private fishing and hunting reserve). The cost: $101,000.
• A fully-furnished bachelor apartment in the city for $500 a month, which all utilities, indoor parking, TV, microwave, bed linens, dishes and eating utensils. Only a 10-minute walk to the ferry.
These deals and many more make this little-known place worth investigating. Right now is the perfect time to get into Nova Scotia on the ground floor, before the mainstream media lets everyone in on the secret and prices begin to soar.
For more information about living, retiring and investing in Nova Scotia, visit: www.nsliving.info.
About the Author
Phillip Townsend is author of Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living and Retiring in Nova Scotia.
A beautiful and inexpensive place in North America where oceanfront and lakeside lots can be had for as little as $10,000 (or a charming 3-bedroom home on several acres can be yours for under $50,000). Sound like a dream? It's not. This slice of Heaven does exist. Nestled in the North Atlantic on Canada's east coast, Nova Scotia is a little-known paradise steeped in Scottish, Irish and English history. For the potential expatriate or retiree, Nova Scotia has a lot to offer...cheap real estate, a low cost of living, unspoiled natural environment, friendly people and lifestyle opportunities to suit virtually every taste. Coastal property prices are among the lowest in North America and with the local government rolling out the red carpet to newcomers, it has the potential to become North America’s next great retirement haven.
Nova Scotia has long been a favorite escape for savvy Canadians and Europeans, yet few Americans live or retire in this secretive outpost. Why? Well, perhaps it's because Nova Scotia isn't a destination you stumble across by accident. Almost completely surrounded by water, it lies hidden between the Atlantic Ocean, the Bay of Fundy, the Northumberland Strait, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Canada’s second-smallest province (21,425 square miles), Nova Scotia is about half the size of Pennsylvania with a population of just under 1 million people. Its craggy 4,600-mile coastline is dotted with quaint fishing villages, lighthouses and working seaports. Over 3,800 islands lie off its shores (some are for sale); the largest being Cape Breton, which is nearly a quarter size of mainland Nova Scotia. Most of Nova Scotia’s population is concentrated along the coast. The largest city is the capital, Halifax, in which about 40% of the province’s population lives (much of the interior is heavily forested and sparsely populated). The area's most famous part-time residents are Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Roger Moore, and Alan Arkin, all of whom have summer homes here.
Live the Good Life...stress free
Nova Scotia is one of those places that can seduce you through its sheer natural beauty. The seemingly endless stretches of picturesque coastline, a lush green countryside, the beautiful colors of autumn, and the friendliness of its people, make it one of the most livable places in North America. Nova Scotia has a bit of something for everyone: old-world European architecture, everything is close to the water, New England-style charm, great restaurants and leisure opportunities, and slow-paced towns that haven't changed much since the 19th Century, where fishing and enjoying the outdoors is a way of life.
The climate is another plus. Summer temperatures range from the mid 60s to the low 80s, with the winters being much milder (with less snow) that you'd expect to see north of the border. Like the United States, Canada has a fully democratic system that respects individual rights and freedoms. In fact, Canada has some of the strictest personal and financial privacy laws in the world.
Compared with many places in the United States, Nova Scotia enjoys a low crime rate, with incidents of violent being remarkably low. Americans don't need a visa to spend up to 180 days as a tourist in Canada and non-citizens may buy property without restrictions.
Live the good life on less than $25,000 a year. Besides the fact that there's no such thing as a rat race in Nova Scotia, you can legally enjoy perks that are forbidden at home (such as being able to smoke genuine Cuban cigars). Its biggest asset is its cost of living. You’ll pay $12 a month for cable TV and $28 a month for home telephone service (or use a public payphone for just 20¢)...you can have fresh lobster, potato salad, coleslaw, bread, and mouthwatering dessert at a charming local restaurant for $17, and that includes a good bottle of local wine!
Affordable Real Estate
To give you an example of the costs in U.S. Dollars, here are some properties on offer right now (late May 2005):
• A beautiful private 1-acre lakefront lot (only 35 minutes from the capital) for only $10,500, and a 3/4-acre lot with ocean views: asking price: $14,500 (just an hour from the capital), both perfect places to build your dream home.
• A 4-bedroom home overlooking the harbor in a charming private neighborhood for $53,750.
• A 5-acre lot to build your dream home on in a new development right on the Atlantic Ocean neat several country clubs for $36,400.
• A newly-renovated ocean-view 4-bedroom home within walking distance of a golden sand beach and the local general store (and only a 10-minute drive from one of Canada's most picturesque historic towns) can be yours for only $105,000.
• A secluded, yet accessible 340-acre parcel of land that includes a lake on the property (your own private fishing and hunting reserve). The cost: $101,000.
• A fully-furnished bachelor apartment in the city for $500 a month, which all utilities, indoor parking, TV, microwave, bed linens, dishes and eating utensils. Only a 10-minute walk to the ferry.
These deals and many more make this little-known place worth investigating. Right now is the perfect time to get into Nova Scotia on the ground floor, before the mainstream media lets everyone in on the secret and prices begin to soar.
For more information about living, retiring and investing in Nova Scotia, visit: www.nsliving.info.
About the Author
Phillip Townsend is author of Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living and Retiring in Nova Scotia.
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