Moving to Nova Scotia

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Specializes in ED, L+D,.

Hi, I was wondering if anyone out there is able to help me.

I'm considering a move to Nova Scotia with my family - is Halifax a good area to raise children? What areas of Halifax are worth looking at, and have good schools?

Any help would be appreciated!

Many thanks

Bec

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Halifax is where a lot of people live. I live about 2 hours away from Halifax and love it where I live. Schools can vary. Where abouts are you now?

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Specializes in ER.

I lived in Halifax for 6 years, and loved it.

The violence is increasing, but it was pretty low to start with. I don't have children so can't speak about the schools.

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When you say violence are you talking organized drugs/gangs or little old ladies being randomly mugged in the mall parking lot?

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Specializes in ED, L+D,.

Hi Silverdragon - I'm currently in Australia working in ED. I've been speaking with a recruiter who said that they have current positions available in both Ontario and Nova Scotia. I know that recruiters are going to make any place they're trying to recruit to sound appealing, which is why I thought I might get more of an idea from people who actually know the place!

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I would pin them down about WHERE in Ontario they have jobs. Posters here are saying full time jobs in the urban areas are few and far between. Ontario is a huge province that has more than the greater Toronto area.

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Specializes in ED, L+D,.

Thanks Fiona - I have asked for an idea of where, so I'm still waiting for a reply on that one. I don't want to end up accepting a job in some tiny middle of nowhere hospital where we're miles away from any other signs of life! LOL I don't think my children would forgive me for that!

Becky

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Specializes in Psych - Mental Health.

Hi

I may be able to help. As others have said, it matters where you are looking to work. I live in Ottawa now (in Ontario but 5 hours drive away from Toronto, 15 hours from Halifax). I grew up down east - mostly in Nova Scotia. I took my nursing at Dalhousie University in Halifax and my Mom was there until she died just a few years ago.

Nova Scotia is called Canada's Ocean Playground. It is among the most beautiful places on earth and the people of Nova Scotia are among the friendliest in the world, bar none!!! :redbeathe Much of the province is rural or small towns. Lots of spots for camping, swimming (ocean & lakes), hiking, fishing, skating, curling, skiing (cross-country mostly but some downhill - though the mountains are just hills compared to the Rockies :o). Lots of music with a Celtic influence, especially in Cape Breton. Lots of artisans, handicrafts & antiquing. Strong Scottish & Acadian French influences in the culture among others.

Halifax-Dartmouth (two cities separated by the Harbour but now amalgamated with several smaller towns) is a nice size city with all of the amenities. It is the cultural hub for the east coast and has museums, theaters, concerts, etc. There is a large military base (mostly naval & Coast Guard). It is a very busy sea port - the main one in eastern Canada. There are 4 major universities and several large teaching hospitals. The Grace Maternity Hospital (Women's Health & Maternity) is one of the best in the world and the IWK Children's Hospital is also world-class. With all of that, it is not too big, has lots of green space. Lots of recreational facilities. Sydney is the next largest city in NS. It is in Cape Breton about 5 hours drive from Halifax.

Generally we have an excellent education system in Canada but it does vary slightly from place to place and province to province. Lots of good schools, though.

In any urban area there are areas of low-income housing, and higher crime rates but, of course, it is all relative. Lowest violent crime rates are in Ontario & Quebec but the Maritimes (Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick & Nova Scotia) is lower than out west and the north. Canada has less violent crime by far than the States. There are pockets of drug-related crimes, biker gangs, etc. But, I have always lived in the city (though not right downtown) and to this day we only lock our doors at night going to sleep and there are very few areas where I would hesitate to walk alone in Ottawa or Halifax.

If you know the areas where the jobs are, I could probably help you more. :nurse:

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Specializes in ED, L+D,.

Thanks so much for your reply Batgirl - thats been really helpful!

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Specializes in Long Term Care/Mental Health.

I currently Nurse in Halifax and love it. Halifax is a good mix of city living with alot of natural beauty. With parks, and trails for walking, and beaches for swiming and surfing. Theres a famers market q saturday, theres a good availability of organics if that is your lifestyle. We are an earth friendly city as well so thats nice. I do enjoy living here for sure! Hope this helps even a little.

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I have just returned from a year in small town Nova Scotia. If there is any advice I can give you it would be to stick to the Halifax area.

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Specializes in ED, L+D,.

Thanks LTC lady - always good to hear something positive after making such a big decision to move to the other side of the world!

One question I'm hoping you can help me with - we've been looking at apartments to rent when we get there, and have noticed that in some, the rent includes heating and electricity. What would the average cost for a family be for heating and electricity each month (ie, is this a better option to have it included!)

Thanks for your help

Bec

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