It’s been 10 years since I made my one-year “Just for Fun” move to the East Coast… and decided to make it permanent! Fresh out of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, I was working at a student favorite pub in Westdale, The Snooty Fox. I was a bartender armed with a Sociology degree and absolutely no plan. In the kitchen worked my friend Nick, a hilarious and charismatic guy from Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Nick could have been the unofficial spokesperson for the East Coast; his stories—told in his unmistakable accent—always painted such a vibrant picture of life back home.

That summer, we decided I’d drive Nick back to Lunenburg and take over his cousin’s basement apartment in Halifax, just across from Dalhousie University. Let me tell you, the apartment wasn’t much to write home about (the mattress left behind for me had seen things), but the location couldn’t have been better. Over the next few years, I fully embraced life in Halifax’s South End—enjoying the parks and working at some of the city’s most iconic bars: Durty Nelly’s, The Alehouse, Maxwell’s Plum, and The Lower Deck.

It was through these jobs that I fell in love with the city. I was amazed at how quickly and easily I made friends. People here are so warm, kind, and generous. Halifax feels like the biggest small town you’ll ever visit—a place where community truly matters.

Interestingly enough, some of the nicest people I met were REALTORS. (Fun fact: REALTORS love eating out!) Seeing how much fun they were having and hearing their stories got me thinking: How could I combine my love for hospitality, connecting with people, and this amazing city into a career?

Fast forward to today: I’ve been a licensed REALTOR in Nova Scotia for five years, helping families from Ontario make the same big move I did. One thing I’ve noticed is that many families know they want to live in Nova Scotia but haven’t quite nailed down the exact location. While there are plenty of affordable homes here, choosing a remote area without fully considering what’s nearby can sometimes make the adjustment harder than expected.

Here are three locations as an Ontarian turned Maritimer I would consider living in aside from Halifax:

  1. Wolfville – This vibrant little town is a gem! Picture Nova Scotia’s version of Niagara… minus the falls and casinos (trust me, you won’t miss them). Wineries, breweries, Acadia University, botanical gardens, and local farmers' markets make it a lively and charming place with all the amenities you could need.
  2. Hubbards – A quintessential beach town and cottage country paradise! With its white sand beaches, live music, fresh seafood, and the famous Shore Club, Hubbards has an undeniable coastal charm. Bonus: It’s only 40 minutes from Halifax.
  3. Lunenburg or Mahone Bay – These postcard-perfect towns are the image many people conjure when they think of Nova Scotia. With their historic, brightly colored homes, quaint shops, and an unmatched sense of community, it’s no wonder they’re so beloved. They’d rank even higher on my list if they weren’t a bit farther from Halifax (I am an avid Mall Shopper..)—especially in winter.

Are you thinking about making the move to Nova Scotia? Let’s chat about finding the perfect location for you before you make your purchase. Whether it’s Halifax or one of these charming towns, We would love to help you find a place you’ll fall in love with, just like I did.