Canada is a widespread country with each province and territory possessing a unique way of living. If you’re planning to relocate when you retire, choosing a retirement destination in Canada can be an overwhelming task. But if you’re looking for an affordable place, that has beautiful scenery and offers a plethora of activities, Nova Scotia shouldn’t be overlooked. In this post, we will explore some of the best places in Nova Scotia to retire. From picturesque coastal towns to vibrant cities, there is something for everyone in this maritime province. Get ready to experience all that Nova Scotia has to offer!
Table of contents
Preparing for retirement
Overall, Canadians are pretty good about planning for retirement financially. Most start saving in their 20s and contribute more to their retirement fund as they progress in their careers and earn higher incomes. However, before you reach the standard age of retirement, 65, it can be helpful to take a step back and re-evaluate your finances. If you intend to retire early, you should also take a moment to re-evaluate your plan before moving forward. After all, what kind of lifestyle you can live in retirement is dependent on the wealth you’ve accumulated.
At a high level, there are a few factors to consider when preparing for retirement. First, you need to think about how much money you’ll need to support yourself. How often you want to travel, the cost of living and where you plan to live should all be considered. The qualitative aspects should be taken into consideration too, such as how close you want to be to amenities, medical care, friends and family. Another important factor to consider is where you want to retire. Some people choose to stay in their current home, while others prefer to move to a new location. The decision to move can be cost or lifestyle based. The logistics of a move is yet another factor to consider, especially if it’s between provinces.
Creating a retirement plan can seem daunting, but it’s important to take the time to do it. With a little bit of planning, you can ensure you’ll have a comfortable and enjoyable retirement.
Related Reading: Debt and Assets Rise Among Senior Canadian Families
How to choose a retirement location in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is a beautiful province with plenty to offer retirees. From stunning ocean views to quaint small towns, there’s no shortage of places to choose from when it comes to finding the best place to retire in Nova Scotia. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start, especially if you don’t already live in the province. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve put together a list of things to consider when choosing a retirement location in Nova Scotia.
Cost of living
Cost of living is one of the most important factors to consider. In general, urban areas tend to be more expensive than rural areas. Retirees who are on a fixed income may want to consider the small-town lifestyle to alleviate stress on finances.
One way to get a sense of the cost of living in different parts of the province is to use an online cost of living calculator. This can help you compare the cost of housing, food, transportation, and other essentials in different parts of Nova Scotia. You can also talk to friends and family who live in the province or consult with a real estate agent to get more information.
Not sure what your income in retirement will look like? Check out CPP vs OAS and CPP and Retirement Planning.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle refers to how you want to live in retirement. For instance, if you enjoy nature, you’ll want to be located near parks and trails. If you see friends and family regularly, you might want to be located a short commute away from your loved ones. And if you like to travel, you might want to be located near an airport. Just remember, how you choose to live feeds into your cost of living!
Geography and climate
Another important consideration is geography. If you love the outdoors, then you’ll want to choose a location with easy access to hiking trails, beaches, and other natural attractions. If you prefer a more urban environment, then you’ll want to choose a location with good public transportation nearby and plenty of amenities, perhaps a local retirement community you can get involved in.
Another important consideration is the climate. Nova Scotia has four distinct seasons, so if you enjoy winter sports or have health concerns that require a milder climate, then you’ll want to choose a location accordingly. In addition, Nova Scotia is surrounded by the Atlantic ocean. Not everyone is a lover of water, so that’s definitely something to consider!
Amenities
When people think about the best places to retire to, they often envision sunny days spent on the golf course or relaxing by the pool. However, for many seniors, the best retirement location is one that offers a wide range of amenities, activities and communities to keep them busy and engaged.
Nova Scotia is a popular retirement destination for seniors who are looking for an active lifestyle. The province offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, as well as cultural attractions, shopping, and dining. In addition, Nova Scotia has a number of top-rated retirement communities that offer a variety of amenities, such as fitness centres, swimming pools, and social clubs.
Public services
Proximity to public services is something of interest to retirees. Fortunately, the province offers a wide range of public services, from transportation and emergency health services to libraries and public parks. The use of public services is often free, or very reasonably priced, which is why it’s an important aspect for soon-to-be retirees to consider.
Access to healthcare services
As we age, the need for medical and healthcare services naturally increases. There are several hospitals and clinics throughout the province, but some areas are better serviced than others. If you have specific healthcare needs, you may want to choose a location that has easy access to medical care or a specific doctor.
In addition to hospitals and clinics, Nova Scotia also has many seniors’ residences that provide assisted living and long-term care. These residences are located in both urban and rural areas, so you can choose the location that best suits your needs.
Best Places to Retire in Nova Scotia
Now that you have a better understanding of what to look for in an ideal retirement destination, it’s time to assess the best options available in Nova Scotia. We’ve compiled a list of 10 optimal retirement locations in the maritime province, including their population, average housing prices, local attractions and more.
| Statistics | Nova Scotia |
| Total Population | 1,002,586 (2022) |
| Average Temperature | 20 °C (Summer) / -5 °C (Winter) |
| Average Home Price | $420,243 (2022) |
| Average Cost of Living | $2,700 (Single) / $6,700 (Family of 4) |
Bridgewater
This town is located in the stunning South Shore region and offers a variety of amenities for retirees, including a hospital, seniors’ centre, and several golf courses. There are also plenty of scenic walking trails and parks nearby.
- Population: 8,790 (2021)
- Average temperature: 18 °C (Aug) / -4 °C (Jan)
- Average house price: $282,981 (2022)
- Property tax rate: 1.75% (2022)
- Local attractions:
Kentville
Kentville is another great option for retirees, offering a small-town feel with all the necessary amenities. It is home to a hospital, seniors’ centre, library, and several parks and recreation facilities.
- Population: 6,630 (2021)
- Average temperature: 19 °C (Aug) / -5 °C (Jan)
- Average house price: $215,000 (2016)
- Property tax rate: 1.41% (2022)
- Local attractions:
Mahone Bay
Mahone Bay is a picturesque seaside town that is popular with retirees. It offers a relaxed lifestyle, beautiful scenery, and plenty of amenities for seniors, including a hospital, seniors’ centre, and library.
- Population: 1,064 (2021)
- Average temperature: 22 °C (Aug) / -3 °C (Jan)
- Average house price: $806,081 (2022)
- Property tax rate: 1.29% (2022)
- Local attractions:
Truro
Truro is a vibrant town located in the heart of Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. It offers a mix of urban and rural amenities, making it an ideal place to retire. It is home to a hospital, seniors’ centre, shopping mall, and several parks and recreation facilities.
- Population: 12,954 (2021)
- Average temperature: 18 °C (Aug) / -6 °C (Jan)
- Average house price: $174,900 (2016)
- Property tax rate: 1.90% (2022)
- Local attractions:
Yarmouth
Yarmouth is a lively port town located on Nova Scotia’s southwestern coast. It offers gorgeous views of the Bay of Fundy, along with all the necessary amenities for retirees, including a hospital, seniors’ centre, and library.
- Population: 6,829 (2021)
- Average temperature: 17 °C (Aug) / -2 °C (Jan)
- Average house price: $246,665 (2022)
- Property tax rate: 1.67% (2022)
- Local attractions:
Halifax
Halifax is Nova Scotia’s capital city and offers everything you would expect from a big city – great shopping, dining, arts and culture scene – along with plenty of green space and easy access to the ocean. It is also home to two hospitals, multiple seniors’ centres, and many other amenities.
- Population: 417,000 (2022)
- Average temperature: 19 °C (Aug) / -4 °C (Jan)
- Average house price: $576,401 (2022)
- Property tax rate: 1.189% (2022)
- Local attractions:
Lunenburg
Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is known for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant fishing industry. It offers picturesque views as well as all the necessary amenities for retirees such as hospitals, seniors’ centres, libraries, museums, and parks.
- Population: 2,396 (2021)
- Average temperature: 18 °C (Aug) / -3 °C (Jan)
- Average house price: $278,500 (2016)
- Property tax rate: 1.376% (2022)
- Local attractions:
Shelburne
Shelburne is another lovely town located on Nova Scotia’s South Shore region. It offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as all the necessary amenities for seniors living including hospitals, seniors’ centres, and libraries.
- Population: 1,644 (2021)
- Average temperature: 17 °C (Aug) / -3 °C (Jan)
- Average house price: $262,903 (2022)
- Property tax rate: 2.06% (2022)
- Local attractions:
Annapolis Royal
Annapolis Royal is steeped in history, with roots dating back to 1605. This charming town offers all the modern conveniences while still maintaining its old-world appeal. It is home to two hospitals, a seniors’ centre, and many heritage sites.
- Population: 530 (2021)
- Average temperature: 18 °C (Aug) / -4 °C (Jan)
- Average house price: $213,900 (2016)
- Property tax rate: 1.7% (2022)
- Local attractions:
Digby
Digby is Nova Scotia‘s seafood capital, offering fresh seafood caught right from its shores. In addition to great eats, retirees can enjoy stunning ocean views, a relaxed lifestyle, and all the necessary amenities, including hospitals, seniors’ centres, and libraries.
- Population: 2,001 (2021)
- Average temperature: 17 °C (Aug) / -4 °C (Jan)
- Average house price: $169,000 (2016)
- Property tax rate: 1.86% (2022)
- Local attractions:
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Check out the Best Places to Retire in Ontario and the Best Place to Retire in BC.
Key Takeaways
If you are looking for a place to retire that offers both an active and relaxed lifestyle, Nova Scotia is definitely worth considering. From the beautiful coastline and picturesque towns to the many opportunities for recreation and cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in this province.