Experience Quintessential Coastal Living in Nova Scotia and On Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island | Olga Leonetti

Canada’s extensive coastline offers breathtaking vistas and diverse landscapes. Let’s take a look at what makes coastal living in Nova Scotia and on Prince Edward Island so extraordinary. 

Esteemed Reputations

Nova Scotia holds a rich agricultural heritage, renowned for its apples, fish, lobster, and blueberries. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Bay of Fundy, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the province features some of the world’s highest tides. 

Just three hours away, Prince Edward Island, known as “Canada’s Food Island,” offers a diverse range of culinary offerings, from delectable seafood and farm-to-table fare to international cuisine. Although it is the nation’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island is home to vast red-sand cliffs and leagues of sandy beaches. 

Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia | Tim Foster

What Residents Love

Residents of Nova Scotia enjoy a high quality of life with affordable living costs. Also, accessible public transit, shuttle services, and rideshare options make transportation a breeze. The province offers a fantastic culinary scene, national parks, museums, and historic landmarks as well. 

Similarly, Prince Edward Island has a lower cost of living compared to Canada’s national average. The job market is promising, thanks to a rising labor force and more opportunities in key sectors such as healthcare, social assistance, transportation, and warehousing industries. And with charming art galleries, scenic beaches, and quaint shops, life on the island is always engaging.

Exciting Upcoming Events

Nova Scotia features a dynamic lineup of highly anticipated events, including the Cabot Trail Relay Race in May, the Halifax Greek Fest in June, and Nova Multifest 2024 in July. 

Prince Edward Island offers its own unique slate of events, including the East Coast Music Awards: Festival and Conference in May, PEI Setting Day Culinary Festival, also in May, and the Cavendish Beach Music Festival in July. 

Top Residential Communities

Halifax, Queens County, and Lunenburg stand out among Nova Scotia’s best places to live. Halifax, the capital city, is a lively urban atmosphere with historic charm. Queens County comprises pristine beaches and enchanting villages, while Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a picturesque waterfront and iconic architecture. 

On Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Murray River, and Kensington are terrific places to call home. Charlottetown, the capital city of PEI, has an extensive history, vibrant culture, and pristine waterfront. Its prominent industries include education, commerce, and government. Murray River is a tranquil rural community presenting a peaceful lifestyle with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Kensington also stands out with a quaint downtown area and atmosphere. 

Charlottetown, PEI | Junior Jacques

Real Estate Market Insights

Nova Scotia’s real estate scene is on the rise, witnessing a 10.2% increase in home sales from March 2023 to March 2024. The Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® reports increased home listings over the past year, with a benchmark price just over $396,000 for single-family homes in March 2024. 

The Prince Edward Island Real Estate Association reported a 19.2% rise in residential sales and a 14.8% increase in new listings for February this year. With a reasonably balanced market, the MLS HPI benchmark price sits at just over $340,000 for a single-family home. 

Halifax, NS | Hans Toom