Cape Breton is a North American island off the coast of North America that is part of the Nova Scotia province. The 10,311 km2 (3,981 sq mi) island has a lot of beautiful features and is home to some really amazing people. It is the 77th largest island in the world and the 18th largest island in Canada. The island is filled with beautiful history, culture, scenery and so much more.
There are some really great activities to participate in Cape Breton, whether you are just visiting or you plan to make it your home. Here are some pros and cons of living in Cape Breton.
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PROS
1. The Scenery is Amazing
Cape Breton is a beautiful place. The entire island is filled with beautiful tourist attractions that never cease to amaze and impress. The province is home to some beautiful mountains, hiking trails, parks, fishing villages, museums, and coastal scenery.
Many of the houses on the island are brightly painted and add to the charming scenery. This is one of the most beautiful aspects of Nova Scotia; you could visit a new town or area every weekend and be blown away by the sheer beauty even after years. You’ll never stop being amazed at the sheer amount of beauty all in one place.
2. The Unlimited Number of Fun Activities
Cape Breton is a place of living history, meaning it is packed full of a lifetime of adventure. There is always something new for you to see and explore. No matter what type of adventure or fun you are into, you will find a place and community for it here. There are outdoor adventures, coastal adventures, culinary activities, motorcycling, golf, and all kinds of beautiful festivals.
You will never get bored while living on this island.
3. Getting in and Getting Around is Easy
The island is a bit remote but is still quite accessible to the outside world. It can be reached by land, sea, and air. These transportation services are constantly available and will be absolutely smooth sailing.
Once you are on the island, there are many options for you to get around. There are taxi services, bus and shuttle services, and even car rental services on the island. Whatever transportation method is most appealing to you is readily available. Commuting is easy because there is very little traffic, even in the city.
4. Accommodation is Affordable and Beautiful
The land is affordable on this beautiful island. You can choose between large houses on the bras d’Or or other waterfront properties. Housing costs are modest compared to the rest of the country, particularly in rural locations where you may acquire acreage or even waterfront property for a fair price. To top it all, you can enjoy beautiful and diverse scenery at a cost that will not break your bank.
With a little effort, you can find a treasure of a home.
5. Quality and Affordable University Education
The island is home to Cape Breton University. The university serves over 5500 students; including students from all over the world. If you are coming to Cape Breton to live and possibly study, this is the right fit for you. They have various academic options in arts and social sciences, business, education and health, science and technology, and much more.
The active student population contributes to giving the island a healthy nightlife.
6. The People are Lovely and Friendly
The people of this island are generally friendly and welcoming. The island is filled mostly with people and large extended families who have their roots there. They have unmatchable knowledge of the area and are eager to share with new people.
They will say hello to you in the street and you can be guaranteed that if you have a problem of any kind (a flat tire or you need to borrow some sugar), someone will come to your aid.
7. Low Crime Rate
The island has one of the lowest crime rates in the area. Cape Breton crime rates are 31% lower than the national average, violent crimes are 19% lower than the national average, and in Cape Breton, you have a 1 in 31 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
While living in Cape Breton, you do not have to worry about the safety of you, your family, or your property. The island is safer than 63% of the cities in Canada.
CONS
1. Lower Income
Nova Scotia had the lowest minimum wage in the country until recently, at only $11 per hour. Only a few months ago, the local government agreed to increase this by 55 cents per hour; while this is a start, it is still insufficient, especially when residents across the province have protested and continue to protest, claiming that the minimum wage should be $15 per hour for them to survive.
It can feel like a slap in the face when you finally get a job and are forced to work for such a low income. While it is true that housing is less expensive, this does not mean that everything else is. The cost of groceries, fuel, utilities, and other necessities are comparable to or even slightly higher than in other parts of Canada, so the low cost of housing does not compensate for the bare minimum wage.
2. Higher Taxes
The people of Nova Scotia are suffering greater taxes as a result of the province’s unstable economy. The province can’t afford a tax cut, according to the government, because the quantity of taxes earned by firms in the area is too low.
Because there aren’t enough huge firms in Nova Scotia to provide the government with the tax revenue it requires, residents are taxed higher to compensate. As a result, when it comes to sales tax, property tax, and income tax, the province has some of the highest rates in the country.
Expect to pay significantly more than residents of some of Canada’s largest cities, and don’t expect it to go down any time soon, despite the numerous assurances from the government.