The Call of Fall River

So, you are looking to move to Nova Scotia, but you don’t really know the lay of the land very well. You’ve heard of Halifax, Dartmouth, and perhaps a couple of other places, but that’s about it? No fear. There are a few great areas in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) that may not have been on your radar but make wonderful places to live.

Let’s talk about Fall River. Named after a stream that ran between Miller Lake and Lake Thomas that had a small waterfall, this is a wonderful suburban area in the HRM. Fall River has coffee shops, restaurants, and an excellent high school (shout out to Lakeview Secondary – in my opinion one of the best high schools in the HRM). French Immersion education is also available. This town is appearing on people’s radars, so the housing prices are not as cheap as they were pre-COVID, but you can still score some impressive deals. Lots tend to be larger here in part because Fall River is usually on well water and septic tanks. Perhaps a bit daunting for some city folk, but really not that difficult to adjust to.

There is a wonderful Rec Centre (Gordon R. Snow Community Centre) which has programming for everyone from young children to seniors. https://www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/programs- activities/recreation-centres-your-community/gordon-r-snow-community. There is also a skateboard park in Fall River. Of course, no town would be complete without a strip mall where one can get groceries at Sobeys, pick up prescriptions at Shoppers ’Drug, visit Tim Hortons and the like. But there are also cafes for those latte lovers.

Several lakes are found in the area for kayaking, swimming, boating, paddling, and jet skiing. Those loving water sports can take full advantage or noting the size of most lots, you can easily put in an in-ground pool (if your property does not already have one). For those preferring dry land, there are several really nice walking trails. One is never far from nature in Fall River. Golf is quite popular in the area with both the Ashburn and Oakfield golf clubs nearby.

For those thinking they need to live in Halifax or Dartmouth, it is an easy 20 – 30-minute commute along picturesque highway for people working in those cities. Don’t be surprised to see bald eagles in the trees or deer grazing by the shoulder. Living in Fall River, you can enjoy the larger lots and privacy of the suburbs but still work in the city. Both Halifax and Dartmouth are close enough for you to visit for dinner, a show, or an event in the evenings. As an added bonus, if you live in Fall River you are roughly 15 minutes from Halifax’s Stanfield International Airport. Fall River is mostly a car dependent community although it is possible to bike to many places and there is the Metro X bus which can take you to downtown Halifax. Do note there is a limited schedule for it.

Homes are generally detached and as previously stated, on large lots. At this time homes are usually well over 2000 sq ft and range from the mid $600k to well over 1 million dollars for larger homes, depending on size and location. A random sampling of what is presently on the market shows modern well-appointed homes of 2400 sq ft plus in more established areas for roughly $650k and homes 3000sf plus in the $800k range. Waterfront properties will be more expensive.

All in all, Fall River is a safe family-oriented community with a short commute to Halifax and Dartmouth so is well worth taking a look at.