u/Fun_Studio8414

Anyone have any experience/thoughts/opinions they want to share on Aylesford? We’re in the Valley and looking at buying a house there but honestly haven’t really had a reason to go Aylesford. I mean, I’ve driven through…I think. Probably just driven past on our way to Greenwood, actually. I know the fires were really bad last year. That’s about it, honestly.

My experience with small towns is…mixed. And Aylesford is even smaller than the town I grew up in! I’m wondering how it would be for raising (neurodivergent) kids. I loved the safety and community feel of the town I grew up in, but at least there was a nice little downtown and library to walk to. Even then I was so anxious to get out and see the world.

I don’t know. We have a chance to get a house which would be great, but I don’t know about the area for a family, especially the school. We love the one we’re in now, but we can’t afford a house here.

So, thoughts? How much a house in Aylesford vs idk, Centreville, matter? Anyone who grew up there or with older kids maybe that wants to chime in and offer some advice?

(In case it comes up, as far as shopping goes, I don’t go into Kentville or New Minas a ton for things anyway, but feels like that might change as the kids get older and they want to do different activities?)

I’m about to put an offer in on a house that needs some updates, but I’ve always been a renter and there’s a lot I don’t know! I need some help with deciding if an offer is worth it.

1). It’s on oil heat, that’s definitely concerning for cost but all the rebates for heat pumps or switching from oil are gone at this point. The up front cost of heat pumps looks…expensive. So does the future price of oil though. Plus NSP rate hikes. Is it still actually worth getting off oil?

2). It’s on a sandpoint well. All the other homes in this area I’ve seen are too, so it may be the only option? I’ve just been in apartments with municipal water, is this a big red flag? Last summer was rough for a lot of people with wells. I’m worried about running out of water! Any other potential problems to be aware of? I’d definitely get a well inspection.

3). A generator. I think I would need one if I was on a well. But what kind? Portable? Whole house?

4). Solar. Considering NSP’s rate hikes, do I consider solar if I did heat pumps? Even without the rebates and Greener Homes Loan options?

Everything is expensive as is. Renting. Electricity. Oil. Etc, etc. I’m trying to figure out what will have the best chance of long term success and financial stability. Besides leaving NS ha

Any information and suggestions are welcome!

My wife has been looking for a really long (mid calf) waterproof and windproof raincoat and I found them! She prefers local or ethically made where possible.

I’d love to shop local (ish) for Mother’s Day but I can’t really find any reviews or anything and it’s quite an expensive purchase! She’s a buy it once wear it for years person though. I know Mernini is another Canadian brand but I think those are made in China and I think Fairechild is actually made in Dartmouth! Has anyone here tried them? How is the quality? Any thoughts or experiences?

Also, any high quality, comfortable, made in Canada rainboots?!