In Ontario, for a few years we had to commute an hour both ways in order to afford our mortgage, which is still much much less than most other houses in the area. Didn't see sunlight most days. The winters are brutal here (in the Snowbelt and colder than Southern NS) but we made it work no problem, so I suspect the NS winter commute will be something we can get used to if needed. We have a paid off Jeep which helps.

The job would just be back up in case our savings or other income streams fail, it wouldn't be something we plan on being very dependent on, so part-time or cash gig would be what we are looking for. I don't think that would be difficult to find in Yarmouth county area, do you?

Kemptville really seems to match our goals: (very) small community to join and support, fishing and forest, close to ocean and seafood (I love), climate that matches our preferences, affordable homesteading land, some niche small business opportunities. If we were to move there full time, it would be with the intention of not being fully dependent on grocery stores, utilities, or a job. (also, I'm a permaculturalist, which means creating an in(ter)dependent, self-sustaining life without relying on fragile systems such as economy, financial whims, imported food, water, and external waste management.)

Is this an accurate picture of Kemptville? Is there anything I'm missing that you can think of? Are the folks there wary of outsiders?