Do I need a 4 wheel drive in Halifax?
 

We would like to relocate to Halifax,NS. Can you please advice if we need a 4wd in the winter there? We are not going to the country side, and will be in Halifax/Bedford all the time. Is there a use for the 4WD?

Not really. My adult daughter actually rides her bike 80% of the time. Where are you locating from?

The streets are plowed after every snowfall. Put snow tires on your car. You do not "need" a 4 wheel drive in Halifax/Bedford. But then again, I do not "need" 4wd where I live (near Toronto) but I have 4wd. So, it's up to you.

Where do you live & when are you moving to Halifax/Bedford?

We are in Florida now. Will arrive to Halifax within months

10-12 months.

That's exciting. So, if you move in 10 months you will be in Halifax/Bedford around mid-Feb, 2012. You can buy your snow tires then. Are you buying a new car when you get to NS?

If you move in 12 months (i.e., mid April 2012) you will not need your snow tires until the Fall. I always have my "snows" put on by Nov 1.

Ocean- theyd be nuts to wait to buy a car when they move with the exchange and great car deals in Florida!

Halifax is a great vibrant city. Im sure you will love it there. The weather is a little temperate than other areas of Nova Scotia because of its location. You will find it more wet and windy in winter than bitterly cold.

So, do you think it's better to buy a car in FL before moving? Anyway, with the customes and taxes, it will be almost same price as buying a local car,,,,
How much is the insurance for an SUV in NS?
A Kia sorento for example...

I wld buy it when I get to NS. I like to buy my cars where they will be serviced.

Sorry, I can't help w/ your insurance question.

that is crazy advice oceanbreeze.

100% buy the car in florida. you can get it serviced at any one of 15 reputable places in halifax when you get there.

if you're interested in a sorento (i'd recommend 4wd for what its worth), you'd save 25% or so by buying the car in the US and driving it up (or having it shipped).

not only are cars way cheaper in the US, the C$ is currently at about $1.05 so if you've been earning US$ lately you'll have the exchange rate working against you.

for insurance, i'd expect (depending on the model of sorento) that you'd be able to budget about $200 per month or less. depending on your driving record of course.

enjoy the move, halifax is a great town!

JMWF,It may be "crazy" to you but you don't have to insult me.
It's my opinion. You shd respect that.

Thank you both. By the way, I've seen online that Bedford west is developing and there are many new communities being advertised there. New single family homes are being offered for 250k-270k.
Is it a nice place to live? Can you recommend other affordable areas in Halifax, with good schools ( not franch ones) within a price range of less than 300k?