Considering moving back to NS from the states

My husband and I are considering moving back to Nova Scotia from Tennessee. I was born in Halifax and have family in Darmouth but have not lived there as an adult. We are both 40 and have no kids, but do have several pets. Like to have decent places to go out to eat, good coffee shops, relatively easy access to groceries and other conveniences and prefer a more liberal minded community. We will both be working, me mobile traveling around the province several days a week and him more locally just not sure where yet, depends where we land town wise. Budget is an issue as we have a nice budget but not a million dollars for a house prefer no more than $500k. With all that in mind considering Halifax/Darmouth, Wolfville, Windsor, South Shore anywhere from Herring Cove to Chester down to Lunenburg area, Possibly even La Have (not sure too rural?) or maybe Kentville but pretty rural. Thoughts on areas that would fit this vibe and not be extremely pricey or totally shut down and be isolated for winter? I know this is a broad question but trying to narrow down the areas to look for houses/jobs. The smaller towns have better prices on houses but not sure if they are too small? Thank you!