Planning to move to Halifax? 

One interesting fact that a lot of people don’t know is that Halifax is the capital of the province of Nova Scotia in Canada; it even happens to be the largest municipality in Nova Scotia, with a population of just over 440,000 people living within the metropolitan area.

Halifax provides a great opportunity for the urbanites to escape from the hustle and bustle of larger cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

Before making a move, consider the pros and cons of moving to Halifax. 

From the breathtaking views in Peggy’s Cove to beautiful sceneries such as mountain ranges in Cape Breton Highlands, there are many things to love about Nova Scotia and some amazing adventures that will make it hard to leave.

However, with all the bright and positive things, there are some downsides to living in any city, including unpredictable weather, limited public transportation, and many more.

In this blog, we will discuss in detail the advantages and disadvantages of moving to Halifax so that you can make an informed decision whether to relocate to this city or not.  

Some Interesting Facts About Halifax

Halifax Waterfront is One of The Longest Boardwalks

Halifax Waterfront Is One Of The Longest Boardwalks

The Halifax Waterfront is one of the longest boardwalks, coming in approximately at 4 KMs long. 

With beautiful harbor views and continuous port activities, you’ll never run out of things to do on the waterfront.

Go on a date, grab a coffee, and enjoy the beautiful and vibrant energy around the harbor.

Halifax is Closer To Dublin, Ireland Than Victoria, BC

Halifax To Dublin, Ireland

One of the interesting facts about Halifax is that the city is closer to Dublin, Ireland, than it is to Victoria, BC. 

Ireland is 4169 km away from Halifax, and just one stretch away across the Atlantic Ocean. If you head west, Victoria, BC, would be at 5805 km.

Unfortunately, there are no ferry services to Dublin; you need to take a flight. (but what’s the harm in dreaming).

Peggy Cove is One of The Most Photographed Lighthouses In The World

Peggy's Cove

Speaking about the famous Maritime Landmarks, Peggy Cove tops the list.

You must be surprised to know that Peggy Cove is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.

It has colorful houses perched along a narrow bay. It is just a 45-minute drive from the city of Halifax. 

 Halifax Has a Strong Connection With Titanic Disaster

Titanic Grave Site

When the Titanic got stuck in the Iceberg on April 14, 1912, that was 700 nautical miles east of Halifax.

Not many people know that there is a Titanic museum at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Around 150 Titanic victims were buried in three Halifax cemeteries.

One gravestone is very heartwarming as it is of a mom with her four kids.

Citadel Hill is One of The Most Visited National Historic Sites 

Citadel Hill

Citadel Hill is one of the famous landmarks of Halifax, and it is no surprise that it is one of the most visited historical sites in Canada.

This site has been a part of Halifax’s landscape since the early 1800s and is now a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. 

If you haven’t visited Halifax, consider this a heads-up that a cannon goes off every day at noon! The gun fires at noon from the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site have been a local tradition since 1857. 

So the next time you are caught off-guard by the noon cannon, don’t be embarrassed; there are locals who still get surprised when they see one. 

Halifax Rents Point Pleasant From The British Government

Halifax Rents Point Pleasant

If you are planning to move to Halifax, you would definitely want to visit Point Pleasant Park.

This 77-hectare wooded park is famous for its oceanfront views and lush green forests, just 2.5 km from Downtown.

It has beautiful wide trails and paths, which are wheelchair accessible.

So, if you want to unwind after work, this is the perfect spot for you.

Located on Halifax’s Peninsula’s southern tip, the land where Point Pleasant is situated has been rented from the British Government for one shilling a year (less than 10 cents) and has a 999-year lease. (Talk about cheap rent!) 

People Call Residents of Halifax ‘Haligonians’

Yes, you read that right. People from Halifax are called Haligonians.

The term “Haligonian” reflects the city’s rich maritime history and pride, and you’ll often hear it used by locals themselves.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Moving to Halifax

There are several advantages of moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Compared to the larger and more urban parts of the world, Halifax has a great balance of city life.

The residents here enjoy the best of both worlds and lead simple lives. 

From the beautiful McNabs Island to scenic nature, provincial parks, and lakes, you can find it all here.

For those who prefer a slow-paced lifestyle, Halifax is the place for you.

But just like every city, Halifax has some drawbacks, too.

For people who prefer a fast-paced lifestyle, high-paying jobs, and vibrant city life, this city may be boring for you. 

But don’t worry; we are here to discuss the pros and cons of living in Halifax, NS, so that you can make the right choice for you and your family. 

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Great Educational Institutions Bad Traffic
Thriving Job Market Winters Can Be Tough
Low Cost of Living Limited Direct Flights
The City Has Friendly People Lower Wages
Low Crime Rate Taxes are Higher

Advantages of Moving to Halifax

If you are moving to Halifax, NS, you’ll have plenty of things to do in the city.

People living here are one of a kind. 

They tend to be very welcoming and friendly.

Here, you can find a great work-life balance, stunning landscapes, coastal views, and opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. 

Here are a few pros you can expect if you are planning to relocate to Halifax:

1. Great Educational Institutions 

If you’re a family who is planning to move to Halifax, the first thing that will come to your mind is, Are there good educational institutions for my kids or future kids? Don’t worry; you’re making the right choice here.

Halifax is considered as Canada’s smart city. 

Numerous notable educational institutions, including St. Mary’s University, University of King’s College, Mount St. Vincent University, and Dalhousie University, are located in Halifax. 

If you are seeking more affordable higher education options, Halifax offers college-level education at its local campus of the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), with various diploma and certificate programs designed to prepare students for the professional world. 

2. Halifax Thriving Job Market

Halifax is the economic center of Nova Scotia, so if you are planning to move to the city for good employment opportunities, then Halifax can provide you with job options in different fields. 

It might not have as many options as Toronto, but with a growing economy and a low unemployment rate, it is an ideal place for fresh graduates and individuals seeking job opportunities in the fields of tech, finance, and the government sector.  

This city is home to renowned employers, including  Maritime, the Department of National Defense, and the Halifax Shipyard.

Maritime also has steady employment growth because of its international trade agreements with Canada and overseas countries.

3. Living in Halifax is Pretty Affordable

The cost of living in Halifax is pretty affordable compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver.

The average monthly cost of living in Halifax is $2,445.37, including rent, utilities, food, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. 

To live comfortably in Halifax, the annual income of a single person should be around $3813 monthly. However, for a family of four, the amount should be categorized according to other expenses, such as childcare, bigger houses, more food, and utility costs, which would roughly be around $6,937 

What’s really great about the real estate market in Halifax is that it’s affordable, which means it’s much cheaper than other Canadian cities. As per numbeo, the rent in Halifax is, on average, 19.7% lower than in Toronto. 

To give you an estimate, we have mentioned the approximate rental prices as per the area and the type of bedrooms. 

Area Neighbourhood One-Bedroom Two-Bedroom Three-Bedroom
In The City Center $2,047-$2200 $2300-$2600 $2650-$2945
Outside the City Center $1475-$1885 $1900-$2195 $2450-$2530

Note that these are rough figures; rental prices may vary depending on various factors, including location, size, and quality. 

4. The City Has Friendly People

Haligonians are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet in Canada, so much so that Halifax has been ranked as one of the friendliest cities in the world. 

When you run into a group of people walking down the street, everyone waves and smiles at you, even if they don’t know you. 

What’s better than that? Do it in Toronto, and people will consider you crazy.

Everyone thinks about the environment they are stepping into when moving to a new city.

We all want what is best for our families and kids, and it’s important to choose a healthy neighborhood where your kids are raised around generous and kind people.

5. Low Crime Rate

Although Halifax is a big city with a large population, the crime rate is surprisingly low—9% lower than the national average.

It is also among the top 15 safest cities in Canada

The streets are well-lit, and there are buses and trains running till midnight.

The main offense that takes place in Halifax is stealing stop signs and street signs or university students drinking underage. 

Disadvantages of Moving to Halifax

Enough of the good things; let’s talk about the not-so-pleasant stuff now. Every city has its good or bad side. 

No matter how much we want to run away from reality, it’s essential to face it so that we make an informed decision when we are about to start our lives fresh in a new city. 

Here are a few cons you can expect if you are planning to relocate to Halifax:

1. Bad Traffic

Halifax traffic can be pretty bad, especially during the rush hour.

The city’s roads haven’t been fully constructed, which leads to longer drives.

If you ask a Halgonian (who has lived in the city their entire life and doesn’t travel much) about Halifax traffic, they will probably say it sucks. 

Of course, the traffic is not as bad as what we have in Toronto and Montreal, but it can be at its worst because of the constant construction, roads, and potholes. 

2. Winters Can Be Tough

Winters can be harsh in Halifax, with lots of snowstorms and below-freezing temperatures.

The stormiest regions of Nova Scotia include Yarmouth, Halifax, and Cape Breton. 

Here, the weather can suddenly change from day to day.

One day, you’ll experience heavy rainfall, then the next moment, you’ll experience strong winds followed by cyclones. 

Don’t be surprised if you see your car covered by snow on a Sunday night, only to be washed away by heavy rainfall the next day. 

When storms hit this area, they usually close down schools or shut businesses entirely.

It would be a little difficult for you to adjust to this city if you are moving from a milder climate. 

3. Limited Direct Flights

Living in Halifax can have several advantages, but it can be hard to travel from this city. 

For instance, if you are planning a vacation in Europe, you can rarely find direct flights to any European country. 

Some airline companies have recently started launching direct flights to international destinations, but you still have to take a connecting flight to Toronto or Vancouver, which can be less convenient and more expensive.

The train ride is even worse if you want to travel from Halifax to Ontario. Be prepared to pay the same as you’ll pay for a flight with a few more extra hours. 

4. Lower Wages

Halifax’s minimum wage is lower than that of many cities in Canada.

The minimum wage in Nova Scotia is $15.20 per hour. 

The lower cost of living has encouraged many employers to pay less to their employees.

This is also because there are quite a few entry-level jobs compared to executive roles. 

In Halifax, the living wage rate for a couple (with two kids) working full time (35 hours a week) is now $28.30, up from $26.50 last year. 

“So not only is it that half earn less than living (wage). We have a whole third earning $20 or less. So many people are really struggling,” Saulnier, the director of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-Nova Scotia (CCPA-NS), said.

5. Taxes are Higher

Canada has three types of sales tax that vary by province.

Nova Scotia has HST, which is about 15%. That applies to purchases of goods and services. 

Property taxes are even higher in Halifax than in other provinces. 

The good thing is that the housing costs aren’t as crazy as in many major cities, so you’ll definitely save money on housing.

Are You Planning To Move To Halifax?

Are you planning to relocate to Halifax? That’s a great choice.

The city is known for its stunning parks, beautiful shorelines, and countless outdoor activities.

Whether you’re into kayaking, hiking, or simply relaxing on peaceful beaches, Halifax has something for everyone.

But while the idea of moving is exciting, the actual planning can feel overwhelming.

One major decision you’ll face is whether to choose DIY moving vs. hiring a professional moving company.

Here’s a friendly tip for you: You might have a lot to take care of when thinking about relocating, so delegate the stressful part to local movers and let them do the heavy lifting for you while you focus on planning the interior of your new home.

Professional movers are trained and well-equipped to pack your valuables and fragile items safely.

They’re familiar with the area and can ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

If you’re downsizing or need extra space, many moving companies also offer temporary, 24×7 climate-controlled storage solutions to safely store any items you can’t immediately transport to your new home. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re still wondering whether you should relocate to Halifax or not, then understand that moving to a new place is not an easy decision.

List down the pros and cons of moving to Halifax and see what weighs more.

In the end, the decision depends on what meets your long-term goals. 

Halifax is famous for its beautiful sceneries and outdoor activities.

For those of you who prefer a quiet and safe neighborhood for your family, it can be the best place for you to live.

You might earn more in another province, but you’ll have a great work-life balance here.

However, it may be boring for those who are always on their toes and like hustle and bustle culture.

It will take some time to settle down and adjust to the new city. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Halifax, Nova Scotia a good place to live?

Halifax, Nova Scotia, is often considered a great place to live.

This city offers a high quality of life with a blend of urban amenities and coastal charm.

It offers a relaxed lifestyle suitable for those trying to find a work-life balance and looking to spend some quality time with their family after work. 

2. Is it safe to walk at night in Halifax?

Halifax Downtown at night is relatively safe. Of course, it is always recommended that you take necessary precautions: keep your wallets safe, don’t drink and roam around the city, be cautious when walking on the streets, and keep your drinks close to you when at a bar. 

3. Is it better to live in Toronto or Halifax?

Toronto and Halifax are two very different cities.

Toronto is known for its numerous job opportunities, high cost of living, good nightlife, variety of restaurants and cultural activities.

On the other hand, Halifax is famous for its friendly neighborhood, more outdoor activities, low cost of living, and fresher seafood, so it depends upon your preference in which city you would like to live. 

4. Can I live in Halifax without a car?

You can live in Halifax without a car, but your options would be limited.

The buses can usually be slow or crowded, and taking a cab can be expensive.

If you are planning to explore out of the city, it would be difficult to do so without your own vehicle. 

5. Is Nova Scotia safe to live in?

Yes, Nova Scotia is a safe place to live.

The crime rate here is lower than the national average, and not only that, but Halifax also comes on the list of the top 15 safest cities in Canada.

So, if you are planning to move with your family here, rest assured they will be safe here.