Moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia? Here’s Why It’s a Great Place to Live

Why Are So Many People Moving to Halifax?

I don’t know many people who move to Halifax and don’t love their new life. We really are so lucky to live in such a beautiful city, with so much to do and surrounded by so many great people. Halifax has a great balance of City life – just enough but not too much. Compared to that of larger, more urban parts of the world, our lifestyle is relaxed and simple. We enjoy the best of both worlds and if you are looking to get out of the rat race and start again, Halifax, Nova Scotia may be just what you are looking for.

Unless you have spent a fair amount of time in Halifax, you have probably fallen victim to at least one of the many misconceptions about living here. For example, there’s nothing going on east of Toronto, or that it snows all the time in Nova Scotia. We felt the same way back when we were conducting all our research on where we should move to.

My family and I have been living in Halifax, Nova Scotia for the past 18 years, but have travelled a lot, to other parts of Canada as well as growing up outside of Manchester, England and living in Cardiff, South Wales for many years.

In my opinion, living in Halifax, Nova Scotia is a wonderful escape from the costant hustle culture and can provide a very good standard of living.

Semi-Boring Facts about Halifax, Nova Scotia:

Population (Halifax): 480,582 (July 2022)
Population (Nova Scotia): 1,076,374 (July 2024)
Unemployment rate in Halifax: 5% (January 2025)
Median Home Price (Halifax): $637,722 (February 2025)
Median Home Price (Nova Scotia): $449,312 (January 2025)
Median Household Income (Nova Scotia): $71,500 (2021 Census)
Average Salary in Halifax: $55,000 (2.8% lower than the Canadian Average)
Average Commute Time: 23 minutes (Halifax Partnership)

Also be sure to check out the affordability of Halifax homes here. You’ll see that compared to most other major cities, buying a home in Halifax is still slightly cheaper although it is not as affordable as it once was and our cost of living is much higher too. Bear this in mind if and when you are thinking of moving to Halifax. You can find comparisons of the housing market in Canada’s largest cities here

This is also a good research tool to help you get a feel for the home prices across Canada.

Top 8 Reasons why You Should Consider Moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia

1. Halifax is Very Friendly

Haligonians are such a welcoming bunch, so much so that Halifax has been ranked one of the friendliest cities in the world by luxury and lifestyle travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler and believe me when I say it’s true.

When the majority of people you run into on a daily basis are friendly, courteous and happy, we call that “a clue.” If moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia was a mistake, would everyone be so nice and friendly all the time? It takes a bit of getting used to at first, but you’ll soon come to love it and when you travel outside of Nova Scotia, you’ll realise just how special the people in it are.

We all want the best for our kids, and the environment in which we chose to raise our children matters a great deal. By moving to Halifax and raising our three kids in this city, I knew they would grow up around other kids raised by great, happy and generous people. And that is quite special.

2. Halifax Traffic is Pretty Mild

Halifax traffic is by no means utopian, but compared to Montreal, Ottawa, or any other mid sized City our traffic situation is pretty mild. If you ask a Halifax resident (who has lived here their entire life and doesn’t travel much) about Halifax traffic, they’ll probably say it sucks. But they lack perspective. Sure, it’s not perfect, but we’re a decent size city with a rapidly growing population.

Of course we do have traffic and traffic jams and bottlenecks, but have you ever driven in other cities like Montreal, Boston, Miami, Manchester or Cardiff? Traffic there is OUTRAGEOUS!

When you consider how bad traffic is in many other parts of the country, we have it pretty good here in Halifax. Sure, it’s not perfect, and there are constant issues—especially when the weather turns iffy and people forget how to drive—but in general, traffic here is fairly manageable. If you’re moving to Halifax, you’ll be happy to know that we have two ferry services: The Alderney Ferry crosses from Alderney Landing in downtown Dartmouth to Halifax, and the Woodside Ferry crosses from Woodside to Halifax. Both locations have Park & Ride lots, and the ferry service is accessible, integrated with the bus service, and a fairly enjoyable way to travel into the city each day.

If you’re moving to Halifax, you’ll notice that even at its worst, Halifax traffic is manageable—though the roads, potholes, constant construction, and distracted drivers can make traveling less fun.

A large body of water with a city in the background

Description automatically generated — Source: @whitroy on IG

3. Living in Halifax is (fairly)affordable

I’m not going to lie, living in Halifax expensive and you will need a decent salary to really enjoy and appreciate it!

The one thing Halifax has going for it in bucket loads is the quality of life and world class experiences you can have on your doorstep. In a matter of minutes, you can be out in the woods hiking, fishing, hunting and enjoying your own personal wilderness.

f you’re thinking about moving to Halifax, keep in mind that the price of homes for sale has soared over the past several years. More people being able to work from home, meant a lot more people moved into our beautiful City during the pandemic thus pushing house prices up. That being said, it is still possible to find a starter home in a decent part of Halifax for under $500,000. Renting, on the other hand, is skyrocketing in price and is on a par with big city living. With more immigration to Nova Scotia and Halifax in particular, affordable rental units are few and far between, causing a huge headache for anyone looking to move here on a budget. Halifax landed 20th on a recent list for the most expensive city in Canada with a one-bedroom apartment costing $1,863 per month and a two-bedroom costing $2,259 per month. Back in July 2019, the average rent for a one bed apartment was $910.

Utilities can also be expensive, especially as there is not a lot of competition from providers, but food costs are on a par with the rest of the country, especially if you shop locally. This guide will give you an idea of the cost of living in Halifax.

Canada is now the 12th most expensive country to live in the world, according to Expatistan 2025. There’s no way to sugar coat the fact that the cost of living in Halifax has risen dramatically these past two years. A family of four estimated monthly costs are $5238 without rent (Numbeo Feb 2025). Our food costs are some of the highest in the country and our median income, some of the lowest. To put our cost of living in perspective, Halifax ranks 25th out of 153 Cities in Canada (livingcost.org.) Here’s some interesting reading to give you an overview of cost and quality of life here.

Whether you are searching for a condo in downtown Halifax, a home in Bedford or a lakefront community in Indigo Shores, you’ll quickly find that homes are priced relatively reasonably for the sought after work life balance and overall quality of life you can have on the east coast of Canada. Here’s where Halifax ranks in the best cities to live in Canada. The KEY part to moving to Halifax and living comfortably here is finding a decent paying job.

(ps. if you love the bustling chaos of city life, you might want to consider moving to Halifax – its relaxed pace of life can take a bit of getting used to but it definitely is becoming more cosmopolitan as it grows and develops).

Bustling Halifax Waterfront: Source @mywaterfrontns on IG

4. We have Great Restaurants (and patios) in Halifax

When we first moved to Halifax 18 years ago, I remember my wife saying how Halifax felt very much like Cardiff when she was growing up – a city on the brink of a growth and cultural explosion. And I think she was right. It appears our little gem of a city is garnering attention and growing at a rapid pace. If you’re considering moving to Halifax, you’ll quickly discover that this city is on the rise and offers an incredible blend of opportunities and experiences.

Over the last five years, a whole slew of great restaurants have popped up in and around Halifax. Truth is, no matter what part of town you’re in, you’re never far from your next “best meal ever!” From great local burger joints to formal sit-down dining options, you will find exactly what your taste buds are craving any time of day. If you’re moving to Halifax, as a “foodie,” you’ll love what Halifax has to offer. The culinary scene here is diverse, vibrant, and growing every year, making Halifax an exciting place to call home.

I’ll spare you from a giant list of all our great restaurants in Halifax, Nova Scotia, but here’s a VERY juicy list of some of our personal favourites that are so good that it would be a crime to not mention them. If you’re moving to Halifax, you’ll want to experience these spots!

The Canteen– Downtown Dartmouth
The Bicycle Thief – Halifax Waterfront
Drift – Halifax Waterfront
Bar Sofia – Halifax Waterfront
Water Polo – Halifax Waterfront
Salt and Ash Beach House – Halifax
Darya – Halifax waterfront
EDNA – Halifax
Fawn – Halifax
The Press Gang – Halifax
Agricola Street Brasserie – Halifax
The Fourth Lock – Fall River
Black Sheep Restaurant – Halifax
Sea Smoke Resturant – Halifax waterfront
The Five Fisherman – Halifax
Lot Six Bar & Restaurant – Halifax
Le Bistro by Liz – Halifax
Kyo Ramen and Bar – Halifax
Two Doors Down– Dartmouth
Chabba Thai – Various locations
The Wooden Monkey – Two locations, Halifax and Dartmouth
Chop Steakhouse – Halifax
The Press Gang – Halifax
Eliot and Vine – Halifax
Tribute– Halifax Lower Water Street
Cafe Lunette – Halifax

I have even more to tell you about, so if you want more recommendations for restaurants in Halifax, please just ask!

5. Halifax Weather

As someone who has been living in Halifax for over 18 years, I can say that the weather in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is pretty decent and never gets boring. We have four very distinct seasons here (albeit an extended Winter season and a very short Spring season). I have grown to love each season for what it is, and when the seasons start to change, it’s exciting. However, that being said, the weather is not as predictable as it once was. If you’re moving to Halifax, you’ll quickly learn to appreciate the variety each season brings, but also how it can be a bit unpredictable.

This year, so far, has been a strange one weather-wise. We didn’t really get snow until mid-December (we had a white Christmas, which was beautiful!). January and February have been long and brutal by Nova Scotia standards. We have had very cold temperatures, with lots of snow and ice. The past few winters have been pretty decent, so I guess this could be the effects of an El Niño winter. If you’re moving to Halifax, it’s important to know that while the weather can be a bit challenging at times, the city’s stunning natural beauty and the charm of each season make it all worth it.

Winter wonderland. Source @shoreknitr on IG

Our winters in Halifax are fairly moderate due to our coastal location and tend not to be too cold. While it does snow here, you can also occasionally see the sun during winter, which is a definite plus. Winter usually starts with a sneaky blizzard mid-November to early December, which often takes people by surprise and sends them rushing to get snow tires. However, we don’t usually get any real snow until January, and even then, it’s not unusual to have bare grass for periods throughout the winter. If you’re moving to Halifax, it’s good to be prepared for this unpredictable start to the season.

There are aspects of Halifax’s winter that can make it seem colder, though. It’s more of a damp cold than a dry cold. The increased precipitation from December through to March, with heavy snowfall, heavy rain, and the infamous cyclonic ocean storms (nor’easters), along with strong winds, can rapidly change the weather from day to day. It’s not unusual for a huge dump of snow to arrive on a Monday, only to be washed away by torrential rain on Wednesday. 😊 If you’re moving to Halifax, be ready for a winter that’s constantly keeping you on your toes!

It makes for a very interesting winter, but at least you can get out and enjoy it without freezing to death. We’ve spent time in both Calgary and Quebec City during the winter, and we’ve never felt cold like it. Sorry to say, I just couldn’t live in such a cold climate! But when you’re moving to Halifax, you’ll find that while the weather can be unpredictable, it’s not too extreme.

If you love Spring, you may be dismayed by our Spring here in Halifax. Winter does linger because the cold ocean can take months to warm up, often keeping things cool and damp well into early May. But when Spring hits, it’s beautiful and leads very quickly into summer. Our summers are warm (but rarely hot and humid), and Fall is long, sunny, and mild. So, if you’re moving to Halifax, be prepared to experience a unique blend of seasons throughout the year!

Extremes of weather do not happen all that often in Halifax, Nova Scotia but climate change definitely helps to play a part in the increased risk of flooding, particularly for those living near the water.

While these extreme weather events are rare, they are something to keep in mind when considering moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Hurricane Juan was a category 2 hurricane that hit Halifax in 2003, destroying 100 million trees, killing 5 people and caused nearly $100 million dollars in damages. Hurricane Fiona, which hit Nova Scotia in September 2022 was the costliest extreme weather event ever recorded in Atlantic Canada, with an estimated $600 million in damages. And, Nova Scotians are recovering from wildfires in Halifax and Shelburne that occurred in Spring 2023. For anyone moving to Halifax, these are important considerations when it comes to the potential impact of weather.

July is the hottest month in Halifax with an average temperature of 19°C( 65°F) (but feels much warmer) and the coldest is January at –6°C ( 22°F ) with the most daily sunshine hours at 9 in July. The wettest month is November with an average of 100mm of rain. If you’re moving to Halifax, you’ll experience the full range of weather and seasons, which makes the city’s climate a unique and interesting aspect to consider.

A screenshot of a cell phone

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6. Halifax Crime Rate is Low

If you want a safe place to raise your family, then moving to Halifax is a wise move. Halifax, Nova Scotia is known for its clean downtown streets and friendly people, making it a great vacation destination for tourists as well as a great place to call home. If you’re considering moving to Halifax, you’ll find a welcoming and tight-knit community that values safety and a high quality of life.

For the vast majority of our city, crime is quite low and rare. However, like all other major cities, there are some areas to avoid in Halifax. As a general rule of thumb, the area of Gottingen Street and adjacent streets towards the McDonald bridge (not the other way though as the area around Scotia Square in downtown is totally fine) is a bit of an up and coming area. Many good restaurants and bars have moved into this area and it is becoming more popular but it has a reputation as being a bit rough. Downtown Dartmouth was once considered sketchy, but if you’re moving to Halifax, you’ll see that it has transformed in recent years with upscale restaurants, brewpubs, and trendy cafes. You can find out how Halifax compares to other Canadian cities in terms of crime rate here

There are always certain parts of town that are less safe, but that’s true no matter where you live. The general feeling among residents here is that Halifax crime is minimal.

As a father and husband, and having three children in the suburbs within Halifax, Nova Scotia, I can honestly say that in general, I feel very safe here. We’ve been able to offer our children the sort of neighbourhood experience that you’d associate with growing up in the 1970’s or 80’s. If you’re moving to Halifax, you’ll appreciate the strong sense of community, where children grow up with the same friends from daycare to school, summer camps, and extracurricular activities like soccer and dance. It’s a truly special experience.

If you’re moving to Halifax and want to ask about specific neighbourhoods that are safer than others, please feel free reach out. I’d be more than happy to share my local knowledge and experience with you.

7. Halifax, Nova Scotia Schools

If you’re considering moving to Halifax, you’ll obviously want to think about the schools your kids, or future kids, will be attending. Halifax has an educated population and is considered as Canada’s Smart City. It is also home to one of the largest concentrations of universities and best educated workforces in North America.

Dalhousie University, Halifax – Source: @dalhousieu on IG

Nova Scotia has several major universities and colleges (10 universities and 13 community college campuses throughout the province) some of which are known nationally for specific programs. A couple of the well-known universities include Dalhousie University in the downtown core of Halifax and Acadia, located in beautiful Wolfville in the Annapolis Valley. You can check the rankings of Nova Scotia Universities here if you are researching schools before moving to Halifax.

Elementary schools can be rather tricky to rank objectively. Surprisingly, there does not appear to be a ranking system in place measuring the best and worst Halifax public schools. However, if you’re moving to Halifax with children, you can review provincial assessment testing conducted in Grades 3 and 6, which should be available on the school’s website or by contacting the Halifax Regional Centre for Education for more clarity.

There are eight school districts in Nova Scotia, and two of them are in Halifax:

Halifax Regional Centre for Education – English School District

Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial – French School District

If you’re considering moving to Halifax and want more details on the education system, you may find the blog post I put together on Nova Scotia school systems quite helpful. You can access it here.

8. Lifestyle

When you want to escape city or suburban life for an afternoon, moving to Halifax means you’ll have countless outdoor recreation options right at your doorstep. For winter activities, you have two ski hills nearby that offer great opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. Ski Martock, just 45 minutes from our home, is a smaller but well-maintained ski hill, making it ideal for a quick evening session after work or school. If you’re moving to Halifax and love winter sports, having a ski hill this close is a huge perk.

Wentworth, on the other hand, is a much larger ski hill with varied terrain and longer runs, offering a more challenging experience. While it’s about 90 minutes from the city, the extra drive is well worth it for those who want a full day of skiing. Both Martock and Wentworth have excellent beginner-friendly areas, making them great options for families or those new to skiing. If you’re considering moving to Halifax, you’ll love the easy access to outdoor adventures all year round.

There are lots of great hills for tobogganing and sledding—assuming we have a snowy winter! 😉 If you’re moving to Halifax, you’ll love the outdoor lifestyle and family-friendly activities available year-round. Here’s a link to some of the best sledding hills in the City. The Oval in downtown Halifax is a popular facility offering ice skating in winter and in-line skating and biking in the summer.

If you’re moving to Halifax and love nature, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, is home to breathtaking scenery, tons of green space, lakes, hiking trails, wilderness, clean air, ocean breezes, and incredible beaches. Yes, the water is freezing year-round, but if you’re moving to Halifax, you’ll quickly learn that heading to the north shore offers some of the warmest waters in Canada. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures or simply want to take in the natural beauty, moving to Halifax means embracing an incredible coastal lifestyle.

There are lots of great road trips only an hour away from Halifax, like the Annapolis Valley and Lunenburg. Nova Scotia is an adventurer’s province and a great road trip destination, with so many unique towns and villages with history, culture and scenery.

Our vineyards are making some world-class wines, and if you’re moving to Halifax, a trip through wine country is a must. From scenic wineries to seasonal family-friendly activities like corn mazes, u-picks, and sunflower farms, there’s always something to enjoy. Halifax is also home to affordable, high-quality sports entertainment, with teams like the Mooseheads (hockey), the Hurricanes (basketball), the Thunderbirds (lacrosse), and the Wanderers (Canadian Premier Soccer League) bringing excitement to the city. While we don’t have a CFL team yet, discussions continue about the Atlantic Schooners, which could bring pro football to the region.

There are tons of restaurants, wine bars, cocktail bars, pubs, live music, a casino, an axe throwing bar, wine and beer and cider festivals, a yearly jazz festival and so much more and… plus our craft brewing scene is fierce!

Final Thoughts on
Moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia

If you’re moving to Halifax, you’ll quickly discover that this city offers a fantastic lifestyle balance.

With its perfect size, breathtaking scenery, and close proximity to the ocean, Halifax is a great place to live, work, and play. Unlike larger Canadian cities, we enjoy a more moderate climate and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re looking for craft breweries, live music, top-tier restaurants, or exciting festivals, there’s always something happening.

If quality of life and escaping the hustle culture matter to you, moving to Halifax could be the best decision for you and your family.

Have more questions? Feel free to reach out—I’d love to help you make the move!

If you’re seriously thinking about moving to Halifax, or just have a few more questions before deciding, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions about the Halifax area.

Still have questions about a potential move to Halifax, Nova Scotia?

You can get in touch with me [email protected] or shoot me a text at 902 489-1804. I have lived here for quite a while, moving to Halifax from the UK and definitely know a thing or two about starting again in a new City.

I can provide you with whatever information you’re looking for, or at the very least, point you in the direction of where to find it.

MORE HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA RESOURCES:

If you’re thinking about moving to Halifax, you’re in for an exciting journey. Whether it’s finding the right neighbourhood, exploring local schools, or understanding the job market, there are many resources available to make your transition smooth. From the best places to live in Halifax to tips on settling in and adjusting to life in Nova Scotia, we have you covered. Be sure to check out all of the helpful guides and local insights to assist with your move to Halifax.

As someone who has lived in Halifax for years, I can tell you it’s an amazing place to call home. So if you’re considering moving to Halifax or simply want to learn more, feel free to reach out for personalized advice and up-to-date information:

Richard Payne, REALTOR®

About the Author:

The above article on Moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia? So Many Excellent Reasons Why You Should was written and provided by Richard Payne, an award winning leader in the field of Real Estate sales, marketing, and smart home technology with eXp Realty of Canada inc.

You can contact Richard by email at richard@richardpayne, via his website at http://www.richardpayne.ca or by phone at 902 489-1804.

Richard has helped many people relocating to Halifax, Nova Scotia, assisting them in buying their first Halifax home in great neighbourhoods that work for them and their needs.

And if you’ve lived in Halifax and now it’s time to move away, reach out, and I can help you sell your home with my proven track record and expertise. I offer a matchmaking service, helping people moving to Halifax, and also helping you transition smoothly when it’s time to move away from Halifax.

Connect with Richard on Facebook, Instagram, Linked-In or Pinterest and check out his video channel on You Tube, it has a ton of fantastic resources to help you whether you are moving to Halifax or within Nova Scotia.

Want To Learn More?
Chat with Richard!

(902) 489-1804