Halifax, Nova Scotia has a population of about 403,131 and is the capital of the province. It is the largest city in Atlantic Canada and the centre of the Halifax Regional Municipal Government. Its idyllic location on the east coast makes it one of the largest harbours in the world. Due to its prominent historic military role, it earned the nickname "Warden of the North."

Despite its population, Halifax has maintained a small-town community feel even though it continues to revitalize its downtown community to welcome more culture and diverse businesses to the city. Its east coast charm combined with extremely attractive housing prices has made the city a desirable location in the Canadian real estate market.

Halifax Lifestyle

The Maritime History of this east coast city contributes to the unique feel of the downtown area and harbor. Here the city life is vibrant and inviting with a balance of culture, dining, entertainment and an abundance of green space. It is an old town filled with young people giving the town an amazing nightlife. There is no shortage of places to have drinks, dance or catch a local band. However, the growth of the city and revitalization of the downtown has also attracted an eclectic mix of cafés and restaurants offering a plethora of dining experiences.

The affordable lifestyle allows you to make more of your income and take advantage of the many attractions, shopping and activities in and around the city. Located right on the Atlantic Ocean, the views are spectacular with the opportunity to ship watch for everything from tall ships to sailboats and freighters to cruise ships.

You are near stunning east coast vacation spots making it affordable to find something to do on holiday in P.E.I, New Brunswick and Newfoundland & Labrador. You are also closer to Europe for international flights.

Culture is thriving in the city with strong support for the arts and its community. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia features a respectable display of art and ongoing art shows. The city attracts a bevy of artists, musicians, actors and more making it easy to find some form of artsy attraction and attend some of the best live music in the country. There are always festivals and events taking place year-round.

The city restaurants focus on locally sourced products with fresh seafood abounding on menus and in local markets alike. Halifax also boasts its fair share of breweries as well. There are also year-round farmers markets that bring organic produce and a variety of artisanal items to the city.

The city allows for a less stressful life. You are close to stunning beaches and so much green space both in and around the city, that taking in the great outdoors is always just minutes away.

Halifax Economy

Halifax is a major regional centre for Atlantic Canada's economy. Ongoing revitalization has included extensive commercial redevelopment with towers of national banks dotting the skyline. The HRMbyDesign process continues to help promote economic growth with a commitment to keeping the cities heritage sites intact. 

Halifax is the principal port in the Maritimes, with more than 1,500 vessels visiting the port each year. The city contributes more than 50 percent of Nova Scotia’s economy with growth comparable to other Canadian cities. Economic expansion comes from both private and public services, keeping the economy stable. Major contributors to Halifax’s economy include trade, health care and social assistance, education, and public administration as well as accommodation and food services, finance and construction.

Adding to growth a Royal Canadian Navy, shipbuilding project will continue to create new jobs well into 2030. The city is also committed to supporting local businesses with small business grants and loans available from the Nova Scotia government.

Halifax Neighbourhoods

Halifax real estate continues to grow, adding an inventory of new condos to the existing historic homes and renovated flats in the city centre. The affordability of housing makes it one of the most affordable cities to buy Canadian real estate.

Clayton Park is one of the top three areas in Halifax. The area seems to be undergoing constant development with space for new homes and easy access to the city centre. The area’s micro neighbourhoods include pockets of upscale homes, condo complexes and local amenities.

Fairview is located near Irving Shipyard, hospitals and universities, which has made it one of the up and coming areas in the City. As with all areas in gentrification mode, it has become a magnet for urban professionals thanks to affordable, eclectic housing options, a short walk to shopping and amenities and a quick drive to everything else.

With a 15 to 20-minute commute to the city, Bedford is also popular with affordable homes and lovely beaches. It is a family favourite as it features excellent schools. Nearby Hammonds Plains/Kingswood is a bit further from the city but families are attracted to its larger treed lots. Houses vary from new subdivisions to executive and older homes all with close links to amenities. 

Haliburton Hills/Heights, Tantallon are areas are growing quickly especially when it comes to the expansion of amenities and schools. About 22 km to Halifax and right near Highway 103. it is one of those areas that combines the feel of country living without the isolation, so amenities are always minutes away.

Lower, Middle and Upper Sackville offer a varied selection of home styles. Most larger home lots are in Middle Sackville while Lower Sackville is the central area closer to amenities. Upper Sackville has larger, more private lots and local schools are highly rated.

Fall River is popular due to its picturesque lakes, green space and highly desirable lots and homes. It offers both old and brand-new homes that avoid cookie-cutter designs. You can also find many waterfront homes in this area thanks to an abundance of lakes. The schools are some of the best in the metro Halifax area making it very family-friendly.

Halifax Education

Halifax has eight school boards within the municipality. Many schools in both elementary and high school levels are highly rated. Most nieghbourhoods have schools within walking distance and bus service is also available. The city is also known for its post-secondary opportunities with highly rate universities and a selection of colleges allowing students to choose from a variety of diplomas, certificates, degrees, doctorates and licenses.

Getting Around Halifax

Halifax Transit offers an easy public mode of transportation both in the city and its outskirts. It has multiple routes that make it easy to get in and out of the city to the suburban and outer areas of Halifax. The Harbour Ferry Service provides transportation to Dartmouth.

Halifax is working on a cycling plan including expansion of the city’s bike network both on and off-road. The city has added nearly 100 kilometers of new bike lanes so far. Efforts are also improving the walkability of the city in hand with biking route upgrades and expansion.

Halifax Real Estate

The Halifax housing market will become a seller’s market in 2020 due to a shortage of homes listed on the MLS multiple listing service. Average housing prices in Halifax reached $322,640 in the first three quarters of 2019. Sales should see a 4 percent increase in prices as demand outweighs demand, which will affect the purchase sale price. Younger buyers are adding more competition to the market as are foreign buyers and Canadians who are choosing to make Halifax home due to high prices and housing shortages in their province. 

Halifax experienced solid price appreciation of 5.9 percent and affordability will continue to attract buyers to the province of Nova Scotia.

If you would like more information about buying or selling a home in Halifax reach out to our real estate agents today.