Moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia: Your relocation guide to buying a house

Are you considering a move to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and wondering why it's becoming a top choice for home buyers? Halifax offers the perfect blend of low living costs, stunning natural beauty, and a high quality of life. In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about relocating to Halifax, making it your dream destination for buying a home.

Affordable cost of living

One of the standout features of Halifax is its affordability. Compared to many other major Canadian cities, Halifax offers a lower cost of living, including affordable housing options. This affordability extends to everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, ensuring that your budget will go significantly further when you decide to make the move to this city.

Halifax real estate housing market

The real estate market in Halifax presents a promising landscape for first-time home buyers. Known for its affordability, Halifax offers a diverse range of housing options to suit various budgets and lifestyles. Whether you're seeking a low-maintenance condo with water views, a historic gem with character, or a spacious suburban home, there's an affordable choice for you. With an average home price of $557,405, which falls below the national average, Halifax remains an enticing choice for individuals contemplating a relocation. While the market remains competitive, especially in sought-after neighborhoods, there are opportunities for first-time home buyers to enter the market. Collaborating with a local real estate agent is essential for navigating this competitive landscape, as they provide expert guidance and insights, assisting homebuyers in finding their dream home.

Booming job market

Halifax offers a promising job market for first-time home buyers. As the economic hub for Atlantic Canada, Halifax provides diverse employment opportunities across various industries, including technology, healthcare, education, financial services, government, wholesale and retail trade, construction, and maritime sectors. Notably, the city's technology and finance sectors have seen impressive growth in recent years, offering an array of promising career paths. Additionally, the construction industry has demonstrated remarkable growth over the past decade. This vibrant job market, combined with Halifax's affordability and high quality of life, positions the city as an attractive destination for home buyers.

Top education

Halifax is home to five esteemed universities, including Dalhousie University, the University of King's College, Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU), NSCAD (Nova Scotia College of Art and Design), and Saint Mary's University (SMU). Beyond these universities, Halifax offers options for those interested in community colleges or technical schools. The city also boasts a selection of exceptional high schools and elementary schools, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and high-quality education. Families relocating to Halifax can be confident that their children will have access to top-tier educational institutions. If you're planning to move to Halifax and wish to find your dream home in proximity to these exceptional educational institutions, it’s advisable to team up with a local real estate agent.

Four seasons weather

Homebuyers in Halifax can expect a maritime climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and enjoying the city's beautiful coast. Fall brings comfortable temperatures as the season progresses. Winters, though relatively mild for Canada's east coast, bring temperatures averaging around -1°C to -6°C (30°F to 21°F) along with occasional snowfall. In spring, Halifax experiences milder temperatures as the city transitions from winter to the warmer months. Halifax's climate caters to a diverse range of preferences, making it a welcoming place to call home for those who appreciate the changing seasons without extreme weather.

Getting around

When it comes to making the move to a new city, the convenience of transportation is a pivotal consideration for home buyers, and Halifax excels in this aspect. Halifax boasts an extensive road network and a well-organized public transit system, ensuring seamless mobility throughout the city. Homebuyers in Halifax benefit from a network of well-designed roads and highways that provide convenient access to different neighborhoods and destinations throughout the city. Meanwhile, the city's efficient public transit, operated by Halifax Transit, offers bus and ferry services that cover a broad area, simplifying daily commutes. Additionally, Halifax Stanfield International Airport enhances the city's connectivity, providing convenient access to domestic and international destinations, making Halifax an attractive destination for those seeking to buy a house.

The top neighborhoods for first-time home buyers

Home buyers in Halifax have a diverse array of top neighborhoods to choose from, each with its unique charm and amenities. When buying a home, consider these top neighborhoods:

Downtown Halifax:

The heart of the city offers a lively urban lifestyle with numerous bars, restaurants, cafes, and cultural venues. It's ideal for home buyers who want to be at the center of the action, and it's home to many job opportunities, especially in tech and finance.

Bedford:

A little further from downtown Halifax, Bedford offers a suburban lifestyle with good schools and amenities. It's known for its beautiful waterfront properties along the Bedford Basin.

North End:

This area is known for its artistic and creative vibe. It's home to many young professionals, artists, and students. You'll find unique boutiques, galleries, and a thriving food scene.

South End:

The South End of Halifax is a highly desirable neighborhood for students and young professionals, primarily due to its proximity to Dalhousie University and Saint Mary's University. It's also close to parks and the waterfront, offering a mix of academia and recreation.

Sackville:

Close to Bedford, you'll find the Sackville area, a preferred destination for families, consisting of three distinct neighborhoods: Lower, Middle, and Upper Sackville. With excellent schools, convenient amenities, and a strong sense of community, Sackville is a sought-after destination for home buyers.

Clayton Park:

Located in the western part of Halifax, Clayton Park is a diverse neighborhood with a mix of housing options. It's close to shopping centers and schools, making it convenient for families.

Cole Harbour:

Known for its sense of community, Cole Harbour is an excellent choice for families. It's home to various schools and parks, including Cole Harbour Heritage Park and Bissett Lake.

Dartmouth:

While not a single neighborhood, Dartmouth as a whole offers a range of affordable housing options. Positioned across the harbor from Halifax, Dartmouth provides a tranquil suburban lifestyle while offering convenient proximity to downtown Halifax. Neighborhoods like Downtown, Woodside, North End Dartmouth, and Manor Park are particularly popular with first-time home buyers.

Things to do in Halifax

Are you thinking about relocating to Halifax? This coastal city has so much to offer its residents, with a host of attractions, natural wonders, and outdoor activities waiting to be discovered. As you explore your new home, here's a guide to the top things to do in Halifax:

Top attractions and museums

Halifax is brimming with history and culture, and its top attractions and museums are a testament to this. Start your exploration by visiting the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Here, you can immerse yourself in the city's military history, take guided tours, and enjoy breathtaking views from its hilltop location.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic along the waterfront is a treasure trove of maritime artifacts and stories, providing insights into Halifax's maritime heritage. Among its many exhibits, you can explore Halifax's significant connections to infamous disasters like the sinking of the Titanic, and the tragic Halifax Explosion.

The Museum of Natural History in Halifax is a fascinating destination to explore the natural world. It features galleries dedicated to archaeology, geology, mammals, and aquatic life, and an exhibit with numerous live specimens native to Nova Scotia.

Discovery Centre, an interactive science museum, is a fantastic place for family outings, offering hands-on exhibits and engaging displays.

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is another must-visit, where you can learn about Canada's extensive immigration history and its significance in shaping Canada's multicultural landscape.

Beach, parks, and trails

Halifax is renowned for its natural beauty, and its parks and green spaces are a testament to this. Point Pleasant Park is a local favorite, offering scenic trails, waterfront views, and historical landmarks. Spanning approximately 39 kilometers, its extensive network of pathways makes it the perfect locale for a leisurely walk, an invigorating run, a scenic bike ride, or a peaceful picnic.

For beach enthusiasts, Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park and Rainbow Haven Beach Provincial Park are standout destinations, offering the allure of crystal-clear waters and sandy shores. For those with a penchant for surfing, Lawrencetown Beach Provincial Park is the place to be. Known for its excellent waves and thrilling surf conditions, it's a surfer's paradise where you can ride the Atlantic swells to your heart's content.

Day trips from Halifax

Living in Halifax means easy access to some of the most picturesque day trip destinations. Just a few hours' drive from Halifax lies the magnificent Cape Breton Island. Here, you'll discover the world-famous Cabot Trail, a scenic route that winds through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Immerse yourself in breathtaking vistas of rugged coastlines, dense forests, and charming towns and villages. Whether you're hiking, cycling, or simply taking a leisurely drive, Cape Breton is a true gem of Nova Scotia. Embarking on this journey is undeniably one of the best road trips you can experience in Canada.

Peggy's Cove is a short drive away and is known for its iconic lighthouse and stunning coastal scenery. Be sure to explore the charming village and its artisan shops.

Head to the Annapolis Valley to discover Nova Scotia's wine country, where you can indulge in wine tasting and visit historic sites like Grand-Pré National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Plan a trip to Lunenburg, a picturesque coastal town and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colorful architecture and maritime history.

The best festivals and events

Halifax is undeniably a city of lively and engaging events, offering a diverse array of festivities throughout the year. From cultural heritage celebrations to music festivals, there's always something to anticipate in Halifax. Embrace the lively atmosphere of the Halifax Busker Festival, where street performers from around the world converge to dazzle audiences. During the summer, groove to the rhythm of the Halifax Jazz Festival, a music extravaganza that fills the city in the mesmerizing sounds of world-class musicians. Be sure to mark your calendar for the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, a thrilling showcase of military music and performances that captivate audiences. Dive into the world of art and creativity during Nocturne, an all-night event filled with captivating light installations and interactive exhibits. And when Natal Day arrives, the city erupts in festivities, with parades, fireworks, and spirited events that showcase Halifax's vibrant spirit.

The best coffee shops in Halifax

Home buyers in Halifax can look forward to discovering a welcoming coffee culture with several standout options to explore. Among the top coffee shops in Halifax are The Nook Espresso Bar and Lounge, Java Blend Coffee Roasters, Café GoodLuck, Weird Harbour Espresso Bar, and Apartment 3 Espresso Bar. These spots offer not only excellent coffee but also unique atmospheres, making them perfect places to unwind and savor a cup of joe. When you're out exploring homes for sale in Halifax, be sure to make a pit stop at one of these exceptional coffee shops to fuel your search and enjoy a delightful coffee experience in your new city.

The best restaurants in Halifax

Home buyers in Halifax are in for a treat when it comes to dining out. Halifax boasts a diverse array of top-notch restaurants to explore. Some of the city's best restaurants include Five Fishermen, renowned for its superb seafood offerings and captivating history; The Bicycle Thief, where you can enjoy comforting classics while enjoying a waterfront view; The Canteen, an ideal destination for fresh catches and seafood classics; Bar Sofia, serving up Latin-inspired dishes; and Edna, a hotspot known for its inventive and creative cuisine. Halifax's top dining establishments cater to various tastes and preferences, promising exceptional culinary experiences that will enhance your life in this vibrant coastal city.

Vibrant nightlife

Halifax offers a lively nightlife scene that's perfect for home buyers looking to have a good time. Whether it's catching live music at a local pub, exploring the latest cocktail hotspots, discovering the craft beer scene, or embarking on a harbor cruise, Halifax's nightlife has an abundance of entertainment options. The city's diverse and energetic nightlife ensures that there's always something fun and exciting to do, making it an ideal destination for home buyers seeking memorable nights out on the town.

Halifax first-time homebuyer programs

When relocating to Halifax, take advantage of the credits and programs specifically designed to assist home buyers and first-time home buyers like yourself when buying a house in Halifax.

First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHBI):

Borrow up to 10 percent of your home's purchase price from the Canadian government to finance part of your first home.

RRSP Home Buyer's Plan (HBP):

Withdraw up to $35,000 of your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) tax-free to use toward the purchase of your first home

First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC):

Get a nonrefundable income tax credit of up to $10,000, which could result in tax savings of up to $1,500.

First Home Savings Account (FHSA):

Work towards your goal of buying your first home with tax-free savings.

Down Payment Assistance Program (DPAP):

Nova Scotia offers eligible home buyers an interest-free loan of up to five percent of the home's purchase price to help with their down payment.

Find the best real estate agent in Halifax

If you're considering relocating to Halifax, Nova Scotia, let Nobul be your trusted guide. Nobul connects you with the best real estate agents who are well-versed in the Halifax area and understand the unique needs and challenges of home buyers relocating to a new city. With our user-friendly platform, you can effortlessly browse through available homes for sale, connect with experienced agents, and access valuable tips tailored for first-time home buyers. Sign up with Nobul and start reaching out to prospective agents today and experience firsthand why Nobul is the preferred choice for those relocating to Halifax.