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Cost of Living in Halifax

Moving to Halifax – Where should I live? – 2024

Studies
Canada
Nova Scotia
Halifax
  • Last updated on:
  • Picture of Ann Nacario Ann Nacario

Choosing the ideal neighborhood in the Atlantic Provinces, particularly in Halifax, depends on your personal preferences, as this coastal city in Nova Scotia has a lot to offer. Located on the east coast of Canada, “Hal-town” has a rich maritime history and a diverse cultural scene, making it ideal for those looking to settle in a Canadian Province that blends tradition with modernity.

Factors such as the cost of living in Halifax come into play when considering a move to the capital city, as it can be higher than in neighboring cities in Canada, like Montreal. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, amenities, parks, housing options, and safe areas enhance its residents’ quality of life.

Read on to discover the top 5 neighborhoods in Halifax that offer the best quality of life.

Methodology

Based on “Best” being a subjective word, below is our methodology to compile the best places.

Using our existing ranking of the safest and cheapest places to live in Halifax, we based our ranking on 3 criteria: safety, affordability and quality of life. 

Our safety ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of the total number of crimes, which is derived from the data of the Halifax Regional Police crime mapping site, updated daily at 12:15 a.m. The crime rate is calculated per 1,000 people. The crimes featured incidents of five specific crime types: robberies, assaults, break-and-enter, thefts of vehicles, and thefts from vehicles. The crime types can be viewed individually or collectively, spanning three different time frames—yesterday, the past four days, and the past week. Additionally, the site allows searches based on street name or community and to safeguard privacy, crimes are plotted at the midpoint of the closest block and are not linked to specific civic addresses.

Affordability takes into account the prices of housing and renting. Statistics come from Redfin.ca for the average cost of buying a property and Zumper for the average cost of rent for a 1- to 2-bed apartment.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transport, environment (cleanliness), as well as availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Moving to Halifax – Best Neighborhoods in Halifax with the Best Quality of Life

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1. Portland Estates

  • Extremely safe
  • Crime rate: 0 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,600
  • Average property buying cost: $1,037,500

Portland Estates is a suburban neighborhood in eastern Dartmouth, within the Halifax Regional Municipality. It is ideal for those who seek a calm environment surrounded by green areas and proximity to Russell Lake. With a population of 92,165, primarily in their 50s to late 70s, it reported a low crime rate of 0 crimes per 1,000 people, ensuring extreme safety. It also has excellent access to major freeways, with just a 19-min drive to Downtown Halifax through Eisener Boulevard and Via Portland St.

The household composition is mainly for single families and some single persons, with housing types consisting mainly of single-detached houses, some row houses, and apartment buildings. As of November 2023, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,600, and the average property price is $1,037,500.

Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Redfin (Nov 2023)

Portland Estates, NS

2. Herring Cove

  • Secure suburban living

  • Crime rate: 0 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,995
  • Average property buying cost: $762,400

Herring Cove, a coastal suburb on the eastern shore of the Chebucto Peninsula, is just a quick 26-minute drive to Downtown Halifax via Herring Cove Rd. It offers a serene natural beauty setting with a walkability score of 76. Home to two schools, William King Elementary and Herring Cove Junior High School, and a crime rate of 0 per 1,000 people, it provides a strong sense of security.

With a population of 2,640, the residents, predominantly in their 50s and mid-60s, are mostly single families residing in single detached houses, along with some duplexes. As of November 2023, the average property price is $762,400, with a 1-bed apartment renting for around $1,995.

Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Redfin (Nov 2023)

Herring Cove, NS

3. Clayton Park

  • Accessible to Shopping Centers

  • Crime rate: 0 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,480
  • Average property buying cost: $749,900

Clayton Park, a residential neighborhood northwest of the Halifax Peninsula, offers an easy 18-min drive to downtown Halifax. It provides convenient access to shopping options like Bayer’s Lake Park, Sobeys Clayton Park, and Clayton Park Shopping Center. Additionally, large parks and walking trails, such as Mainland Common, along with recreation facilities like the Canada Games Centre are available for residents.

The predominant housing types include single-person and single-family homes, featuring a mix of semi-detached, townhouses, and apartment buildings. As of November 2023, the average property price is approximately $749,900, with 1-bed apartments renting for around $2,480. The population of 34,194, primarily aged between 20 and late 40s, reported a crime rate of 0.13 crimes per 1,000 people.

Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Redfin (Nov 2023)

Clayton Park, NS

4. Eastern Passage

  • Serene coastal landscape

  • Crime rate: 0 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,250
  • Average property buying cost: $461,450

Eastern Passage, a suburban coastal community in Halifax, along the shores of Nova Scotia, has a rich fishing history and offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean with docks and piers. It’s perfect for nature lovers who enjoy walks by the sea and water activities. The community is quiet and safe, with a population of 35,355 and zero reported crimes per 1,000 people.

Homes in Eastern Passage are mainly single and semi-detached houses, suitable for both single families and individuals. As of November 2023, the average property price is around $461,450, and renting a 1-bed apartment costs approximately $2,250.

Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Redfin (Nov 2023)

Eastern Passage, NS

5. Portland Hills

  • A family coastal paradise

  • Crime rate: 0.11 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,600
  • Average property buying cost: $649,900

Eastern Passage is an unincorporated suburban community in the Halifax Regional Municipality of Nova Scotia. This residential area is just a 15-min drive to Downtown Dartmouth and 22-min to Downtown Halifax. It offers a quiet and family-friendly environment, thanks to its scenic coastline, natural features like Morris Lake, parks, and hiking trails such as the Portland Lake Trail. Residents can enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, and whale watching.

With a population of 92,165, Eastern Passage is ideal for growing families due to its affordable housing and safety. As of November 2023, the average property price is $649,900, and the cost of renting a 1-bedroom apartment is around $1,600. With a reported crime rate of 0.11 crimes per 1,000 people, it provides a strong sense of security.

Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Redfin (Nov 2023)

Portland Hills, NS

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Conclusion

As you plan your move to Halifax, a beautiful city in the Maritime province of Nova Scotia, Canada, take the time to explore these neighborhoods and find the one that best aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. Always consider factors such as amenities, proximity to the city center, safety, and the unique characteristics of each area. 

Life in Halifax is a unique experience that blends the charm of a coastal city with the warmth of a friendly community. To ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation to this vibrant and picturesque city on the Atlantic coast, it’s advisable to research the best moving companies in Halifax ahead of time.

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.

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