Is Halifax a Good Place to Live in 2025?

By Tom Moore — Halifax Realtor & Local Relocation Specialist

If you're thinking about moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2025, you're not alone. Halifax continues to be one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, attracting families, professionals, students, retirees, and remote workers from across the country. With its coastal lifestyle, thriving job market, strong universities, and more affordable real estate compared to Toronto and Vancouver, Halifax is high on the list for people seeking a better quality of life.

As Tom Moore, Halifax Realtor, I work with dozens of newcomers every year—people relocating for work, people returning home, and people drawn to the unique charm of life by the ocean. This guide breaks down whether Halifax is truly a good place to live in 2025, covering lifestyle, economy, housing, schools, pros, cons, and what to expect before making the move.

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Q: Is Halifax a Good Place to Live in 2025?

A: Yes—Halifax offers a rare blend of lifestyle, affordability, culture, safety, and opportunity that’s hard to find elsewhere in Canada.

What makes Halifax stand out in 2025:

• Lower cost of living than major Canadian cities

• Stunning coastal scenery

• Strong job market

• Walkable neighbourhoods

• Excellent food and craft beer scene

• Growing tech and healthcare sectors

• Friendly Maritime community

• Great schools and universities

Whether you’re looking for ocean views, suburban comfort, or urban walkability, Halifax has neighbourhoods that suit every lifestyle.

ALT text: “Aerial view of Halifax skyline and waterfront on a sunny day.”

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Q: What Is It Like to Live in Halifax?

A: Halifax offers a relaxed, coastal lifestyle with big-city amenities and small-town charm.

Halifax residents enjoy:

• Morning walks on the waterfront

• Beaches within 15–30 minutes

• Trails, lakes, and provincial parks around the city

• Local cafés and markets

• Community-focused neighbourhoods

• Easy access to nature and ocean activities

It has all the essentials of city life—without the overwhelming pace of Toronto or Vancouver.

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Q: What Are the Pros of Living in Halifax in 2025?

A: Lifestyle, affordability, nature, and community lead the way.

1. Coastal Lifestyle & Natural Beauty

Halifax is surrounded by:

• Beaches (Lawrencetown, Crystal Crescent, Rainbow Haven)

• Lakes

• Ocean views

• Cliffs and coastal trails

• Parks like Point Pleasant and Shubie Park

Locals enjoy surfing, hiking, boating, and year-round waterfront activities.

ALT text: “Halifax coastline with rocky shores and waves hitting the shore at sunset.”

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2. Lower Cost of Living vs Major Canadian Cities

While prices have risen, Halifax remains far more affordable than Toronto, Vancouver, or Victoria.

You get:

• More space

• Larger homes

• Walkable neighbourhoods

• Better rent-to-income ratios

• Lower child-care costs (compared to major metros)

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3. Strong Job Market & Economic Growth

Halifax’s economy is anchored by:

• Healthcare

• Government & public sector

• Tech startups

• Universities

• Military (CFB Halifax)

• Shipbuilding industry

• Finance and insurance

• Remote work opportunities

Job growth continues across multiple sectors in 2025.

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4. Excellent Education & Universities

Halifax is a major academic hub with:

• Dalhousie University

• Saint Mary’s University

• NSCC

• King’s College

• Mount Saint Vincent University

Families value the strong education system and safe school communities.

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5. Walkable Neighbourhoods with Culture & Character

Popular walkable areas include:

• North End Halifax

• Downtown Halifax

• Downtown Dartmouth

• South End

• Quinpool District

These areas offer:

• Coffee shops

• Restaurants

• Breweries

• Parks

• Local bakeries

• Independent shops

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6. Friendly Maritime Community

One of the biggest pros of Halifax?

The people.

Newcomers describe Haligonians as:

• Welcoming

• Helpful

• Laid-back

• Community-driven

• Proud of their city

As Tom Moore, Halifax Realtor, I hear this feedback constantly from relocation clients.

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Q: What Are the Cons of Living in Halifax?

A: Rising housing prices and unpredictable weather stand out.

1. Rising Cost of Housing

While still affordable compared to major cities, HRM has seen rapid price growth. Competitive neighbourhoods include:

• Bedford

• West End

• North End

• Downtown Dartmouth

• South End

Low inventory can create bidding wars for desirable properties.

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2. Winter Weather Challenges

Halifax winters include:

• Heavy snowfall

• Freezing rain

• Windstorms

• Temperature swings

• Power outages in bad storms

The ocean moderates temperatures but increases volatility.

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3. Traffic Congestion

As population grows, traffic on:

• MacKay Bridge

• Macdonald Bridge

• Bedford Highway

• Bayers Road

…can be congested during peak times.

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4. Limited Retail Compared to Major Cities

While local businesses thrive, Halifax has fewer big-brand retail options.

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5. Smaller Job Market in Some Fields

Some specialized careers may have limited openings compared to larger metros.

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Q: How Affordable Is Housing in Halifax in 2025?

A: More affordable than major Canadian cities, but prices have risen fast.

Average price ranges in 2025:

• Condos: $350,000–$550,000

• Townhomes: $450,000–$600,000

• Detached homes: $550,000–$850,000

• Luxury homes: $1M+

Neighbourhoods vary widely:

• Affordable: Sackville, Beaver Bank, Eastern Passage, Spryfield

• Mid-range: Timberlea, Cole Harbour, Clayton Park, Dartmouth

• High-end: Bedford, North End, South End, Northwest Arm

As Tom Moore, Halifax Realtor, I help buyers match the right neighbourhood to their budget and lifestyle.

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Q: Is Halifax a Safe City to Live In?

A: Yes—Halifax consistently ranks as one of Canada’s safer mid-sized cities.

Safety highlights:

• Strong community policing

• Low violent crime relative to population

• Family-friendly suburbs

• Safe school zones

• Walkable communities

Like any city, some pockets are busier, but overall Halifax is known for a safe and welcoming environment.

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Q: What Is the Lifestyle Like for Families in Halifax?

A: Excellent—families love the parks, affordability, and school communities.

Families benefit from:

• Top-rated neighbourhoods (Bedford, Clayton Park, Cole Harbour)

• Beaches and playgrounds

• Organized sports (hockey, soccer, jiu-jitsu, dance)

• Great schools

• Safe suburban living

• Large homes & yards

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Q: What Is the Lifestyle Like for Young Professionals?

A: Halifax is vibrant, social, and full of opportunity for young professionals.

Popular activities include:

• Breweries & pubs

• Live music

• Festivals & cultural events

• Waterfront restaurants

• Fitness studios

• Outdoor recreation

Neighbourhoods like North End Halifax and Downtown Dartmouth are especially popular.

ALT text: “Young professionals walking along the Halifax waterfront boardwalk.”

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Q: Is Halifax a Good Place for Remote Workers?

A: Yes—Halifax is one of the top remote-work destinations in Canada.

Why remote workers love it:

• Lower housing costs

• Reliable high-speed internet

• Walkable neighbourhoods

• Great café culture

• Close to nature

• Strong community feel

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Q: Is Halifax a Good Place to Retire?

A: Many retirees love Halifax for its slower pace, healthcare access, and coastal lifestyle.

Popular retirement communities:

• Bedford

• Clayton Park

• Dartmouth waterfront

• Fall River

• South End

 

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• CMHC Housing Market Insights — https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/

• Nova Scotia Government — https://novascotia.ca/

• CREA Canadian Housing Data — https://www.crea.ca/

• Statistics Canada Halifax Population & Economic Data

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Final Thoughts: Is Halifax a Good Place to Live in 2025?

Yes—Halifax offers one of the best quality-of-life combinations in Canada.

With its coastal beauty, thriving culture, growing job market, strong schools, and more attainable housing, Halifax remains one of the most desirable places to live in 2025.

As Tom Moore, Halifax Realtor, I help families, retirees, and newcomers find the right neighbourhood and home—whether they’re moving from across the country or just across town.

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📞 Book a Strategy Call with Tom Moore

Thinking about moving to Halifax? Let’s talk about neighbourhoods, home prices, lifestyle, and buying strategies.

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