Moving to Halifax From Ontario (2025 Relocation Guide)
Moving to Halifax From Ontario (2025 Relocation Guide)
By Tom Moore — Halifax Realtor & Relocation Specialist for Ontario-to-Halifax Moves
Every year, thousands of people leave Ontario in search of better affordability, a slower pace of life, and a stronger sense of community. One of the top destinations? Halifax, Nova Scotia.
With its oceanfront lifestyle, growing job market, excellent schools, and more attainable real estate, Halifax has become one of Canada’s most desirable cities for families, professionals, retirees, and remote workers escaping Ontario’s high prices and congestion.
As Tom Moore, Halifax Realtor, I help dozens of Ontario families relocate to Halifax every year—people moving from Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Barrie, and beyond. This guide answers the most common questions and outlines exactly what you need to know before making the move east.
Q: Why Are So Many People Moving From Ontario to Halifax?
A: Better affordability, coastal lifestyle, career opportunities, and a higher quality of life.
Ontario residents often move because of:
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High real estate prices
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Rising rents
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Traffic congestion
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Cost of living
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Lack of work-life balance
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Desire for a slower, safer lifestyle
Halifax provides:
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Affordable housing relative to Ontario
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Ocean access within minutes
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Walkable neighbourhoods
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Strong healthcare and education system
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A friendly, community-oriented culture
ALT text: “Aerial image of Halifax waterfront showing Citadel Hill and downtown buildings.”
Q: Is Halifax More Affordable Than Ontario in 2025?
A: Yes—Halifax remains significantly more affordable, even with rising prices.
Here’s a comparison:
Ontario Home Prices (2025 averages):
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Toronto: $1.1M+
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Ottawa: $700K–$800K
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Hamilton: $850K+
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Kitchener-Waterloo: $780K+
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London: $650K–$700K
Halifax Home Prices (2025 averages):
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Condos: $350K–$550K
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Semis/Townhomes: $450K–$600K
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Detached Homes: $550K–$850K
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Luxury Homes: $1M+
Ontario residents often say:
“I sold a townhouse in Ontario and bought a detached home in Halifax.”
ALT text: “Detached homes in a Halifax neighbourhood on a sunny day.”
Q: What Are the Best Neighbourhoods in Halifax for Ontarians?
A: It depends on your lifestyle, commute, and budget.
1. Bedford
Great for families.
Schools, trails, new homes, safe and clean.
2. Dartmouth (Downtown & Portland Hills)
Walkability + lakes + quick commute to Halifax.
3. Clayton Park West
Diverse, convenient, close to everything.
4. Timberlea
Affordable, family-friendly, growing fast.
5. Sackville / Beaver Bank
Best for affordability and space.
6. South End Halifax
Walkability + universities + historic homes.
7. West End Halifax
Trendy, central, family-friendly.
As Tom Moore, Halifax Realtor, I help newcomers choose neighbourhoods that match their Ontario lifestyle.
Q: What Is the Job Market Like in Halifax?
A: Strong and growing, with opportunities across multiple sectors.
Top industries include:
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Healthcare
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Tech
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Public sector
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Military & defence
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Finance
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Education
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Shipbuilding
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Insurance
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Ocean-tech and innovation
Remote workers also thrive here thanks to high-speed internet and lower living costs.
Q: How Do Schools Compare Between Ontario and Halifax?
A: Halifax schools are strong, safe, and less crowding than many Ontario cities.
HRM has excellent options:
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Bedford schools (very popular with Ontario families)
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Halifax West HS
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Citadel High
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Cole Harbour
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Halifax Grammar School (private)
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Armbrae Academy (private)
Post-secondary options include:
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Dalhousie University
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Saint Mary’s University
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NSCC
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Mount Saint Vincent University
Q: What’s the Lifestyle Like Compared to Ontario?
A: Slower pace, more nature, more affordability—and fewer headaches.
Halifax residents enjoy:
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Beaches 15–30 minutes away
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Ocean views everywhere
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Walkable patios and breweries
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Lakes and trails
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Lower stress
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Shorter commutes
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More community feel
If Ontario feels overwhelming, Halifax often feels like a breath of fresh air.
ALT text: “People walking along the Halifax waterfront boardwalk on a summer day.”
Q: What Are the Downsides of Moving From Ontario to Halifax?
A: Important to know—Halifax isn’t perfect.
1. Smaller Job Market
Some specialized careers may have fewer opportunities.
2. Winter Weather
Halifax winters include snow, wind, freezing rain, and unpredictable swings.
3. Traffic Bottlenecks
Bridges and main arteries can slow down during rush hour.
4. Less Retail Variety
Fewer big-name retail options than Ontario.
5. Rising Housing Prices
While still cheaper than Ontario, Halifax is no longer “cheap.”
Q: How Much Does It Cost to Move from Ontario to Halifax?
A: Expect $4,000–$10,000 depending on distance and amount of belongings.
Typical costs:
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Movers: $5,000–$8,000
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U-Haul or PODS: $3,000–$6,000
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Vehicle transport: $1,200–$2,000
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Travel and accommodations: varies
Most families plan 1–3 months in advance.
Q: Do You Need a Car in Halifax?
A: Depends on your neighbourhood.
Walkable areas:
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Downtown Halifax
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North End
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South End
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Downtown Dartmouth
Car-friendly areas:
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Bedford
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Sackville
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Timberlea
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Cole Harbour
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Fall River
Transit exists, but a car is ideal for full mobility—especially for families.
Q: What’s the Cost of Living Like Compared to Ontario?
A: Lower in most categories, especially housing and childcare.
Lower in Halifax:
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Housing
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Rent
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Childcare
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Insurance
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Parking
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Some utilities
Similar or higher:
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Groceries
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Gas prices
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Electricity (depends on heating type)
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Car insurance (varies)
Halifax is still financially easier than life in most Ontario cities.
Q: How Do You Buy a Home in Halifax as an Ontarian?
A: Process is similar, but you’ll need a local expert to guide you.
Steps include:
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Mortgage pre-approval
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Understanding HRM taxes
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Choosing neighbourhoods
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Virtual tours (many Ontario buyers purchase this way)
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Local inspections
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Closing with a Nova Scotia lawyer
As Tom Moore, Halifax Realtor, I help Ontario clients with:
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Neighbourhood comparisons
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Virtual showings
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Property condition reviews
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Market insights
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Negotiations
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Closing coordination
Many of my Ontario buyers purchase successfully without ever visiting in person.
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CMHC Housing Market Data — https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/
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Nova Scotia Government — https://novascotia.ca/
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CREA Housing Insights — https://www.crea.ca/
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Statistics Canada Halifax Economic Data
Final Thoughts: Is Moving From Ontario to Halifax Worth It in 2025?
For most Ontarians—absolutely.
Halifax offers a unique blend of:
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Coastal living
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More affordable housing
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Great schools
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Safe communities
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Strong job opportunities
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A healthier work-life balance
Whether you're moving to start a family, advance your career, enjoy retirement, or simply escape the high cost of living, Halifax delivers a lifestyle that Ontario can’t easily match.
As Tom Moore, Halifax Realtor, I help Ontarians transition smoothly, understand neighbourhoods, and find homes that fit their life goals—whether they're relocating from Toronto, Ottawa, London, or anywhere in between.
đź“ž Book a Strategy Call with Tom Moore
Thinking about moving from Ontario to Halifax? Let’s create a personalized relocation and home-buying plan.
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