Is Halifax a Good Place to Live?

“Is Halifax a good place to live?” is one of the most Googled questions about this city. And no wonder—Halifax combines ocean views, a rich history, and a growing economy. But like any city, it comes with trade-offs.

This guide walks you through Halifax’s history, vibe and culture, economy, cost of living, and real struggles—so you can decide if it’s the right place for you.

A City With Deep Roots

Halifax is the economic engine of Atlantic Canada, with a metro population of around 480,000 people (2025 estimate). It was founded in 1749 as a naval fortress, and to this day the Canadian Forces Base Halifax is the largest military base in the country by personnel.

But Halifax’s story goes deeper:

• Mi’kmaq roots — The Mi’kmaq people have lived in Nova Scotia for over 10,000 years, long before European settlement.
• Loyalists and Scots — After the American Revolution, 30,000 Loyalists came to Nova Scotia, shaping Halifax’s identity. Scottish migration followed, leaving cultural marks like the Gaelic revival.
• Black settlers — About 2,000 Black refugees arrived after the War of 1812, many settling in Halifax’s North End.
• Acadians — Between 1755–1763, around 11,000 Acadians were expelled, but many later returned. Today, Acadian food, music, and culture thrive across Halifax.

“Halifax is a city shaped by conflict, resilience, and reinvention,” as one local historian puts it.

The Halifax Vibe and Culture

Halifax has what locals call the “Maritime way”—friendly, slower paced, and community-oriented. For a city of just half a million, it punches above its weight culturally.

• Theatre & arts: The Neptune Theatre (est. 1915) is one of Canada’s oldest professional stages.
• Libraries & learning: The Halifax Central Library, opened in 2014, has won multiple design awards and now welcomes 1.9 million visitors annually.
• Festivals: The Halifax Jazz Festival attracts 65,000+ people each summer, while the Busker Festival fills the waterfront with performers from around the world.
• Nature escapes: Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail is ranked among the world’s top scenic drives by National Geographic.

“Life moves slower here—but in all the good ways,” one Halifax resident told us.

Halifax’s Economy

Halifax’s economy has transformed in the past decade. It’s no longer just a military town—it’s now one of Canada’s fastest-growing mid-sized cities.

• Tech growth: Halifax’s tech sector has grown 64% since 2018. In 2024, CBRE ranked Halifax the #5 emerging tech market in North America.
• Shipbuilding: Irving Shipbuilding employs over 2,100 workers on a $60 billion naval contract—the largest defence procurement in Canadian history.
• Port of Halifax: Handles 4.5 million tonnes of cargo annually, supporting over 25,000 jobs across Nova Scotia.
• Universities: Halifax has 7 degree-granting universities serving 40,000+ students. Dalhousie alone employs 15,000 people.

“Halifax offers global opportunities without Toronto’s burnout culture,” says a local entrepreneur.

Cost of Living in Halifax

Halifax used to be known as affordable, but that’s changed dramatically in recent years.

• Rent: As of 2025, a 1-bedroom costs around $2,000/month in Halifax or $1,700 in Dartmouth. Pre-COVID, the same apartment cost closer to $1,200.
• Housing: The median home price now exceeds $600,000, up nearly 70% in the last five years.
• Daily costs: A single person needs about $1,500/month, while a family of four needs $5,300/month (excluding rent).
• Taxes: Nova Scotia’s top marginal income tax rate is 21% provincial + 33% federal, among the highest in Canada. Add 15% HST, and costs add up quickly.

Compared to Toronto, Halifax is 6% cheaper overall and rent is 19% lower, but groceries, utilities, and taxes often feel higher.

The Real Struggles

No city is perfect, and Halifax has its challenges:

• Housing: Vacancy rate is under 1%, making apartment hunting “genuinely brutal,” according to residents.
• Healthcare: Over 10,000 Nova Scotians lack a family doctor; ER wait times can exceed 10+ hours.
• Transit: Halifax Transit’s reliability score is among the lowest in Canada, with frequent delays and cancellations.
• Climate: Expect 1,200 mm of annual rainfall, high winds, and unpredictable winters with storms that can dump 30–40 cm of snow at once.

Who Is Halifax For?

Halifax might be your place if you:

• Value community over convenience
• Prefer work-life balance over maximum earnings
• Love coastal living and easy access to nature
• Want a mid-sized, walkable city with international connectivity
  

But if you prioritize high salaries, big-city amenities, or rapid efficiency, Halifax may not be your best fit.

Final Thoughts

Halifax is a city with 275 years of history that’s still reinventing itself. It’s big enough to be globally connected, but small enough to feel like a community.

It offers something increasingly rare—the chance to build both a career and a life you enjoy living.

“Halifax feels like a place where everyone knows each other,” says one newcomer.

If ocean breezes, friendly neighbors, and a slower pace of life sound appealing, Halifax just might be your next home.

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