Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax is the heart of Atlantic Canada: a historic port city with a busy waterfront, a lively university scene, and neighbourhoods that range from century old homes on the peninsula to newer family streets on the mainland. It is where we live, work and raise our families, and we love helping people find their own corner of it.

A Little History

Halifax was founded in 1749, and its past is still easy to see. Citadel Hill, first fortified that same year and now a National Historic Site, watches over the downtown core with views across the harbour. The Halifax Public Gardens, dating to 1836, are one of the finest Victorian gardens in North America, and Point Pleasant Park at the southern tip of the peninsula is famously leased from the British Crown for one shilling a year on a 999 year lease.

Everyday Life

The Halifax waterfront boardwalk runs about three kilometres past restaurants, museums, the Seaport Farmers Market and the ferry to Dartmouth. Spring Garden Road and the downtown core offer shopping, dining and the Halifax Central Library. On the mainland, Bayers Lake is the go to spot for big box shopping, and parks like Point Pleasant, the Dingle (Sir Sandford Fleming Park) and countless lakes keep the outdoors close wherever you live. For families, the Discovery Centre science museum, the public library branches and skating on the Emera Oval in winter are local favourites.

Festivals and Events

There is always something happening in Halifax. A few of the highlights on the calendar:

• Halifax Jazz Festival (summer): local and international artists on waterfront stages.
• Halifax International Busker Festival (summer): street performers from around the world along the waterfront.
• Halifax Pride (summer): a week of events and the Pride Parade, welcoming everyone.
• Nocturne: Art at Night (fall): a free festival that turns the city into an open air gallery for one evening.
• Cultural festivals: events like the Lebanese Festival and Greek Fest celebrate the city's many communities with food, music and dance.

Food and Drink

Halifax has a food scene well beyond its size, built on fresh seafood and local ingredients. You will find everything from waterfront patios and historic dining rooms downtown to neighbourhood cafes, craft breweries and, of course, the Halifax donair, the city's official food. For more ideas, browse our food posts.

Neighbourhoods to Know

Halifax is a city of very different neighbourhoods. Our Spotlight series covers many of them in depth:

• Downtown: condos and character homes steps from the harbour. See Exploring Downtown Halifax.
• South End: tree lined streets, grand older homes and the universities. See Exploring South End Halifax.
• North End and the Hydrostone: independent shops, cafes and historic row houses. See The Historic Charm of the Hydrostone.
• West End, Armdale and Purcells Cove: established neighbourhoods near the Northwest Arm. See Exploring Halifax's West End.
• Clayton Park and Rockingham: convenient mainland living with condos, townhouses and family homes. See Clayton Park and Rockingham.
• Spryfield: one of the more accessible price points close to the city, with great trails and lakes. See Exploring Spryfield.

Schools and Universities

Public schools across Halifax are run by the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE), the largest school system in Atlantic Canada, with English, French Immersion and other programs. French first language schools are offered by the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP), and families also have several independent school options, including Halifax Grammar School, Sacred Heart School of Halifax and Armbrae Academy. For post secondary, Dalhousie University, Saint Mary's University and the Nova Scotia Community College all call Halifax home. Boundaries vary street by street, so we always recommend confirming the schools for a specific address with HRCE before you buy.

The Halifax Market Right Now

As of late October 2026, across the Halifax peninsula and mainland neighbourhoods this page covers:

• Detached homes and townhouses: about 280 listings, from roughly $200,000 to over $6 million, with an average asking price near $950,000.
• Condos: about 160 listings, with an average asking price around $545,000.

These figures change daily and are a snapshot rather than a guarantee. For current active, pending and sold activity, visit our Halifax Market Report.

Thinking About Halifax?

Whether you are moving to Nova Scotia, buying your first condo, or wondering what your Halifax home is worth today, we would love to help. Browse the newest listings below and save a search to get new Halifax homes by email, request a home valuation, or contact our team. You can also reach Mike directly at 902-229-3452. Across the harbour, our Dartmouth guide is worth a look too.