Halifax, Nova Scotia has a population of about 403,131 and is the capital of the province. It is the largest city in Atlantic Canada and the centre of the Halifax Regional Municipal Government. Its idyllic location on the east coast makes it one of the largest harbours in the world. Due to its prominent historic military role, it earned the nickname "Warden of the North."
Despite its population, Halifax has maintained a small-town community feel even though it continues to revitalize its downtown community to welcome more culture and diverse businesses to the city. Its east coast charm combined with extremely attractive housing prices has made the city a desirable location in the Canadian real estate market.
Here the city life is vibrant and inviting with a balance of culture, dining, entertainment and an abundance of green space. It is an old town filled with young people giving the town an amazing nightlife. There is no shortage of places to have drinks, dance or catch a local band. However, the growth of the city and revitalization of the downtown has also attracted an eclectic mix of cafés and restaurants offering a plethora of dining experiences.
The affordable lifestyle allows you to make more of your income and take advantage of the many attractions, shopping and activities in and around the city. Located right on the Atlantic Ocean, the views are spectacular with the opportunity to ship watch for everything from tall ships to sailboats and freighters to cruise ships.
You are near stunning east coast vacation spots making it affordable to find something to do on holiday in P.E.I, New Brunswick and Newfoundland & Labrador. You are also closer to Europe for international flights.
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia features a respectable display of art and ongoing art shows. The city attracts a bevy of artists, musicians, actors and more making it easy to find some form of artsy attraction and attend some of the best live music in the country. There are always festivals and events taking place year-round.
The city restaurants focus on locally sourced products with fresh seafood abounding on menus and in local markets alike. Halifax also boasts its fair share of breweries as well. There are also year-round farmers markets that bring organic produce and a variety of artisanal items to the city.
The city allows for a less stressful life. You are close to stunning beaches and so much green space both in and around the city, that taking in the great outdoors is always just minutes away.
Ongoing revitalization has included extensive commercial redevelopment with towers of national banks dotting the skyline. The HRMbyDesign process continues to help promote economic growth with a commitment to keeping the cities heritage sites intact.
The city contributes more than 50 percent of Nova Scotia's economy with growth comparable to other Canadian cities. Economic expansion comes from both private and public services, keeping the economy stable. Major contributors to Halifax's economy include trade, health care and social assistance, education, and public administration as well as accommodation and food services, finance and construction.
Adding to growth a Royal Canadian Navy, shipbuilding project will continue to create new jobs well into 2030. The city is also committed to supporting local businesses with small business grants and loans available from the Nova Scotia government.
Halifax real estate continues to grow, adding an inventory of new condos to the existing historic homes and renovated flats in the city centre. The affordability of housing makes it one of the most affordable cities to buy Canadian real estate.
Halifax has eight school boards within the municipality. Many schools in both elementary and high school levels are highly rated. Most neighbourhoods have schools within walking distance and bus service is also available.
The city is also known for its post-secondary opportunities with highly rated universities and a selection of colleges allowing students to choose from a variety of diplomas, certificates, degrees, doctorates and licenses.
Halifax Transit offers an easy public mode of transportation both in the city and its outskirts. It has multiple routes that make it easy to get in and out of the city to the suburban and outer areas of Halifax. The Harbour Ferry Service provides transportation to Dartmouth.
Halifax is working on a cycling plan including expansion of the city's bike network both on and off-road. The city has added nearly 100 kilometres of new bike lanes so far. Efforts are also improving the walkability of the city in hand with biking route upgrades and expansion.
Average housing prices in Halifax reached $322,640 in the first three quarters of 2019. Sales should see a 4 percent increase in prices as demand outweighs demand, which will affect the purchase sale price. Younger buyers are adding more competition to the market as are foreign buyers and Canadians who are choosing to make Halifax home due to high prices and housing shortages in their province.
Halifax experienced solid price appreciation of 5.9 percent and affordability will continue to attract buyers to the province of Nova Scotia.
If you would like more information about buying or selling a home in Halifax reach out to our real estate agents today.
