Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Edmonton to Halifax in 2023
Have you ever thought about moving from Edmonton to Halifax in 2023? Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta, Canada and has a population of 1,000,000 people. It is known for its vibrant culture and beautiful parks. Living in Edmonton will make you feel like a local with all its amazing sights and activities.
Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia and has a population of 420,000 people. Established in 1749, it is one of the oldest cities in North America with centuries-old architecture that makes it unique. Halifax offers charming streets lined up with cafes and restaurants where you can experience the warmth of locals as well as explore Nova Scotia's rich history.
Moving from Edmonton to Halifax
Planning a long-distance move from Edmonton to Halifax can involve a lot of considerations, but we have selected the five most important ones: the cost of living, benefits associated with moving, where to live, pros and cons, and the best moving solutions. With all this in mind, let's continue on and discuss each one in more detail.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Halifax, Nova Scotia is significantly different from Edmonton, Alberta. Depending on your lifestyle and needs, expenses can vary greatly between the two cities; this table below will help illustrate the differences in cost for you.
| Category | Halifax | Edmonton |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $270 / sq ft. | $240 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $240 / sq ft. | $354 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,274 / Month. | $950 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200-$250 / Month | $300 / Month |
| Transportation | $78 / Month (with a minimum purchase of 12 months) for a regular monthly bus pass, called "MetroX" pass. | $97/month for an adult monthly transit pass. |
| Car Insurance | $800 / year | $1200 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $150 / Month | $200 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $300 / Month | $250 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $90 / Month | $90 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $60-80 / month for a gym membership. | $50-100 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 15%. | 5% / Year |
Overall, Halifax is a more affordable city than Edmonton for those looking for a new home. Real estate in Halifax is significantly cheaper than Edmonton, with production homes costing around $30 less per square foot and custom-built single-family homes costing almost $100 less. Rent is also much lower in Halifax ($1,274 on average compared to 950 in Edmonton), and even utilities and insurance are slightly more affordable. Public transportation is also cheaper in Halifax, with bus passes costing around $15 less per month. Car insurance costs approximately $400 less annually, while entertainment costs are about $50 cheaper per month. Grocery prices are slightly higher in Halifax but communication costs are the same in both cities. Finally, health and fitness costs range from slightly lower to the same in both cities, and the sales taxes are much lower in Halifax at 15% compared to 5% in Edmonton.
Benefits of Moving to Halifax
Halifax is a vibrant city that offers something for everyone. It boasts stunning coastal scenery and vast open spaces, providing ample opportunity for outdoor recreation. Moreover, Halifax has an active lifestyle with plenty of nightlife and shopping to enjoy. Meanwhile, Edmonton's urban sprawl can be difficult to navigate compared to the quaint atmosphere of Halifax's bustling downtown district.
Halifax also offers a wide range of cultural diversity that is hard to find elsewhere in Canada. With its mix of European, African and Indigenous cultures, there are several unique restaurants and festivals happening year-round providing an enriching experience unlike any other Canadian cities. Additionally, the quality healthcare available in Halifax is second-to-none and is far more accessible than in Edmonton due to the high cost associated with health care services there. Finally, living costs are substantially lower than Edmonton making it easier on household budgets while still enjoying all the city has to offer.
Best areas to live in Halifax
Choosing a neighbourhood to live in Halifax can be quite challenging. This Canadian city is known for its diverse neighbourhoods and differing communities, making it difficult to decide which one best fits your lifestyle. To begin your search, here is a list of the 5 best areas to live in Halifax that will help you narrow down your choices.
South End
Moving to Halifax can be an exciting journey that brings a lot of changes to the life of anyone who decides to take it. The South End district is one of many popular neighbourhoods to live in, due to its number of amenities, convenient location and vibrant atmosphere. Situated only minutes from the downtown core, there are plenty of attractions and dining options within walking distance such as museums, galleries, parks and restaurants. With great public transportation options available and stunning architecture around every corner, South End is the ideal place for anyone looking for a new home. Moving here in 2023 allows residents the opportunity to enjoy all this area has offer while being part of an energetic neighbourhood full of life.
Armdale
Armdale is an affluent urban neighbourhood located on the Northwest Arm in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Surrounding the area are several parks and trails that offer stunning views of the waterfront and city. Residents can enjoy a quick drive to local attractions such as Point Pleasant Park, Bedford Basin, and CFB Stadacona. The area is known for its proximity to downtown Halifax and cultural institutions like Neptune Theatre. Living in Armdale provides locals with access to incredible shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities as well as a vibrant nightlife scene. Moving to Armdale is sure to provide an exciting new lifestyle full of nearby amenities and activities!
Clayton Park
Clayton Park is an affluent neighbourhood in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It is home to many parks & green spaces such as the Kearney Lake Park and the Clayton Park West Link Trail. There are a number of restaurants, shopping centres and entertainment options within walking distance from Clayton park, with many public transport links nearby making it easy to explore the rest of Halifax. Living in Clayton Park will offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and socializing with locals, all while being only minutes away from downtown Halifax. Clayton Park offers its residents a tranquil suburban environment combined with all the amenities that come with living in a vibrant city like Halifax.
Bedford West
Bedford West is a Halifax-based residential neighbourhood with more than 8,000 people. It is surrounded by urban amenities such as restaurants, bars and event spaces. The neighbourhood is close to the Halifax Stanfield International Airport and various parks, trails and beaches. Living in Bedford West will offer you easy access to all of these attractions while also providing a quiet home environment with beautiful views of the ocean. This makes it an ideal place for those who are looking for a peaceful place to settle down or retire in 2023.
Downtown Halifax
Downtown Halifax is home to a rich mixture of cultures with immigrants making up almost half of the population. With stunning ocean views, numerous parks, and stunning architecture there's always something to explore in the downtown core. Whether it be taking a 5-minute walk to Seaport Farmers' Market for some fresh produce or going for a 20-minute stroll along the Halifax Boardwalk, residents are never too far from excitement. Life in Downtown Halifax will never cease to be interesting as there is an abundance of activities that make living in this vibrant neighbourhood truly unique and special.
Pros
- In Halifax, enjoy balmy temperatures year-round compared to Edmonton's cooler climate.
- The picturesque and breathtaking coastal scenery in Halifax provides an ambiance that is far superior to Edmonton's.
- The vibrant cultural history of Halifax makes it a great choice for those looking for a place to settle after leaving Edmonton.
Cons
- Moving from Edmonton to Halifax in 2023 will likely come at a higher cost of living, as Halifax is typically more expensive than the western Canadian city.
- Moving from Edmonton to Halifax can be a difficult experience, especially if you are used to having family and friends closer by.
- Moving to Halifax from Edmonton can be challenging, as there are limited job opportunities in comparison to bigger cities like Edmonton.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Edmonton to Halifax?
Edmonton to Halifax moving companies offer a variety of services, making the process of relocating hassle-free and smooth. From full packing services to transporting your possessions by air or truck, local or long distance, many moving companies are available in Edmonton and Halifax, such as Hercules Moving Company. Moreover all these movers have a wide range of services to cover any type of relocation need. Meanwhile it is important to remember that when selecting a mover one must make sure they are registered with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) and that they check the company's reputation online first.
Conclusion
Are you thinking about moving from Edmonton to Halifax in 2023? The cost of living and housing is much lower in Halifax and it offers a range of cultural diversity, quality healthcare, stunning scenery and plenty of outdoor recreation. With 5 popular neighbourhoods to choose from such as South End, Armdale or Clayton Park, it has something for everyone. Moving companies like Hercules offer various services to make relocating an easy process. Consider the pros and cons while planning your move - Halifax is an exciting city that provides plenty of opportunities and an enriching experience!
