Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Halifax to St. John's in 2023
Have you ever thought of moving from Halifax to St. John's in 2023? Halifax, Nova Scotia is a vibrant city with a population of 403,390 spread across 5,490 km2 of land. It is home to iconic landmarks such as the Citadel Hill and Pier 21 and it boasts a unique atmosphere for its visitors and locals alike.
St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador on the other hand, has an estimated population of 112,320 people across 431 km2 land area. This historic city is known for its colorful row houses along with breathtaking views from Signal Hill and flocks of colourful seabirds near Cape Spear lighthouse - the easternmost point in Canada!
Moving to St. John's from St. John's
Moving cross-country is a big decision. There are many things to consider when moving from Halifax to St. John's, but we have gathered the five most essential ones for you. From the cost of living and the benefits of a move to finding the best place to live and which solutions will work best for you, this blog post outlines all that you need to know before packing your bags in 2023.
Cost of Living
St. John's is a large city located in Eastern Canada and is home to many people. Expenses such as rent, food, transportation, and utilities can vary greatly depending on the lifestyle. To give an idea of the cost of living differences between Halifax and St. John's, we've put together a comparison table below.
| Category | St. John's | Halifax |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $200 / sq ft. | $220 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $245/sq ft. | $215/sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1030 / Month. | $1,300 / Month for a 1 bedroom apartment. |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $252/month. | $160 / Month |
| Transportation | $63 / Month for a Metrobus Transit Pass. | $78.50/Month for an Adult Monthly Pass for public transportation. |
| Car Insurance | $1100 / Year. | $794 / Year |
| Entertainment | $200 / Month | $150 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $200 / Month. | $300 / Month. |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $120 / Month | $100/month |
| Health and Fitness | $65 / Month | $50-$100 / Month for a gym membership. |
| Sales Taxes | 15% | 15 \% |
Moving to St. John's from Halifax could prove to be a more budget-friendly option. Real Estate prices in St. John's are generally lower than in Halifax, with custom-built single-family homes costing $30/sq ft. less, while the production home prices are $20/sq ft. less. Renting costs are also more affordable in St. John's, with a 1 bedroom apartment costing $270 less than in Halifax each month. Additionally, transportation and car insurance costs are generally cheaper in St. John's compared to Halifax, with Metrobus transit passes being 15% less and car insurance being 28% lower on average. Grocery costs for one person are also slightly lower at $200/month compared to $300/month for Halifax. Entertainment and communication expenses can also be lower by about 33%. Lastly, health and fitness related expenses such as gym memberships cost between 25%-50% less than those in Halifax on average.
Benefits of Moving to St. John's
Moving from Halifax to St. John's comes with many advantages. St. John's boasts of a stunning, picturesque beauty that can't be found in Halifax, with its rugged coastlines and rolling hills providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor exploration. Furthermore, its friendly community atmosphere makes it easy to find your new home away from home and settle in quickly. Meanwhile, St. John's also boasts a rich architectural history and active nightlife scene which provide an exciting atmosphere for everyone to enjoy! The music scene is thriving too, with many live music venues available around the city adding a unique dynamic to days and nights out alike. Ultimately, moving to St. John's has so much more than Halifax can offer - it is truly deserving of its reputation as one of Canada's most charming cities!
Best areas to live in St. John's
Choosing a neighbourhood in St. John's can be a difficult task since there is so much to consider. Factors like access to amenities, schools and public services must be taken into account before making a decision. With that in mind, here are some of the best areas to live in this Newfoundland capital city - all with their own unique characteristics and distinct advantages.
Waterford Valley
Living in the Waterford Valley neighbourhood of St. John's is like taking a step back in time. With its rich architectural heritage, the area has an old-world charm that makes it feel timeless and inviting. For those who are outdoorsy, there are plenty of nearby parks, trails, and beaches to explore. Not far away is historic Signal Hill and St John's Harbourfront Boardwalk. The Waterford Valley is also conveniently located close to many amenities such as shops, bars and restaurants - all within easy walking distance! Living in this neighbourhood means you can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle while still having easy access to all the city has to offer. The Waterford Valley offers something for everyone – from young professionals looking for a vibrant lifestyle to retirees looking for peaceful leisure activities.
King William Estates
The King William Estates is a vibrant neighbourhood in St. John's known for its wide array of community amenities and attractions. Located near the downtown area, the neighbourhood boasts of an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops and parks. The waterfront area is a short distance away, offering plenty of outdoor activities and breathtaking views. For those looking for an active lifestyle, the King William Estates offers a range of destinations within walking distance as well as great transportation options to get you around town in no time! Living here can be an exciting experience as you explore all that this lovely little community has to offer – perfect for creating incredible memories with your family or friends!
Churchill Park
Churchill Park is known for its peaceful streets and stunning architecture. It is located on the former site of Fort William, and surrounded by the many parks, beaches, trails and pathways. Churchill Park is just a few minutes away from George Street (the entertainment heart of St. John's) and historical sites such as Signal Hill and Cape Spear. Residents of Churchill Park can enjoy the best of both worlds – modern amenities within easy reach while living in a friendly and welcoming neighbourhood with beautiful views. Life in Churchill Park offers an urban laid-back lifestyle that combines all the benefits of an active city life with stunning natural surroundings to explore year-round.
Kenmount Terrace
Kenmount Terrace is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in St. John's, with a large population of young professionals. It's close to many attractions, from downtown to Signal Hill Park, and only a short drive away from the popular Quidi Vidi village and Cape Spear Lighthouse. Living in this area allows for easy access to weekend adventures like camping or hiking in the nearby hills, as well as day trips to nearby cities. With its low cost of living and vibrant cultural atmosphere, Kenmount Terrace offers an ideal relocation for those looking for adventure and diversity.
Elizabeth Park
Elizabeth Park is a vibrant neighbourhood located in the historic city of St. John's, Newfoundland. It is known for its stunning views due to its hill-top location and charming 19th century architecture and streetscape. Home to many green spaces and various attractions such as Signal Hill National Historic Site, George Street, Cape Spear Lighthouse, and more; Elizabeth Park is the perfect place for those looking for a tranquil yet exciting place to live. There are plenty of amenities within walking distance from Elizabeth Park including shopping centres, coffee shops, restaurants as well as other leisure activities such as fishing or kayaking in nearby Quidi Vidi Lake. Overall living in this eclectic area provides everything one needs for an effortless move and incredible lifestyle experience!
Pros
- Moving to St. John's provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in new experiences that are distinct from Halifax.
- The spectacular scenery of St. John's is an alluring advantage when planning to move from Halifax.
- The people of St. John's are incredibly hospitable, making a move to the city a much more pleasant experience than most other places.
Cons
- Moving from Halifax to St. John's in 2023 can be an intimidating experience due to the much higher cost of living in the latter.
- Less job opportunities in St. John's compared to Halifax can be a disadvantage when it comes to making a move to the former city.
- The harsh winters in St. John's can be a major disadvantage compared to the milder weather of Halifax.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Halifax to St. John's?
With so many moving companies in Halifax and St. John's, choosing the right one for your relocation needs can be a difficult task. However, with careful planning and research you can make an informed decision that meets your budget and expectations. The most common services offered by moving companies include packing, loading, transporting and unloading of items from one home to another. Hercules Moving Company is just one example of a reputable company offering these services for relocations across Canada. Meanwhile, when selecting a moving company it is important to remember to check their reputation online as well as their registration with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). Doing so will ensure that you are entrusting your belongings with a reliable organization that properly adheres to the industry standards.
Conclusion
Summary: Moving to St. John's from Halifax in 2023 is an appealing option due to its budget-friendly cost of living, stunning beauty and unique atmosphere. With its rich culture, an array of community amenities and various attractions near by - there are many attractive neighbourhoods to choose from that offer something for everyone! The relocation process can be made easier with the help of a reliable moving company such as Hercules Moving Company which offers packing, loading and other services for across Canada relocations. Ultimately, this blog post provides all the information needed for a successful move from Halifax to St.John's in 2023.
