Everything You Must Know Before Moving From St. John's to Halifax in 2023
Have you ever dreamed of moving from St. John's to Halifax in 2023? The city of St. John's is a vibrant coastal capital, located on the eastern tip of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. It has a population of almost 200,000 people and is one of the oldest cities in North America. When you are in St. John's, you can feel the old-world charm mixed with modern amenities - the perfect combination for an enjoyable life!
On the other hand, Halifax is Nova Scotia’s beautiful capital city and home to over 400,000 people. With its stunning beaches and iconic architecture such as Citadel Hill and Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, it offers a great combination of urban amenities with breathtaking natural scenery. Halifax also offers opportunities for cultural exploration like music festivals or art galleries that will make your stay unforgettable!
Relocating from St. John's to Halifax
Making a move from St. John's to Halifax can be an exciting opportunity for many, but it also involves being mindful of many decisions and considerations. Of the numerous factors to consider when moving, we have narrowed down five key elements to focus on: cost of living, benefits of moving, where one should live in the new area, pros and cons of relocation, and what is the best moving solution. Make sure that you are aware of all these items before making your big move!
Cost of Living
Comparing St. John's with Halifax, the vibrant seaport capital of Nova Scotia, is an interesting exercise. Although Halifax is a smaller city when it comes to size and population, the cost of living can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle – as seen in the table below.
| Category | Halifax | St. John's |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $237/sq ft. | $200/sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $230 / sq ft. | $280 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1100 / Month. | $950 / Month. |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200-300 / Month. | $250 / Month |
| Transportation | $78 / Month for a Monthly Pass. | $58.50/Month - Metrobus Transit Pass |
| Car Insurance | $800 / Year | $1,132 / year. |
| Entertainment | $200 / Month | $2.50 - $15 per person. |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $250 / Month. | $300 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $100 / Month | $120 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | Gym membership costs around $54 / Month. | $50 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 15% sales tax. | 15% / Year |
In Halifax, real estate costs are lower than in St. John's, with production homes priced at $237 per square foot compared to $200. Custom-built single-family homes are also cheaper in Halifax at $230 per square foot versus $280 in St. John's. Rent for a one bedroom apartment is also more affordable in Halifax at $1100 per month compared to $950 per month in St. John's. The cost of utilities and insurance for housing is significantly lower in Halifax - around $200 to $300 per month versus the average of $250 per month in St. John's. A monthly public transport pass costs less in St. John's at only $58.50 versus a more expensive rate of $78 for Halifax pass holders. Car insurance is also higher in St. John's, with an annual fee of around $1,132 compared to the much lower rate of only 800 dollars for a year in Halifax. Entertainment is much cheaper in St. John's with prices ranging from only 2 dollars and 50 cents to 15 dollars per person, while it will cost an estimated 200 dollars monthly to enjoy some quality time out in Halifax. Grocery costs may be higher compared to other Canadian cities but they are still more affordable than those seen on the East Coast, with an average of 250 dollars spent monthly by one person on groceries while it would cost 300 dollars if living in St John’s instead of Halifax and sales taxes remain the same at 15% across both cities regardless of location
Benefits of Moving to Halifax
Moving to Halifax can offer many advantages that cannot be found in St. John's. For example, Halifax has a vibrant and supportive community with plenty of events and activities for all ages, such as festivals, theatre performances, and music venues. Moreover, visitors can enjoy incredible waterfront scenery year-round and take advantage of outdoor activities like camping or hiking along the coast. Meanwhile, Halifax is also home to a thriving art scene with galleries featuring local artists as well as cultural venues celebrating the diversity of the area. Last but not least, its economy is booming with lots of job opportunities in high tech companies and startups. In comparison to St.John's which may have less access to jobs or certain types of entertainment and activities; Halifax offers many benefits overall that make it an attractive place to live for those looking for more than just a change of scenery!
Best areas to live in Halifax
Choosing a neighbourhood in Halifax can be quite challenging, as there are so many different factors to take into consideration. Location, safety and amenities play a key role when picking the right neighbourhood for you and your family. With that said, let us explore some of the best areas to live in Halifax.
South End
Moving to Halifax's South End neighbourhood in 2023 is a great option for those seeking to live in the heart of the city. It borders picturesque Point Pleasant Park, as well as being within walking distance of both downtown and the scenic waterfront. The area boasts a mix of history and modern attractions, making it perfect for people who want to experience a variety of things in close proximity. Shopping, dining and nightlife are all within easy reach from South End. Furthermore, there is plenty to do nearby at any time; from exploring the world-renowned shops along Spring Garden Road to taking part in vibrant cultural experiences at local galleries and museums. With its stunning views, close proximity to many top tourist attractions,and its welcoming atmosphere, living in South End will make you feel like you’re right at home!
North End
Moving to North End in Halifax is an attractive option for people looking for a lively neighbourhood. The area is surrounded by shops, cafes and restaurants, offering plenty of entertainment and culinary options. The North End also features conveniently located attractions such as the waterfront boardwalk, Point Pleasant Park and vibrant galleries. Moving to the North End would mean having easy access to all these locations within a few minutes' drive or walk away. Living in Halifax's most popular neighbourhood will be an exciting experience with rich culture, a variety of activities, great food and friendly locals.
Point Pleasant
Point Pleasant is one of the trendiest and sought-after neighborhoods of Halifax, with a blend of vibrant culture, heritage buildings and stunning views. It's situated at the point where the Northwest Arm meets Halifax Harbour, offering local residents and visitors easy access to many great attractions within walking distance like Point Pleasant Park, Fort Needham Memorial Park and Collins Street Beach. The options for dining out or shopping are plentiful - from fine restaurants to casual eateries they're all nearby. In addition, it's only 10 minutes away from downtown Halifax by car or public transit. Living in Point Pleasant means having an exciting range of activities to do on any given day as well as plenty of green spaces to enjoy relaxation in nature. You can get creative at weekly art classes or explore nature trails during your lunch break – whatever you choose this neighborhood offers something for everyone!
Spring Garden
Spring Garden is an urban neighbourhood in Halifax, located off of Barrington Street. It is a popular area for locals and tourists alike, with plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops nearby. Spring Garden also offers something for everyone with its close proximity to various attractions such as the Halifax Commons Park, Mount Saint Vincent University and the gorgeous Citadel Hill. The neighbourhood provides easy access to downtown Halifax but still maintains a feeling of seclusion due to its peaceful atmosphere. Living in Spring Garden means having all necessary amenities close by while also being able to retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life whenever necessary. With its vibrant community atmosphere, friendly locals and beautiful scenery, Spring Garden is an ideal spot for those looking for an enjoyable living experience while they explore all that Nova Scotia has to offer.
Armdale
The Armdale neighbourhood of Halifax is a vibrant area filled with opportunities, making it a great place to live and work. It's a bustling area that has seen remarkable growth over the past few years, becoming one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Halifax. From Armdale you can easily access Downtown Halifax as well as attractions like Point Pleasant Park and the Dartmouth waterfront. Additionally, there are plenty of excellent restaurants and shops in nearby downtown Dartmouth. With its abundance of options for living and leisure, living in Armdale offers something for everyone - from young families looking for an urban lifestyle to retirees who prefer to settle somewhere peaceful yet exciting.
Pros
- The opportunity for new jobs is an advantage when moving from St. John's to Halifax, where the job market is more diverse and varied.
- The urban lifestyle of Halifax provides a plethora of opportunities and resources not available in St. John's, making it a great choice for those looking for more exciting city life.
- The significantly warmer climate in Halifax makes it a more pleasant place to live than St. John's.
Cons
- The con point when moving from St. John's to Halifax is "higher cost of living" - making the move one that should be carefully considered with expenses in mind.
- Moving from St. John's to Halifax can be quite challenging due to the increased traffic.
- The lack of natural beauty in Halifax compared to St. John's can be a disadvantage for those planning to relocate.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From St. John's to Halifax?
Moving from St. John's to Halifax can be a challenge, but with the abundance of services available, it can be made much easier. Many professional moving companies provide a wide variety of options when it comes to packing and transporting your belongings safely across Canada; mammoth operations like Hercules Moving Company offer their customers comprehensive solutions from packing and hauling to full-service relocations and storage solutions. Meanwhile, they also keep in mind that cost efficiency is a priority for many customers so they strive to keep rates as budget-friendly as possible without sacrificing quality. Moreover, there are numerous local moving companies that offer specialized services such as door-to-door delivery or loading/unloading assistance depending on needs. It is important not to forget that researching the reputation and registration of the moving company with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) should always be done before making any kind of commitment.
Conclusion
Moving to Halifax can be an exciting opportunity with great benefits. The city of Halifax offers a lower cost of living compared to St. John's and is home to many attractions like Point Pleasant Park, Citadel Hill and Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. With vibrant communities and cultural experiences, there are plenty of activities for people of all ages. Additionally, Halifax has an abundance of job opportunities in high tech companies and startups as well as shopping, dining and nightlife options within walking distance from various neighbourhoods. There are many moving companies that offer comprehensive services should one decide to move from St. John's to Halifax in 2023, providing help with packing, transporting belongings across Canada and more. Researching the reputation and registration varying movers with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) should always be done before committing however - moving from St John’s to Halifax is an exciting yet important decision that requires careful consideration!
