Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Toronto to Halifax in 2023
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to move from Toronto to Halifax in 2023? Both cities have their own unique charm and appeal, so the decision on which one to choose can be a difficult one. Toronto is Canada's largest city, with a population of over five million people and an area of 630 square kilometres. It is known for its vibrant multiculturalism and many iconic attractions like the CN Tower, Scarborough Bluffs, and numerous festivals throughout the year. There is an energy in this cosmopolitan city that can't be found anywhere else!
Halifax is located on the east coast of Canada and has a population of over 400 thousand people. Its harbourfront location offers stunning views along with access to incredible beaches, national parks and historic sites like Citadel Hill. In Halifax there’s something special in the air – it’s smaller than Toronto but just as lively – filled with culture, artistry, music and friendly locals who are always willing to show you around!
Relocating to Halifax from Toronto
Relocating to Halifax from Toronto can be overwhelming and requires a lot of decisions. Though there are many factors to consider, we have narrowed them down to the five most important ones: cost of living, benefits of moving, where to live, pros and cons and best moving solutions. We will discuss all these elements in the following section.
Cost of Living
Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia, a relatively small province in Atlantic Canada. Moving from Toronto to Halifax means that expenses will vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and what you are looking for. To give you a better idea of the differences in cost between these two cities, have a look at the table below.
| Category | Halifax | Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $236/sq ft. | $300/sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $225/sq ft. | $324/sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $900 / Month | $1,750 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $225 / Month. | $300 / Month |
| Transportation | $78.50 / Month for a regular adult transit pass. | $156.00 / Month for a Presto Transit Pass. |
| Car Insurance | $880 / Year | $1,500 / Year |
| Entertainment | $150 / Month | $350 / month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $250 / Month. | $400 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $125 / Month | $80 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50-70 / Month | $60-120/month for a gym membership. |
| Sales Taxes | 15% | 13\% / Year |
Living costs in Halifax are generally lower than in Toronto. Real estate for production homes are $64 less per square feet and custom-built single-family homes are $99 cheaper per square foot. Renting a one bedroom apartment in Halifax is almost half of the cost of renting in Toronto, while utilities and insurance are 25% cheaper. Transportation costs are also much lower - a regular adult transit pass is only $78.50 a month compared to $156.00 in Toronto. Car insurance is also significantly lower in Halifax - at $880 a year compared to $1,500 a year in Toronto. Entertainment costs are lower by half - at $150 per month, compared to $350 per month in Toronto; while grocers cost about 40% less - at $250 per month, compared to $400 per month in Toronto. Communication services such as phones and internet are more expensive in Halifax but still 37% cheaper than Toronto's rates at $125 per month versus $80/month respectively. Finally, health and fitness charges vary from person to person but generally range from 50-70 dollars/month in Halifax and 60-120 dollars/month in Toronto for gym memberships. Sales taxes are slightly higher at 15% compared to 13\% taxes on purchases annually in Toronto.
Benefits of Moving to Halifax
Halifax offers a unique experience for those seeking an urban life with a difference. There is a rich history and culture around the city, as well as green spaces to explore and relax. Moreover, Halifax has affordable housing compared to other cities like Toronto which have rapidly rising prices. In Halifax you can enjoy historic sites such as the Citadel Hill National Historic Site of Canada or the Alexander Keith's Brewery, which offer an exciting glimpse into Nova Scotia’s past. Meanwhile, Halifax also boasts vibrant cultural attractions like the Discovery Centre Museum or The Bus Stop Theatre Co-op that are unique to this city. What really sets Halifax apart from other urban centres is its commitment to multiculturalism; there are festivals throughout the year celebrating different cultures from all over the world. Whether it's culture, nature or heritage you're looking for, Halifax has something for everyone!
Best areas to live in Halifax
Moving to a new city can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially when it comes to finding the best neighbourhood to call home. With an abundance of areas and districts, Halifax is no exception as making a decision about where to live becomes more complicated. To make things easier, here is a list of the five best neighbourhoods in Halifax for those looking for their new home.
South End
As Halifax's oldest neighborhood, South End is packed with approximately 5,000 people who call the area home. The area is surrounded by a charming mix of commercial and residential buildings that are a blend of Victorian and post-Victorian eras. The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and Pier 21 National Historic Site are just minutes away, while other attractions such as the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Point Pleasant Park and Alexander Keith's Brewery are all easily accessible. With tree-lined streets filled with lively restaurants, cafés and shops, the South End offers its residents an exciting urban lifestyle in a vibrant historical setting.
Point Pleasant Park
Point Pleasant Park is a large neighbourhood in Halifax renowned for its lush greenery and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It's surrounded by a number of natural and man-made attractions, including public parks, trails, golf courses, beaches, and more. Its close proximity to downtown Halifax makes it an ideal location for those looking to enjoy city life and explore nearby attractions. The area also has great access to public transit as well as other amenities such as stores and restaurants. Living in Point Pleasant Park puts you just a short distance away from some of Halifax's most iconic spots while still offering the convenience of an urban lifestyle.
Downtown Halifax
Moving to Downtown Halifax in 2023 promises to be an exciting experience. In the heart of Halifax city, Downtown Halifax is a bustling business district and home to numerous cultural landmarks such as the Citadel National Historic Site and St. Paul’s Church. Nearby attractions such as The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and George’s Island Lighthouse are just a few minutes away by car, making it easy for residents to experience all this beautiful city has to offer. With its wide array of activities, dining options, and shopping hotspots, Downtown Halifax is an ideal neighborhood for anyone looking for an exciting new home!
Armdale
Armdale is one of Halifax’s oldest neighbourhoods, boasting more than 150 years of history. It is situated near the stunning Dingle Park and the beautiful Sherbrooke Lake, making it an ideal spot for outdoor lovers. Residents are in a prime location to easily access local attractions such as the Armdale Yacht Club and the Point Pleasant Park. There is also great access to public transportation with service on multiple bus lines. Living in Armdale offers a unique combination of convenience, culture, and natural beauty- perfect for anyone looking to make this bustling city their home!
Regatta Point
Regatta Point is a lively neighbourhood situated in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It is surrounded by the Atlantic shore and close to historical sites like Citadel Hill and York Redoubt. It's located within walking distance of some of Halifax’s most popular attractions, including the waterfront boardwalk, live music venues, and art galleries. For those who prefer the outdoors, Regatta Point is only a 10-minute drive away from local parks, trails and beaches. Moving to Regatta Point can mean an exciting adventure filled with diverse activities in an urban setting with spectacular views of Nova Scotia's natural landscape.
Pros
- The lower cost of living in Halifax compared to Toronto makes a move to the former city more attractive.
- The breathtaking landscapes of Halifax offer an unparalleled visual experience that's incomparable to the Toronto skyline.
- The benefit of moving from Toronto to Halifax is fewer traffic woes, giving a smoother transition to the city's exciting lifestyle.
Cons
- Moving to Halifax from Toronto can feel like a step back due to the significantly fewer employment opportunities available.
- Moving to Halifax can be difficult due to its cold, harsh winters compared to the more temperate conditions in Toronto.
- The limited population diversity in Halifax compared to Toronto can be a disadvantage when moving from one city to the other.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Toronto to Halifax?
Moving can be a challenging process and finding the right company to help with it is essential. Thus, when moving from Toronto to Halifax in 2023, there are multiple options available when selecting a mover – some providing specialized services while others offer cost-effective solutions. Hercules Moving Company is one of many companies that provides services dedicated to make relocating an easier experience, such as packing and unpacking assistance, storage solutions, transport logistics and more. Moreover, researching the reputation of the moving company is really important – check if the movers are registered with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM), look at user reviews online or ask about their prior experience with related moves for example. Therefore making sure all necessary information is considered before selecting any certain service provider will make sure that relocation process goes smoothly and eliminate further issues from arising.
Conclusion
Moving to Halifax can be a great idea for many reasons, such as lower living costs, rich cultural attractions, natural and man-made amenities and various options of areas to live. It's important to choose the right moving company, as they will make sure relocation is done seamlessly. Hercules Moving Company provides specialized services such as packing and transport logistics that can make this process easier. Research into reputation of the moving companies is essential before selecting any service provider.
