Halifax is a city where coastal charm meets everyday convenience. Living here means enjoying ocean views, fresh seafood, and scenic boardwalks.
That’s why our short-term rentals in Halifax are located in some of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods. They place you within easy reach of the waterfront, historic landmarks, green parks, and the food scene. But it can be hard to picture daily life here if you’ve never lived by the coast.
In the following sections of this post, you will learn everything you need to know about living in Halifax, including where to stay, what it costs, how to get around, what the weather’s like, and what makes each part of the city feel unique.
Neighborhoods in Halifax: Deciding Where To Stay
In the sections below, we review some of the best neighborhoods in Halifax, their reputations, and the cost of living there so you can make an easier decision.
1. Downtown Halifax is the main urban center
Downtown Halifax is where the city truly comes alive. With its close connection to the waterfront, this area has a special energy that blends the charm of a seaside town with the pace of city life.
You’ll see it in the skyline, which is shaped by a mix of modern buildings and historic sites, such as the Citadel National Historic Site and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. The star-shaped, 19th-century Halifax Citadel overlooks the city from a grassy hill. This is the part of Halifax where you will see everything combined; it is where people live, work, and play.
At Corporate Stays, we make it easy for remote workers, travelers, and anyone visiting Halifax to enjoy this downtown lifestyle. We offer fully furnished apartments in prime locations, where everything you need is just a short walk away.
For example, our shortlets at:
- The Jade apartment:. It is on Barrington Street, just steps from the harbor and offers sleek, stylish living in the heart of downtown.
- The Roy: This apartment defines luxury with breathtaking waterfront views. It is perfect for those who want something extra.
2. North End is best for Nightlife and knowing the Culture
If you want to fully experience the culture and creativity of the Halifax people, the North End is the right neighborhood to stay in. This area is famous for the edgy restaurants along Agricola Street, where you will find cuisine crafted from local, organic, and seasonal ingredients.
Students and artists frequent the area’s cafes. Over the past few years, the creative scene here has grown fast. Many creative businesses now call the North End home (think design studios and local fashion brands), bringing jobs and life back into the area. This change has helped the local economy grow and made the neighborhood a popular place to live and visit.
HOUSING COST ISSUE
The North End is dealing with rising housing prices. Gentrification has pushed property values up, with home prices climbing 7–10% in the last year alone, according to Houseful.ca, a residential property data hub. That’s great news for investors, but it’s also sparked concerns about affordability for long-time residents.
3. South End Halifax is Dominated by Academia and Professional Families
Unlike other places in Halifax, the South End is the neighborhood where people can grow professionally while enjoying everything the city offers. For example, the South End is home to two major schools: Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University.
Because of this, the area is filled with students, professors, and professionals. This creates a lively atmosphere full of learning, new ideas, and partnerships. It’s also a great location for businesses and investors looking to tap into Halifax’s growing knowledge-based economy.
CLOSE TO TOP MEDICAL SERVICES
Another big plus is its closeness to Halifax’s hospital district. This makes it a smart choice for healthcare workers.
You will find the IWK Health Centre and the QEII Health Sciences Centre (including the Halifax Infirmary). However, IWK specializes in pediatric and women’s health, while the QEII, including the Halifax Infirmary, provides a wide range of services for adult patients.
For nature and relaxation, one of the most loved spots in the South End’s Point Pleasant Park. This large, green park stretches across 75 hectares and is perfect for walking, relaxing, or enjoying nature. It’s located at the southern tip of the area and offers a peaceful break from city life.
4. Hydrostone District: Local Life, Business, circa-1920 row houses
This neighborhood is special because it was Canada’s first public housing project, built using fireproof Hydrostone concrete blocks for safety. If you prioritize street walks, this is a haven.
The Hydrostone District was designated a national historic site in Canada because it is an excellent example of an English-style garden suburb. The Hydrostone Marketplace, which was restored in 1995, brought new life to the local shopping area.
It now supports small businesses and gives residents a place to shop, eat, and connect, helping strengthen the area’s sense of community. Many people choose to stay here long-term, and investors see it as a valuable place to put their money.
The community also benefits from institutions like the Hydrostone Academy, a school located in a building that survived the explosion. It serves children of different ages and adds to the area’s lasting appeal.
5. Dartmouth has so many lakes
Dartmouth is a built-up community of Halifax Regional Municipality located on the eastern shore. The lakes and waterfronts make this place special, especially for tourists.
This community has up to 23 different lake spots. It is a great place to live in Halifax, especially considering the close access to great hiking trails and a quick trip to beautiful beaches.
That’s why we provide The Killick, located at King’s Wharf on the picturesque Dartmouth waterfront, just a 10-minute drive from downtown Halifax. Enjoy convenient access to Metro Transit and a short walk to the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal.
So, nature is at your doorstep. Meanwhile, Dartmouth’s downtown area is flourishing with one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, cafes, and parks.
6. Bedford-Sackville is more family-friendly
Bedford and Sackville are great places for families who want a peaceful, affordable, and well-connected suburban lifestyle. Bedford is home to top schools like Charles P. Allen High School and recreation centers like the BMO Centre, making it a great place to raise kids.
PARKS AND OUTDOOR FUN
Nature is a big part of life here.
- The Bedford-Sackville Greenway Corridor has scenic walking and biking trails along the Sackville River.
- Families can also enjoy DeWolf Park, Hemlock Ravine Park, and Sackville Lakes Provincial Park, which offer hiking, canoeing, and kayaking.
ACCOMMODATION
Bedford offers homes in the $600,000 to $1,000,000 range, while Sackville is more affordable. New neighborhoods like Indigo Shores feature large lots and modern homes, giving buyers more space and options. But if you want rental apartments for short stays with your family, we have the best options in Halifax at CorporateStays.
You can even choose from our fully furnished 1 and 2-bedroom units, designed for both long and mid-term stays.
7. The Coastal Communities in Halifax
Communities like Eastern Passage and Cow Bay offer just that if you dream of a peaceful life by the sea.
Eastern Passage is known for its beautiful ocean views, scenic walking trails, and the friendly Fisherman’s Cove (locals would tell you that this place is perfect for a laid-back coastal lifestyle). Cow Bay adds to the appeal with popular surfing spots and local food that gives you an authentic taste of the coast.
WHAT ABOUT CLOSE TO NATURE BUT STILL NEAR THE CITY?
Places like Purcell’s Cove and Herring Cove are ideal for those who love nature. For example, the Purcell’s Cove Backlands have peaceful trails, lakes, and a mix of ecosystems, all just a short drive from downtown Halifax. It’s a great escape for hiking or enjoying quiet time in nature.
Day-to-day Living In Halifax: What You Should Know
If you’re thinking about moving to Halifax, the primary things to consider depend on whether you’re staying long-term or short term. However, factors like transportation, climate, work-from-home setups, access to healthcare, and job opportunities are contextual factors.
Getting Around
Thanks to reliable public transportation, you might not even need a car in areas like Downtown Halifax. But in suburbs like Bedford and Sackville, having your own vehicle can be more convenient. The city is also working on expanding electric vehicle charging stations as part of its plan to support greener transportation.
Remote Working
Halifax is a great city for remote workers. With strong internet and home setups becoming more common, many tourists who stay in are digital nomads. Also, healthcare wouldn’t be a concern here. The QEII Health Sciences Centre and other facilities offer easy access to top medical care.
Cost of Food
Halifax’s food costs are relatively reasonable compared to other major cities in Canada. Based on the food price index provided by payment platform Wise, on average:
- A single person could spend about $341.80 per month on groceries.
- For students or those on a tighter budget, monthly grocery costs can range between $200 and $300
- Some frugal individuals manage on as little as $23 per week.
When eating out, a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant typically costs around $50. One thing that helps reduce food expenses is the absence of retail sales tax on basic food items.
Products like eggs, vegetables, meat, and fish are exempt from tax in Nova Scotia, which helps keep grocery bills lower. However, it’s worth noting that food prices are on the rise, especially since 2022 when Canada’s Food Price Report hinted that grocery costs are expected to increase by 5% to 7% in coming years.
Need Help Moving To Halifax? We Provide The Best Rental Services Here
With long years of experience in the hospitality and housing industry since 2008, Corporate Stays knows the ins and outs of apartment rentals in Canada.
Our short-term and furnished apartment rentals in Halifax have generous balconies with stunning waterfront views, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and luxury. You can look at the various Airbnbs available in various Halifax neighborhoods.
