Tips for moving to Halifax [Archive] - RedFlagDeals.com Forums

asdfvcx

Nov 6th, 2009, 07:38 PM

You could check the classified at http://thechronicleherald.ca/ , the main newspaper in Halifax.

As for where to live, a lot is going to depend on your budget and what type of place are you looking for? Is it just you or a whole family? And I'm assuming this is to rent, not to buy.

If you don't have kids and aren't on too tight a budget, the south half of the peninsula (where you are working) is a great neighbourhood. Starting from around Quinpool to anywhere south until you reach Point Pleasant Park. There's a fair amount of rental apartments in this neighbourhood. If you are looking to buy a house though, this neighbourhood is quite expensive (by Halifax standards).

The neighbourhood north of Cogswell, say between Agricola and Barrington is slowly being gentrified with a fair number of new condos and and apartment buildings. But once you get a couple blocks north of Cogswell, say around North Street, is does become rundown again. Although a couple of blocks further north of North, it turns into a nice family neighbourhood, with very few apartments or condos.

If you are looking to save money, or have a family, you probably want to look outside the Halifax peninsula. Although if this isn't a factor, I would think you really would want to be inside the peninsula.

markj

Nov 6th, 2009, 08:15 PM

Thanks for the tip, since Im in a hurry to move it would be ideal to be able to see pictures instead of just a text listing

yes im looking to spend about 700-800 for rent depending on the place...I was told Halifax is cheaper than Montreal in terms of cost of living (rent, food, etc)

I may look into buying depending on how things go, etc...and I dont have a family

asdfvcx

Nov 6th, 2009, 08:22 PM

You may also want to check kijiji instead of craigslist.

I don't believe craigslist is too popular in Halifax, probably because it took them so long to set up a Halifax site.

markj

Nov 6th, 2009, 08:28 PM

thanks it does seem kijiji is the one to use...

what about internet/tv? any recommendations?

asdfvcx

Nov 6th, 2009, 08:39 PM

what about internet/tv? any recommendations?
You basically have two choices, Eastlink (cable) and Alliant (telephone). I believe Alliant is partially (wholly?) owned by Bell, so you can use your opinion of Bell to partially judge Alliant. And of course there is satellite, if you want to bother with that.

I haven't lived in Halifax for a number of years, but the people I know who still live there all seem to much prefer Eastlink. They aren't hugely impressed by it, buy they feel it's many times better than Alliant.

markj

Nov 6th, 2009, 10:02 PM

thanks im sure the selection will be fine...it couldnt get any worse than videotron (cable company here)...id like to stay away from bell if possible...

pnorris3

Nov 7th, 2009, 06:08 PM

I have been using Aliant for my cable and internet for awhile now and it has worked great for me and is definitely cheaper than Eastlink. As for where to live I would definitely look off the peninsula if you want to get the best value for your money. The area of Clayton Park is a very popular place off the peninsula and you could definitely stretch your dollar. The area has a lot of new apartment buildings that are quite nice and the rents are reasonable.

markj

Nov 7th, 2009, 08:23 PM

thanks i will look into clayton park for sure...i still have to find out if parking is available at my new office...i dont mind a short commute im sure it wont be as bad as MTL/Van

markj

Nov 10th, 2009, 12:57 PM

how is the north end around Lady Hammond Rd?

asdfvcx

Nov 10th, 2009, 01:16 PM

It's a perfectly fine residential neighbourhood. It's a mix of older houses and some somewhat newer condos and apartment buildings (maybe 20 years old). And there's a couple of strip malls and a grocery store or two reasonably close by.

But there's not much else within walking distance. If you feel like doing something you'll either have to use a car or catch a bus. But if you got no problem with that, it should be good.

markj

Nov 11th, 2009, 11:40 PM

im also looking at a place without parking near dalhousie (on harvey st). is it possible to get a local resident parking sticker from city hall for cheaper parking?

asdfvcx

Nov 12th, 2009, 12:58 AM

im also looking at a place without parking near dalhousie (on harvey st). is it possible to get a local resident parking sticker from city hall for cheaper parking?
I'm not sure if you can get a on street parking permit or not.

However, even if you can, I think you might run into the Halifax's notorious (and much hated) Winter Parking Ban.

This basically disallows you to park on the city streets overnight during the winter months. It's to allow snowplows easy access to the roads. Note that it doesn't matter whether it's snowing or not, it's still strongly enforced even if the weather is perfectly clear.

I don't know the precise area it covers, but I expect it would cover all of the area around Dalhousie. You might want to check the Halifax city hall website for the exact locations it covers and to make sure it's still enforced (although I'm nearly positive it still is).

markj

Nov 12th, 2009, 11:26 AM

wow that sounds even more militant than montreal...maybe ill just sell my car...

in montreal they put up signs when they are clearing snow and blast these sirens to make sure you remember to move your car...and of course there is usually nowhere to move your car too...

setell

Nov 12th, 2009, 11:59 AM

how is the north end around Lady Hammond Rd?

Which area? I wouldn't go near the Duffus area as there is some shady places down there. Especially Duffus/Barrington. Those are all subsidized housing and very ghetto. There is select good areas and then there are bad areas in the North End.

As to the snow parking ban. They played around two years go without the ban to see how things are. Not sure about last winter as I moved here last year but I'll ask my folks if they had the ban or not. BUT I wouldn't bet on street parking in the winter though as the city is more into the snow parking ban than no ban.

EDIT: by the way great choice as I love my hometown/city :D

markj

Nov 12th, 2009, 02:53 PM

^the area in the north end was near the tim hortons so more north west than east....

im leaning towards the south end because it would be close to work, etc...even paying monthly parking is still cheaper than any city ive ever lived in...

strife220

Nov 12th, 2009, 10:41 PM

When I was in school I had several friends that lived in Victoria Park. Inexpensive apartments downtown. Several students live there but they're usually the more mature type. 1333 South Park Street.

There's a much classier apartnemt complex just north of there tucked away behind the Lord Nelson Hotel (NE corner of Spring Garden/South Park). Can't remember the name of it, but very nice living downtown for a reasonable price.

Cormano

Nov 14th, 2009, 03:06 PM

Which area? I wouldn't go near the Duffus area as there is some shady places down there. Especially Duffus/Barrington. Those are all subsidized housing and very ghetto. There is select good areas and then there are bad areas in the North End.
This is not entirely accurate. I live right around the corner from Duffus/Barrington and it is very quiet. There is subsidized housing, but no trouble. The area is rapidly gentrifying.

setell

Nov 14th, 2009, 08:38 PM

This is not entirely accurate. I live right around the corner from Duffus/Barrington and it is very quiet. There is subsidized housing, but no trouble. The area is rapidly gentrifying.

Depends which side you're at. It may have changed within the past year but for years they have tried to make things cleaner there. I just don't think that area is one OP should move to if he's new to the city. He can find way better places with similar pricing for more security vs take a risk OR move there when he's more familiar with the city. It's like I wouldn't tell OP to live in Ocean Towers no matter how much they have cleaned it up. Not the best places to live if you're new in town.

markj

Nov 15th, 2009, 07:08 PM

IceBlueShoes12

Nov 15th, 2009, 10:53 PM

Go to the Sunnyvale Trailer Park.
Good dope and liquor. ;):lol:

Seriously though, Halifax is nice. I've only been there for a quick 2 day trip though so I can't comment on much.

asdfvcx

Nov 16th, 2009, 12:05 AM

what about Cornwallis St and Maynard area? The landlord says its an 'up and coming' arts area...
That's a reasonably accurate description.

Starting with Cogswell and going a couple blocks north is an area that's slowly being gentrified. But if you go a couple blocks further north (well really northwest, but everyone in Halifax will call it north) to Charles or North, that's considerably more run down.

bail42

Nov 16th, 2009, 10:21 AM

markj

Nov 16th, 2009, 10:57 AM

I am actually moving out to Halifax on Wednesday. I'll be driving from Scarborough to Riviere-du-Loup on day 1, and then to Halifax on day 2. I've been looking at possible routes, and I've seen I can either go through Montreal, bypass it by going north and taking the ferry to Oka, or bypassing it to the south?

Any suggestions from my fellow (and knowledgeable) RFDers???

which area did you decide to live in anyways?

im going up through quebec city and then frederickton for day 1 and then on to halifax for day 2. it looks like driving through the states would be faster but im not really sure...

bail42

Nov 16th, 2009, 11:04 AM

which area did you decide to live in anyways?

im going up through quebec city and then frederickton for day 1 and then on to halifax for day 2. it looks like driving through the states would be faster but im not really sure...

My fiancee's family lives in Fall River (up near the Halifax airport), so we'll be staying there for a bit until we sort out where we are going to live. My fiancee works downtown Halifax, and I'll be working at the hospital in Kentville (about an hour from Halifax in the valley), so we'll try to find something between the 2.

I had wondered about going through the states as well, but decided it would just be easier to stay in Canada and not worry about 2 border crossings...

almostfreeman

Nov 17th, 2009, 10:30 AM

I am actually moving out to Halifax on Wednesday. I'll be driving from Scarborough to Riviere-du-Loup on day 1, and then to Halifax on day 2. I've been looking at possible routes, and I've seen I can either go through Montreal, bypass it by going north and taking the ferry to Oka, or bypassing it to the south?

Any suggestions from my fellow (and knowledgeable) RFDers???

Take your chances and drive straight through Montreal. Probably the closest you will ever come to being in a real road race. :)

Seriously, it's probably best to drive straight through.

almostfreeman

Nov 17th, 2009, 10:38 AM

I just got a job in Halifax and was wondering what a good area to live would be (and any other tips anyone might have). Doesnt look like craigslist has much stuff available - is there a better site?

The work place is on Barrington St (near dalhousie university area)...thanks for any tips...

I would definitely look for something in that immediate neighbourhood. The central area of the city is pretty compact so you really don't need a car if you live there.

markj

Nov 17th, 2009, 08:03 PM

i ended up taking the Clayton Park place...got a pretty good deal on a big 2 bedroom place...i dont mind driving a bit (~9k from work) and monthly parking is so damn cheap compared to the big cities ive been living...

hiltzman

Nov 17th, 2009, 08:24 PM

Welcome to the city :lol:

Clayton park is a nice area, got a few co-workers that live over there. Traffic from there to downtown is a bit of a pain but likely will seem light when compared with commutes in other large metro areas.

Hope you enjoy living here.

Wr3ck3d

Nov 18th, 2009, 11:45 AM

Just noticed this thread - Clayton Park is a decent spot to try at first and see if thats an area you want. A bit of everything around you, fairly short commute and lots of young people. Prices are decent for what you get (newer apartments)
If you find Halifax is the place for you, a new development (http://www.kingswharf.ca/) sounds quite promising, although it is on the Dartmouth side - its a quick 10 minute ferry ride and short walk to walk.

Enjoy!

markj

Nov 18th, 2009, 11:49 AM

thanks for the info guys...im really looking forward to living back near an ocean AND a smaller sized city (grew up in saskatoon but have lived in van/mtl for the last 12 years). ill see how things go and possibly buy a place...saw a pretty nice penthouse apartment on the peninsula for 150k!

setell

Nov 19th, 2009, 03:44 PM

My fiancee's family lives in Fall River (up near the Halifax airport), so we'll be staying there for a bit until we sort out where we are going to live. My fiancee works downtown Halifax, and I'll be working at the hospital in Kentville (about an hour from Halifax in the valley), so we'll try to find something between the 2.

I had wondered about going through the states as well, but decided it would just be easier to stay in Canada and not worry about 2 border crossings...
Dang…Fall River to downtown Halifax is going to be one heck of a commute during the morning (in Halifax standards!). That could be an 30-40 commute as with no traffic it’ll be 20min drive (assuming you don’t speed like crazy).

i ended up taking the Clayton Park place...got a pretty good deal on a big 2 bedroom place...i dont mind driving a bit (~9k from work) and monthly parking is so damn cheap compared to the big cities ive been living...
Welcome! I think you’ll like Clayton Park and traffic is nothing compared to Montreal!

Just noticed this thread - Clayton Park is a decent spot to try at first and see if thats an area you want. A bit of everything around you, fairly short commute and lots of young people. Prices are decent for what you get (newer apartments)
If you find Halifax is the place for you, a new development (http://www.kingswharf.ca/) sounds quite promising, although it is on the Dartmouth side - its a quick 10 minute ferry ride and short walk to walk.

Enjoy!
WOW!!! King’s Wharf looks really nice compared to um that mass of ‘nothing’ there last time I was in Dartmouth in June! Hahahahaha I’m going to check it out when I am home at Easter to see how the development is coming along!

pnorris3

Nov 19th, 2009, 05:49 PM

Good to hear you found a place. I think you will definitely be happy in Clayton Park. I know a lot of people initially want to live in the South End as it is pretty nice and convenient but after a short period you get sick of spending a lot of money (relatively at least) for a small space. Good luck with your new digs.

maoro

Nov 19th, 2009, 09:42 PM

what about Cornwallis St and Maynard area? The landlord says its an 'up and coming' arts area...i looked on google street view and the area looks a bit rough but other than that it looks ok...so now its between lady hammond rd (north), clayton park and cornwallis st.

Depending on where you are (south of Cornwallis is best) this is a really great area. Long-time locals think it is a bad area, but it really isn't. I just bought a house in the south-end, but honestly I kindof wish we had purchased in this area because prices are going to go way up there in the next 5 years. Lots of Condos going up, new restaurants, some great bars, etc.

setell

Nov 20th, 2009, 02:36 PM

Depending on where you are (south of Cornwallis is best) this is a really great area. Long-time locals think it is a bad area, but it really isn't. I just bought a house in the south-end, but honestly I kindof wish we had purchased in this area because prices are going to go way up there in the next 5 years. Lots of Condos going up, new restaurants, some great bars, etc.

I guess I’m in the long time locals camps where I don’t consider Cornwallis/Maynard St that great of an area. It’ll take more than 5 years to clean the place up to really benefit if you buy a house there. On the flip side, houses there should be super cheap as nobody really likes that area if you’re a long time Haligonian. I have to give the city credit for trying to clean that area up but I think the only way to do it is, buy out all those houses and build new ones. Let folks that can afford the nicer homes move in then the area will be clean vs try to make it good by new shops, bars etc. If you want bars go downtown then you’re set.