South End Halifax
Halifax is placed directly between the Northwest Arm inlet and the Halifax Harbour, the South End community of Halifax is home to the city’s Downtown area as well as many other noteworthy places to visit. There’s no shortage of restaurant’s, bars, and other nightlife activities and entertainment. Almost everything you need is within walking distance including two hospitals, five public parks, and arguably the coolest historical monument in the city, Citadel Hill.
Downtown Halifax
Schools
There are a variety of private and public schools in the area including Inglis Street Elementary, St. Thomas Elementary School, Sir Charles Tupper Elementary School, Halifax Central Junior High School, Gorsebrooke Junior high, and Citadel High School. There are also a number of private learning institutions within the area. Three of them being kindergarten to grade 12 private schools.
The South End is also host to three Universities, Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, and the University of King’s College.
Attractions
Halifax Seaport Farmers Market, Citadel Hill, Halifax Public Gardens, Scotiabank Centre Home of the Halifax Mooseheads, and a waterfront boardwalk lined with restaurant’s and other places of interest.
Getting Around
Almost everything in the South End is within walking distance. The city is also known for its frequent bus service and having a Ferry near the center of the boardwalk to take you over to Dartmouth.
North End Halifax
The North End is a young up and coming community known for its collection of boutiques and smaller restaurants. The neighbourhoods are full of colourful homes and very large trees making it a great place to navigate on foot. Very similar to the South End where almost every necessity is within walking distance and downtown only being a 5 minute bus ride from almost anywhere.
Schools
The North End is home to four different elementary schools consisting of public, French emersion, or Catholic options. The elementary schools consist of St. Joseph’s-Alexander McKay Elementary, Joseph Howe Elementary, St. Catherines Elementary and St. Stephens Elementary school. The area has a singular junior high school called Highland Park Junior High and one public high school called Citadel High. Citadel High lies on the border of the North and South End at the bottom of Quinpool road. There are also a few private school options close by located downtown in the South End.
Attractions
Enjoy places like the Halifax Commons, and a plethora of independently-owned shops, cafes, breweries, restaurant’s, and vintage stores.
Getting Around
The North End is very walk friendly and almost all necessities are within walking distance. The city is also known for its frequent bus service and the Ferry service near the center of the boardwalk can take you over to Dartmouth if necessary. Being in the North End you’ll be located closest to both of the bridges that connect Halifax to Dartmouth.
Bedford
Bedford is a small, friendly community located on the shores of the gorgeous Bedford Basin. Halifax, Dartmouth, and the Halifax airport are all located within 15 minutes of the area with no need to cross any bridges. This is a great small residential community perfect for raising children in. Bedford is a sailing community due to its location on the Basin shores, offering many places and clubs to go sailing at.
Schools
Bedford consists of three public elementary schools called Bedford South Elementary School, Sunny Side Elementary, Sunny Side Elementary (Fort Sackville). One french immersion elementary school called École Beaubassin and one french immersion high school named École Secondaire du Sommet. Bedford has one public junior high school named Rocky Lake Junior High and a senior high school called Charles P. Allen High school. There is currently a second high school being developed that will be named Bedford High School. Bedford is also home to one private school known as Bedford Academy.
Attractions
Two stunning parks along the water, Bedford Days summer festival, walking & ski trails, Bedford Basin Yacht Club, Sunnyside mall
Getting Around
There are a few options to get around Bedford the first being the public transit system consisting of bus only. You can also use the ferry, and walk or bike almost anywhere.
“From anywhere in Bedford, you can be on Bedford Basin in a matter of minutes, walk along the boardwalk and sit in the sun. Enjoy lots of restaurants, great shopping, and a sense of community.”
– Dalene Allen
Resident of Bedford
Clayton Park
Clayton Park is a collection of three communities that lies just North West of Halifax. Clayton Park, Clayton Park West and Bayers Lake all reside within this area. The community is a great area to live if you would like to be out of the city but not far from it. Only about a 10 – 20 minute drive downtown Halifax. The area also has a variety of homes and neighbourhoods as the Clayton Park West community was developed 20 years after the original Clayton Park community.
Schools
Clayton park has two french immersion elementary schools named École Rockingham School, and École Grosvenor Wentworth Elementary. One public elementary and junior high school named Duc D’Anville Elementary, and Clayton Park Junior High. School and one kindergarten to grade 9 school named Park West School. All of the children from the area will go onto attend Halifax West High school
Attractions
Clayton park is home to Bayers Lake Park which is one of metro’s most popular shopping areas. The Halifax Shopping Center is quite close as well, being only a 10 minute drive from most places. The area has plenty of recreational sports facilities perfect for enrolling kids in sports. Other interesting amenities include metros largest movie theatre in Bayers Lake, the Keshen Goodman Library, several parks and walking trails, and the Canada Games Center.
Getting Around
The bus system runs 24 hours 7 days a week in clayton park so many people choose this method of transportation to go to and from work. There are many places accessible by walk or bike however, getting downtown Halifax will require the use of a car but will only take 10-20 minutes depending on peak traffic.
Fall River /Waverley
Fall River and Waverley are two communities that have large plots of land for home buyers who enjoy wide open spaces. The area is surrounded by connecting lakes making water sports easily accessible. The area is 15-25 minutes away from major shopping centers in Bedford, Halifax, and Dartmouth yet still has everything you need on a day to day basis such as banks, grocery stores, and a couple of restaurant’s in town.
Schools
Fall River has two elementary schools, Ash Lee Jefferson Elementary and Holland Road Elementary. The only junior high being George P. Vanier Junior High and finally Lockview is the name of the areas only high school. Each school is within a short walking distance of each other. French immersion is offered at Ash Lee Jefferson, George P. Vanier Junior High, and Lockview.
In Waverley all elementary children attend Waverley Memorial School followed by George P. Vanier Junior High and finally Lockview high school.
Attractions
Gordon R Snow Community Center, Kayaking and Canoeing at Cheema Aquatic Club, Several parks and public beaches in the area. Oakfield park being one of the biggest parks with accommodations like a supervised beach, boat launch, and picnic areas. The area is also home to two 18 hole championship golf courses.
Getting Around
There is a Metro X bus that leaves only at peak times from one place in the city and takes passengers downtown Halifax. Other than the bus the most common mode of transportation is by car since biking or walking is often too far for most occupations.
“I have lived in the Fall River area for over 20 years. Having privacy and being close to so much nature is what drew me here. I love the easy access to Dartmouth and Halifax. We are lucky to have large parks and just the right amount of shopping in the area. The community is very supportive of one another. Great people!”
Joanne Pullin
Resident of Fall River
Dartmouth
Enjoy a ferry ride across the harbour or just a short drive across one of the two bridges for easy access to downtown Halifax. Dartmouth is situated in and around a whopping 23 lakes and is the second highest populated place next to Halifax. Having so many lakes around makes water sports like kayaking, boating, and swimming very popular. Much like the Halifax waterfront boardwalk the Dartmouth board walk spans East and West from the Ferry terminal displaying great views of the bridges and islands in the distance. Dartmouth also has a variety of newer and older homes, available in almost any price range.
Schools
Dartmouth is quite a large community made up of several different subdivisions meaning the choice for schools are plentiful. The elementary schools consist of Michael Wallace Elementary School, Ian Forsyth Elementary, Brookhouse Elementary, Portland Estates Elementary School, Hawthorn Elementary, Bicentennial Elementary, Harbour view elementary, Crichton Park elementary, and mount Edward elementary.
The junior high schools being Ellenvale junior high school, John Martin junior high school, Caledonia Junior high school, Eric graves memorial junior high school, sir Robert borden and astral drive junior high.
Lastly, there are four high schools in the area Dartmouth High School, prince Andrew high school, Auburn Drive high school, and Cole harbour District high school. There are also a few french immersion elementary schools called École Shannon Park School, École Bois-Joli, and École du Carrefour.
Attractions
Atlantic Canada’s largest shopping mall Mic Mac Mall. Plenty of recreational and sports facilities, walkways and parks. Kayaking and canoeing on the winding river or spend a day at one of the two amazing cove style beaches, Castle Cove and Sugary Cove. Enjoy beautiful scenery just minutes outside of the city by visiting Dartmoor National Park located in The South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Getting Around
Navigating Dartmouth is quite easy with almost all essential amenities close by in walking or biking distance. Getting around by car is very popular as well as using the frequent bus service that takes you anywhere in the city. Hop on the Ferry at the terminal along the boardwalk and enjoy a 10 minute boat ride across the harbour to downtown Halifax.
“When we were planning our move to Nova Scotia, Dartmouth really stood out for us. There’s a lot of great communities in Dartmouth, each with their own personality, a great (little) downtown area at Alderney Landing, and just about everything we need within arm’s reach. If we need to go into the city, it’s just a short trip over the bridge or across on the ferry. Definitely happy we chose Dartmouth as our home!”
– Jay Fisher
Resident of Dartmouth
Eastern Passage
Eastern Passage is a small ocean side community just south of Dartmouth. The area has been tied to fishing industry for decades and it features some great waterfront access points and boardwalks. Having the Canadian Air Force Base located so close in Shearwater many military families reside in Eastern Passage as it is a short commute to the base as well as the Woodside ferry terminal to get over to Halifax.
Schools
There are 3 Elementary Schools situated near each other named Horizon Elementary School, Ocean View Elementary School, Seaside Elementary School. All kids will start their education at either Ocean view or Horizon from K to grade 4, then move to Seaside Elementary to finish their primary schooling. The only high school in the area is Islandview High School constructed in 2018. Horizon Elementary school does offer french immersion that can be continued at Seaside and through high school.
Attractions
There are several beaches in the area including MacDonald beach and Rainbow Haven Beach as well as the 200 year old restored fishing village called Fishermans Cove. The area is includes a boardwalk that is lined with shops, restaurant’s, and boutiques. Eastern Passage is also home to Hartlen Point Golf Course which is a military run public golf course where service men and women receive a large discount.
Getting Around
As for getting around Eastern Passage a car is the most popular mode of transportation to and from work. There is also a Bus that departs from the Woodside Ferry Terminal straight through to Eastern Passage which only takes about 10 minutes. There is not a bus transit system within the community of Eastern Passage.
Lower Sackville
The community of Lower Sackville is located just 25km from downtown Halifax hosting a plethora of suburbs to choose from. There are several lakes in the area, a provincial park and a couple of walking trails along both First and Second Lake. There are plenty of indoor/outdoor sports facilities as Lower Sackville is a very sports driven community. All necessary shopping can be done within the area of lower sackville however, bigger malls and shopping centers can be found 15-25 minutes away in Bedford or Halifax.
Schools
There are a number of elementary schools in the Lower Sackville area including, Sycamore Lane Elementary School, Caudle Park Elementary School, Smokey Drive Elementary School, Hillside Park Elementary School, Sackville Heights Elementary School, and Harry R. Hamilton Elementary School. The students will then move onto Sackville Heights Junior High or Leslie Thomas Junior High. Once Students are done at Junior High they will all move onto either Millwood High School or Sackville High School. There are french emersion options at a few elementary schools as well as at both junior high schools and high schools.
Attractions
Kinsmen First Lake Beach, large shopping centre’s close by in Halifax or Bedford, Sackville Sports stadium with indoor pools. A paddling club called Sack-A -Wa Canoe Club that lies on First lake, as well as a challenging 18 hole course called Lost Creek Golf Course.
Getting Around
There are a few different ways to get around Lower Sackville as well as get to and from Downtown Halifax. The first being the bus that runs from Downsview Mall in Lower Sackville to Downtown Halifax and only takes 40 minutes. This can sometimes be faster than car as it only has a few stops to make. The other methods of transportation include car, bike, or walking. Depending on where you’re going, most places in Lower Sackville are accessible by walk or bike.
Enfield
Located on the border of the Shubenicade Valley and the Halifax Regional Municipality, Enfield is a small suburban community situated just North of the Halifax Stanfield airport. The area is very close the Elmsdale business park which has every essential amenity including shopping and dining as well as being a 30 minute drive to downtown Halifax.
Schools
Children in Enfield will start their education at Oldfield Consolidated Elementary school. Next they will attend Georges P. Vanier Junior High followed by Lockview High School both of which are located nearby in Fall River.
Attractions
Enfield is divided by the Shubenacadie river allowing for easy access to water sports in the warmer months and located just under 10 minutes from the Elmsdale business park. With just a short drive to Shubenacadie you and the family can experience the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park or enjoy the areas several parks and walking trails along the river including the Nine Mile river trail hike.
Getting Around
Enfield has many amenities and shops close by available by walking, biking, or car. The most popular mode of transportation here is car due to the small area not having a public transit system.
Glen Haven – St. Margarets Bay
“I moved to Nova Scotia from Manitoba and chose to build our “forever home” in St. Margarets Bay because it is close to good sailing and power boating along with several marinas to dock your saltwater toy or store it over winter in secure areas.
– Jack Barrett
Resident of Glen Haven
Schools
The schools in the area consist of Saint Margaret’s Bay Elementary School, Five Bridges Junior High, followed by Bay View High School. There are both french immersion options available at the schools listed as well as private school options nearby in the city.
Attractions
There are plenty of things to do in St. Margarets Bay all year round. Being situated right on the ocean many communities are filled with scenic oceanside trails for running, walking, and biking. There are also many water activities available such as whale watching and kayaking. Being in Glen Haven sits you right next to one of Canada’s most prominent land marks, Peggys Cove Light house. The area is also surrounded with golf courses and a mere 30 minutes from downtown Halifax.
Getting Around
Getting around in St.Margarets Bay is most popular by car. There is no public transit in the area however, walking or biking to obtain basic amenities is still possible from most places.
Lake Echo
Lake Echo is a small community located East of Dartmouth and about 20 minutes from downtown Halifax. The community is situated on the northern part of Lake Echo made up by several subdivisions. All basic amenities are nearby in Porters Lake or within the community itself.
Schools
Children in Lake Echo will attend Bell Park Academic Center to begin their education. They will then attend Graham Creighton Junior High, followed by Auburn Drive High School.
Attractions
The community has a great Canoe club located right on Lake Echo called O’Renda Canoe Club that sits right next to the community recreation centre. Just 10 minutes out of the town towards Halifax you’ll find Grandview Golf & Country Club. There are also a few parks around the Lake called Circle Drive, and Norwood Gardens along with walking and biking trails.
Getting Around
There is no public transit in the area however, walking or biking to obtain basic amenities is still possible from most places. The most popular mode of transportation in Lake Echo would be car.
Portland Hills
Portland Hills is a small community in Dartmouth located right on Morris Lake about 10 minutes from downtown Halifax. Being located in the suburbs of Dartmouth the community has plenty of amenities very close by including grocery stores, schools, restaurants and other shops. According to areavibes.com Portland hills has a livability rating of 85/100 which is an exceptional score indicating a great area to be in based off of factors such as amenities, cost of living, crime, and employment.
Schools
The available schools in the area are Portland Estates Elementary, Caldwell Road Elementary, and Brookehouse Elementary. Following elementary school, children will attend Ellenvale Junior High, or Astral Drive Junior High. Prince Andrew High School. Each elementary schools well as the junior and high schools offer French immersion options.
Attractions
Being located in Dartmouth means you are just a 10 minute drive through Dartmouths city centre from Atlantic Canada’s largest shopping mall the Mic Mac Mall. There are also plenty of recreational and sports facilities, walkways and parks in the area. Downtown Halifax is also only a 10 minute drive, bus, or ferry ride away.
Getting Around
With Portland Hills being located right in the main city of Dartmouth, there is a great public transit system throughout the community with access to downtown Halifax via the 159 and the 61 bus. With many things close by walking or biking will get you to most amenities where as the bigger shopping excursions will require a vehicle. Downtown Halifax is just a short 10 minute car ride over the bridge or take the Ferry which is about a 5 minute car ride from Portland Hills.
Musquodoboit Harbour
Musquodoboit Harbour is a rural community located on the Eastern Shore about 40 minutes outside of Halifax. The community lies on the Musquodoboit river and has plenty of oceanside property as well.
Schools
Children in Musquodoboit Harbour will attend Porters Lake Elementary School in Porter’s Lake which offers both english and french programs. Students will then attend Gaetz Brook Junior High School followed by Eastern Shore District High School to complete their education.
Attractions
There are many hiking and walking trails in Musquodoboit due to the area being so heavily concentrated with small lakes ands rivers. Two main trails for hikers are the Admiral Lake trail and the Bayer Lake trail. Martinique Provincial Park is also home to the largest beach in Nova Scotia having 5km of shore line. The community is also home to a hospital, recreation centre, and a library.
Getting Around
Musquodoboit Harbour is a small rural area which means there is no public transportation and having a car is the most popular way of getting around. Depending on the area you live in some basic amenities may be accessible by walk or bike however big box store shopping will need to be done a little further away in Porters Lake.
Lawrencetown
Lawrencetown is a small community located east of Dartmouth and Cole Harbour split into three seperate areas; Upper Lawrencetown, Lawrencetown, and West Lawrencetown. The community sits right close to the ocean with plenty of beach from access and water sport availability.
Schools
Children in Lawrencetown will attend Atlantic View Elementary school which does offer French immersion. Next they will attend Cross Road Junior High school, followed by Cole Harbour District High School in Cole Harbour.
Attractions
Lawrencetown Beach and Conrads Beach are popular attractions for surfers and tourists alike. There are also 10 different parks in the area as well as a community centre. Lawrencetown is located just 30 minutes away from downtown Halifax and only 15-20 minutes from the Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth.
Getting Around
Getting around by car is most reliable in this area as only some basic amenities may be available by walk or bike. Schools, and work are also most likely not within walking distance. The area does not have public transportation.
Porters Lake
The Porters Lake community is filled with wonderful friendly people. The lakefront community leaves you feeling like you are in the country while still having essential amenities close by.
Schools
In Porters Lake children have the option to attend L’Ecole Des Beaux Marais, Porters Lake Elementary School, or O’Connell Drive Elementary. Following this they will attend Gaetz Brook Junior High School, and end up finishing their education at Eastern Shore District High School.
Attractions
Porters lake has plenty of outdoor activities including walking and hiking trails at Porters Lake Provincial Park or Crowbar Lake Hiking Trails, enjoy water sports at Kinap Canoe Club, or relax for an afternoon at Sandy Point Beach.
Getting Around
Porters Lake does not have public transportation however, they have an Express Bus that will take you to either Dartmouth or downtown Halifax in just 40 minutes. Cars are very popular in Porters Lake as many homes are not within walking distance of many amenities.