Halifax Regional Municipality and Surrounding Areas
By clicking on your selected area, an overview of this area will be displayed in this section. Generally the areas further from the cities of Halifax/ Dartmouth will be of a more Rural and Semi Rural nature. Access to downtown, even in these outlying regions will be of a maximum 30-40 minutes.
CLAYTON PARK WEST - Located on the "other" side of Dunbrack Street. This is a very popular neighbourhood for apartment dwellers, condominium owners as well as various pockets with some high end properties. These properties would range from a low of $350,000 to a high of more $700,000. The lot sizes are small with your neighbours being quite close. The size of the homes make the lots appear smaller. This location is extremely convenient for shopping, professionals and just about everything you may need. The Bayer's Lake Business Park is within walking distance of Clayton Park West.
SPRYFIELD - Located just outside of the city of Halifax, Spryfield has been through some rough times in the past. There seems to be a low end of the scale in terms of pricing thereby bringing some unwanted tenants. However, some people who live in the area are not concerned about its reputation. There are pockets of subdivisions which are rather nice such as Williamswood and Fleming Heights which are both quite high end - ranging from a low price of $350,000 upwards of $600,000. Schools include Rockinstone Heights and J. L. IIsley high school.
HALIFAX/ MAINLAND - The port city of Halifax is the economic hub for the whole Atlantic Provinces. Major banking, insurance, shopping, and of course shipping and tourism form the basis for the economy.
Real estate prices have risen rapidly in recent years. This has lent to the rapid development of the condominium market from either new construction to renovation of some of the many historic properties in the beautiful downtown area of the city.
This is not to say that there aren't homes for every kind of buyer. There are unbelievable ocean/harbour front properties for the most discerning of buyers coupled with many wonderful investment properties nearer the many local university and college campuses downtown. Toward the north end of the city much newer construction has taken place over the past few years with condo development being the mainstay of downtown new construction. Prices usually average around $300,000+ for a 2 bedroom Condo. Homes start on the peninsula around $250,000 for something older with needs of renovations/upgrades to several millions of dollars for a harbour front/oceanfront older renovated home. There is every range on the peninsula but as you get closer to the South End and Point Pleasant Park the prices do tend to increase significantly.
Most lot sizes are typical city sized lots of 10,000 square feet. Almost all city lots on the peninsula have municipal services of water and sewer. For schooling, please check Schoolfinder.
HALIFAX/ MAINLAND - The port city of Halifax is the economic hub for the whole Atlantic Provinces. Major banking, insurance, shopping, and of course shipping and tourism form the basis for the economy.
Real estate prices have risen rapidly in recent years. This has lent to the rapid development of the condominium market from either new construction to renovation of some of the many historic properties in the beautiful downtown area of the city.
This is not to say that there aren't homes for every kind of buyer. There are unbelievable ocean/harbour front properties for the most discerning of buyers coupled with many wonderful investment properties nearer the many local university and college campuses downtown. Toward the north end of the city much newer construction has taken place over the past few years with condo development being the mainstay of downtown new construction. Prices usually average around $300,000+ for a 2 bedroom Condo. Homes start on the peninsula around $250,000 for something older with needs of renovations/upgrades to several millions of dollars for a harbour front/oceanfront older renovated home. There is every range on the peninsula but as you get closer to the South End and Point Pleasant Park the prices do tend to increase significantly.
Most lot sizes are typical city sized lots of 10,000 square feet. Almost all city lots on the peninsula have municipal services of water and sewer. For schooling, please check Schoolfinder.
FAIRMOUNT/FAIRVIEW
Fairview and Fairmount are different areas. Fairview features older style homes and apartment-type properties ranging in price from a low of $150,000 upwards of $250,000. The area is easily accessible to Highway 102 and only minutes to downtown Halifax. Located on bus routes and most shopping needs can be met within a five minute walk.
Fairmount is a more upscale residential area with very little in terms of professional buildings and shopping. Houses would range from $300,000 upwards of $700,000 and would be classified in the executive home range. The lots are city sized but normally well landscaped and mature trees offering privacy. There are newer homes in the area as well as established streets. The old Ashburn Golf and Country Club is located in this area.
CLAYTON PARK - This area started major development around the early 1970's. While many of those lovely homes area still around, condo and apartment construction has been tremendous of late. There are some beautiful neighborhoods of upscale living with easy access to the city.
Shopping has exploded in the area with Bayer's Lake nearby. As the area is still growing, there is much opportunity for real estate from beautiful residential to commercial to investment properties.
Prices range from $250,000 upwards for a 2 bedroom condo and from $200,000+ for a semi detached home. Single family dwellings range from $300,000 - $500,000 depending on age, location, and size. Access to the city core is only 15-20 minutes.
HALIFAX MAINLAND (Bedford highway to Clayton Park)
The Bedford Highway is a much sought after area for commercial endeavors. There are numerous condominium complexes being built as well as rental apartment buildings. The location is very convenient to the city core. The homes located just off the Bedford Highway in the Clayton Park subdivision are well established and older than many other areas. Prices have always been quite strong even for homes which need updating and renovating. Prices would range from a low of $250,000 to a high of $500,000. The location along with the views of the Bedford Basin would usually determine the higher asking price.
TIMBERLEA - Timberlea has experienced many years of intense growth from beautiful semi-detached homes to single family dwellings. As with Tantallon, Timberlea will enjoy continued growth due to a new exit off the highway 103 for easy access into the city.
Great value for your investment, Tantallon will surely grow from a great area for starter homes into fantastic value for single family dwellings as we expect to see it continue to grow! Prices generally range from $125,000-$250,000 for a starter type home semi-detached. Single family swellings are a little higher. Lot sizes vary with some starter homes at around 4000 square feet with both municipal water and sewer, to over an acre further out of the city with or without municipal services. Timberlea has only a 12-20 minute commute to Halifax.
For schools, visit Schoolfinder.
HALIBURTON HILLS - A subdivision close to Hammonds Plains as well as to the Highway 103 which is an easy commute to downtown Halifax (15 minutes). This area would include Haliburton Hills and Heights as well as Westwood Hills and St. Margarets Village. The area is growing especially with the addition of a new rink centre, shopping mall and local shops nearby. The schools servicing this area are Tantallon Elementary, Five Bridges Jr. High and Sir John a. Macdonald high school.
HAMMONDS PLAINS - Located about 5 minutes from Bedford, this area is one of the fastest growing locations in the Halifax Regional Municipality. You will find Kingswood, Glen Arbour and Voyaguer Lakes Subdivision. The lots are usually spacious from 1 - 2 acres with lakes and parks nearby. Since the area is growing so rapidly, the traffic can get a little congested at times and the schools are a bit crowded; however, reputed to be quite good. Houses range from $250,000 for a 3 bedroom home upwards of $600,000 for a larger type property perhaps with lakefrontage. Quite a popular area for young families and fairly close to most amenities. Schools include: Kingswood Elementary, Hammonds's plains Consolidated, Madeline Symonds Middle School, Ecole Five Bridges Junior High, Charles P. Allen High School and Sir John A. MacDonald High.
KINGSWOOD - Kingswood has grown into a beautiful neighborhood with many newer homes located within 20 minutes of the city of Halifax. Most of the new construction started around the early 1990's and it continues to grow. There are several walking parks nearby, one public and one semi-private golf course nearby, and of course about a 10 minute drive to get your movies or groceries. Homes generally range from around $250,000 - 500,000. Lot sizes in this area usually range at over an acre and sometimes 2 or more acres. A lot of homes have municipal water but usually need a septic system.
For schooling, please check the Schoolfinder website for further information as there are many choices in both official languages of English and French.
Access into the area is via Highway 213 or Highway 103 and the commute is around 15-25 minutes.
BEDFORD - Located 20 minutes from downtown Halifax, Bedford is a large growth area in terms of shopping, skating rink, and a myriad of services. Very easy access to Highway 102 which leads to every other major highway. The lots are a little smaller than the outlying areas - usually less than 10,000 sq. ft. but serviced with city water and sewer in most locations. The home prices start at a low of $200,000 for a semi-detached or townhouse type to an average of $350,000 for a 4 bedroom, 2 storey resale homes; however, prices can go much higher. There are numerous elementary schools in the town and all feed into the Charles P. Allen High School. The area schools are known to be quite good.
WOODSIDE - Similar to eastern passage but slightly lower end, with the oil refineries obviously a major discouragement. Woodside is a convenient location near the Halifax/Dartmouth ferry terminal but properties are usually on the smaller side in terms of lot dimensions as well as house size. Prices are quite affordable ranging from a low of $100,000 for a semi-detached upwards of $150,000.
EASTERN PASSAGE - A very popular location for military families since the Shearwater Base is close by. This is on the Dartmouth side of the bridge with a commute to downtown Dartmouth in about 10 minutes and to Halifax in about 30 minutes via one of two bridges. The lots are smaller city-sized lots serviced with water and sewer. You can purchase a 3 bedroom semi-detached or townhouse for $150,000 or something a little larger just over $200,000. This is a very busy area since transfers in and out are frequent. The schools are Southdale North Woodside Elementary, South Woodside Elementary, Prince Arthur Junior High and Dartmouth High School.
PORTER'S LAKE - Porter's Lake quickly became a wonderful country growth area several years ago as developers discovered the lakes and ocean front land that was available. The development of Highway 7 into this area really opened development up several years ago and more and more growth is expected over the next few years. Porter's Lake is also at the foot of the Marine Drive tourist area toward Musquadoboit Harbour. Here you'll find many Bed and Breakfasts, restaurants, and other tourism related industries. Also you should expect to see working boats as there is a fantastic lobster fishery onwards with many other types of edible seafood available.
Prices range from $150,000 for an inland, older style home to over $300,000 for lakefront or ocean frontage. Most lots sizes will be around an acre especially nearer the ocean or lake. In the community of Porter's Lake there will be 1/2 acre lots again without municipal services.
For schools elementary is covered by Lakeview Consolidated Elementary or O'Connell Drive Elementary. This is then followed by Gatz Brook Junior high then Eastern Shore District High School.
In spite of the sometimes foggy conditions in early summer, it's a wonderful retreat only 20-30 minutes to the city!
LAWRENCETOWN - Located easily via either Highway 7 out of Dartmouth or old Highway 207 out of Cole Harbour, Lawrencetown is a haven for people wanting quick oceanfront enjoyment. Surfing enthusiasts migrate as it boasts some of the highest waves this close to the city of Halifax. Provincial parks, sandy beaches, and many types of properties from beautiful oceanfront retreats to other homes waiting for the right person.
Prices generally range from $125,000 - $250,000 for the most part but once in a while with some renovation/extension/new construction with ocean frontage/deep anchorage you'll see a price sneak upwards of $300,000+. Most lot sizes will be in the acre plus category and there are very few lots with municipal services of water and sewer. Schooling for Primary to Grade 6 is Atlantic View Elementary followed by Ross Road for Junior High then Cole Harbour District for High School. It's about 20 minutes to the city depending on route and traffic.
COLE HARBOUR - Cole harbour is a bustling area with shopping galore. Prices range from $150 to $300K+. Cole harbour place represents one of the better sporting a leisure facilities outside the city. Access to Dartmouth, Halifax and the coast is easy. This area may not suit all but nevertheless is a thriving community with many good Real estate buys.
PORTLAND ESTATES - A very popular location in Dartmouth but a busy area as well. All amenities are within a 10 minute drive and major shopping and professionals on every corner. This is more city than country with the lots being less than .25 acre and house prices starting at around $200,000 and going up from there. Some areas of older homes may be purchased for even less but the newer sections of the subdivision are getting pricier. The schools are Portland Estates Elementary, Ellenvale Jr. High and Prince Andrew High School.
FOREST HILLS - Another section of Dartmouth, Forest Hills was started about 25 years ago and still growing. The lots are smaller and the homes are more modest - from small split entry homes and bungalows to narrow 2 storeys. The prices range from $165,000 to $250,000. The area is close to all amenities and a bustling area. The schools are Astral Drive Elementary, Astral Drive Jr. High and Auburn Drive High School.
DARTMOUTH - Downtown Dartmouth has gone through some interesting changes over the past few years. This is a very old area with smaller homes on small lots as well as many rental properties in some areas which may not be too desirable. There are still some pockets which are quite popular with homes ranging from $180,000 to $250,000 namely the Brightwood Golf and Country Club area. The location is convenient since you can walk to the bridge or the ferry to Halifax as well as access to all bus routes. The area is similar to the downtown area of Northend Halifax where people are starting to buy up properties and clean them up.
WAVERLEY - Located just 10 minutes from the International Airport and 25 minutes to downtown Halifax, Waverley is a very convenient location in which to live. Most lots are large and the village of Waverley has many lakes and forest areas in which to explore. A modest home could be purchased between $250,000 and $300,000 with homes in excess of $1,000,000. All houses have access to most lakes. The elementary schools are small but well run with the new school proposed to be built in 2009. The junior high and high schools are George P. Vanier and Lockview High School.
SACKVILLE - Sackville, including Middle and Lower Sackville provides excellent living for great value. There are every kind of home for every socioeconomic stream. Many investment properties are throughout the Lower Sackville area as it's close to buses, shopping, and highways. Combining this with some exquisite country living style homes in newer neighborhoods of Middle Sackville and of course BeaverBank. There are several schools available for each of Primary to Grade 6, Junior High and High School....depending on what part of Sackville the child resides. For detailed schools information visit Schoolfinder.
This area has also grown tremendously over the years; expect prices from around $100,000 for a townhouse or a semi-detached home upwards to $400,000 for a single family dwelling. Most homes range from $125-225,000. Typical lot sizes in Sackville are city sized lots of 10,000 square feet. As you move out to Middle Sackville or Beaverbank you can find lots around one acre or more. Lower Sackville usually has city water. Commute times from this area is around 20-30 minutes.
Fall River is fast becoming the area of choice for new UK immigrants; boasting a convenient location close to the airport and downtown cities of Halifax and Dartmouth. Serviced by two major highways, Highway 102 and Highway 118, the access is ideal for the traveler. A small community but with all amenities close at hand - Sobeys (groceries), Tim Horton's (coffee shop), McDonalds (food) plus doctors, dentists, chiropractors, etc. The lots in Fall River are usually 1 - 2 acres in size and most have access to the many lakes surrounding the area. Home prices start at a low end of $180,000 to a high of more than a million. You can purchase a spacious newer home with 3-4 bedrooms and 2 or 3 bathrooms between $325,000 and $380,000. The schools in this area are welcoming and sought after. Holland Road Elementary and Ash Lee Jefferson Elementary are for grades primary to 6; George P. Vanier Junior High for grades 7 and 8; Lockview High School for grades 9 thru 12.
GRAND LAKE - A community with a more rural feel combined with good amenities. Grand lake is strategically located close to the highways into Halifax, and near the airport. There are several provincial parks, many lakes, golf courses, and many walking/running trails.
From a real estate perspective this community has been highly sought after for lakefront living. There are many newer developments, combined with some truly cottage like neighborhoods where you can feel as though many miles away from it all.
There has been steady growth in these areas as there are many choices from new construction to buying an old family estate. Expect price ranges from $200,000 upwards to a million dollars. . Typical lot sizes in these areas are an acre or more. All lots will need a well and septic system as there are no municipally serviced lots.
The Wellington/Grand Lake area is serviced by the Halifax Regional School Board with an elementary, Ash lee Jefferson orHolland Road Elementary followed by junior high (GP Vanier), and Lockview High school. Commute times to downtown Halifax is around 40 minutes.
WELLINGTON - Situated between Fall River and Grand Lake, Wellington is an up and coming semi rural area with prices ranging upwards of $150k. This area is about to take off in terms of prices and infrastructure. New subdivisions, including Lake Frontage, are springing up, especially as premier shopping facilities are easily within reach. Commute times to Halifax are in the region of 30-40 minutes. Children in this area will attend schools in the Fall River area. Lots vary in size but expect a minimum of an acre. Wellington is a very popular area for UK house hunters as it combines a rural feel whilst having great facilities just a short car ride away. Access to the airport, via highway 102 is around 15-20 minutes.