Should I move to Halifax? Is it easy to meet people?

Question

I just moved back to my hometown; Edmonton, after 10 years and lets just say it's not my cup of tea. People are not very friendly, it's too dry and there is way too much crime. I have a great opportunity to move to Halifax for work. I have never been to the east coast but would really like to check it out. I don't know anyone there, and my nearest relatives live in Ottawa. Is it easy to meet people in Halifax..even if you've never been there before?

Answer 1

I moved to Halifax from Ontario with my family 7 years ago and it was one of the best things I have ever done. I would not move away from here unless I had to.

The people here are very friendly. We did not know anyone here when we moved and in a short time had many friends.

Nova Scotia is a beautiful place to live - but it is going to be quite different from Alberta - especially the taxes and cost of living - some things will be cheaper - like housing - but other things like gas and food will be more expensive.

C'mon out - we'd love to have you here!

Answer 2

Hi Miss J,

I'm probably not the most qualified to answer this question, as I have never actually been to Halifax. However, I have a couple of friends from Nova Scotia, and family in both New Brunswick and PEI. (Just to give you a frame of reference).

Everything I have heard tells me that most of the Maritimes are very friendly, an easy-going place to live, and the cost of living is quite low. Obviously, you are choosing Halifax which is a larger port city, so price of housing might be a bit higher.

One thing I have heard is that if you are not from the Maritimes, people can tell, and you may be considered the "lady from out west" for many years after living there. But it is not a cold shoulder kind of thing, more like sometimes not being "in the loop". I guess al lot depends on your personality...If you are shy and don't get out much, you may get a bit lonely. If you have no problems striking up a conversation at the corner store or at the bus stop, you probably won't have a problem.

And by the way...The train runs from Halifax to Montreal six times a week, and your relatives could meet you in Montreal (it is less than a 2 hr drive) if you get homesick.