Halifax Travel Forum

My husband, and I were thinking about moving to Halifax.

We don't have a car and are happy with that choice for now.
We use the bus system and walk or bike most places.

Recently I have seen posts on the internet about the violence,and muggings against people walking around Halifax at night or even during the day ...

Is this really true?
It is very important for me and my husband to walk freely at night to the bus and home or to school or work in the morning.

PLEASE can anyone BE HONEST.

Is it safe for pedestrians in Halifax? Morning noon and night?

thanks for you help

Please elaborate on where you mean, there are a lot of Halifax's in the world.

The question appears to be on the Halifax, Novia Scotia Forum - but the description of violence does not fit what I have read previously about that place nor what I hear from relatives who visit there regularly from Vermont.
So - yes Please, clarification is needed.

this blog from last year concerns me.... 43 posts... also there is a violence map of Halifax NS in the coast newspaper.... I just wanted someones live opinion. someone who walks around there today ...

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/background/anightonthetown/MT/

Yes, I mean Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. I've read that Halifax was rated the 2nd best city in Canada to live in, yet there's appears to be some random acts of violence...here's a link to a CBC forum on the topic...

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/background/anightonthetown/MT/

I was surprised when I first started reading about this...and I am curious whether people in Halifax truly seem to think it's a big problem, or whether it's merely the media over reacting to a more minor problem...do people really fear this?

I'm amazed by the comments regarding the safety of people in central Halifax. I don't live there but have been there enough to give an opinion. Any city, anywhere in the world, has it's dubious areas but I have always found central Halifax to be safe during the times that I have been out and about in town several times and always felt safe. We have also even thought about moving there as we like it so much.

Halifax is a growing and vibrant city. Small city to many of those here on VT. The entire province of Nova Scotia has a population of less than a million people. There are some very rough area, as a seaport, you do need to be alert, as this seems to encourage certain types of crime. However, for most people living in and around Halifax, there's no great concern. It is the University capital of this area, and thousands of young people move to Halifax each and every year. Very few of them can afford cars, so it's walk, bike and public transit all the way. They all seem to come home after their four years "in the city". I love Halifax to visit, it's not too hard to find your way about, there are some very nice parks, walking and biking routes, etc. If you are moving there, check out the residential areas. You can go on the real estate pages and find out where the houses seem most like what you want, and if it advertises a specific school district, that's probably because it's the "good" district. That's a good guide to use for more desireable residential areas here. There are large areas of green, lots of trees, and in many areas, there's more a "town" than "city" attitude. Ofcourse, if you want to save money, check out Dartmouth. This is often referred to as Halifax's "bedroom community, but the Dartmouthians don't like that. It's slightly less expensive, has some quite nice residential and business district, public trasit, and there is both walking access across the bridges and comprehensive ferry service between Halifax and Dartmouth. Hope this helps.

Comparatively speaking, all of the Maritime Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are quite laid back and as safe as things can get in a 'big city' environment! I agree with the preceding comments - just use a little common sense and you will love Halifax. Good luck with your plans.

Thank-you for your advice.

Compared to many cities Halifax is very safe - but there are certain areas that you really should avoid, especially at night. The "south end" is really lovely though very pricey, I used to work for some nice people there - everyone is very polite and educated. There is also a very nice area near the "Dingle". Dartmouth is nice too - I really liked the area right near Shubie park, alot of french-speaking people live there - so the best schools are french schools - most people who live near there really enjoy the woodsy park and the swimming that it offers - but beware it does edge up against some questionable areas. Cricton park (near micmac mall) is a nice "old money" area and again, it has a great little lake for swimming and canoeing - if I win the lottery I want a condo on it's lakefront. Colby village is a family area, lots of m.d.'s live there - but personally I found it stultifying in the "keep up with the jones's" way:very safe and buses are frequent and take you right to downtown Halifax with only 1 transfer. Dont' move anywhere near the bridge and on the waterfront near the bridges, or Gaston st or Woodlawn or Woodside. Having said that we loved going on the ferries - for about $2.00 it's a great look at the harbour. Woodside area smells alot like the oil refinery. Compared to Toronto or big US cities it is very safe. I've ridden the bus there alot it is ok, but I would check it's frequency in your area - ie. the line near the Shubie park is very un-frequent. Air quality in Halifax is wonderful for a city - the only bad part for air is Woodside where you can smell the oil refineries. I really wonder are there ANY big cities where ANYONE can be sure to walk safely at night?

As an outsider I always thought Halifax a safe city.

For a reason I called my Halifax page "We alternate"; Halifax is one of few cities I know with some courtesy in traffic.

I agree with the musicians comment that the Dome and Pizza corner are the places you want to avoid.

At my last visit I notice more beggars at Spring garden road and much of the smaller restaurant businesses having changed owner.


Are you planning to move to a downtown appartment or live in one of the suburbs?


Be aware that downtown the roads are very steep; I don't see you cycling there easily. See: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tp/186fa1

PJ

Having grown up in Halifax, I can honestly say I never felt unsafe walking around day or night. However, you need to use common sense. There are areas (such as Gottingen Street, The Commons and other parts of the North End) where you don't walk at night, and even during the day I would be hesitant to walk alone. The same would go for Dartmouth, there are some unsafe areas that you just avoid.

When I return for visits, I get a more uneasy feel, but again, a little common sense goes a long way. I have friends who have been jumped and beaten for no apparent reason (I have to mention they were each walking alone late at night and had been drinking heavily). That being said, most of my friends still there say they feel safe and haven't changed their routines at all.

BTW - if you are thinking of moving there and will be working downtown Halifax, be sure to check out where you live in terms of traffic. There are some nice areas, but Halifax, being an old city, was not well designed to have 50, 000 + people trying to get to the same place at the same time.

Hope this helps!

I am a bit wary after reading these posts. Are there areas in Lunenburg or Cape Breton, Yarmouth or anywhere else that should be avoided? I realize no place is really safe and one should be careful anywhere and everywhere, but I really don't want to be worrying about being attacked while on vacation. Know what I mean?