Halifax has recently been ranked 3rd worst in Canada for traffic congestion, based on the average time it takes to travel roughly 10 km during peak periods. That’s a striking comparison with much larger cities like Toronto and Vancouver — but before you swipe left on Halifax, let’s unpack what this really means for people considering moving here or selling in today’s market.

How Halifax Ranked in the Congestion Report

According to the 2024 TomTom Traffic Index, Halifax’s rush-hour travel time for a 10 km journey averages about 24 minutes, slightly higher than previous years, and puts it in a surprising but data-backed position on the national leaderboard of congestion.

Across the year:

• Haligonians spent around 83 hours in peak-traffic slowdowns — roughly three and a half days stuck in rush-hour gridlock.
• Travel times have increased compared with previous years, signaling growing pains as the city expands.

This ranking shows that Halifax traffic is no longer a “small-city” outlier — it’s behaving more like mid-sized metros elsewhere in Canada. And that’s something to understand as part of the relocation decision.

But What Isn’t Covered by the Ranking

This kind of congestion index based on 10 km travel times doesn’t tell the whole story people care about daily:

• It doesn’t show how far most Halifax residents commute each day — many people live within 5–10 km of work.
• It includes downtown traffic spikes — which aren’t relevant if you work from home or choose a neighbourhood with shorter travel distances.
• Rush-hour congestion is often tied to specific pinch points like bridges and construction zones, not remoter parts of the city.

Major local links like the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge and A. Murray MacKay Bridge both connect key parts of HRM and frequently experience bottlenecks because they carry every commuter crossing the harbour.

So yes, the data is real — but context matters when you’re interpreting it as a potential mover or investor.

Why People Still Love Moving to Halifax

Here’s the deal: traffic congestion on a measurable index is one aspect of city-living — but it isn’t the whole real-estate equation. Halifax still checks many boxes that buyers are prioritizing right now:

 

Lifestyle + Quality of Life

• Waterfront neighbourhoods, easy access to nature, and a strong sense of community.
• Walkable districts like the South End, North End, and Quinpool Corridor that minimise car dependence.

 

 Housing Market Demand

People want room to grow and quality of life. Demand has not stalled because of traffic — and for good reason: Halifax still offers affordability compared to larger markets, balanced with amenities and career opportunities.

 

Transit Evolution

Halifax is actively evolving how people move. The old Cogswell Interchange, once a major downtown traffic artery, has been demolished and is slated for new urban design that prioritizes connectivity.

Investments in transit infrastructure — and ongoing planning discussions about how to expand bus and active-transport alternatives — are signals that HRM is thinking long-term about mobility, not just housing.

What This Means for Buyers

Traffic congestion doesn’t automatically rule out Halifax as a great place to live. In fact, buyers who understand where traffic impacts are worst can benefit:

 

Know Your Commute

If your job is downtown, neighbourhoods like Dartmouth Crossing, Clayton Park, or Bedford offer commuter options that avoid major bottlenecks — plus great schools and community amenities.

 

 Walkability Wins

Living close to work or transit can reduce your daily stress and transportation costs — something more buyers are valuing after years of remote/hybrid work trends.

 

Long-Term Investment

Halifax’s real estate market remains strong because people choose to live here despite congestion — not because they’re blind to it. Amenities, culture, and quality of life still drive demand.

What This Means for Sellers

Here’s where things get interesting: congestion concerns can actually help sellers position their listings more strategically.

• Highlight proximity to transit options or employment hubs to appeal to commuters.
• Embrace multiple access points — if your home is near alternate routes or less-congested arteries, that’s a selling feature.
• Lean into walkability and neighbourhood charm — people are increasingly weighing these against commute times.

Being able to speak intelligently to buyer concerns about traffic — and how your listing fits into that story — enhances trust and helps justify pricing.

 The Bigger Picture

Traffic congestion data can make headlines, but it doesn’t define Halifax — especially not for long-term residents and property investors. Cities grow, transit evolves, and smart planning eventually adjusts to demand. Remember:

• Congestion is partly a growing-city symptom, not a death knell for desirability.
• Halifax is still smaller and more navigable than cities like Toronto or Vancouver where congestion ranking is higher.
• Housing demand remains strong because people value life here — with a front-row seat to ocean views, gardens, community events, and vibrant culture.

 Bottom Line

Traffic congestion? It’s real. But it’s manageable — and in many ways, it’s a sign of Halifax’s growth and evolving urban identity. For buyers, it’s about smart neighbourhood choice and lifestyle alignment. For sellers, it’s about telling the right story and showcasing what makes your property uniquely positioned in a growing city.