the pike group

Military Moves

by
How to Build a Support Network in Halifax as a DND Family

Relocating to Halifax is exciting, but let’s be honest — it also comes with challenges. New base, new home, new city, new routines. And if your partner is deployed, training, or working long hours, it can feel like you’re taking it all on alone.

The good news? Halifax is one of the best places in Canada to build a strong, supportive, genuinely caring community. People are warm, welcoming, and quick to include newcomers — especially military families.

Here’s how to build your network and settle in faster.

1. Start with the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC)

The Halifax & Region MFRC is the beating heart of community support for CAF families. It’s the very first place you should connect with.

They offer:

  • Social groups and welcome events

  • Support during deployments

  • Mental health counselling

  • Child & youth programs

  • Employment assistance for spouses

  • Community outings and workshops

It’s also one of the easiest ways to meet people who immediately understand your lifestyle.

2. Get Involved in Your Neighbourhood

Halifax neighbourhoods are naturally friendly — whether you’re in Bedford, Dartmouth, Sackville, or on the Peninsula, people take pride in community connections.

Quick ways to meet neighbours:

  • Walk the dog regularly (Point Pleasant, Long Lake and Shubie Park are social hubs)

  • Join local Facebook community groups

  • Attend neighbourhood BBQs, markets and fairs

  • Visit coffee shops consistently — locals will start recognizing you

  • Enroll your kids in local sports or clubs (instant parent networking)

You don’t have to be outgoing. People here do half the work for you.

3. Connect Through Kids’ Activities

If you have children, they will be your biggest networking asset.

Halifax has tons of programs:

  • Soccer, hockey, basketball, gymnastics

  • Dance studios

  • Scouts and Guides

  • Swimming lessons

  • Library storytimes

  • After-school programs

Parents here are approachable and willing to chat — especially moms and dads who’ve also moved from away.

4. Lean Into Halifax’s Coffee Culture

This might sound simple, but Halifax’s coffee shop scene is one of the best ways to meet people naturally.

Popular, social spots include:

  • Two If By Sea (Dartmouth)

  • Java Blend (North End)

  • Cortado (Bedford)

  • The Nook (Peninsula)

  • Timber Coffee (multiple locations)

Grab a seat, bring a book or laptop, and people-watching will turn into conversation quickly.

5. Join Local Social & Interest Groups

Halifax is packed with groups for every interest imaginable.

Popular options:

  • Hiking groups

  • Book clubs

  • Running clubs

  • Crafting/sewing circles

  • Photography clubs

  • Yoga studios

  • Military spouse networks

  • Fitness communities (F45, Orangetheory, CrossFit)

You’ll meet people who share your interests and become fast friends.

6. Get Active Outdoors

Nova Scotians love being outside. Join in and you’ll blend in immediately.

Outdoor groups help you meet people instantly:

  • Hiking clubs

  • Surfing lessons in Lawrencetown

  • Kayaking groups

  • Community beach clean-ups

  • Local sailing clubs

  • Weekend walking meetups

The outdoors is a natural ice-breaker here.

7. Use Social Media — The Helpful Kind

Online communities can be surprisingly supportive and active in Halifax.

Useful groups include:

  • Local neighbourhood Facebook groups

  • Newcomers to Halifax groups

  • DND family groups

  • Childcare & parenting communities

  • Sports team pages

  • Buy/sell/trade groups (yes, you will meet people through these!)

These groups often announce events, socials and activities that make it easy to connect.

8. Volunteer Your Time

One of the fastest and most rewarding ways to feel at home is volunteering.

Great options:

  • SPCA and local animal rescues

  • Food banks

  • Community gardens

  • School programs

  • Local clean-up or coastal conservation groups

  • Hospital auxiliary teams

Volunteering plugs you straight into the heart of Halifax’s community spirit.

9. Build Friendships on Base

Sometimes the easiest connections come from people right next to you.

Opportunities include:

  • Unit family events

  • Spouse gatherings

  • Holiday celebrations

  • Deployment support groups

  • Base recreational programs

A quick conversation in the parking lot can turn into lifelong friendships.

10. Don’t Be Afraid to Say “We’re New Here!”

Nova Scotians love helping newcomers.
Seriously — they thrive on it.

If you mention you’re fresh to Halifax, you’ll get:

  • Restaurant recommendations

  • Invitations to local events

  • Tips about schools, beaches, hidden gems

  • A genuine interest in your story

People here naturally adopt newcomers into the fold.

Final Thoughts

Building a support network in Halifax doesn’t require a massive effort — it just requires showing up. The city’s warmth, community spirit and love of connection make it one of the easiest postings to settle into. Before long, you’ll have friends, routines and favourite spots that make Halifax feel like home.

Written by Sandra Pike, REALTOR®, Royal LePage Atlantic
Supporting DND families every step of the way — from moving in to feeling connected.

Read

Andrea Davis

Comox Valley

Andrea Davis has come home to the Comox Valley for the lifestyle she loves. She started her successful Real Estate career in Ontario while her husband was posted there, Reaching top 6-10% in the regional market place.

Contact Andrea Today

Sales Representative at Royal LePage

Who is Andrea?

“When my husband retired, after 25 years in the Canadian Military, it was a short conversation to decide where to move with our family. Out of all the places we lived, the Comox Valley has always been the place we considered home.” For most people their home is the biggest investment of their life. Andrea knows the details that reduce the risk and understands the stress of moving. She focuses on finding clients the right home. Repeat business and referrals are the foundation of her business. She makes a donation for every sale to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. Her work ethic will move you. In 2018 Andrea was excited to make Directors Platinum which is top 5% in her marketplace.

Jane Furter Broker, B.A. (HONS)

Kingston, Ontario.

RRP- REGISTERED RELOCATION PROFESSIONAL

Real Estate Broker Royal LePage

Contact Jane Today

Real Estate Broker Royal LePage

Jane Furter Approach

Welcome to beautiful Kingston, Ontario.  Buying or selling a home is a big decision and you need an experienced professional to guide you through the process. When you work with me, you can count on personal, attentive, patient service, excellent knowledge of the area, great negotiation skills and expert selling strategies.

Jennifer Turcotte

Petawawa

Real Estate Broker RE/MAX

Contact Jennifer Today

REAL ESTATE BROKER RE/MAX

Jennifer Approach

Jennifer brings to the table a strong background in sales, marketing and negotiation. Emphasis on extraordinary service producing outstanding results is the backbone of her business and this philosophy has served her clients well over the years. Because of the unparalleled service provided by Jennifer, clients return time and again and also are happy to refer their family and friends. You can always be assured that your real estate needs will be met and exceed when Jennifer handles your real estate transaction in Petawawa, Pembroke, Deep River, Chalk River and beyond!

Adam Mills

OTTAWA

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage

4-3101 STRANDHERD DR, OTTAWA ON K2G 4R9

Contact Adam Today

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage

Who is Adam?

Adam Mills is an energetic, dedicated and approachable professional who strives to assist his clients in fulfilling their real estate dreams. He provides expert and timely guidance and aims to build long-lasting and professional relationships.
With an honours bachelor of commerce degree, specializing in marketing, Adam’s creativity and ingenuity create positive results. His goal is to maximize your return on investment in a timely fashion.
For Buyers: Adam’s comprehensive market knowledge and strong negotiating skills will ensure you find a home that meets your needs and wants at a great price.

Karen Syroid

GAGETOWN

The Real Estate industry is one big misunderstood paradox for most people. It's a Universal language; everyone speaks it - and yet there are still so many questions surrounding it. In my previous experience as a Real Estate consumer, not knowing what questions to ask I realized the process needed work.

Contact Karen Today

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage

Who is Karen?

My career prior to choosing Real Estate was pretty darn awesome, spanning 10 years of people and relationship management in both Private and Public sectors. In my District Sales Management role I managed 6 talented leaders spanning 3 provinces and 160 sales staff, and was awarded Top District Manager and Top Talent Retention for Canada and the US. Travelling for a living was exciting but starting a family was a personal goal and priority. After proceeding to work in a Management role with the NB Government, including leading and negotiating a National contract on behalf of the Province, it was time to put my professional skillset to work in the Real Estate sector.
My friends and family would say I live life in the fullest way. An optimist by nature and always open to new experiences. Last minute trip? Concert tickets for tonight? I'm your girl I absolutely love spending quality time with my family, turning the TV off and playing board games, and I truly value the lost art of conversation over a gin or craft beer. I have a passion for home design and I believe in buying local, supporting and investing in our Community and growing our local market. And not to brag but pretty sure if there was a sommelier equivalent for nachos and poutine, I'd make Master level.
My husband would consider me a risk taker but I would argue a calculated one. Did I leave a fulfilling, Full Time, permanent and pensioned career with the Government for the unknown? I sure did but you'd better believe it was a 5-year move in the making and it came with a solid business plan - and as they say, with great risk comes great reward. Our daughter Kate was born in 2017 which has been the greatest reward of all, and I'm proud to be instilling in her the values I was taught growing up; that women are smart, powerful, resilient, independent, inspirational...they can have a strong work ethic and a fulfilling career, AND be the nurturing, soft place to fall that children need.
The recognition with Royal LePage has come quickly, reaching Diamond level (top 3%) and Top 10 individual agents in the Atlantics consistently since 2014. Selling Real Estate is a form of art. It takes good clear thought, strategy, planning and great instinct. My mission is to Re-define Real Estate, and I've been “doing it” for hundreds of clients since 2012.

Susan Horon

Edmonton

Real Estate Agent
Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate

Contact Susan Today

Real Estate Agent Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate

Who is Susan?

Susan can be described as an energetic and caring professional. Her moral code is to treat every client as she would want to be treated. This means you can expect respect and attention to detail. Value for the time and effort you are investing with her. After 17 years as a full time real estate agent her wealth of knowledge in the industry is a valuable asset to any form of Real Estate, especially relocation. She is a lifelong resident of Edmonton and has a strong grasp of each community in and around Edmonton. She knows what these areas have to offer and how to translate that into a wise real estate investment for you. Your house needs to be a home, but also needs to be a smart choice for your future. As we know in relocations, tomorrow may bring more change and she is always thinking resale not just a quick sale. She has plenty of experience with Military relocations. These situations require dedication, sense of urgency, patience, a strong grasp of the protocols required and the ability to guide the client appropriately. She understands the stress a relocation has on a family and will make every effort to relieve as much of that stress as she can. Her goal as your agent is create long lasting relationships with you through trust and proven commitment.

Susan is a proud supporter of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation helping many women and children across Canada face life’s adversities. Susan was the past chair and governor of the Edmonton Realtors Community Foundation which has given back over $3 million to the grassroots charities in the area. She cares about her city and donates time and money to improve it. Susan is honored to be an educational trainer for Royal LePage Noralta, teaching new agents how to be successful in their career. Previously Susan worked 19 years in the dental industry. She has brought with her to real estate the strong ethics and high standard of service she learned in that previous career. This has all translated in to success as a top producing Real Estate professional.