Theme: Balance

Subtheme: Urban/Rural or Fast/Slow Pace

Local resources give a place vibrancy and sense of character. Opportunities to celebrate and support local businesses, initiatives, and causes is an important factor in deciding where to live. Places such as farmers’ markets offer a sense of community pride and allow urban residents to connect with rural producers.

Simon Point trail: Our professor teaching us in the open field. I feel like sometimes these outdoor classes field-trip makes the entire semester more worth it than sitting inside a classroom.

Louisbourg Lighthouse: The Sea has always been one of my favorite places to go when I need time to think about my life, action and plans. Looking at the water and how it merges with the horizon, an endless vastness of it and the very definition of calmness and chaos on the surface.

Subtheme: Choice/Flexibility

A vibrant downtown culture is an important factor in deciding where I want to live. Amenities such as restaurants, bars, local entertainment, and common spaces are all important to me. Halifax offers many of these amenities, making it attractive to young people looking to settle down.

I consider the natural environment to be an important factor in deciding where to live. Growing up in Nova Scotia, I was always surrounded by water. Although it might seem trivial, I would consider access to water (whether it be a beach, waterfront boardwalk, or harbour) an essential factor in deciding where to live. I would not consider living in a place that is not within close proximity to a large body of water.

Public services such as ferries and busses are important factors to consider when deciding where to live. A city that is well-connected by public transit is much more attractive to live in than a city that does not offer such services. While Halifax could certainly improve their public transit system, their current operations do allow for relatively seamless transit between home, work, and other attractions.

Theme: Balance

St. Francis Xavier University

J. Adam Perry, PhD

Assistant Professor of Adult Education