Almost every street in Central Halifax envelopes you in a tunnel of green — at least in spring and summer. By fall, it’s a riot of colour, all tartans and kilts, as one of Halifax’s friendliest neighbourhoods heads back to school and into the winter hygge.

Central Halifax streets are for jogging, for running into old friends, for walking with kids and grand kids and dogs, for neighbourly gatherings at tennis courts or school concerts or parks.

Central Halifax isn’t the oldest part of the city, but it feels venerable and unchanging, and you will see many homes dating from the Edwardian era, or slightly newer. All are highly desirable. Though this area is slowly joining Halifax’s condominium boom, the majority of dwellings are large, single family homes or choice duplexes that offer many virtues. These are homes that have been loved for generations.

Plenty of these homes have been through one or two renovations, so they’re move-in ready, or suitable for a slow, steady upgrade with modern design touches.

Central Halifax is punctuated with churches of most any faith — including Halifax’s first mosque — that speak strongly of community. People are apt to walk many places, although it remains one of Metro Transit’s best-served neighbourhoods, with routes criss-crossing most major arteries.

Schools are abundant, and most kids parade to class with friends once they’re old enough in a daily migration that will bring older smiles. Oxford, St. Agnes, Westmount, Sir Charles Tupper, and Halifax Central Junior High have taught generations of Halifax school kids, and the playgrounds are as lively and rambunctious as ever. And private schools like Armbrae Academy and the Halifax Independent School are nearby, too, ensuring that all educational needs are met.

What is new about this area is the food scene, which seemed to sprout overnight like a proverbial mushroom. It’s really good. You’ll find all your diner favorites at The Athens and the Ardmore, and modern breakfast specialties at The Coastal. On Quinpool Road, a quick stroll takes you from late-night sushi (Wasabi) to Korean barbecue and Ramen (BiOne Korean) and more sushi (B-well Café). The Red Lunchbox covers the vegetarian crowd with an inventive menu and, nearby on Windsor, the Brooklyn Warehouse and Rinaldo’s Italian American are popular bistros. Even better, several cideries, brewpubs and cozy cafés beckon for meetings during the day, or chilling at night.

The Halifax Forum, the city’s historical hockey arena, is a vital community centre that is impossibly busy, hosting everything from hockey games to flea markets, from farmer’s markets to multicultural festivals to three-day outlet sales. It’s a rare weekend or weeknight when the Forum parking lot is not packed.

Shopping is easy. Quinpool has many independent shops, and the only Apple Store in Atlantic Canada enjoys pride of place at the Halifax Shopping Centre, re-imagined for a new century. It’s pretty sweet.

We love Central Halifax, so call Century 21 Trident Realty today and our talented agents will help you find the home of your dreams.