Living in Halifax

Community life in Halifax is characterised by a blend of tradition and modernity. The area is known for its friendly, down-to-earth residents and a strong sense of belonging to local neighbourhoods. Local markets, including the Borough Market and the impressive Piece Hall courtyard, act as social and cultural hubs hosting music, food, and arts events year-round.

Outdoor activities abound with parks such as Shibden Park, Manor Heath Park, and Savile Park, which provide ample space for relaxation, sports, and family picnics. The surrounding Pennine landscape supports an active walking and cycling culture.

Community centres, libraries, and faith groups offer opportunities for people of all backgrounds to connect. Annual events like Halifax Festival and Calderdale’s local galas further cement local identity. Halifax’s inclusive local life is further enhanced by volunteering opportunities and neighbourhood projects, promoting positive engagement and pride in the community.

Concerns about crime rates in Halifax are often discussed, given its size and history as an industrial hub. Like many towns, Halifax experiences a mix of urban and suburban crime rates, with the town centre seeing a higher volume of incidents, typically associated with nightlife and retail areas.

Outlying residential areas such as Skircoat Green, Savile Park, and Hipperholme are generally perceived as safer, with strong community ties and responsive local policing. Improvements in CCTV coverage and community-led initiatives, like neighbourhood watch schemes, have contributed to perceptions of greater safety in recent years.

Local policing teams actively engage with the community, addressing anti-social behaviour and promoting safety awareness. Ongoing regeneration projects are helping to revitalise previously neglected areas, further enhancing overall community security.

Parking in Halifax is generally manageable, with a combination of on-street options, pay-and-display car parks, and permit zones in residential neighbourhoods close to the centre. The town centre features several multi-storey and surface car parks suitable for shoppers, commuters, and visitors.

Traffic congestion can occur during peak times, particularly on main routes such as the A58 and A629. Those living in the town centre or older residential areas may find resident permits required for street parking, while suburban areas usually have more space for off-road parking.

Road access is a strong point for Halifax, with the A58 offering direct routes to both Leeds (approx. 45 minutes, 20 miles) and Bradford (approx. 30 minutes, 12 miles). The A629 provides swift access to Huddersfield (approx. 20 minutes, 10 miles) and connects to the M62, facilitating longer journeys toward Manchester (approx. 55 minutes, 36 miles) and Sheffield (approx. 1 hour, 40 miles).

Halifax’s food scene is varied and appealing, reflecting the town’s multicultural character. Traditional Yorkshire pubs, such as The Three Pigeons and The Grayston Unity, appeal to those seeking historic charm and real ales. For diners, the town boasts a mix of independent cafés, curry houses, and contemporary bistros. Italian and Indian restaurants are particularly well represented, alongside long-standing local favourites for fish and chips and comforting regional fare.

Pubs and bars cluster around the town centre, with watering holes ranging from classic local inns to modern craft beer bars. Venues like the Piece Hall have become lively evening destinations, with outdoor spaces perfect for socialising during warmer months.

Nights out can include live music at The Victoria Theatre or arts events at the Square Chapel. Halifax tends toward a relaxed, sociable nightlife scene, though there are popular late-night venues for those looking to stay out later. Takeaways, street food stalls, and coffee shops add further choice for food and drink in the daytime and on weekends.

School Quality: Halifax’s reputation for high-performing grammar schools and choice of well-rated primaries make it an attractive location for families seeking education options.

Parks and Green Space: Numerous parks, playgrounds, and woodland trails such as those at Shibden Park and Manor Heath provide families with safe, accessible recreation opportunities.

Childcare: The area offers a wide range of nurseries, preschools, and childminders, supporting working parents with flexible early years provision.

Safety: Many residential neighbourhoods are perceived as safe and supportive, with active community policing and neighbourhood networks.

Family Activities: Halifax’s museums, sports clubs, swimming pools, and participation in local family-friendly festivals and fairs ensure a lively year-round calendar for children and teenagers.

Pets are welcomed in most parts of Halifax, reflecting a culture that values outdoor leisure and animal companionship. Popular parks like Savile Park and Shibden Park offer plenty of space for dog-walking and exercise. The surrounding Calderdale countryside, with its varied footpaths and canal walks, further enhances opportunities for pet owners to explore.

Halifax has a choice of veterinary clinics, pet supply shops, and boarding services, including those tailored for dogs and cats. Many cafés and some pubs are dog-friendly, enabling pet owners to participate in local social life as well.

Most rental and for-sale homes offer gardens or easy access to green space, and attitudes toward pets in housing are generally positive. Community events and local groups sometimes feature pet shows or dog meet-ups, creating a sociable pet-owning community.

Halifax is an important transport hub in West Yorkshire, connecting easily to major cities and surrounding towns by train, bus, and road. Halifax railway station is centrally located, providing regular direct services to Leeds, Bradford, and Manchester Victoria, making the area appealing for commuters.

The local bus network is extensive, with frequent services running throughout Calderdale and direct links to Leeds, Bradford, and Huddersfield. Connecting roads including the A58 and the A629 support car travel, linking directly to the M62 motorway for broader access across the region.

Commute times to key destinations:

• Leeds – approx. 35 minutes by train
• Manchester – approx. 50 minutes by direct train
• Bradford – approx. 25 minutes by train or car

Manchester Airport is around a one-hour drive from Halifax, while Leeds Bradford Airport is within 45 minutes by road, expanding travel options both nationally and internationally. Cyclists and walkers benefit from the Calderdale Greenway and local canal paths, offering sustainable alternatives for local journeys.

Halifax boasts a diverse selection of schools and educational facilities, serving families across the Calderdale district and beyond. Primary education in Halifax is supported by both community-based and faith schools. Notable among them is Salterhebble Junior and Infant School, praised for its engaged teaching style and last rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in 2013, as well as All Saints' CofE Junior and Infant School, which holds a 'Good' Ofsted rating from 2019. The town benefits from a strong tradition of nurturing early learning in welcoming neighbourhood schools.

Secondary education in Halifax is anchored by The Crossley Heath School and North Halifax Grammar School, both consistently ranked among the top grammar schools in West Yorkshire. The Crossley Heath School was last rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2022, while North Halifax Grammar held an 'Outstanding' rating after their last inspection in 2011. Lightcliffe Academy provides another popular option, blending academic and extracurricular development, with a 'Good' Ofsted rating in 2022.

For college-level study, Calderdale College offers a wide range of vocational courses, apprenticeships, and access to higher education, serving as Calderdale’s principal further education institution. The college is known for supporting progression into employment or university, with modern facilities on its Francis Street campus.

While Halifax does not have its own university, proximity to higher education institutions in Leeds, Bradford, and Huddersfield gives local students convenient access to university-level study. Both the University of Huddersfield and the University of Leeds are within practical commuting distance, offering extensive undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.