Dartmouth is the twin city across the bay and bridges from Halifax. Although smaller, the city has a distinct character and a life of its own, albeit centred around residential and retail rather than business and industry. Renters will find good rental housing across the city, from high-rises in downtown Dartmouth (near the bay and bridges) to low-rises and townhouses in the suburbs.
Commuters should look near the Circumferential Highway for easy vehicle access to the rest of the Halifax regional area, including Bedford to the north. Shoppers should look near Micmac Mall or the downtown. Heavy industry is located in the northern third of the city, so the best rental housing is located in the central, eastern, and southern parts of the city. The city’s hospital is located in the south end along Pleasant Street. The area’s major post-secondary educational institutions are located in Halifax, so students might not find Dartmouth handy, although rents are generally lower than in Halifax.
Dartmouth contains approximately 70,000 people and is part of the Halifax Regional Municipality, which stretches along both sides of Halifax Harbour, a long bay stretching from the Atlantic Ocean a few miles north to the community of Bedford. Halifax is where the “action” is, but Dartmouth has gradually developed it’s own social and cultural attractions in the downtown core. Numerous industrial employers are found in the city’s north end, plus a Volvo assembly plant, while the Canadian Forces operate several bases and facilities in Dartmouth, the largest being CFB Shearwater to the southeast of the city. Plenty of schools serve the city’s children and teens, while Nova Scotia Community College serves older students (the region’s universities are all located in Halifax).
Transportation is excellent in Dartmouth and drivers can get around the city in minutes, while two suspension bridges and ferries connect the city directly with Halifax (some require a toll payment). Public transit is provided by Metro Transit, which serves both Dartmouth and Halifax. International travel can be made via the Halifax Stanfield International Airport located several miles outside the city to the north.
