Whatever you do in Dartmouth, stay within the GD Circ (which you would be). I did not know that before moving over from Halifax in the spring, and I would have held out longer if I'd realized it was even something to consider. Can almost see the Circ from my house, and it's like I have moved hours away from "Dartmouth" for the change in services available.

Check the crime heat map to see if the place you are looking at is near any hot spots... it's probably fine, but Dartmouth seems to be street by street for good/ bad as opposed to pockets like in Halifax. Or that's what I am finding, aside from a few notoriously rough areas. Someone who's been here longer will know more.