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Moving to Dartmouth — A Guide for Newcomers to Canada

The Genesis

Welcome to Dartmouth

If you're new to Canada and considering Dartmouth, Nova Scotia as your home — you're making a smart choice. Halifax's twin city offers lower rents than downtown Halifax, a welcoming multicultural community, and easy access to everything the region has to offer.

Why Newcomers Choose Dartmouth

Over 26,000 international migrants arrived in Halifax in 2024 alone, and many choose Dartmouth for its affordability and convenience. The city offers direct transit connections to Halifax via bridges and ferry, a growing job market in healthcare, education, and technology, and a cost of living that lets you settle in without breaking the bank.

Finding Your First Apartment

As a newcomer, you'll want an apartment that makes the transition easy. Look for buildings with: in-suite laundry (so you don't need to find a laundromat), central heating and A/C (Nova Scotia winters are cold), transit access (a bus stop at your door saves money on a car), and a community feel (social rooms and friendly neighbors help you build connections).

What You'll Need to Rent

Most landlords in Nova Scotia require: proof of identity (passport or PR card), proof of income or employment (or savings for international students), first and last month's rent as deposit, and references if available. New builds tend to be more flexible with newcomers who don't have Canadian rental history.

Start Your New Life

The Genesis at 95 Caledonia Rd, Dartmouth is welcoming newcomers now. Modern 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments from $1,750/mo. Bus stop at the front door, 5-minute walk to NSCC Akerley Campus. Register for a tour — your fresh start is here.