Well located between the bridges and close to the Burnside Business Park, North Dartmouth, also known as Albro Lake/Harbourview, is one of the most affordable areas in the Halifax/Dartmouth area, and is presently experiencing gentrification.

History:  Over 200 years ago, Samuel Albro owned the area known as Pinecrest from the early 1800’s until 1915. The water of Albro Lake powered Samuel’s nail mill, located on old Albro Brook  Later, Gerisham Tufts (Tufts’ Cove) obtained an eighteenth century land grant, which  was said to have extended easterly to Lake Mic Mac. In 1868 Morrow Stairs established the Dartmouth Rope Works. This company was greatly responsible for the extensive development of the north end of the town. During the post World War II housing crisis, construction of single-family residential units – mostly pre-fabricated – intensified. This area saw a great influx of residents; the foundation of Dartmouth North, as we know it today.

Today:

• Population: almost 18,000

• Average property price:  $300,000

Parks and Recreation: Several neighbourhood parks including Farrell Park, Pine-Hill Look-Off Park, and Highfield Recreation Area provide recreational space and tennis courts for residents. Albro Lake Park on the shores of Albro Lake is surrounded by walking trails and many community members swim and fish there. Residents also enjoy a range of activities at the Gray Memorial Arena and The Dartmouth Community Centre.

Schools: Elementary schools Harbourview, Northbrook and John MacNeil, and Junior School John Martin are within the community, while Dartmouth High is a short walk away for senior students. . Here a link to an excellent tool which tells you which schools your children will attend based on the address where they are living. http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/tools/addresslookup/

Amenities:  Residents enjoy easy access to an extensive variety of shopping opportunities. The neighbourhood is close to downtown Dartmouth, the Dartmouth Shopping Centre, the Mic Mac Mall and the new Dartmouth Crossing, a 280 million dollar commercial development. Burnside Park, the largest business park in Atlantic Canada is minutes away.

Home Styles:  Modest bungalows, 1 and 1/2 story prefabricated homes built in the late 1940s for returning veterans, a range of older architectural styles as well as duplexes, town homes and small condo buildings are to be found. One of the most affordable areas in the Halifax/Dartmouth area, North Dartmouth is presently experiencing the beginning stages of gentrification.

Typical Home Prices: Prices are rapidly increasing in North Dartmouth. Modest bungalows may still be purchased in the $180,000 to $ 210,000 range; more substantial bungalows are in the $215,000 to $270,000 range, one and half story homes from $ 200,000 to $ 240,000 and larger two story homes start at $ 250,000. Just south of the MacDonald bridge on the shores of the Halifax Harbour is the community of Harbourview where you could pay as much as $ 400,000 for a beautifully renovated 2 storey with a stunning harbour view.

Exceptionally well located and encompassing old and newer neighbourhoods (such as Lancaster Ridge) Dartmouth North is becoming increasingly popular.  Walk bike or take transit to the Alderney Landing  and Downtown Dartmouth with the Farmers’ Market, theatre, art gallery, Halifax Ferry, neighbourhood pubs, restaurants, cafes and much more.

Spring Garden Road Branch of the Halifax Public Library

Halifax Grammer School