I'd like to echo the sentiment of coming for a visit and spend some time driving around, checking out the area. If you can get an idea of where you might find work, try driving some commuting routes at rush hour, keeping in mind that at this time of year traffic is the lightest it will ever get. As soon as school is back in, the morning/evening traffic doubles or triples in some areas.
The best is to experience it for yourself as we will each have our own likes and dislikes. For example, I grew up in downtown Dartmouth, and feel that it is a great place to live whereas the "BLT" area does nothing for me. However, if you were working in the Lakeside Industrial Park, for example, then DT Dartmouth wouldn't make much sense. So you have to find what feels right for you and what would work with your situation.
Line up some properties you'd like to check out online before you visit, to use your time efficiently. Try to get a feel for where/how you'd like to live here, by looking around and spending time there. Park the car and walk the neighborhood, you'll have a much better idea looking at it that way. Trust your gut instinct on it.
Not a bad idea to check out Halifax's crime map while you're at it
http://maps.halifax.ca/crimemapping/.
Ask the locals (us) opinions if you have any questions regarding any aspect of the area. We may not all agree, but I'm sure whatever information you can get will be helpful.
Best of luck to you!