We are from Totnes and lived there for over 50 years, although now on the canals. There are a few people that live on the Dart ,but not very many. It's totally differant to the canals.In the summer it can not be beaten ,but the winter is completely differant .The tide makes a big differance to your daily activities especially if you are on a drying out mooring. It would certainly be a lot harder living on a river than on the canals,unless of course you opted for a marina.. What ever you decide All the best to you ...