Living in Dover, NH
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Schools and More

• Livability Partner

Thinking of moving to Dover, NH? Explore our complete guide to living in Dover, covering local cost of living, top-ranked schools, job growth and the best neighborhood amenities.

Located in Strafford County along the Cocheco River, Dover, NH, is the state’s oldest continuous settlement. Climb to the top of Garrison Hill Tower for sweeping panoramic views of the Seacoast or take a sunset stroll along the Cocheco Riverwalk or enjoy fresh pastries along Central Avenue. Living in Dover delivers centuries of New England heritage with a vibrant, high-energy modern soul. Settled in 1623, Dover is a thriving city of 33,338 residents that seamlessly turns its historic brick textile mills into bustling artisan studios, tech offices and loft apartments. Charming neighborhoods feature a mix of classic Victorian homes, traditional New England colonials and modern residential builds (median home value: $443,017!). In the heart of the Granite State’s Seacoast region, Dover is a premier destination for UNH faculty, tech innovators and growing families seeking top-notch public safety, highly rated schools and an incredible coastal lifestyle.

Top Reasons to Move to Dover, NH:

• Unrivaled Safety and Peace of Mind: Dover routinely earns top honors as one of the safest places to live in the region, with total crime rates nearly 60% below the national average. With a highly visible local police department and safe, walkable streets, residents enjoy the peace of mind that comes with living here. Families and retirees routinely stroll neighborhood sidewalks, ride bikes through parks and visit the downtown district well after dark.
• A Buzzing Downtown: Downtown Dover along Central Avenue is packed with local energy. Built around the falls of the Cocheco River, the historic mill district features boutique shops, artisan pottery studios, and popular eateries like Two Bees Cafe & Patisserie, Chapel + Main and Auspicious Brew. The community comes together year-round for beloved events like the Cochecho Arts Festival, summer outdoor concerts and seasonal farmers markets. The Cochecho Riverwalk is home to beautifully restored 19th-century brick textile mills that now house downtown apartments, studios and local businesses.
• Dover Is Family-Friendly: Dover offers cultural landmarks and top-tier family entertainment right in town. Children love spending days at the award-winning Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (located right in downtown’s Henry Law Park), followed by play at the Dover Adventure Playground. History buffs can explore centuries of local heritage at the Woodman Museum, home to colonial garrisons, fine art and natural science exhibits. Cap off any afternoon with a visit to Lickee’s & Chewy’s Candies & Creamery – a massive, medieval-themed sweet shop famous for its over-the-top “Freakshakes,” retro candies and house-made chocolates.
• Pristine Parks: Dover is full of outdoor activities and ways to stay active. Nature lovers have endless ways to stay active outdoors. Explore the scenic 4.2-mile Dover Community Trail, climb the 76-foot observatory tower at Garrison Hill Park, or launch kayaks along the Cocheco and Salmon Falls rivers. Bellamy River Wildlife Sanctuary’s protected coastal lands offer peaceful hiking trails, salt marsh views and bird-watching spots. Plus, residents live just 15 minutes from coastal beaches in Portsmouth, NH, and Kittery, ME.
• Top-Ranked Schools and Transit: Education is a major anchor, served by the Dover School District and sitting just 10 minutes from the flagship University of New Hampshire (UNH) campus in neighboring Durham. Commuting across the region is effortless, thanks to the downtown Amtrak Downeaster station, which offers direct rail service to Boston and Portland, along with quick access to Route 16 (Spaulding Turnpike) and I-95.