Quality of Life in Dover NH
Dover boasts many of the conveniences of a prospering city combined with the pleasures of small-town New England traditions, including a charming, walkable downtown with a generous selection of shops and restaurants, combined with carefully preserved natural and historical treasures.
With a variety of community events, top-notch healthcare, and outstanding educational facilities, it’s no wonder so many people are eager to make this area their home.
One of the main goals of the City of Dover is to provide outstanding services for all Dover residents, businesses, and guests.
Municipal services include city water and sewer, free curbside recycling, pay-per-bag garbage pick-up service, and full emergency assistance. The city has also developed DoverNet, a complete electronic guide to city services and employees. City, school, and library information can be found online at www.ci.dover.nh.us.
Public safety is a priority in Dover. The city enjoys an extremely low crime rate compared to communities of similar size, which is the result of many community collaborations. The Dover Police Department has been recognized for its innovative youth, drug prevention, traffic safety, and domestic programs—DARE officers work in the elementary schools, and a school resource officer is based at Dover High School.
The Dover Police have also deployed a downtown mounted horse patrol and bicycle patrol. And the Dover Coalition for Youth targets their programs toward promoting a drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free lifestyle.
Dover’s full-time fire department focuses on fire prevention by participating in the Learn-Not-To-Burn program for pre-school elementary students; by hosting an annual children’s fire safety program; by bringing fire safety programs into the schools and to various festivals; and by promoting a smoke detector giveaway program. The department also offers public CPR training courses.
Dover is the seat of government for Strafford County, New Hampshire. Operating from a contemporary office building and Superior Court House on County Farm Road, county government provides a variety of services to Strafford County residents, including public health, emergency, elder care, recreational fields, cooperative extension, and animal control services.
Dover’s strong business climate and outstanding quality of life have created diverse options for prospective renters, including modern apartment complexes, renovated riverside mill buildings, apartments and rooms in restored Victorian homes and updated apartments in the mixed-use downtown areas.
Housing in the greater Dover area—including Barrington, Durham, Lee, Madbury, Rollinsford, Somersworth, Rochester, and South Berwick, Maine—reflects a wide range of architectural influence. Georgian, Colonial, and Victorian homes combine well with modern apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes. Many new neighborhoods are planned with careful consideration for preserving the community’s natural beauty.
Many real estate offices and rental agencies are available to assist people relocating to the area. For a list of real estate agents, please refer to the business directory that follows or visit www.dovernh.org