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Cocheco River flowing through downtown Dover, New Hampshire
Long-Term Rentals

Dover, NH

The Seacoast's most livable city

Photo by MoVaughn123

Dover is a vibrant small city in the heart of New Hampshire's Seacoast region, consistently ranked among the state's best places to live. With a thriving downtown full of restaurants, breweries, and local shops, plus easy access to both the coast and the mountains, Dover offers the perfect balance of urban convenience and New England charm.

Coast to Creek Rentals manages long-term rental properties in and around Dover, from modern apartments to spacious family homes. Whether you're relocating for work, attending UNH, or simply looking for a great place to call home, we have options to fit your lifestyle.

Dover's walkable downtown along Central Avenue is the city's social hub, anchored by locally owned restaurants, craft breweries, and a restored 1920s movie theater. The Cochecho River runs right through the center of town, powering the mills that drove Dover's growth in the 19th century and now providing scenic riverside parks and walking trails.

With a population around 32,000, Dover is big enough to have everything you need — good schools, a hospital, shopping, and transit — while still feeling like a community where neighbors know each other. The Amtrak Downeaster stops in Dover, putting Boston just 90 minutes away by train.

Why Dover?

  • Walkable downtown with restaurants and shops
  • 20 minutes to Portsmouth and the beaches
  • Easy commute to Boston via Amtrak Downeaster
  • Excellent schools and family neighborhoods
  • Growing craft brewery and dining scene
Historic Cocheco Mills with Cocheco Falls at sunset in Dover, New Hampshire

Photo by Deb Talukdar

Things To Do in Dover

Attractions, events, and experiences you won't want to miss.

Children's Museum of New Hampshire

Year-round

Interactive museum on the Cochecho River with exhibits on science, nature, music, and art for kids of all ages.

Cochecho Arts Festival

Summer

Annual summer arts festival in Henry Law Park with live music, local artists, food vendors, and family activities.

The Strand Theatre

Year-round

Beautifully restored 1920s movie theater in downtown Dover showing first-run films and hosting community events.

Downtown Gallery Walks

Year-round

Monthly art walks through downtown Dover's galleries and studios with artist receptions and live demonstrations.

Farmers' Market

Spring–Fall

Weekly outdoor market in downtown Dover with local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and live music.

Outdoor Recreation

Trails, water, and wide-open spaces in every season.

Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area

Year-round

Over 400 acres of conservation land with trails through forests and wetlands. Great for hiking, birding, and cross-country skiing.

Cochecho River Walk

Year-round

Paved riverside trail through downtown Dover connecting parks, historic mills, and public art installations.

Garrison Hill Park & Tower

Year-round

60-acre park with a stone observation tower offering 360-degree views of the Seacoast, playgrounds, and wooded trails.

Tuttle's Red Barn

Spring–Fall

America's oldest family farm with apple picking, corn maze, hayrides, and a farm stand with cider donuts.

Henry Law Park

Year-round

Waterfall park in the heart of Dover overlooking the Cochecho River falls. Popular for picnics and community events.

Dining & Entertainment

Where to eat, drink, and enjoy yourself in and around Dover.

Stages at One Washington

Restaurant

Upscale American dining in a historic building overlooking Central Avenue. Creative seasonal menus and craft cocktails.

7th Settlement Brewery

Brewery

Dover's craft brewery with a rotating selection of house-brewed ales, IPAs, and stouts paired with pub fare.

Flight Coffee Co.

Cafe

Specialty coffee roaster and cafe in downtown Dover. Pour-overs, espresso, and fresh pastries.

Cara Irish Pub

Bar & Pub

Authentic Irish pub with shepherd's pie, fish and chips, and a well-curated whiskey and beer selection.

Garrison City Beerworks

Brewery

Microbrewery and taproom with small-batch craft beers, food trucks, and a welcoming community vibe.

Living in Dover

What you need to know about making Dover your home.

Schools & Education

Dover School District serves 4,200+ students across 7 schools. Dover High School consistently ranks among NH's top public schools. The University of New Hampshire in nearby Durham adds academic resources and cultural events.

Cost of Living

Dover offers a moderate cost of living by Seacoast standards with no state income or sales tax. Average rents are below Portsmouth and Exeter while still providing excellent walkability and amenities.

Major Employers

Liberty Mutual InsuranceWentworth-Douglass HospitalUniversity of New HampshireCity of DoverStrafford CountyMeasured Progress

Commute Times

15 min

Portsmouth

25 min

Hampton Beach

10 min

Durham/UNH

90 min

Boston (Amtrak)

60 min

Portland, ME

Questions About Long-Term Rentals in Dover?

We manage apartments and homes available for year-round leasing. Contact us to learn about current availability, pricing, and the application process.