Dover NH

Dover – Nestled along the banks of the Cocheco River, Dover blends New England charm with a vibrant small-town spirit. As one of New Hampshire’s oldest cities, Dover offers a mix of rich history, scenic parks, and a thriving arts scene. Whether you're exploring its walkable downtown, enjoying live music, or savoring local eats, Dover delivers a warm and welcoming experience for all who visit.

• Population: ~33,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; snowy winters, mild springs, warm summers (60–85°F), and colorful autumns.
• Places To Visit: Children’s Museum of NH, Henry Law Park, Woodman Institute Museum, Bellamy River Wildlife Sanctuary, Downtown Shops and Cafes.
• Top Activities: Kayaking on the Cocheco, exploring historic sites, visiting local breweries, biking the community trails, attending summer concerts in the park.
• Famous Food: Fresh seafood at Newick’s, burgers at Patty B’s, craft beer from Garrison City Beerworks, and homemade pastries from Café Monte Alto.

Dover, New Hampshire is a growing city with a diverse economy rooted in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology. Its proximity to Boston and the seacoast makes it ideal for professionals seeking work-life balance in a smaller community. Below are some of the most in-demand jobs in Dover, NH.

Top 5 Jobs in Dover, NH

Dover, NH, is a quaint city filled with picturesque views and a thriving student community. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day of classes or explore with friends, Dover offers plenty of opportunities to relax and have fun.

Henry Law Park & Rotary Arts Pavilion – This riverside park is perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic with friends. In the summer, enjoy live music and events at the Rotary Arts Pavilion. The peaceful environment is ideal for a study break.

Flight Coffee Co. – A popular spot among students, Flight Coffee Co. serves excellent coffee and snacks. Its cozy atmosphere makes it a great place to catch up on reading or enjoy conversations with friends.

The Children's Museum of New Hampshire – While it may seem like it's just for kids, this museum hosts adult nights that allow you to unleash your inner child. Enjoy interactive exhibits and themed events designed for the older crowd.

Cathedral of the Pines Walking Trails – For those who love the outdoors, these trails offer stunning natural scenery. They're perfect for hiking or just a peaceful walk to clear your mind and relax.

Theater Company at Rollinsford – Catch a local theater production at this intimate setting. It's a great way to support local artists and enjoy a night out with friends, immersing yourself in Dover's vibrant performing arts scene.

Newick's Lobster House – For a taste of fresh seafood, Newick's is a local favorite. The laid-back atmosphere and delicious food make it a prime spot for a casual dinner with friends or a study group reward.

Whether you're into outdoor adventures, enjoying a hot cup of coffee, or exploring the arts, Dover, NH, has something for every student seeking a break from their academic routine.

Dover, New Hampshire, is a charming city in the Seacoast region that values education and academic achievement. While Dover itself is a smaller city, it offers easy access to some of the region’s most respected colleges and universities. Just a short drive from several top institutions, Dover residents enjoy the benefits of a vibrant academic environment.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in and Around Dover, NH

University of New Hampshire (UNH) – Located just minutes away in Durham, UNH is the state’s flagship public university. It is known for its research in sustainability, engineering, marine biology, and business. The beautiful campus and strong community ties make it a top choice for students in the Dover area.

Great Bay Community College – Located in nearby Portsmouth, this well-regarded public college offers associate degrees and certificate programs in fields such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and business. It provides accessible pathways to four-year universities.

Plymouth State University (Extended Education near Dover) – While the main campus is in Plymouth, NH, the university offers continuing and graduate education programs throughout the state. It is known for teacher education, business, and environmental science programs.

Keene State College (Online & Hybrid Options) – Though based in southwestern New Hampshire, Keene State’s online and hybrid programs are accessible to Dover residents. It offers excellent liberal arts, safety studies, and sustainability programs.

NHTI – Concord’s Community College – While located in Concord, NHTI offers online and part-time studies ideal for Dover learners. Well known for its dental and radiologic technology programs, as well as general education courses.

Top Private Colleges & Universities Near Dover, NH

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – Based in Manchester and with a strong online presence, SNHU is a highly accessible private university offering degrees in business, IT, healthcare, and liberal arts. Its flexible learning models make it popular with working adults in Dover.

Franklin Pierce University (Manchester Academic Center) – Franklin Pierce provides graduate and adult education programs close to Dover. The university is known for its business, healthcare, and law-related programs.

Saint Anselm College – Located in Manchester, this private Catholic liberal arts college is known for its political science, nursing, and humanities programs. Its strong academic reputation and community engagement attract students from across New Hampshire.

Rivier University – Located in Nashua, Rivier University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, education, business, and public health. It emphasizes holistic learning and ethical leadership.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS – Manchester Campus) – Just over the border in Manchester, this private institution focuses on healthcare professions such as pharmacy, nursing, and physician assistant studies. It attracts students from across New England, including Dover.

Dover, NH, may be a small city, but it is home to some excellent high schools that help prepare students for college, careers, and life. The area offers a mix of strong public schools and respected private institutions, all focused on academic achievement, character development, and community service.

Top Public High Schools in Dover, NH

• Dover High School – This school offers a wide variety of academic programs, including AP classes and career pathways. It is known for its supportive teachers and focus on student success.
• – Serving nearby communities, this high school ranks high in academics and student satisfaction. It has strong arts, science, and athletics programs.
• Portsmouth High School, Portsmouth – Located close to Dover, it is highly regarded for its college-prep curriculum and offers many extracurricular activities.
• Exeter High School, Exeter – This school emphasizes innovation and learning through real-world applications. Students have access to strong academic, arts, and athletic programs.
• Coe-Brown Northwood Academy, Northwood – A hybrid public charter school, Coe-Brown combines tradition with innovation. It prepares students well for college and beyond.

Top Private High Schools in Dover, NH

• St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Dover – A Roman Catholic college preparatory school known for its strong values, challenging academics, and welcoming environment.
• Berwick Academy, South Berwick (near Dover) – An independent day school with a strong liberal arts education. It focuses on critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship.
• Tilton School, Tilton (within commuting distance) – A private boarding and day school offering a personalized education path and leadership development programs.
• Brewster Academy, Wolfeboro – This boarding school is known for its structured academic program and supportive learning environment. It caters to students with varied learning styles.
• Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter – One of the most prestigious private high schools in the country. Though competitive, it provides unmatched resources and academic opportunities.

Dover, New Hampshire is a charming New England city with a strong sense of community and pride. While it does not host any major professional sports teams of its own, Dover residents are passionate sports fans who often support teams from nearby cities in New England.

🏀 Basketball – Boston Celtics (NBA)

• Boston Celtics – Just over an hour from Dover, the Celtics are one of the most historic franchises in the NBA. With 17 NBA championships, they are tied for the most in league history. Legends like Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, Bill Russell, and modern stars like Jayson Tatum have made the Celtics a fan favorite in the Dover area.

⚾ Baseball – Boston Red Sox (MLB)

• Boston Red Sox – Dover sports fans proudly support the Red Sox, who play at the beloved Fenway Park. The team has won nine World Series titles, with the most recent in 2018. Iconic players include Ted Williams, David Ortiz, and Mookie Betts.

🏈 Football – New England Patriots (NFL)

• New England Patriots – Based in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the Patriots have a massive fanbase in Dover. With six Super Bowl titles (all under coach Bill Belichick and led by quarterback Tom Brady), the Patriots are one of the most successful teams in NFL history.

⚽ Soccer – New England Revolution (MLS)

• New England Revolution – Also located in Foxborough, this Major League Soccer team has a dedicated following in New Hampshire. While the team has yet to win an MLS Cup, they have made several finals appearances and continue to be competitive in the league.

🏒 Hockey – Boston Bruins (NHL)

• Boston Bruins – Hockey is very popular in New England, and the Bruins are a top pick for fans in Dover. The team has won six Stanley Cups, with the most recent coming in 2011. Bruins legends include Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, and contemporary star Patrice Bergeron.

While Dover, NH may not have pro teams of its own, its close ties to Boston sports teams mean fans have plenty of options to cheer for in every major sport.

Dover, New Hampshire, is a charming New England city filled with rich history and small-town appeal. As the oldest permanent settlement in New Hampshire, Dover blends the past and present in a unique and exciting way. Here are some fun facts about this welcoming city:

1. Oldest Permanent Settlement – Founded in 1623, Dover is the oldest continuously inhabited city in New Hampshire.
2. Wentworth-Douglass Hospital – Home to one of the top hospitals in the region, this facility started as a small cottage hospital in 1906.
3. Children’s Museum of New Hampshire – One of the city’s most popular attractions, this hands-on museum attracts over 100,000 visitors a year.
4. It's a River City – The city sits along the Cocheco River, a beautiful waterway that powered Dover’s historic mills in the 19th century.
5. Home of the Woodman Museum – Founded in 1916, this museum holds a surprising mix of natural history, art, and military artifacts — including a real civil war saddle and sword!
6. Historic Mill Buildings – Many of Dover’s old mill buildings have been restored and now host shops, restaurants, and offices, keeping the city’s history alive.
7. Locomotive Legacy – Dover was once a major stop along the Boston & Maine Railroad, helping it grow into a busy manufacturing and commerce hub.
8. Annual Apple Harvest Day – Every fall, the city draws crowds for its Apple Harvest Day festival, featuring food vendors, crafts, and live music.
9. Strong Sense of Community – Dover has been recognized as one of the best places to live in New Hampshire thanks to its great schools, safe neighborhoods, and friendly vibe.
10. Growing Arts Scene – From open mic nights to local galleries, Dover supports a creative community that continues to thrive.