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I've heard some good and bad things about Dover, NH. I'd just would like to know what people think of the area. Right now I'm living in the NEK of VT and I don't like it.
Hi all,
I live in Central Vt and am researching multipile places to retire in in a few years . Dover and Rochester NH keep coming up on my search lists as "the best places to reitre in in NH". I very much want to get out of the snow belt but don't want to give up four distinct seasons all together. I also don't want to be where a hurricane could come inland too far. Could someone give a snapshot comparison of Dover vs. Rochester?
I've heard some good and bad things about Dover, NH. I'd just would like to know what people think of the area. Right now I'm living in the NEK of VT and I don't like it.
I'm from Portsmouth and am considering relocating back to NH soon from PA. I never spent much time in Dover because Portsmouth is so great, but maybe a bit expensive for us to eventually buy a home. My recent impression of Dover has been good: coffee shops, decent restaraunts, pubs, etc. I guess it depends on what you're looking for. It has a walk able downtown and seems to be growing. Lots of 20-40 somethings and close to UNH, not too far from the ocean in Rye or Newcastle (20-30 min). I think the property taxes are low. I lived in the Burlington VT area for years and love it up there, if there were more jobs id probably be back there. I hope this helps!
I grew up sandwiched between Dover and Rochester. I moved away and never looked back because there was too many people. Even worse now. However, in my visiting back there, it looks like Dover has had somewhat of a rebirth and is doing pretty well. Even back in the day, though, if I had to choose, it would be Dover. The thought of living in Rochester, to me, is unimaginable.
I grew up sandwiched between Dover and Rochester. I moved away and never looked back because there was too many people. Even worse now. However, in my visiting back there, it looks like Dover has had somewhat of a rebirth and is doing pretty well. Even back in the day, though, if I had to choose, it would be Dover. The thought of living in Rochester, to me, is unimaginable.
If you want downtown type living Dover is definatly better than Rochester. There are some nice areas on the outskirts or Rochester. The areas out toward Strafford are pretty nice. Stay away from Somersworth. That area has always been pretty rough.
Dover all the way. I'll be building a house in between Dover and Rochester in Barrington, but will most likely be drawn to Dover for any downtown activities even though I'll be closer to Rochester. Here's what I've said in the past:
When I was a kid in the 80s, Portsmouth was the place to be. Dover is where you lived if you couldn't afford Portsmouth because it was a little rough. Rochester wasn't even in the picture. Recently, Dover has become a "destination" of its own with a revitalized downtown and property values have risen as the town has become more desirable. Now Rochester is seen as the "bargain" for those who can't afford Portsmouth or even Dover, but if you ask me it's still a rough place especially downtown.
I think its got a ways to go. No major crime usually, but a fuller police blotter than I'm comfortable with. I'd go to the big box stores on the outskirts, but have no desire to go downtown like I would in Dover. Dover's high school isn't winning awards, but its a lot better compared to Spaulding in Rochester.
I think in 10-20 years Rochester will be like Dover is now, just like Dover was like Rochester 20 years ago. I just don't want to wait that long for the city to bloom. If I wanted to live in a city like that, I'd move to Jersey.
I'm sure there are nice areas of Rochester (and other than downtown it is getting nicer every day), but the city has too much baggage for me. Sorry if I offended any Rochester'ites. BTW, I grew up in the Seacoast so I have history there (and will yet again).
Thank you everyone! I have a friend who has relatives outside Portland, ME who keeping telling her that the Dover/Rocherster area would be great for her, coming from Vt. I think we shall need to take a road trip for a weekend or so once spring has sprung and the traveling will be fun.
Dover all the way. I'll be building a house in between Dover and Rochester in Barrington, but will most likely be drawn to Dover for any downtown activities even though I'll be closer to Rochester. Here's what I've said in the past:
When I was a kid in the 80s, Portsmouth was the place to be. Dover is where you lived if you couldn't afford Portsmouth because it was a little rough. Rochester wasn't even in the picture. Recently, Dover has become a "destination" of its own with a revitalized downtown and property values have risen as the town has become more desirable. Now Rochester is seen as the "bargain" for those who can't afford Portsmouth or even Dover, but if you ask me it's still a rough place especially downtown.
I think its got a ways to go. No major crime usually, but a fuller police blotter than I'm comfortable with. I'd go to the big box stores on the outskirts, but have no desire to go downtown like I would in Dover. Dover's high school isn't winning awards, but its a lot better compared to Spaulding in Rochester.
I think in 10-20 years Rochester will be like Dover is now, just like Dover was like Rochester 20 years ago. I just don't want to wait that long for the city to bloom. If I wanted to live in a city like that, I'd move to Jersey.
I'm sure there are nice areas of Rochester (and other than downtown it is getting nicer every day), but the city has too much baggage for me. Sorry if I offended any Rochester'ites. BTW, I grew up in the Seacoast so I have history there (and will yet again).
Stay close to Dover!
Dover is making it's way to become a mix of good modern stuff and good, undamaged old stuff. We now are getting a new high school. Dover is not all damaged like Rochester, and Dover doesn't have your everyday crime in every neighborhood, that's just in the projects, and new york street. Rochester is disgusting. The whole place is like the dollar store.
Dover is making it's way to become a mix of good modern stuff and good, undamaged old stuff. We now are getting a new high school. Dover is not all damaged like Rochester, and Dover doesn't have your everyday crime in every neighborhood, that's just in the projects, and new york street. Rochester is disgusting. The whole place is like the dollar store.
New high school might mean higher property taxes in the near future.
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