Pros and Cons of Living in Dover

Dover's honest tradeoff is a genuine historical identity and strong commute/safety picture, set against a real, disclosed high property tax rate.

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Real advantages

Dover offers a genuine historical identity as New Hampshire's oldest settlement, a genuinely short average commute, direct Amtrak Downeaster rail access to Boston, proximity to UNH, and a favorable crime picture.

Real tradeoffs

Dover's effective property tax rate (~2.02%) runs genuinely high, and this record discloses a real, disclosed gap in dated, sourced school-performance statistics despite a favorable general characterization.

The net read

For movers drawn to Dover's historic identity, short commute, and direct Boston rail access, the advantages are real. For those prioritizing the lowest property tax rate, the disclosed tradeoff carries real weight.

Key takeaways

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-28. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.