Dover Apartment Renter's Guide
Dover Apartment Renter's Guide
Overview
"There'll be bluebirds over / The white cliffs of Dover, / Tomorrow, just you wait and see." (- Walter Kent and Nat Burton, "The White Cliffs of Dover")
With a population of just over 30,000, Dover is the largest city in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire. Known for its cool summers and snowy winters, it's also known as one of the oldest permanent settlements in the United States. It's nearly 500 years old. The city is stable and economically solvent.
Moving here isn't difficult
"There'll be bluebirds over / The white cliffs of Dover, / Tomorrow, just you wait and see." (- Walter Kent and Nat Burton, "The White Cliffs of Dover")
With a population of just over 30,000, Dover is the largest city in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire. Known for its cool summers and snowy winters, it's also known as one of the oldest permanent settlements in the United States. It's nearly 500 years old. The city is stable and economically solvent.
Moving to Dover
Moving here isn't difficult. While some landlords will check your credit, a landlord is just as likely to rent to you on the spot if you have a couple of references from past landlords and the money for the security deposit. Try to avoid relocating in winter, as the cold and snow can make things more difficult than necessary.
What It Will Cost
Many apartments include utilities, even cable/Internet, in their pricing, so be sure to read the fine print and ask. You can get away with as low as $600 a month for a studio or a small 1 bedroom apartment. For something bigger, say 3 to 4 bedrooms, you are looking at around $2000 or more per month. Again, because utilities are often included, this many not be as high as it first appears.
Neighborhoods
This is a nice, small and friendly community. The neighborhoods are more local designations rather than entities unto themselves. Even the income rates vary little among the various neighborhoods. The primary difference is that the older areas have fewer apartments for rent. In those areas there are houses to rent or rent to own. Look around carefully so you don't miss something good.
Sawyers: This is the least expensive area in Dover and it's full of upper middle income folks. Homes cost around $200,000 to buy and you can get a nice rental, with all bills paid, for about $850.
Cricket Branch: This is an area that attracts many college students. There is a lot to see and do within walking distance including bars, shops and parks. The average commute time for people in this neighborhood is around 20 minutes or less.
Gates Corner: This is a historic center and many of the homes here reflect that having been built prior to the 1930's and some prior to the 19th century! Everything is within easy walking distance.
City Center: This area is going to be the best bet for getting a good deal on an apartment with utilities included. There is a high vacancy rate here and that means a good deal for renters. $800 a month with all utilities included is not unusual here. This is another historic area of the city so many of the apartment might be in renovated and updated historic homes.
Cocheco: This is the area of newer construction and, oddly enough, lower rents. Apartments in the $500 range are not unusual in this neighborhood but you will have a hard time finding one. The vacancy rate is extremely low and they go incredibly fast, often within an hour of being listed. It's a nice newer neighborhood and the commute times tend to be low.
Wentworth Terrace: Wentworth Terrace is a wealthy neighborhood and filled with large homes. Most of the construction is newer with quite a few McMansions thrown in for good measure. Gates Corner is prettier but there is more cash flowing from the new money here.