Retirement Living In New Hampshire Seacoast

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With Money Magazine ranking Dover, New Hampshire as one of the top 100 places to live in the country, Dover has been earning recognition as a dynamic city that has it all: thriving businesses, expanding arts and cultural scene, a wide selection of dining establishments, a notable history, a strong sense of community, and beautiful scenery.

The Garrison City's strong, active business community and stable economy make it a popular choice for setting down roots and doing business. The area's highly trained yet affordable employee base, combined with a solid infrastructure and a host of transportation options—highway, rail, air, and port—make the greater Dover area very attractive to existing businesses, as well as to new and relocating businesses. The City's waterfront district is currently undergoing an intense beautification and revitalization effort that will only add to the quality of life.

Housing in Dover reflects a wide architectural influence. New neighborhoods are planned with careful consideration of preserving nature while still allowing for quality homes. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the city's parks, trails, and outdoor activities. Self-guided historic walking tours lead to the renowned Woodman Institute Museum and other historically relevant locations that underscore the significance of New Hampshire's first permanent settlement.

The Dover public school system includes a modern high school with an outstanding technology center, a state-of-the-art middle school, and three elementary schools. The Dover area is home to a number of fine private schools, a performing and fine arts charter school, and an adult learning center. The University of New Hampshire is the state’s leading
educational institution, with its main campus located in
Durham, just six miles from Dover.

This New Hampshire Main Street community offers exceptional shopping and dining opportunities, and with no sales tax in New Hampshire, shopping dollars go so much further. Dover's tree-lined downtown is brimming with quaint shops, boutiques, and restaurants of all types.

Dover's cultural scene is strengthened by fine art and craft galleries, an art collective at One Washington Center, a variety of music venues, including the Rotary Arts Pavilion in Henry Law Park and the Garrison Players theater group. Dover is also home to the Children's Museum of New Hampshire.

The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce presents a number of community events throughout the year, including the award-winning Cochecho Arts Festival. This free, outdoor, summer-long family concert series features an array of acclaimed entertainers and includes a Children's series, Luncheon Concert Series, and Evening Concert Series. Apple Harvest Day, held on the first Saturday in October, draws more than 35,000 people to downtown Dover to enjoy more than 250 hand crafters, children's activities, games, food, and more.

The city of Dover has a long and colorful history spanning nearly four centuries. Its earliest days as a colonial seaport led to a successful shipbuilding industry in the 1700s, and it flourished in the 19th century as the nation's leading manufacturer of cotton goods. The development of a brick industry spanned decades of successful mill operations through the middle of the 20th century. Dover's renaissance as a thriving, competitive community continues today.

The quality of life in Dover is unmatched. Dover boasts an exceptional school system, outstanding parks and recreation services, as well as premier medical facilities. The downtown area reflects the city's mill heritage. The Cochecho River graces the banks of the downtown. Members of the community hustle by on shopping or business trips.

Dover is nestled between the mountains and the ocean. The community is close to the University of New Hampshire, Pease International Tradeport and harbors a local airport. The city is a short drive to the Port of New Hampshire, the state's only deep water port, scene to industrial barges escorted by tugs, importing and exporting goods to and from the Granite State. Dover is a quick commute to the metropolitan area of Boston, and less than an hour's drive to Boston's Logan International Airport. In addition, there is easy access to rail and highway transportation routes.

Dover's response to the challenge of changing economic times is evident along Central Avenue, the city's primary north/south connector. Trees line the downtown sidewalks and arch over renovated store fronts. The restored and updated Cochecho Falls Millworks, a focal point since the early 19th century, hums with activity. Today, however, the source of the hum is 900 office workers and their computers rather than rows of whirring machinery.

The developing waterfront and Cochecho River-walk are small examples of a cooperative spirit between public and private sectors. Nowhere is this spirit more evident than in the close working relationship between the city's Office of Economic Development, the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce and the Dover School System. The groups share a common goal of creating, preserving and promoting a sound environment for existing and prospective businesses. The community is ensuring future generations are up to the challenge of perpetuating economic prosperity in Dover

Dover has not been left behind by successful modern manufacturers. The whir of high technology and movement of heavy equipment takes place in attractive industrial parks located on the outskirts of the city. As part of an ongoing commitment to commercial and industrial growth, a 400-plus-acre parcel has been rezoned. The parcel is being improved to accommodate companies drawn to Dover's business-friendly environment.

The success of Dover's continuing economic development is due to cooperative efforts between the public and private sectors. The community is home to individuals and private businesses that invest ideas, time and finances to improve municipal services, the economic climate and quality of life.

Farther north, just outside the downtown area, is the "Miracle Mile", home to two major shopping plazas, familiar fast-food restaurants and other services.

Dover is in city in Strafford County, New Hampshire, in the United States of America. The population was 26,884 according to the 2000 census. Dover is the county seat, and home to major employers like Liberty Mutual, Measured Progress and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 29.0 square miles (75 km2), of which 26.7 sq mi (69 km2) is land and 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km2) is water, comprising 8.06% of the city. Dover is drained by the Cochecho and Bellamy rivers. Long Hill, elevation 300 feet (91 m) above sea level and located 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of the city center, is the highest point in Dover. Garrison Hill, elevation 284 ft (87 m), is a prominent hill rising directly above the center city, with a park and lookout tower on top. Dover lies fully within the Piscataqua River (Coastal) watershed.

The city is crossed by New Hampshire Route 4, New Hampshire Route 9, New Hampshire Route 16, New Hampshire Route 16B, and New Hampshire Route 108. It borders the towns of Madbury to the west, Barrington to the northwest, Rochester to the north, Somersworth to the northeast, and Rollinsford to the east.

As of the census of 2000, there were 11,573 households, and 6,492 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,006.2 people per square mile (388.5/km²). There were 11,924 housing units at an average density of 446.3/sq mi (172.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.47% White, 1.12% African American, 0.20% Native American, 2.36% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.35% from other races, and 1.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 1.14% of the population.

There were 11,573 households out of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.5% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.9% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.87.

In the city the population was spread out with 20.8% under the age of 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 34.0% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $43,873, and the median income for a family was $57,050. Males had a median income of $37,876 versus $27,329 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,459. About 4.8% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.4% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those aged 65 or over.

Includes Cities/Towns: Dover, Durham, Portsmouth, Rochester, Somersworth.

Region Characteristics

Urban / City	Rural	Nearby military base
Suburban / Large Community	College Town	Lively downtown business center
Commuter Town	Coastal community

Demographics

Race

Religion

Political Party

Age

Senior Housing Options

Adult communities	Gated communities	Rental units
Affordable Housing	Group homes	Residential care facility
Apartments	Houses	RV Parks
Assisted Living	Nursing homes	State veteran home
Condos	Over 50 Communities

Dover is a city of options, from dynamic downtown urban living, to friendly neighborhoods, and outlying rural properties. Intown, choose from historic homes, condominiums, or apartments, including some in restored mill buildings with their handsome brick and large windows. Downtown living means enjoying the many restaurants and street cafes, shops, thriving arts and music scenes, and nearby parks.

If a downtown neighborhood is what you seek, Dover offers classic homes on tree-lined streets. Many homes feature architecture from Colonial, Georgian and Victorian periods. You’ll see children playing ball and riding bikes, and families gathering to visit. Dover’s suburbs offer a mix of modern and older homes, including new subdivisions with green features. A rural character still exists within Dover’s boundaries, with a number of active farms and greenhouses still in operation, and opportunities for buying single family homes out in the countryside.

Senior Assistance in New Hampshire Seacoast

New Hampshire Seacoast offers the following assistance for seniors:

Elder-care facilities	Meals on Wheels	Van services for seniors
Home care	Senior center	Visiting nurses

THE DOVER COMMUNITY SENIOR CENTER IS PART OF DOVER RECREATION. THE CENTER IS FOR ADULTS 50+ YEARS OF AGE WHO WANT TO GET OUT AND ENJOY THE COMPANY OF OTHERS THEIR OWN AGE. WE HAVE AN ARRAY OF ACTIVITIES FROM EXERCISE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING YOGA DAILY GAMES, MYSTERY LUNCHEONS, SPECIAL EVENTS, TRIPS, MONTHLY SOCIALS, AND THERE IS ALWAYS A POT OF COFFEE BREWING. STOP IN AND HAVE A CUP OF COFFEE WITH YOUR FRIENDS OR IF YOU ARE NEW TO THE CENTER, COME IN AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND OUR FRIENDLY STAFF WILL SHOW YOU AROUND.

There are many areas for Senior living including Maple Suites, where the all-inclusive independent senior lifestyle is irresistible.

There are many assisted living facilities such as Belamy and Watson Fields, Langdon Place, Wentworth Home and Riverside Rest Home to name just a few.

What Job or Volunteer Opportunities Does New Hampshire Seacoast Offer For Retirees?

Volunteers are active in our community with the Award Winning Wentworth-Douglass Hospital; the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce; Dover Adult Learning Center for Enrichment classes either teaching or attending. There is no end to the various volunteer opportunities.

Here are our Top Employers:
1) Liberty Mutual Insurance: 3,158 employees in Dover alone
2) Wentworth-Douglass Hospital: 2,000 employees
3) Measured Progress: 420
4) City of Dover: 354

Additional Information

Visitor Information

Relocation Information


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