Whether it’s the allure of a skate park, the live music venues, Mexican food or simply the financial advantage of cheap rent, a large percentage of UNH students have moved off campus to Durham’s next-door-neighbor, Dover.

Junior Alex Paul, resident of Winter Street, moved to the city of 27,000 for the benefit of cheaper rent and fewer restraints.
“I moved to Dover so I could eat better food for the same price. I don’t have to deal with Res Life. There are no quiet hours. And lastly, a drum set in the house is pretty clutch,” said Paul. Compared to many surrounding towns—Durham included—Dover is home to more attractions that cater to young people.

“Dover is like a Boston without tall buildings. You can’t go wrong when you have the Brick House, Café on the Corner, a skate park, stage and Dos Amigos,” said Paul.

“The biggest market is college kids looking to rent,” said Matt Bixby, a Dover landlord. Bixby added that Dover has become a more desirable place to live in recent years because properties are more affordable than other area communities and entertainment businesses are thriving.

“Dover is a little Portsmouth already. It’s really changed in the last seven years. It used to be just a cheap place to rent, but now it’s a great city to live in,” said Bixby.

But Dover isn’t without flaws. For a seemingly peaceful town, there were 628 property crimes and 21 violent crimes committed in 2004. Some students have witnessed police patrolling their neighborhoods regularly due to disorderly conduct and illegal activities.

Junior Nicole Spiedel is afraid of being harassed walking in certain areas of Dover. “After partying on Cushing Street, I walk much faster. It’s pretty sketchy. I don’t want to be hassled,” said Spiedel.

Many area entertainment venues, including Dover Soul, a popular nightspot, experience a profit influx when UNH is in session. According to UNH graduate and manager of Dover Soul, Erika Hertel, approximately 50 percent of customers on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday are college students. Even more are attracted to Dover Soul for the music scene, especially when a college-aged performer is playing.

“We have to make our money in the fall, winter and spring because in summer, we’re not going to make any money,” said Hertel. She attributes Dover’s recent cultural transformation to the increase in college students setting up house in the community.

“There’s a lot of arts and music in Dover. I, 100 percent, thank students for it. Once a month we change our art on the walls. They’re putting out creativity and people can come in and be a part of it. This wasn’t here when I was in school years ago,” said Hertel.
—Ab