Dover, Ohio, is the birthplace of Ernest "Mooney" Warther, the World's Master Carver.
Once a bustling tolling station on the Ohio Canal system, Dover's history is an evolution of an agricultural community to a thriving trade center
Dover, Ohio, is the birthplace of Ernest "Mooney" Warther, the World's Master Carver.
Once a bustling tolling station on the Ohio Canal system, Dover's history is an evolution of an agricultural community to a thriving trade center. There's not so much agriculture here anymore. Not that agriculture is totally lost in this city. There are still some farming communities nearby in Sugarcreek. Dover is adjacent to New Philadelphia, the two cities have formed a bond that twins tend to have: that of competition (football matches between these two are all fevered up, you'd think you're watching the NFL) and camaraderie (they're not twin cities for nothing, after all). If you're ready to take on the quaintness of this city and you're looking to stay around for more than a quick gas stop, a good apartment to rent is waiting for you in Dover.
If Dover sounds like the place for you then there are few steps you need to take to find a place. Lucky you, we have some inside info.
Get Ready with Your Ammo
No, you're not likely to get into battle when you're on an apartment hunt. But if you want a speedy process, you better have a couple of things ready in one place. Most landlords will give you an easy time in the application process as long as you're willing to go through a credit check (and have decent credit) and you can present the standard documents (picture ID, employment verification or latest pay stub and references). Yes, landlords want to make sure they don't lose sleep at night worrying about shady individuals living in their property. A friendly smile and neat appearance can go a long way for overcoming a somewhat dodgy credit score.
Let's Talk About Rates
If you're from someplace with throat-slitting rental fees, you'll be glad for the breathing room that this small city offers. Dover is a place where you can get a nice Victorian-style home for a fraction of the rent you'd have to pay for a walk-in closet they call an apartment in LA. Thing is, like all other areas, you still have to shell out an advance rent and security deposit, which is usually equal to a month's rent, to snag a home for rent in Dover.
Mind Your Schedule
People are not really fighting tooth and nail to get a place of their own in this city. However, if you don't like the idea of choosing between sleeping on a friend's couch or renting an ugly shack you don't want to be caught living in cause that's the only thing available, better give yourself at least two months before your scheduled move-in date. Hunting for apartment rentals is much more fun when you don't have a deadline demon breathing down your back.
Even a small city like Dover has distinct neighborhoods that appeal to different personalities. Have a look at what suits your fancy. Because sometimes comfortable living has a lot to do with flocking to your own tribe.
City Center: Dover's city center is largely made up of 3 bedroom apartments and single detached apartment homes for rent. It's the best place for people who'd like a break from the steering wheel every now and then since this neighborhood is one of the most walkable areas in this city. Warther Museum and Crater Stadium are some of the landmarks within this neighborhood.
Parral: If you like a glimpse of the past, come to this neighborhood where historic homes are the norm. Parral is also home to businesses like Dover Chemical Corporation and shops like My Museum Tattoo Studio. The City Park is also within its vicinity.
Barrs Mills / Winfield: Situated west of I-77, this is a rural neighborhood. If you like the idea of living somewhere with wide-open space and you prefer your neighbor to be about a mile away, this area is probably your playground. Aside from single detached historic houses, mobile homes are common here. Auman Timbers Golf Course, Breitenbach Wine Cellars and Silver Moon Winery would be some of your neighbors here. Not to mention, this neighborhood is close to the Beach City Wilderness Area for a more solitary time with Mother Nature.
S Tuscarawas Ave / Harger St: Boasting of a mix of historic homes and newly developed apartment complexes, this neighborhood is also home of the Carriage House Museum, Union Hospital, Union Country Club, Giant Eagle Supermarket, Monroe Mall Shopping Center, and Miracle Lane Plaza Shopping Center. Residents in this neighborhood don't get marooned in their car with most of them commuting to work in under 15 minutes.
This city takes pride in its more than two centuries of history. And why shouldn't they? Dover certainly has a lot to show when it comes to the past. Ernest "Mooney" Warther's carvings that depict the bygone era of steel mills, walking canes and railroad transportation are one of the attractions in this city. In addition, the J.E Reeves Victorian Home Museum gives you a glimpse of the prevalent elegance of the 19th century. The Carriage House, located just behind the Victorian home, houses an eclectic collection that every auto enthusiast would drool over: a rare electric car, a family hansom, restored doctor's buggy, to name a few. The Museum also takes you down the colorful years of Dover as a Canal Town with its exhibits of images, artifacts and anecdotes from the yesteryear.
The decline of the canal system has paved the way for Dover to evolve into an industrial community, and various chemical manufacturers as well as specialty steel companies mushroomed within the city. These industries keep the city's economy humming along, while it continues to diversify into other bases.
Summers in this city are often spent in the City Pool and is often the perfect excuse for residents to gather for a cookout at one of the city's many pavilions or parks. Autumn promises an explosion of colors, which is often taken as a cue for locals to take out their bikes and pedal along the city's tree-lined streets. Winter in this city is often the time to take out the sled and go whizzing by the Tuscarawas Valley.
There's not much big city drama here, but if you crave for that, Cleveland's just an hour and half drive away up north. It's pretty sedate in this part of Ohio, except for the century old rivalry of football, which drives everyone up the wall.
If you're up for that kind of life (and excitement), come over here!
