Dover is a sparsely populated rural community between Kinston and New Bern
Dover is a sprawling but sparsely populated rural destination in North Carolina’s Craven County. The majority of its roughly 400 residents are concentrated in the city limits, which has a Dollar General, a post office and a volunteer fire department. This section of the community is bisected by U.S. Route 70, which provides access to the nearest city, Kinston, about 10 miles away. Most of the community is made up of farmland. “There’s not a lot there,” says Pamela Johnson of Northgroup, who recently sold a home in the community. “Just pure country. Very quiet.”
Housing is concentrated in the city limits; larger houses with acreage are found elsewhere
Ranch-style homes and manufactured homes on spacious lots stand out among the residential options in the city limits. Small traditional homes are common among the mostly older housing stock, which includes multi-level homes with Victorian and Colonial influences. More homes, including farmhouse designs, appear sporadically among the community’s vast acreage. Prices typically range between roughly $100,000 and $200,000. However, select homes in less-populous areas can sell for $400,000 or more. “You’re going to get a little more land with your property than you would if you go into town,” Johnson says.
Students attend Craven County public schools
James W. Smith Elementary, rated B by Niche, is the closest Craven County school to the city limits. West Craven Middle School and West Craven High School, rated C-plus and B-minus, respectively, are in New Bern.
Residents must drive for shopping and dining in Kinston or New Bern
Baron & The Beef and Byrd’s Restaurant are nearby eateries among several along Route 70 on the way into Kinston. “If you want to go shopping, you have to go to Kinston or New Bern,” Johnson says. Retail stores are concentrated around Kinston’s commercial corridors. Downtown revitalization efforts have resulted in a collection of shopping and dining options, including Whiskey Pig Craft Butchery & Deli. Several shopping centers are located in New Bern, about 25 miles away.
Hunting, boating and fishing are popular in the region
The community’s very rural setting includes dedicated game land for hunting. Residents can also take advantage of the nearby Neuse River, which winds its way through much of the region. Several of Kinston’s parks are located along the city’s riverfront. New Bern’s riverfront is about 30 miles away and is a haven for boaters and anglers.
Route 70 provides convenient travel in and out of the community
In addition to Route 70 making it easy for most residents to get to Kinston, the roadway also connects the community to New Bern and the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport.
Written By
Matt Pallister
