Founded in 1683 and serving as Delaware's capital since 1777, Dover blends colonial heritage with contemporary living. The city's strategic location along the St. Jones River positions residents just 90 minutes from Philadelphia and Baltimore. Houses for rent in Dover benefit from the city's steady growth and diverse employment base, anchored by state government offices, Dover Air Force Base, and major employers like Kraft Foods and Procter & Gamble.

The historic district surrounding The Green, a centuries-old public square once used for public gatherings and protests, showcases well-maintained rental houses amid tree-lined streets, with easy access to downtown restaurants and shops. The Woodlands neighborhood near Dover Motor Speedway offers newer rental properties with quick access to Route 1, while the area surrounding Silver Lake provides scenic surroundings and established residential streets. Dover's average commute times remain reasonable, with most workplace destinations within 20 minutes of residential areas. The city's public transportation hub at the Dover Transit Center connects residents to Wilmington and beach communities, while the central location provides easy access to DE-1 and US-13 for commuters.

Dover's rental houses typically offer more square footage than the state average. The rental market shows stability with moderate annual increases, and current average rent for three-bedroom houses stands at $1,966, reflecting the city's competitive housing costs compared to larger metropolitan areas. With 182 acres of recreational space at Silver Lake Park, multiple golf courses, and year-round events at the Dover Motor Speedway, the city provides numerous recreational opportunities for residents in Delaware's capital region.