Hanover is a tiny, postage-stamp-sized town that is culturally very different from the surrounding towns and countryside that make up the Upper Valley region. The College’s influence over the character of the town is unmistakable. It is an elegant, well-groomed, cosmopolitan place, a little reminiscent of the Alpine villages of western Switzerland. Hanover's commercial district (if it can be said to have one, because it’s so small), comprises various international eateries, gourmet coffee shops, and fashionable, high-end retailers, and the town has no more than two or three stoplights. Venturing outside of Hanover proper is a 10- to 15-minute drive to the closest real commercial center—the town of West Lebanon. A drive into West Lebanon, which is a little on the divey, strip mall side, can be a revealing experience for a sheltered, upper-middle class college kid. The socioeconomic and cultural disparity between collegiate Hanover and the rest of the community is immediately apparent. Luckily, or perhaps unluckily, most of this town/gown discontinuity is safely relegated to areas just beyond Hanover town limits. The vast majority of Hanover’s inhabitants are associated with the College in one way or another, whether they are professors, researchers or medical professionals who work nearby at the world famous Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, or wealthy alumni who have returned to live out their golden years within sight of Dartmouth’s emblematic clocktower.
Hanover can be appropriately described as a “quaint,” “charming,” and “quintessentially New England” college town. It is also a very isolated place that can feel even more isolated when the winter snows set in. How much a particular student benefits from Dartmouth’s unique location really depends on the individual and his or her interests. Dartmouth does tend to attract a greater proportion of the outdoorsy, back-to-nature types than does, say, Columbia. The sheer natural beauty of the place is breathtaking.
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Local Atmosphere at Dartmouth College
A-
Cute Small Town
Hanover is one of the safest towns in one of the safest states. There is almost no threat for crime and the dining off campus is pretty good. Hanover does not offer much in terms of night life, but offers all the necessities to facilitate your on-campus life.
Mar 05, 2012
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Local Atmosphere at Dartmouth College
A
Cozy, Welcoming Environment
Hanover is a small town, nestled within the trees of New Hampshire. Since its location is quite rural, it leaves students of Dartmouth College with a very home-like and comfortable environment. It seems as though everyone knows everyone. The sense of community is definitely a plus to the Big Green.
Dec 28, 2011
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Local Atmosphere at Dartmouth College
C
Not Much to Do Outside of Campus
Although there is not much to do off campus, the programs and activities that are available are fun and interesting. If you ever get so bored on campus, it is very easy to get to Boston or another bigger city, but it is expensive.
Dec 10, 2011
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User rating for Dartmouth College - Local Atmosphere is
3.5 out of 5
based on 28 user reviews.
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