Dover 75 Excellent
Dover Livability #76 ranked city in Massachusetts#3,699 ranked city in the USARanks better than 87% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Dover

PROS
  • Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Schools

    The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

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What's it like Living in Dover?

Dover, Massachusetts is a small city with a population of 2,518 people. The majority of Dover residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. Dover is known to be family friendly as more than 74% of the population has already tied the knot. It might also be worth noting that 49% of residents also have children under the age of 18. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Dover entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 34 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Dover, Massachusetts. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Dover and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Massachusetts and national averages.

The livability score in Dover is 75/100 and the city is ranked in the 88th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Dover could be a great choice! If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Dover has higher than average scores for the following: crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A-). Dover does not fare well for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 85 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Dover boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Dover, the average school test scores reached an impressive 85%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Dover an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Dover market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Assuming that Dover meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Dover. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Dover are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Dover come in at $986,000, which is 189.1% higher than the Massachusetts average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Dover, the home price to income ratio is 4.5, which is 6.3% lower than the Massachusetts average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Dover

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Dover?

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Compare Dover, MA Livability

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      Dover transportation information

      Statistic Dover Massachusetts National
      Average one way commute34min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work66.8%71.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.0%7.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit7.8%9.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.7%4.9%2.8%
      Working from home14.5%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Dover, MA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).