Dover 66 Good
Dover Livability #40 ranked city in Delaware#11,239 ranked city in the USARanks better than 61% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Dover

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Housing 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.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

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

  • Crime Crime

    This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.

What's it like Living in Dover?

Dover, Delaware is a moderately-sized city with a population of 38,633 people. Dover is known to be an ethnically diverse city. The two most common races are White (44%) and Black or African American (42%). All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 38% of the Dover population is married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Dover. With an average one way commute time of only 21 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Dover, Delaware. 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 crime, commute, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Delaware and national averages.

With a livability score of 68/100, Dover is ranked #8,968 in the United States and #27 in Delaware. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Dover ranks very well for amenities (A+), cost of living (A-) and housing (A). Dover does not fare well for the following: crime (F) and employment (D-). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

If you're considering living in Dover, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Dover provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Dover are: Air Mobility Command Museum, Dover Downs, and Dover International Speedway.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Dover apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Dover is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Dover come in at $332,880, which is 20.7% lower than the Delaware 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 4.3% lower than the Delaware average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Dover

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      Dover transportation information

      Statistic Dover Delaware National
      Average one way commute21min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.6%81.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.8%8.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.2%2.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.7%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.9%2.1%2.8%
      Working from home3.4%4.3%4.6%
      Source: The Dover, DE data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.