First post here. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Crime rate is something to consider -Dover sits at 109.9 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $1,004 for rent here. Poverty rate is 8.2%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
4 upvotes
10 Replies
Joshua Sanchez
this is the way
35 upvotes
Melanie D.
good to know, thanks
34 upvotes
Everly Gonzalez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 39, moved here 8 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Eastside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited shopping options
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Minneapolis, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
26 upvotes
Gabriella Brooks
preach
21 upvotes
Melanie Stewart
yeah no that's not right
20 upvotes
Lucas
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
16 upvotes
houston_valentina
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much developing but now it's excellent.
5 upvotes
christian_girl
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 3 years. Moved from New York for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
William Roberts
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Minneapolis about 14 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..
4 upvotes
houston_aaliyah
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 13 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is tough - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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