$285,146Average Value$154Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
Historic town center surrounded by modern comforts
Proudly known as the “Capital of the First State,” Downtown Dover nourishes its historic presence by preserving its buildings that have a storied past. Museums surrounding The Green, like the Old State House, display Delaware’s significance. “The Green is where the Constitution was signed, and Delaware became the first state,” says Todd Stonesifer, a Downtown Dover local and Realtor with The Moving Experience. New life is also being breathed into this downtown community. The neighborhood is kept fresh through modern amenities at Silver Lake Park and trendy eateries and boutiques in the walkable downtown square. With convenient access to anywhere in the state thanks to U.S. Route 13, residents of Downtown Dover have even more at their fingertips. Affordable housing and retail revitalization projects promise positive changes, proving the faith that both the city and area locals have in their community. “I think it’s on the verge of greatness,” Stonesifer says.
Delaware Legislative Hall is the state capitol building that stands tall in Downtown Dover.
Downtown Dover is a small town that is rich with history in central Delaware.
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Homebuying through the Downtown Development District program
Buying a home in Downtown Dover presents buyers with a unique opportunity, which is reflected in the area’s lower-than-average prices. “Downtown Dover has been somewhat of a challenged, blighted area, so it has been targeted for revitalization,” says Stonesifer. “We have a program called Downtown Development District, which subsidizes properties through a nonprofit that gets money from the state and then is required to sell the property to an owner-occupant.” He explains how beneficial this program is for home ownership in the community, as homes that would normally sell for much higher prices are selling for significantly lower due to the state’s financial assistance. “It has changed the landscape from tenant occupancy to owner occupancy,” Stonesifer says. “This effect will reduce crime and improve the immediate area.” Downtown Dover currently has a crime score of 7 out of a possible 10, higher than the national average of 4. With the help of Downtown Development District, the hope is that capital investment and job growth will foster a more stable community, both socially and economically.
The gridded residential streets are lined with sidewalks, some homes featuring driveways and others offering on-street parking. Buyers can find 1,000- to 2,000-square-foot quaint cottages, Colonial styles and Cape Cods from $150,000 to about $350,000. Larger, colonial-inspired homes in Tudor and Victorian styles typically maintain their historic charm, some featuring privacy fences or half-acre lots. These 2,500- to 4,000-square-foot properties are generally priced between $300,000 and $650,000.
Beautiful Victorian style homes can be found all along N State St in Downtown Dover.
Colorful Cape Cod homes with dormer windows add to Downtown Dover's charm.
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Waterside trails at Silver Lake Park and history on The Green
On the east side of Downtown Dover, Silver Lake Park provides 184 acres of green space and walking trails surrounding Silver Lake, which feeds into the St. Jones River. In addition to a playground, the park also has a boat ramp where kayakers and fishermen can access the water. "We don't allow swimming at Silver Lake, but we do allow boats up to 18 feet and 115 horsepower," says Carolyn Courtney with the City of Dover Parks and Recreation Department. "You need a City of Dover ramp permit to use the boat ramp, but it's meant to be user-friendly, so the fees are low." Because of their proximity to the water, businesses and residences on the east side have a moderate flood risk in comparison to the rest of the community. This accounts for about 15% of properties in the Dover area annually, according to Flood Factor.
In the town center, Legislative Mall Park features a Liberty Bell Replica and both the Delaware Law Enforcement and Fire Service Memorials. A block from there, The Green has an undeniable historic presence. The city's significance is celebrated annually during Dover Days, which takes place on the first week of May. For more than 90 years, the community has been gathering around The Green dressed in 1700s-era garb to commemorate their culture through horse and buggy rides, music, food trucks and evening fireworks.
Cast your line in the creek at Silver Lake Park for a day of fishing.
Locals in Downtown Dover take a moment to relax as they pass through The Green.
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Delaware history through museums and vintage shoppes
Standing proudly next to The Green, The Old State House was built in 1791 and served as the state’s capitol building until 1933. Today, the building is a free historic museum open to the public. A sense of history is maintained in the storefronts surrounding The Green, where the Delaware Shoppes are a row of boutiques that sell anything from vintage souvenirs to niche artwork. Art admirers can also venture a block over to the Biggs Museum of American Art, which offers free admission. On the other side of The Green, Johnson Victrola Museum highlights the life of Dover native E. R. Johnson, the owner of Victor Talking Machine Company, today known as RCA Records. Near this free museum, Spence’s Bazaar is a mostly indoor market that sells clothing, antiques, baked goods and deli goodies. And next to the market is Bayhealth Hospital, which serves the city of Dover. “There’s a major revitalization movement for this downtown area that will bring in even more people,” Stonesifer says. “It’ll have a big effect on the businesses that will service the community.” However, being such a walkable district around The Green, this more commercialized section of Downtown Dover reports high noise levels on the Soundscore.
The Old State House Museum has been standing in Downtown Dover since 1787.
Delaware Shoppes in Downtown Dover is filled with old antiques and paintings.
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Local cafes, diners and pubs on State Street
The southern half of Downtown Dover is home to several local cafes, pubs and popular eateries. Many sit along State Street, where residents can smell the fresh morning brew and the sugar of blueberry muffins wafting from House of Coffi. The Grey Fox Grille puts a modern twist on American fare inside Colonial-inspired digs. Nearby, La Hacienda is the go-to for Mexican cuisine, and Irish Mike’s is a local favorite for a draft beer. Nights might continue on the east side of The Green at Frazier’s, a waterfront diner and pub with live music. Or residents might venture to the west side for rotating craft beer at Rail Haus. There are several neighborhood convenience markets in the pedestrian-friendly downtown area, but for larger grocery hauls, ALDI and Lidl are on the other side of St. Jones River.
Sip on your favorite brews at The House of Coffi in Downtown Dover.
Rail Haus has created a haven for craft beer enthusiasts in Downtown Dover.
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Diverse and athletic scholars at Dover High School
Students living in Downtown Dover are part of the Capital School District. They can attend kindergarten through fourth grade at South Dover Elementary School before advancing to William Henry Middle School for fifth and sixth grade and Central Middle School for seventh and eighth grade, all of which receive a C-plus grade from Niche. Dover High School, graded a B-plus, serves the area’s older students. In 2024, six students from the high school’s diverse student body were recognized with a Delaware Certificate of Multiliteracy. The school also has an impressive athletics program, with a 2024 boys basketball state champion team and a 2024 USA Lacrosse Academic All-American on the girls lacrosse team. Private school options in the downtown area include the Catholic kindergarten through eighth grade Holy Cross School, which shares its campus with the Church of the Holy Cross – a Catholic place of worship that is renowned for its modern wooden beams and stained-glass crucifix behind the altar.
Dover High School is the home of the Senators.
South Dover Elementary School has received an overall rating of C+ from Niche.
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Getting around Dover on the DART
Commuters can access U.S. Route 13 on the east side of Downtown Dover, a major highway that runs north and south through the entire state. For those without a vehicle, the Delaware Administration for Regional Transit – or DART– bus system services the community.
If you need a ride, DART has several bus stops throughout Downtown Dover.
Route 13 runs north and south through the entire state, with easy access from Downtown Dover.
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Living near Dover Air Force Base and the Speedway
Downtown Dover is about 5 miles away from Dover Air Force Base, which is home to the 436th Airlift Wing – known as the Eagle Wing – and the reserve’s 512th Airlift Wing – known as the Liberty Wing. The base brings in a huge crowd every May for the annual air show, which features demonstrations from the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and the United States Navy Blue Angels. The main campus of Delaware State University, known locally as DSU, is about 2 miles north of Downtown Dover, and the university’s Wesley College of Health & Behavioral Sciences is located at the corner of Division Street and State Street. Across the highway from DSU, Dover Motor Speedway hosts NASCAR events.
Bally's Dover Casino Resort sits right next to Dover Motor Speedway near Downtown Dover.
Delaware State University's own Wesley College campus resides in Downtown Dover.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Diana Penate,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Constitution Park
Dover Street Park
First State Heritage Park
Silver Lake Park
Legislative Green Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Dover
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Dover, Dover sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Dover, Dover over the last 12 months is $313,260, up 23% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nested in the heart of Dover, this charming Victorian home offers a unique opportunity for those who appreciate historic architecture combined with modern amenities. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom house is within walking distance to all of the charms downtown Dover has to offer and is filled with original features that showcase its timeless appeal. From the ornate exterior trim to the intricate
Welcome to 224 Columbia Avenue! Home has curb appeal with that pop of color on the front door. As you walk in, you will find a 1st floor bedroom, spacious kitchen with stainless appliances, separate dining area, living room with a brick fireplace, & full bathroom. This home has plenty of space to spread out with a partially finished basement! It currently has a room that could be used as a 4th
Incredible Opportunity in the Heart of Dover! This fully renovated duplex at 34 N Governors Ave offers two spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom units.Fully renovated in 2022, both units feature modern finishes and thoughtful upgrades throughout. Renovation highlights include all-new drywall, windows and trim, flooring, HVAC systems, roof, and complete electrical and plumbing systems.Each unit has been
Property Id: 1834355Welcome to your new home at 617 A Fairview Ave in Dover, DE! This modern 1 bed, 2 bath unit features top amenities such as washer/dryer hookups, central AC, and laminate flooring. Enjoy off-street parking, on-site laundry, and easy access to parks. Don't miss out on this secure and pet-free living space for $1500/month. Contact us now!
This newly renovated detached home has all new appliances, including a washer and dryer. There is private parking for two in the rear. Upper outdoor deck. Close to all.
Property Id: 1834356Welcome to your new home at 617 A Fairview Ave! This modern 1 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit in Dover, DE offers a convenient location near parks, off-street parking, and on-site laundry. Enjoy amenities like a washer, dryer, refrigerator, and central air in this secure building. Don't miss out on this gem for $1500/month. No pets allowed. Available 4/29/2025.**Bonus
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Diana Penate,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,526
Median Age
34
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$47,576
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$59,115
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87.7%
College Graduates
30.2%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
12.7%
% Population in Labor Force
57.6%
Below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
56/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
67/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
41/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
