Dover is a bucolic, horses and hills town with wide open space in Norfolk County. Originally a farming community, Dover is ideal for those seeking to escape city life while still having convenient access to Boston. The town of rural character is also known for its highly reputable public schools, homes on sprawling lots and open natural space for horseback riding and other recreational activities. “There are surrounding towns with more shopping and dining options, but Dover is mostly residential,” says Jane Neilson, a Realtor with Douglas Elliman Real Estate who has lived and worked in the Boston suburbs for her entire career.
Dover-Sherborn Regional High School has striking green doors.
Sage Farm in Dover offers boarding and horseback riding lessons.
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Grand homes with acre-sized lots in Dover
Residential homes include sprawling Colonial Revivals, Tudor Revivals, French Provincial and ranch-style estates listing between $1.6 million and over $5 million. Many mansions in the area are around 10,000 square feet with up to 5 acres of land. Often complete with stables, barns, pools and tennis courts, these residences start around $3 million. Additionally, Dover’s land lots are spacious as the houses need their own septic systems. Dover and neighboring Sherborn have private septic tanks, which are inspected by the town's health department as a requirement of a real estate sale. "When a home comes on the market, it is typically the seller's responsibility to have the system inspected and obtain a Title V certificate. "The Title V certificate is the septic equivalent of a home inspection," Neilson says. "I tell my buyers to think of it like a roof: it needs a small amount of annual maintenance and replacement every 25 years or so."
A large estate home with a private driveway and river access in the Dover community.
Large Cape Cod and Colonial style homes can be found in the new developments around Dover.
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Dover-Sherborn District
Dover’s school system is a big reason folks choose to live here. Neilson notes the public schools often rank between first and tenth in the state of Massachusetts. Students in preschool through fifth grade attend Chickering Elementary School, rated A by Niche, where they can participate in after-school enrichment classes in science and arts and crafts. Secondary students attend the A-plus Dover-Sherborn Middle School and Dover-Sherborn High School. “Dover shares a school system with neighboring Sherborn and is consistently ranked in the top 10 public school systems in greater Boston by Boston Magazine. Dover-Sherborn students enjoy access to excellent performing arts and sports programs as well," Neilson says.
The Dover Sherborn Middle School is a place where children grow and learn.
Staff at Chickering Elementary School have a strong commitment to provide quality education.
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Outdoor opportunities in Dover
Residents may enjoy the walking trails, athletic fields and playgrounds at Caryl Park and Playfields. At Elm Bank Reservation, which is technically in Wellesley, people can hike, fish and kayak or simply stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens. Horseback riding lessons are available at several farms in town, including Sugar Ridge Farm and Sage Farm. Channing Pond is another fishing destination for locals, while Noanet Woodlands provides additional hiking trails and birding spots. Peters Reservation offers 97 acres of natural forestland by the Charles River, offering paddling and canoeing as well as a 2-mile trail planted with Dexter flowers.
Noanet Woodland is accessible from the Caryl Park parking lot in Dover.
Dover kids can enjoy a romp on the equipment at Caryl Park.
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Restaurants and grocery stores near Dover
Residents may enjoy outdoor dining or grab a cider at Lookout Farms, which was established in 1651. People can also go apple picking at the farm’s orchard or enjoy burgers and barbeque at the greenhouse. Locals can complete their grocery trips at New Dover Market. Popular restaurants located within a 5-mile radius include Noon Hill Grill for New American fare, The Toast Office for diner and breakfast classics and Sweet Basil, which offers upscale Italian and seafood cuisine.
Navigating into Boston
Dover is approximately 20 miles away from Boston and 25 miles from Boston Logan International Airport via Interstate 90. MetroWest Medical Center is about 10 miles to the west, and Beth Israel Deaconess Needham Hospital is 4 miles away. The town also has nine places of worship in the vicinity, including Catholic churches, synagogues and temples.
Dover sits just 20 miles from downtown Boston.
Dover has several historic churches spread throughout town.
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Community events in Dover
The town organizes various community and seasonal events throughout the year, including an annual spring egg hunt, a summer concert series and a fishing derby day for children. Other festivals include the Dover Days Fair, which includes a 5K race, a pumpkin decorating party for Halloween and a winter celebration event in December. Residents may also visit the Sawin Museum to learn about the area’s history.
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.
