$481,184Average Value$367Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
Mill town turned Latin hub 40 miles from NYC
Founded in 1869, Dover has managed to preserve its history and expand its cultural offerings well into the 21st century. Once the site of iron mines and mills, Dover experienced a boom in the late 18th and early 19th centuries with the Morris Canal. Designed to transport Pennsylvania coal to New York City, the canal brought shops, churches, hotels and theatres to the area. The arrival of the Morris and Essex Railroad also stimulated growth. Opened in 1906, the Baker Theater once hosted the likes of Harry Houdini and comedian Loui Costello. Today, it joins other century-old buildings in Downtown Dover that house Peruvian, Colombian and Guatemalan restaurants. The Dover train station is another reminder of Dover's history, with daily NJ Transit service to New York City, 40 miles east.
Immigrants from countries like Puerto Rico and Colombia came to Dover to find work in the town’s factories and mines. In the ’40s and ’50s, local and federal officials actively recruited Hispanic immigrants. Today, 70% of Dover’s population is Hispanic. “Diversity is huge in Dover,” says 17-year veteran Realtor Celeste Araujo with Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan. “Spanish-speaking people love it here because they see and hear their own culture in the stores, shops and churches. My husband was an immigrant from Spain who opened a restaurant in New York City. His dream is the same as many immigrants who live in Dover and commute to New York.”
As a Spanish speaker, Araujo is passionate about helping homebuyers who want to settle in Dover. “It’s a great city with old-world charm and walkability.”
Once the site of iron mines and mills, Dover has managed to preserve its history while expanding its cultural offerings well into the 21st century.
Opened in 1906, the Baker Theatre joins other century-old buildings in downtown Dover that house Peruvian, Colombian and Guatemalan restaurants.
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Early 20th-century homes on sidewalk-lined streets
The median home price in Dover is $460,000, which is more than 10% higher than the national median price. Prospective buyers will find colonial-style houses from the 1920s with pocket doors and original moldings, 1930s multi-family homes with finished attics and walk-out basements, and midcentury ranch-style and bi-level homes with private backyards, decks and patios. Lot sizes are relatively compact closer to downtown, but they can reach over half an acre farther away from Blackwell Street. Sidewalks contribute to walkability, and many residents live just a few minutes away from public parks and hiking areas.
“The housing market can be difficult for buyers in Dover,” Araujo says. “It’s a sellers’ market, and any one house can have 30 offers. I’ve had them sell for $100,000 over the asking price. Homes in Dover are not perfect, but they have that old-world charm. They just need some love. Walls and foundations are solid, and room sizes are substantial.”
Prospective buyers to Dover will find colonial-style houses that date back to the 1920s.
A ranch style house in Dover where the median home price is $460,000.
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From hiking trails to book clubs and community theatre
Mountain Park in the southeastern part of town is known for its rugged Richard’s Trail to Moller’s Rock Lookout, which offers a sweeping view of Downtown Dover. Hedden Park is a popular destination for dog walking and fishing, and Crescent Field — typically used for soccer practice — hosts an Easter Egg Hunt every spring. Kids can also practice their soccer moves at Waterworks Park, which has a popular playground. At Hurd Park, visitors will find memorials to soldiers lost in the Civil War, the Spanish American War and World War I. The park also features a walk along Jackson Brook to Hedden Park.
The Dover Free Public Library is another popular source of recreation for residents. It holds a movie night on the last Monday of every month. The Chess Club meets every Monday, the Lego Club meets every Tuesday, and bilingual story time takes place on Fridays. The library also hosts book clubs, lectures, craft and game days, and special events, such as Coffee with a Cop, which introduces community members to law enforcement officers. “We get a lot of regulars into the library that come in on foot. Dover is a big walking community,” says Jessica Lordi, who works as a library associate. “Dover is largely bilingual. It’s just as common to hear Spanish as it is English in the grocery store aisles.”
Dover Little Theatre, managed by a network of volunteers, hosts dramatic and comedy performances, cabaret nights and children’s productions. The Kubert School downtown is one of the few schools in the U.S. that teach cartoon and graphic art.
Dover's recreational areas, such as Mountain and Hedden Parks, offer great opportunities for hiking.
The Dover Free Public Library is popular with residents and holds a movie night on the last Monday of every month.
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International cuisines on McFarlan and Blackwell streets
Most of Dover’s restaurants are concentrated on or around Blackwell and McFarlan streets. Quiet Man Pub is a community staple that has been run by the same family since 1979. Sabor Latino a few blocks away is also family-owned and features traditional Columbian food. Charlotte’s Web has a menu of Italian dishes, and La Bamba Grill serves Mexican breakfasts, tacos and rich seafood soups. Dover offers several markets downtown, including Familia Grocery Store and Extra Supermarket. Outside downtown, shoppers will find larger chains like ShopRite and Weis Markets.
Rockaway Townsquare and its adjoining shopping centers are the place to find big-box retailers like Walmart and Target and department stores like Macy’s and Lord and Taylor. There’s also a Costco and a Home Depot nearby.
Nearby to Dover is the Rockaway Townsquare which features stores like department stores like Macy’s and Lord and Taylor.
Quiet Man Pub in Dover is a community staple that has been run by the same family since 1979.
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Falling crime numbers and Dover weather
Violent and property crimes in Dover have been on a downward trend for the last six years of reporting, according to New Jersey State Police Uniform Crime Reporting data. Crimes declined by 46% during this time, with a spike and subsequent drop over the last two years of reporting. FBI crime data reflects the same trends.
Dover has a humid tropical climate with an average wintery low of 19 degrees and an average summer high of 85 degrees. The average yearly rainfall is 50 inches, nearly 25% more than the rest of the country. The town’s annual snowfall is nine inches.
Dover public schools built for bilingual students
The Dover Public School District receives an overall C-plus from Niche. More than 3,000 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade attend the five Dover Public Schools, which include East Dover Elementary, North Dover Elementary, Academy Street Elementary, Dover Middle and Dover High. The high school’s student body speaks over 25 languages, including over 10 Spanish dialects. The nearest college is County College of Morris, which has a student population of nearly 6,000 undergraduates, offering instruction in everything from animation to engineering science.
East Dover Elementary School has a score of C+ on Niche.
Dover High School inspires and educates over 1000 students each year.
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Commuter rail to New York City and other resources
Dover’s train station, constructed in 1901, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It is the last stop using electric trains on NJ Transit’s Morristown and Montclair-Boonton Lines with service to Hoboken and New York’s Penn Station. Lakeland Bus Lines also provides regular service to New York and points in between. “Everyone doesn’t have transportation,” Araujo says, “especially people new to the country. The commuter rail and bus service give them a way to secure a higher paying job in the city.”
NJ Transit buses serve the city. Route 46 crosses Dover, and Interstate 80 and Route 10 come within a mile. Each of these roads goes east into Newark, 28 miles away, and New York City, 40 miles away. Newark Liberty International Airport is the closest airport, a 35-mile trip. St. Clare’s Dover Hospital features 24/7 emergency care, surgical services and behavioral health services.
Events
A 90-unit luxury apartment building called CrownPoint is under construction at 80 East McFarlan Street with a completion date of late 2025. The apartments will feature a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units and include a rooftop deck, a fitness center and covered parking. The new six-story building will be five blocks from downtown and Blackwell Street. Another five-story, 260-unit apartment building at the intersection of East Blackwell and Salem streets near the Rockaway River is slated for development soon. The multi-family complex includes one-bedroom apartments, a tenant lounge and gym, and outdoor patios with barbecue grills.
The Dover 4th of July Celebration is a free event open to the entire town.
Children love the giant slide at the Randolph Freedom Festival.
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Written By
Christopher Kopczynski
Photography Contributed By
James Leynse
Video By
GL Moses
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nicole Fletcher,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Dover, NJ sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Dover, NJ over the last 12 months is $525,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover timeless charm and modern comfort in this beautifully maintained Colonial, perfectly situated on a peaceful cul-de-sac. This home offers the ideal blend of elegance, convenience, and space inside and out. Recent High-End Upgrades (2023, 2024):This property has been meticulously improved for total peace of mind and luxury. Whole-Home Updates: Brand-new A/C system and a new roof
Move-in ready 3-bedroom Colonial! This home features, updated flooring eat-in kitchen with all-updated appliances including a brand new dishwasher, an updated bath. Relax on your private deck and enjoy scenic views right from your own backyard. Perfectly situated for an easy lifestyle, you're just minutes from all in-town amenities and a commuter's dream with quick access to the bus, train, and
Welcome to 71 Washington Ave, Victory Garden, NJ! This stunning property offers a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and style. Located in a vibrant community with an HOA fee of just $90, this home is ideal for current homeowners looking to enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle. The property features two bedroom, one bathroom, plenty off street parking, gazebo, and a large backyard. With its
Spacious 4-bedroom, 2 full bath home ideally situated in the heart of Dover, with a great backyard, offering exceptional convenience and everyday functionality. Located on a desirable street, 25 Passaic St provides easy access to downtown shops, restaurants, parks, and NJ Transit, making commuting and daily errands effortless. Inside, the home features a generously sized first floor with a bright
Welcome to this beautifully UPDATED Colonial home, nestled on a quiet dead-end street in the heart of Rockaway Township. Featuring 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms, this home offers a perfect blend of modern upgrades and timeless charm. Step inside to discover a newly RENOVATED kitchen, seamlessly open to a generous dining room and a cozy living room-ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The
Beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2 full bath home located in one of Dover, NJ?s most desirable neighborhoods. This inviting residence offers a bright and modern interior, complemented by a walk-out basement with endless potential and a charming backyard featuring a gazebo?perfect for relaxing or entertaining.This home showcases numerous recent upgrades, including central A/C, a new boiler, new
Discover timeless charm and modern comfort in this beautifully maintained Colonial, perfectly situated on a peaceful cul-de-sac. This home offers the ideal blend of elegance, convenience, and space inside and out. Recent High-End Upgrades (2023, 2024):This property has been meticulously improved for total peace of mind and luxury. Whole-Home Updates: Brand-new A/C system and a new roof
Move-in ready and lovingly maintained, this inviting bi-level sits in a prime location near highways, shopping, parks, and schools. The vaulted entry and abundant natural light throughout the home create an airy, welcoming feel from the moment you walk in. On the first floor, an open living and dining area flows into the eat-in kitchen, along with three comfortable bedrooms and a full bath. The
Welcome to this beautifully updated ranch in sought-after Salem Village, one of Dover's most desirable neighborhoods. Set on a flat, open lot, the home features a fully fenced backyard perfect for entertaining, pets, or relaxing outdoors. Major updates have already been completed, including a brand-new roof, new siding, and a newer deck, offering both peace of mind and great curb appeal. Inside,
Hard to find Dover Special built in 2006 with five bedrooms, three full baths and full basement. Unique construction featuring vaulted sky-top ceilings with skylights. Open floor concept. Living room, formal dinning room and breakfast bar. Large eat-in kitchen with tray ceilings and skylight. Home is filled with lots of natural light. Hardwood floors. Home is centrally located to Randolph Square
Welcome to this charming light and bright two-story townhome in the heart of convenience! This updated home boasts 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a generous amount of storage. Situated in a prime location, this townhome is less than one mile from Rockaway Mall, Target, Costco and a variety of shopping and dining options, making it an ideal choice for those seeking convenience and accessibility. As
Charming home in a desirable Dover neighborhood! This property features 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, a finished walk-up attic, and a walkout basement, offering additional living and storage space. The home also includes a 1-car garage, a patio with a built-in gazebo, and a private backyard perfect for entertaining. Walking distance to Water Works Park, which backs up to the Rockaway River, and
Welcome to this classically modernized four-bedroom, four-bath Center Hall Colonial located in a premier neighborhood of Rockaway Township. A grand two-story foyer with soaring ceilings creates a striking first impression and sets the tone for the home's timeless elegance. Rich hardwood floors leading to a thoughtfully updated kitchen featuring quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and
Discover the perfect blend of convenience and comfort at this inviting 2-bedroom ground floor unit located at 58 Prospect Street, Unit A. Step inside to find a welcoming foyer to your living room that leads to a spacious eat-in kitchen?ideal for cozy dinners or casual brunches. The layout flows seamlessly with a bright natural light throughout the area, perfect for relaxation or entertaining.
Stunning Second Floor Unit B with Incredible Views! Welcome to 58 Prospect Street, Unit B, a beautifully appointed second-floor unit that promises both comfort and style. Step inside and be greeted by a gorgeous kitchen, perfect for culinary adventures and gatherings. The open layout flows seamlessly into the cozy living area, where you can soak in the breathtaking views that surround you. This
We welcome you home to our brand-new luxury apartments at Meridia Transit Plaza in Dover, New Jersey! You’ll love coming home after a long day’s work to experience a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and luxury. Everything you want is here: designer-selected finishes, modern-day amenities, and an intriguing, eclectic mix of shops and restaurants in downtown Dover. This newest Northern Jersey
Welcome to this freshly updated 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath rental in the desirable Park Plaza community, right in the heart of Dover. This spacious unit offers a clean, modern feel with brand new flooring, fresh paint throughout, and thoughtful updates that make it move in ready. The main living area is open and inviting, offering plenty of space for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen flows
Located in picturesque Rockaway Township, New Jersey, The Boulders at Rockaway offers one, two and three bedroom luxury units ensconced in one of Morris County's finest residential neighborhoods. Rockaway Townsquare Mall, one of the largest and most modern shopping malls in New Jersey, is nearby with over 200 fine shops and services. The Boulders at Rockaway is just .5 miles from Interstate 80
Nestled in a quaint, country like setting in Dover NJ, Country Village is perfectly situated within commuting distance to New York City by bus, train or car. Our apartments are in close proximity to beautiful parks and green spaces. Located within the desired Rockaway Township school system, Country Village also offers shopping, dining and entertainment options along Routes 46, 10 and the
Fully renovated 3-bedroom residence in the heart of downtown Dover, offering a perfect blend of modern design and everyday convenience. This home features updated finishes, a bright and open layout, and private parking. Enjoy being just moments away from dining, shopping, and commuter access.
Recently renovated in 2019, this historically significant building was once home to the largest silk manufacturer of women’s hosiery in the world. Paul Guenther, a German immigrant originally working within a silk mill in Paterson, ventured to Dover and built this building and homes surrounding it to house his employees. The architectural keystone displayed at the top of what is now the
Single family house. 3 bedrooms. 1 bathroom. Living room, dining roomKitchen. Nice, bright and clean. Full Basement for storage. Newly windows, doors, floors, paint. 2-zone natural gas baseboard heating with new boiler. Great location. Close to everything.Looking for nice, clean, respectful family.. No smoking, no drugs. No pets.$2600/mo. + utilities. Sec. DepositGood credit and
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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