Let the numbers do the talking.
Dover, MA vs Lowell, MA
Dover, MA vs Lowell, MA: What the data shows
Dover, MA is in Dover, MA while Lowell, MA is in Lowell, MA — both in the same state. On home prices, Lowell, MA is the more affordable option at $398,900 median — $241,100 less than Dover, MA's $640,000. WYLT rates Dover, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and Lowell, MA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Dover, MA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Dover, MA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Lowell, MA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Dover, MA has Low flood risk and Lowell, MA has Low flood risk.
Lowell, MA is the more walkable neighborhood. Dover, MA scores N/A/100 versus Lowell, MA's 20/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Dover, MA has the higher school rating — Dover, MA rates 7.5/10 and Lowell, MA rates 7.2/10.
| Category | Dover, MA | Lowell, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Good for now |
| Median Price | $640K | $399K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $93K ✓ Higher income | $79K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 20/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 14/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 3/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 33 min ✓ Shorter commute | 41 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.2/10 |
| Best for | Families with kidsFirst-time homebuyersCommuters to Boston | commutersstudentsfamilies |
Bottom line
For families with kids and first-time homebuyers, Dover is the clear winner due to its strong schools, low crime, and more affordable median home price. If you're a young professional or urban dweller, Lowell offers a more walkable option with decent commute times and a mix of housing choices, but at a higher cost. Ultimately, these two neighborhoods cater to different lifestyles, so it's essential to consider your individual priorities when making a decision.
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