Let the numbers do the talking.
Dover, MA vs Newton, MA
Dover, MA vs Newton, MA: What the data shows
Dover, MA is in Dover, MA while Newton, MA is in Newton, MA — both in the same state. On home prices, Dover, MA is the more affordable option at $640,000 median — $331,700 less than Newton, MA's $971,700. WYLT rates Dover, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and Newton, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Dover, MA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Newton, MA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. On environmental risk, Dover, MA has Low flood risk and Newton, MA has Low flood risk.
Newton, MA is the more walkable neighborhood. Dover, MA scores N/A/100 versus Newton, MA's 32/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Newton, MA has the higher school rating — Dover, MA rates 7.5/10 and Newton, MA rates 7.6/10.
| Category | Dover, MA | Newton, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Settle here |
| Median Price | $640K ✓ Lower price | $972K |
| Median Rent | $2K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $93K | $134K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 32/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 44/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 36/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 33 min | 15 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A | A |
| Violent Crime | Low | Low |
| Property Crime | Low | Low |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 | 7.6/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Families with kidsFirst-time homebuyersCommuters to Boston | FamiliesCommuters to BostonHigh income professionals |
Bottom line
Considering your priorities and budget, if you're a family with kids or a first-time homebuyer looking for a more affordable option, Dover, MA is likely a better fit due to its lower cost of living and still-excellent schools. However, if you have a higher income and value a shorter commute and slightly higher walkability, Newton, MA might be the better choice. Ultimately, Newton offers more prestige, but Dover provides better bang for your buck.
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