Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dorchester Center, MA
Thinking of moving to Dorchester Center, MA? This vibrant Boston neighborhood is home to about 31,100 residents and offers urban living with a strong sense of community. The median home price is $540,000, and average rent for a 2-bedroom is $2,250. Commute times average 34.5 minutes, with excellent access to public transportation. While crime rates are higher than the state average, you’ll find great healthcare options, diverse schools, and a lively, multicultural atmosphere. Explore more below to see if Dorchester Center fits your lifestyle and budget!
Demographics - Dorchester Center, MA
Demographics - Dorchester Center, MA
Dorchester Center is a diverse and densely populated Boston neighborhood, home to approximately 31,100 residents with a median age of 35.1. The community features a vibrant mix of backgrounds, with nearly 44% identifying as Black and about 29% speaking a language other than English at home. This multicultural atmosphere fosters a dynamic and inclusive environment for newcomers.
Population:
31,100
Density:
13,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.1
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
29.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
25.7%
Black:
44.2%
Asian:
8.1%
Others:
22.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dorchester Center, MA?
Living in Dorchester Center comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $540,000 and typical rent for a two-bedroom around $2,250. The overall cost of living index is 144.5, indicating that expenses like housing, groceries, and transportation are notably above the national average. Despite these costs, residents enjoy access to city amenities and services.
Median House Value:
$540,000
Gross Rent:
$2,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$2,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
144.5
Grocery:
127.2
Housing:
172.3
Utilities:
113.6
Transportation:
138.1
Health Care:
120.9
Miscellaneous:
117.5
Crime
Is Dorchester Center, MA a safe place to live?
Dorchester Center experiences crime rates higher than the state average, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 47 and violent crime at 1 in 163. While these figures may be concerning, many residents find that the area’s strong community ties and local initiatives contribute to neighborhood safety. It's important for newcomers to remain aware and take standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
612
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,110
Crime Index:
2,722
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 163
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Dorchester Center, MA year-round?
Residents in Dorchester Center enjoy four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 22°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. The area receives about 43.7 inches of annual rainfall and sees sunshine on 57% of days, making for a balanced climate. Seasonal changes offer opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Dorchester Center's community features a median household income of $69,400 and a poverty rate of 17.3%, reflecting a mix of economic backgrounds. Many residents rely on public transportation, with over 32% using it for their daily commute, and average travel times of about 34.5 minutes. The neighborhood is known for its diversity and strong local engagement.
Median Income:
$41,800
Household Income:
$69,400
Family Income:
$74,800
Per Capita Income:
$27,300
Income Male:
$39,400
Income Female:
$35,900
Poverty Rate:
17.3%
Non English Speakers:
29.0%
Rent:
$2,250
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
32.2%
Commute Time:
34.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.5%
Bachelors or More:
28.4%
Education
How are the schools in Dorchester Center, MA?
Dorchester Center offers a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Joseph Lee K-8 and TechBoston Academy, both known for their supportive learning environments and favorable student-teacher ratios. The neighborhood also features private school options and is conveniently located near major colleges such as UMass Boston and Northeastern University, providing access to higher education within a few miles.

Public Schools
Name:
Joseph Lee K-8 School
Street:
155 Talbot Ave
Phone:
617-635-8687
Students:
835
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Name:
TechBoston Academy
Street:
9 Peacevale Rd
Phone:
617-635-1615
Students:
1,140
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.7

Private Schools
Name:
St. John Paul II Catholic Academy
Street:
239 Neponset Ave
Phone:
617-265-0019
Students:
410

Colleges
Name:
UMass Boston
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
16,200
Name:
Northeastern University
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
22,900
Healthcare
Healthcare access is a highlight in Dorchester Center, with major hospitals like Carney Hospital and Boston Medical Center nearby and a high health insurance coverage rate of 96.8%. Residents benefit from a robust physician presence, averaging 3.2 doctors per 1,000 people. Quality medical care and emergency services are readily available for families and individuals alike.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Carney Hospital
Address:
2100 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Phone:
(617) 296-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Boston Medical Center
Address:
1 Boston Medical Center Pl, Boston, MA 02118
Phone:
(617) 638-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.8%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dorchester Center, MA?
Dorchester Center's housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $540,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,250. Home values have appreciated by 7.4% over the past year, signaling a strong local real estate market. With a homeownership rate of 37.4% and moderate rental vacancy, housing demand remains steady.
Median Home Price:
$540,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
37.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Dorchester Center residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) located in nearby Quincy. The RMV provides essential services such as licensing, vehicle registration, and renewals through both in-person visits and online resources. For assistance, residents can call 1-857-368-8000 or visit the RMV website.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
Address:
500 Victory Rd, Quincy, MA 02171
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.