Massachusetts / County

Moving to Dorchester Center, MA

Thinking of making a move to Dorchester Center, MA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dorchester Center, MA

Considering a move to Dorchester Center, MA? This welcoming community of 31,100 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $540,000 and average rents near $2,250. Commute times average 35 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (57% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Dorchester Center's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Dorchester Center, MA

Dorchester Center has a population of 31,100 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 26% White, 44% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 29% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Dorchester Center is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 144.5. Median home values are around $540,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,250. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 612 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 47. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Massachusetts.

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?

Dorchester Center experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 22°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 57% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
22°F
Max
38°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
43.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
57%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $69,400 and a low poverty rate of 17.3%. Over 85% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 28% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 35 minutes, and almost 32% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 quality education options, with public schools like Joseph Lee K-8 School and TechBoston Academy known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including UMass Boston and Northeastern University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Dorchester Center residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Carney Hospital and Boston Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 people and 96.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $540,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 37%. The market has seen a 7.4% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.8%. Dorchester Center offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Dorchester Center handle vehicle services through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), conveniently located in Quincy. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Massachusetts
Department
Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
Address
500 Victory Rd, Quincy, MA 02171
Phone
1-857-368-8000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Dorchester Center, MA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Dorchester Center, review the core fields on this page: population 31,100, median home value $540,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,250, commute time 34.5 minutes, and sunny days percentage 57%.

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