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 24,800 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $620,000 and average rents near $2,350. Commute times average 39 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% 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 24,800 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 28% White, 47% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 34% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
24,800
Density
11,500 per sq mi
Median Age
36.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
34.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
28.0%
Black
46.5%
Asian
7.5%
Others
18.0%

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 146.5. Median home values are around $620,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,350. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$620,000
Gross Rent
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,050
State Taxes
Low: 5.0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
146.5
Grocery
121.0
Housing
178.0
Utilities
117.5
Transportation
129.0
Health Care
118.0
Miscellaneous
114.5

Crime

Is Dorchester Center, MA a safe place to live?

Dorchester Center is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 520 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 46. 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
520
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,180
Crime Index
2,700
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 192
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 46

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 23°F. The area receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
23°F
Max
39°F

Summer

Min
67°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
47.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $71,500 and a low poverty rate of 17.8%. Over 84% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 30% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 39 minutes, and almost 42% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,500
Household Income
$71,500
Family Income
$84,000
Per Capita Income
$32,500
Income Male
$45,500
Income Female
$41,000
Poverty Rate
17.8%
Non English Speakers
38.5%
Rent
$2,350
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
Public Transport Usage
42.0%
Commute Time
39.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
84.0%
Bachelors or More
29.5%

Education

How are the schools in Dorchester Center, MA?

Dorchester Center offers quality education options, with public schools like Dorchester Academy and Academy of Public Service 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
Dorchester Academy
Street
21 Hancock St
Phone
617-635-8198
Students
420
Student Teacher Ratio
10.8
Name
Academy of Public Service
Street
100 Westville St
Phone
617-635-8190
Students
360
Student Teacher Ratio
11.2

Private Schools

Name
Mother Caroline Academy
Street
515 Blue Hill Ave
Phone
617-825-1700
Students
180
Name
Cristo Rey Boston High School
Street
100 Columbia Point
Phone
617-506-1000
Students
500

Colleges

Name
UMass Boston
City
Boston
State
MA
Distance
4 miles
Students
16,000
Name
Northeastern University
City
Boston
State
MA
Distance
6 miles
Students
23,000

Healthcare

Dorchester Center residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Boston Medical Center and Carney Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 4.1 per 1,000 people and 96.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Boston Medical Center
Address
850 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118
Phone
(617) 638-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Carney Hospital
Address
2100 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA 02124
Phone
(617) 296-4000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
4.1
Health Insurance Coverage
96.4%
Health Care Index
83.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Dorchester Center, MA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $620,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 38%. The market has seen a 4.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.8%. Dorchester Center offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$620,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate
37.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.9%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Dorchester Center handle vehicle services through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, 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
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address
25 Newport Ave Ext, Quincy, MA 02171
Phone
(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 24,800, median home value $620,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,350, commute time 39.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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