Massachusetts / Suffolk County

Moving to Dorchester, MA

Thinking of making a move to Dorchester, 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, MA

Considering a move to Dorchester, MA? This welcoming community of 125,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $570,000 and average rents near $2,250. Commute times average 34 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's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Dorchester, MA

Dorchester has a population of 125,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 34 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 33% White, 43% Black, and 10% Asian residents, and over 35% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
125,000
Density
13,000 per sq mi
Median Age
34.2
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
35.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
33.0%
Black
43.0%
Asian
10.0%
Others
14.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Dorchester, MA?

The cost of living in Dorchester is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 145.0. Median home values are around $570,000 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
$570,000
Gross Rent
$2,250
Monthly Electricity Charges
$140
Auto Insurance
$2,000
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,700
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$900
State Taxes
Low: 5.0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
145.0
Grocery
123.0
Housing
168.0
Utilities
114.0
Transportation
135.0
Health Care
119.0
Miscellaneous
117.0

Crime

Is Dorchester, MA a safe place to live?

Dorchester is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 640 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 48. 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
640
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,100
Crime Index
2,740
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 156
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 48

Weather

What is the weather like in Dorchester, MA year-round?

Dorchester experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 45 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
24°F
Max
38°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
44.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $72,500 and a low poverty rate of 18.5%. Over 86% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 30% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 34 minutes, and almost 38% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$42,000
Household Income
$72,500
Family Income
$81,000
Per Capita Income
$34,000
Income Male
$44,000
Income Female
$39,000
Poverty Rate
18.5%
Non English Speakers
35.0%
Rent
$2,250
Unemployment Rate
5.9%
Public Transport Usage
38.0%
Commute Time
34.2 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
85.8%
Bachelors or More
29.5%

Education

How are the schools in Dorchester, MA?

Dorchester offers quality education options, with public schools like Boston Latin Academy and Jeremiah E. Burke High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Massachusetts Boston and Northeastern University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Boston Latin Academy
Street
205 Townsend St
Phone
617-635-9957
Students
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio
16.5
Name
Jeremiah E. Burke High School
Street
60 Washington St
Phone
617-635-9837
Students
600
Student Teacher Ratio
12.0

Private Schools

Name
St. John Paul II Catholic Academy
Street
239 Neponset Ave
Phone
617-265-0019
Students
1,000

Colleges

Name
University of Massachusetts Boston
City
Boston
State
MA
Distance
3 miles
Students
16,200
Name
Northeastern University
City
Boston
State
MA
Distance
6 miles
Students
22,200

Healthcare

Dorchester 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 3.8 per 1,000 people and 94.2% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.8
Health Insurance Coverage
94.2%
Health Care Index
80.0

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Dorchester, MA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $570,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 35%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. Dorchester offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$570,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,250
Owner Occupied Rate
35.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Dorchester handle vehicle services through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Boston. 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
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
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, 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, review the core fields on this page: population 125,000, median home value $570,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,250, commute time 34.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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