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 92,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $690,000 and average rents near $2,350. 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 92,000 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 34% White, 25% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 28% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
92,000
Density
13,500 per sq mi
Median Age
33.8
Gender Ratio
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
28.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
34.0%
Black
25.0%
Asian
8.0%
Others
33.0%

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 $690,000 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
$690,000
Gross Rent
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$980
State Taxes
Low: 5.0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
145.0
Grocery
124.0
Housing
178.0
Utilities
118.0
Transportation
132.0
Health Care
122.0
Miscellaneous
116.0

Crime

Is Dorchester, MA a safe place to live?

Dorchester is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 720 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 38. 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
720
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,650
Crime Index
3,370
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 139
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 38

Weather

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

Dorchester experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 48 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
39°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
47.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $84,000 and a low poverty rate of 17.5%. Over 87% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 29% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 34 minutes, and almost 35% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$41,000
Household Income
$84,000
Family Income
$93,000
Per Capita Income
$36,500
Income Male
$48,000
Income Female
$43,000
Poverty Rate
17.5%
Non English Speakers
30.0%
Rent
$2,350
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
Public Transport Usage
35.0%
Commute Time
33.5 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
86.5%
Bachelors or More
28.5%

Education

How are the schools in Dorchester, MA?

Dorchester offers quality education options, with public schools like Dorchester Academy, William Monroe Trotter K-8 School, and Boston Community Leadership Academy known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Massachusetts Boston, Simmons University, and Bunker Hill Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Dorchester Academy
Street
21 Queen St
Phone
(617) 635-8816
Students
420
Student Teacher Ratio
10.8
Name
William Monroe Trotter K-8 School
Street
113 Warren St
Phone
(617) 635-8735
Students
520
Student Teacher Ratio
11.4
Name
Boston Community Leadership Academy
Street
20 Bronsdon St
Phone
(617) 635-9989
Students
450
Student Teacher Ratio
12.1

Private Schools

Name
Cristo Rey Boston High School
Street
40 Crescent Ave
Phone
(617) 889-1600
Students
450
Name
St. Peter School
Street
315 Bowdoin St
Phone
(617) 288-8388
Students
260

Colleges

Name
University of Massachusetts Boston
City
Boston
State
MA
Distance
4 miles
Students
16,000
Name
Simmons University
City
Boston
State
MA
Distance
6 miles
Students
6,500
Name
Bunker Hill Community College
City
Boston
State
MA
Distance
7 miles
Students
18,000

Healthcare

Dorchester 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 3.6 per 1,000 people and 96.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Boston Medical Center
Address
1 Boston Medical Center Pl, Boston, MA 02118
Phone
(617) 638-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Carney Hospital
Address
2100 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02124
Phone
(617) 506-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.6
Health Insurance Coverage
96.0%
Health Care Index
82.0

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Dorchester, MA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $690,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 39%. The market has seen a 4.8% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.0%. Dorchester offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$690,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate
39.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.8%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Dorchester 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
Lindsay Building, 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, 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 92,000, median home value $690,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,350, commute time 33.5 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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