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Dover, the capital of Delaware, is halfway between Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach. The city provides a lifestyle that makes the most of its urban spaces while also offering nearby farms, forests, and shoreline, so residents can enjoy day trips throughout the year. D.R. Horton has a range of new construction homes in Dover, which offer spacious open floorplans and smart home technology.

Why people choose Dover, Delaware

In addition to being the capital of Delaware, Dover is the largest city in Kent County and the second most populated city in the state, making it appeal to families, working adults, and retirees seeking an urban lifestyle that’s close to the countryside and shore. Dover has public parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces that give residents places to walk, play, or relax outside. The city has two historic districts: The Dover Green Historic District, which is centered on the public square laid out in 1717 and where most people lived and worked during that period, and the First State Heritage Park, which is considered an urban park without boundaries that links several historic and cultural sites. Legislative Hall, the state capitol building, and other government offices are part of daily life for many who live and work in the city. Dover is also home to Delaware State University, which hosts educational and cultural events. Dover International Speedway hosts major racing events throughout the year, and the city’s fairgrounds are used for gatherings and festivals.

Several highways run through Dover, including U.S. Route 13 and Delaware Route 1, which connect the city to Wilmington, the Delaware beaches, and other parts of the state. These roads help people get to work, school, and shopping, and make it easy to travel to nearby communities.

Community life in Dover, Delaware

In the spring, residents celebrate the Dover Days Festival & Parade, which takes place around the Legislative Mall and the Green Historic District downtown. This multi-day event features historical reenactments, maypole dancing, live music, food trucks, and a car show that draws visitors from across the region. Festivalgoers can also take a tethered hot air balloon ride from the Legislative Mall to get a bird's-eye view of the city.

Summer brings the Delaware State Fair in Harrington, about 17 miles from Dover. This major event features concerts, agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and entertainment, including a watermelon-eating contest that challenges participants to devour slices as quickly as possible. Dover celebrates Independence Day with fireworks and live music at Legislative Mall, which also hosts a Summer Concert Series with free outdoor performances throughout the season.

As the weather cools with the coming of fall, the Colonial Market Fair takes place at The Green and Legislative Hall historic districts. Residents can enjoy colonial-era food, music, and historical and craft demonstrations celebrating Delaware’s colonial past. The Fifer Orchards Fall Fest, about five miles away, offers pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hayrides, apple cider, and the chance to shoot apples from a cannon at targets for prizes. The Delaware Wine and Beer Festival in Kent County includes samples of local beverages alongside live music and food. Dover's Halloween Parade fills downtown with floats, costumes, and candy. OktDoverFest features craft beer, food vendors, live music, and activities for all ages.

Winter in Dover begins with the Christmas Tree Lighting on Loockerman Street, featuring music and hot chocolate as the city's tree illuminates downtown. The Downtown Dover Holiday Parade follows with floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus. The Festival of Trees showcases decorated trees and wreaths benefiting Delaware Hospice. Seasonal tours and festive decorations at The Old State House occur during its Holiday Open House. The holiday craft workshops at the Biggs Museum of American Art provide an opportunity to make ornaments and other seasonal crafts.

Dover and the surrounding area in Kent County are home to several farms and farmers' markets that supply fresh produce, farm products, locally made goods, and seasonal specialties. Within Dover city limits, residents can go to One Hawk Homestead, a family-run farm that uses no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, which offers fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Much of their produce is heirloom varieties, and most are grown from their saved seeds.

Outdoor fun in Dover, Delaware and Kent County

Residents of Dover can enjoy many local parks and nearby recreational spaces throughout the year. Silver Lake Park, in Dover, covers 182 acres and features amenities such as pavilions, grills, playground equipment for various age groups, walking paths, and mountain bike trails. The park's lake provides opportunities for fishing and boating, making it a popular spot for relaxation and recreation. Another Dover park, Schutte Park, is a 71-acre facility with ten multipurpose fields, four lighted softball fields, a playground, a pavilion, walking paths, and a cross-country course. It also houses the John W. Pitts Recreation Center, a gymnasium, two basketball courts, three volleyball courts, lockers, and two multi-purpose rooms.

Dover Park offers a range of recreational amenities, including tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts, lighted softball fields, a multi-purpose field, playgrounds for different age groups, a 9-hole disc golf course, pavilions, and shuffleboard courts. The Little Creek Wildlife Area, about a six-mile drive, offers habitats for various wildlife species and opportunities for activities such as birdwatching and fishing. The area is managed to preserve its natural resources and provide recreational opportunities.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is about a 10-mile drive away. The refuge is one of the largest remaining expanses of tidal salt marsh in the mid-Atlantic region, attracting migratory birds that make it excellent for birdwatching and hiking. Killens Pond State Park, about a 14-mile drive, features a 66-acre millpond open for boating and fishing and trails for hiking and biking.

Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes offers six miles of shoreline, making it an excellent place for swimming, fishing, hiking, and biking. The park also features historical sites, including World War II-era observation towers, and a nature center with educational exhibits. Blackbird State Forest, about 18 miles away, extends over 6,000 acres. Its trails and spaces for primitive-style camping make it a good spot for wildlife observation. It is the northernmost state forest in Delaware and provides a natural retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Dover and Kent County offer residents a variety of parks and recreation areas to choose from, making it a place to enjoy the outdoors and keep active year-round.

Businesses and economics in Dover, Delaware

Dover’s diverse mix of government, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail employers provides residents with a stable economy. Dover Air Force Base is the area’s largest employer and a significant economic driver, with thousands of military and civilian personnel in logistics, operations, administration, and support roles. Dover’s position as the state capital enables many residents to work in government or related organizations.

The Capital School District and other institutions, such as the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Wilmington University, and the Terry Campus of Delaware Technical Community College, employ many Dover residents in roles beyond teaching. Bayhealth Medical Center, a leading healthcare provider, is also one of the region’s largest employers.

The area’s manufacturing sector includes Kraft Heinz and Procter & Gamble, both of which operate major facilities. Delaware State University plays a key role in workforce development and innovation, enhancing various industries. Dover’s location between Wilmington, Philadelphia, and Baltimore enables retail, transportation, and logistics companies to thrive along the Route 13 and Route 1 corridors, with national employers such as Walmart, Amazon, ALDI, and The Home Depot providing a range of jobs in the area.

New construction homes in Dover

D.R. Horton's new homes in Dover are great for people at any stage of life. With access to job opportunities and many activities and conveniences, D.R. Horton homes in Dover offer something for everyone. Browse our listings of Dover homes for sale today or contact us to find a home that suits your needs and lifestyle.