|
When the capital of Delaware was moved to the city of Dover in 1777, it was not just because of its central location in the state. It was simply much safer from British troops plying the Delaware River. Today, that river and the Delaware Bay into which it feeds are some of the attractions of living in Dover, and one of the reasons that so many people seek out new homes in Dover, DE. Why wouldn’t you? Here, residents have a historic city with buildings dating back to the eighteenth century, a diversified economic base, plenty of cultural activities, and access to some of the most spectacular settings that nature has to offer along the nearby Delaware Bay. Being Delaware’s capital and the county seat for Kent County, there are certainly plenty of government jobs to be had. That would also include many jobs available at one of Dover’s other largest employer, the Dover Air Force Base, located in the southeast corner of the city. Yet this city began to diversify its economic base as far back as the 1930s, when it began to leave its agricultural industry behind and become more oriented toward manufacturing, and then later toward the tourist industry. Today, Dover boasts a population growth of 15%, a cost-of-living index that is below the average of other northeastern states, and a falling unemployment rate that came in at 5.4% at the end of 2015. All of that is worth noting but doesn’t matter if the quality of life isn’t outstanding. Dover seems to have that covered as well, with so much to offer its residents. Aside from its close proximity to all the natural beauty along Delaware Bay, there’s plenty to do in the city and the surrounding area. For those who enjoy live theater and music, there’s the Schwartz Center for the Arts, which was originally built in 1904 as the Dover Opera House. Fully restored in 2001 as a performing arts center, there’s always something to see and hear at the Center. If it’s the visual arts that move you, then the Biggs Museum of American Art is not to be missed. Here you’ll find changing exhibitions that cover both historical and contemporary art as well as a variety of art forms that include sculptures, regional silver collections, and furniture made by early-American cabinetmakers. If you enjoy music, then the annual Firefly Music Festival is where you want to go. Covering four days in June the festival is hosted at the Woodlands at the Dover International Speedway. Maybe it’s architecture that fits your style. You can be sure that there’s no shortage of that to see. The Victorian Dover Historic District includes 482 historically significant buildings and Dover’s Green Historic District encompasses 97 buildings. Most of these buildings are from the eighteenth and nineteenth century, though buildings that illustrate all periods of Dover's history are represented. The district is centered in and around The Green, created as The Court House Square in 1722. If horse racing and a little gambling strike your fancy, then you can head over to the Dover Downs Hotel and Casino. Catch a few races and then enjoy a little gambling, some great food, and lots of entertainment at the casino. Should your preference be for somewhat faster racing, then it’s the Dover International Speedway that you’ll want to visit. From May through October, you can see a variety of NASCAR events, including the popular NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. As you can see, this city of nearly 40,000 people has so much to do. What more could you ask for than the pleasures of life in the Capital Region? With median home prices below that in the rest of the state, you’re sure to find a great value in your housing search. So why hesitate? Come look for one of your new homes in Dover, DE, and put your roots down in this capital city.
Related Articles -
New, Homes, Dover, DE,
|
