Moving to or from Dover?
Delaware's capital since 1777 and a military town at heart — Dover Air Force Base anchors the economy while the historic State House, NASCAR's Monster Mile, and Kent County farmland shape daily life.
- 40,000 City population
- 180,000 Metro area
- 1683 Founded
- Kent County / Central Delaware Region
Why people move to Dover.
- Dover Air Force Base — the largest employer and one of the DoD's most important airlift hubs
- Delaware State University, an HBCU, and Wesley College's legacy campus downtown
- Dover International Speedway — 'The Monster Mile' — and NASCAR Cup Series weekends
- Historic Dover's The Green and the Delaware State House where the Constitution was ratified
- Delaware's no-sales-tax policy that drives weekend shopping traffic from Maryland and Pennsylvania
- Air Mobility Command Museum with restored military transport aircraft on the AFB perimeter
Delaware was the first state to ratify the US Constitution on December 7, 1787 — and Dover was the site where it happened at The Golden Fleece Tavern (now commemorated on The Green). That's why Delaware license plates say 'The First State' and why December 7 is Delaware Day.
Where people live in Dover.
A quick guide to Dover's most moved-to neighborhoods.
-
Historic Dover / The Green
Colonial-era blocks around The Green and State Street; walkable, charming, on the National Register
-
Rodney Village
Established post-war neighborhood with ranch and split-level homes near schools
-
Fox Hall
Mid-century and newer subdivisions on Dover's west side
-
Wild Quail
Upscale golf-community neighborhood with larger homes and lots
-
Camden
Separate small town just south of Dover; quiet residential with town-center feel
-
Near AFB
Rental-heavy neighborhoods east and south of the base; military family turnover
Where people spend their time in Dover.
- Dover International Speedway (The Monster Mile) North Dover
- Delaware State Capitol (Legislative Hall) Downtown
- Air Mobility Command Museum Dover AFB
- Biggs Museum of American Art Downtown
- Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village North Dover
- The Green & Old State House Downtown
Planning a Dover move.
- Military PCS moves dominate the local market; Dover AFB moves peak May through September and book fast — secure movers 6-8 weeks ahead if you're DOD-connected
- Delaware has no state sales tax, which saves on new-furniture purchases after you move; factor this into decisions about shipping older items vs. replacing them
- Historic district homes around The Green have tight alley access, low-clearance garages, and preservation-overlay rules — coordinate with your mover on truck access
- Kent County is largely flat and coastal-plain; flood insurance is advisable for properties near Silver Lake, the St. Jones River, and low-lying south-county areas
Moving in Dover: FAQ.
Do I need to pay sales tax when moving household goods into Delaware?
No — Delaware has no state sales tax, period. You won't pay sales tax on moving services or new furniture/appliances purchased in-state. This is a real advantage for military members and retirees coming from high-tax states.
Are there military-specialized movers near Dover AFB?
Yes — several Dover-area movers work primarily on DOD PCS contracts and understand the Personally Procured Move (PPM) paperwork and weight-ticket requirements. If you're doing a PPM, hire a mover with DOD experience and confirm they can provide certified weight tickets.
How bad is traffic around Dover Air Force Base?
Manageable but concentrated. Route 1 (DuPont Highway) backs up near the base gates at shift changes, and Dover International Speedway weekends (typically May and September) turn a 10-minute trip into an hour. Plan move-in around avoiding race weekends if possible.
Is Dover a good place to live without a car?
Only in the historic downtown corridor. Most of Kent County is car-dependent, and DART First State bus service is limited. If you're moving from a transit-rich city, plan for car ownership or carpooling with neighbors, especially if working on the base or at DSU.
Let's find the right mover for your Dover move.
Free advice from people who know the Dover market. No obligation, no spam, no sales pressure.
Replies within 1 hour during business hours, 9am to 5pm ET, Mon-Fri.