Possibly moving to Dover, DE (Wilmington, Newark: 2015, crime, casino)

[danihoho]

I currently live in NY, and may have a job in Dover. I am a single, young female, so I would like to potentially live somewhere where there are other young people, that's also safe. Dover seems to get mixed reviews so it's kind of difficult to get a grasp a how 'bad' the area is. I don't mind living somewhere further out (north or south) and commuting, but perhaps that would be unnecessary? I guess I'm trying to figure out, what are people's thoughts on living IN Dover? If I were to look in or close to Dover, what are some areas to look in that are close to the night life, but are safe? Thanks!

[soh555]

Here are some links that might help you decide.
I would advise anyone I cared about to not move to Delaware (mainly because of the crime) - I'm moving out of this state in a few months and can't wait - but that is my personal opinion. Some people might not be bothered by the things that bother me. Southern Delaware (Sussex county) is the nicest part of DE.

Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

Will Dover Become the Next Crime Capital? - Delaware Today - May 2015 - Delaware

Police & Fire - Dover Post - Dover, DE

WDEL 101.7FM, Wilmington, DE - News Talk Radio (scroll down for Dover News)

[retiree2011]

Just wondering - where are you moving to? I follow Delaware news and don't get the impression that crime is that bad, but certainly you are more knowledgable than I am on that issue, since you live there.

[youngprodigy21]

The only reason Dover is the capital is because it's halfway distance from the bottom to the top of the state. I haven't spent much time in Dover, and would never have any interest in moving there. It's just not my taste. There is the Dover Downs casino. If NASCAR and horseracing is your thing, then Dover might be for you. Trolley Square in Wilmington may offer a better quality of living for the young professional like yourself. I know someone who commutes from Trolley Square to Dover and it takes him 45 minutes to an hour. If I was in that situation, I'd take the long commute from Wilmington or Newark over living in Dover.

As far as crime, Dover has ghettos just like most others cities, so nothing seems to really stand out about Dover crime.

[newmassphd]

Originally Posted by youngprodigy21

The only reason Dover is the capital is because it's halfway distance from the bottom to the top of the state.
.

If you read Delaware history, central location wasn't the only reason. A really big one was military strategy. Back in the 1770's the state capital was New Castle, DE. Recall from American History, the revolutionary war was at its peak. As New Castle is coastal and easily taken by sea, there was a concern that British forces would take the capital. For this additional important reason, Dover was selected as it was also less vulnerable (more inland) to naval attack.

[newmassphd]

Originally Posted by soh555

Here are some links that might help you decide.
I would advise anyone I cared about to not move to Delaware (mainly because of the crime) - I'm moving out of this state in a few months and can't wait - but that is my personal opinion. Some people might not be bothered by the things that bother me. Southern Delaware (Sussex county) is the nicest part of DE.

Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

Will Dover Become the Next Crime Capital? - Delaware Today - May 2015 - Delaware

Police & Fire - Dover Post - Dover, DE

WDEL 101.7FM, Wilmington, DE - News Talk Radio (scroll down for Dover News)

Rather than relying on newspapers for your source, I would recommend you check with RAIDS online (RAIDS Online: Regional Analysis and Information Sharing) which is a crime informatics service that is populated by many police departments.

If you type in Dover, DE or the name of other participating municipalities, you will find a geo-registered
map of the various types of offenses and can search by blocks of time by selecting start and end dates on a calendar.

Take newspaper reports with a grain of salt as they are not always accurate and the goal of the newspaper is to sell copies and drive traffic to their site. Take your information from the police departments and not newspapers.

[rdlr]

Originally Posted by newmassphd

Rather than relying on newspapers for your source, I would recommend you check with RAIDS online (RAIDS Online: Regional Analysis and Information Sharing) which is a crime informatics service that is populated by many police departments.

If you type in Dover, DE or the name of other participating municipalities, you will find a geo-registered
map of the various types of offenses and can search by blocks of time by selecting start and end dates on a calendar.

Take newspaper reports with a grain of salt as they are not always accurate and the goal of the newspaper is to sell copies and drive traffic to their site. Take your information from the police departments and not newspapers.

Best way, rent for awhile, or vacation here for a couple of weeks.

I've been here for 75 years and know Delaware like the back of my hand. And, I've been on this Forum since November 2007. One thing I've learned - whatever I offer on here about Delaware (crime, etc.) is pretty much ignored or challenged by people who know nothing about Delaware and live in other states. Their thoughts are usualy based on some crimes they read about in the newspaper, or some of those Internet type online sites. Or, they base it on a disgruntled person's 2-3 posts on a forum. Newcomers seem to thumb their noses at locals who've been here a lifetime and what they know, and instead, search for information in newspapers and the Internet. Just come here and check it out! Delawareans love to share what they know. The Delaware State Police have troops throughout Delaware. They won't bite! Stop at one of the Troops and ask where the pockets of crime are. It's simple. Every state has those pockets.

[Mayvenne]

I don't live in Delaware but am considering it which is why I am browsing on these forums. I think you can find a link to anything you want. It's funny though because just yesterday I read a post (still here) about Dover being named one of the top 20 retirement places. Whether or not that is valid, it does make you wonder how horribly pervasive crime could be if it's being touted for retirement.
So, that said, I guess ask about specific areas because it's highly unlikely that it could be a whole city that is rotten. (thought it does happen, just not thinking it applies to Dover)

[Seaponies]

Originally Posted by rdlr

Best way, rent for awhile, or vacation here for a couple of weeks.

I've been here for 75 years and know Delaware like the back of my hand. And, I've been on this Forum since November 2007. One thing I've learned - whatever I offer on here about Delaware (crime, etc.) is pretty much ignored or challenged by people who know nothing about Delaware and live in other states. Their thoughts are usualy based on some crimes they read about in the newspaper, or some of those Internet type online sites. Or, they base it on a disgruntled person's 2-3 posts on a forum. Newcomers seem to thumb their noses at locals who've been here a lifetime and what they know, and instead, search for information in newspapers and the Internet. Just come here and check it out! Delawareans love to share what they know. The Delaware State Police have troops throughout Delaware. They won't bite! Stop at one of the Troops and ask where the pockets of crime are. It's simple. Every state has those pockets.

RDLR - I for one certainly respect your opinion !

[rdlr]

Thanks...Seaponies! Better out than in, I say.