Moving to Dover, York County (Harrisburg, East York: crime, new home, neighborhoods)

[c-n-bmore]

I am moving from Baltimore in a few months. I posted this question yesterday ("anything good to say") and did not receive a response. Is there anyone in or near Dover out there? I am married, we have young children. I'm looking for someone who has had a positive experience with Dover public schools? What are the neighborhoods like? Will we really be treated like unwelcomed outsiders? (as I have read on a previous thread) Can anyone new to the area give some feedback?

[talk2u]

Fellow Marylander...there are many close-minded people in York - however, I don't feel that is the true sentiment of most Yorkers. They aren't as friendly at first, but I've found that once you get to know people they are very nice and go out of there way to help you. At least that's been my experience here.

It will be a lot different than Maryland and I find myself still traveling to Maryland for dining and entertainment. Although PA is considered the "North", most times I feel like I'm in the deep South.

I here the schools are pretty good in the county (can't say for sure because I don't have children) and the crime is low so those are a plus compared to MD.

Also, I believe Dover is in West York. If so, be prepared to experience a foul odor at least once or twice a week from the local paper mill. I live in East York and we can smell it where I live and it is not pleasant.

I'd just say really do your research before making your decision. Make sure you drive around to other areas outside of where you plan to move and really get a feel for the area. I wish I had done that prior to moving here because I KNOW I would not have made the move.

Good luck to you! Hope I didn't scare you off.

[c-n-bmore]

Thanks for your feedback. I'll be returning to York soon and I should have more time to check the area out. I guess every place has some good points and some bad. But, I'm not scared off.

[talk2u]

That's so true. Everywhere does have its good and bad parts and if I were raising a family, I'd much rather raise them somewhere safe.

Good luck to you and your family.

[rockky]

Hello, c-n-bmore.....

I'm not new to the area. I'm old from the area. My perspective may not be what you are looking for. You will be coming at this from a different direction.

Dover schools are improving. Their 3rd grade standardized testing showed academic growth. It may not have the great reputation of York Suburban or Dallastown. They are the strongest districts in the area. All of the county schools are good. The city schools have problems. Much the same as the rest of the country. The cities crumble and with them the schools. The burbs grow and the money goes with them.

Dover and West York are two separate areas, but they are neighbors. PA has boroughs and townships within the counties. Dover is a small town that was the center of a large agrarian community. There are still many farms in the area. The area has developed and grown a great deal in the last decade. It is my understanding that many folks from Maryland/B-more are moving to the area, so you won't be alone.

You will find large grocery stores, and if you travel just a few miles toward York there is a mall, box stores, Lowe's, and a new strip mall with Ross's, TJ's, a biggggg grocery store, etc.

There are chain restaurants everywhere nearby!! We sorta made jokes and called that area of Rt. 30 "Ptomaine Alley". Well....there's just so many of places to eat!!

I've read about how unhappy new people feel when they first come into the area. I understand that. These old, German families don't run out their front doors and embrace you with hugs. They are mainly blue-collar, hard working, family focused people. They aren't running out for formal wear, champagne swilling, fund raisers. They will want to get to know you before they warm up to you. Once they do, you will have a friend for life who will help you out with anything. Are there some stinkers there? Sure. There are stinkers everywhere. Ya just gotta hope they aren't right next door.

If you have children it will be the best way to assimilate into the community. The kids bring the adults together.

If you have specifics you want to know, I'll try to get answers for you.

[c-n-bmore]

Coming from the Baltimore metro area, anywhere from here is up in the safety category. The Baltimore Sun newspaper has a running tally on the front page that keeps track of homocides to date. I think the last time I checked it was 190 since January 1st. There are some nice areas in B-more, but the ills of the city has an affect on the morale and attitudes of people throughout the region. Anyway, thanks for your well wishes.

[c-n-bmore]

thanks rockky,

I appreciate such a detailed reply. Good information. We have four children. Going out to eat is a luxury that we enjoy only occasionally. My husband and I love home cooked meals. I do feel that a large part of my children's success in school has to do with how involved Iam. Each of their teachers will know me by name before their first day of school. And, they'll see me throughout the year. Good test scores are a good sign that the school is on track. But I know this is not the only predictor of success. We try to educate our children through things like museum visits, playing outside, hearing a symphony, and going to church...not just sending them to school. So, I'm sure my little ones will do just fine.

You seem to have a wealth of knowledge about the area, so when I think of more questions (which I'm sure I will) I'll be eager to hear your response.

thanks again!

[rockky]

c-n-bmore, You are very welcome.

In York County, everyone is an 'outsider' to some. I was born there, but my parents were not. I was an odd bird to some folks, but that was a looong time ago. At my age, I'm just an odd bird to most folks.

Depending on the ages of your children, and which schools they will attend, I may know some of their teachers. You are right. Involved parents are one of the best assurances that their children will do well in school. Dover schools were in the national news a couple of years ago. There are still some odd things there, but for the most part, things are humming along. Now if they would just pay their teachers equal to the rest of the districts in York County, things would get even better. There are excellent teachers there, but many of them moved on to other schools. There is a new superintendent, and I hear he's very good.

Dover is still a relatively small 'burg', but I think there are more new homes going in all the time. Folks from the metro areas of Harrisburg are relocating there as well. You can zip around on the back roads to reach RT 83, and then head north fairly quickly. RT 83 south, as you know, is the main route to Baltimore.

I hope you enjoy your new home and the York area. It ain't the big city, but the big cities ain't that fer away.

[hstevens2]

Hi, my family and I moved to Dover a month ago and we love it. The kids love it and the schools are not bad. We moved from Maryland ourselves, and yes it is a little laid back, but the people are very friendly, i guess because we are very friendly people ourselves. Dover is family friendly community with everthing within an arms reach. We have tons of grocery stores, parks, community centers, and events for families. Parents are involved in their kids and if it stays the same that will be awesome.

[teachbeach]

I've read about how unhappy new people feel when they first come into the area. I understand that. These old, German families don't run out their front doors and embrace you with hugs. They are mainly blue-collar, hard working, family focused people. They aren't running out for formal wear, champagne swilling, fund raisers. They will want to get to know you before they warm up to you. Once they do, you will have a friend for life who will help you out with anything. Are there some stinkers there? Sure. There are stinkers everywhere. Ya just gotta hope they aren't right next door.

I found this to be true when we moved here, but after understanding and realizing that most of my neighbors have huge families and are so involved with their extended family members, they have their "friends for life". Through involvement in church, with my job and other organizations, we've found that most of our friends are others who have relocated to the area. We've assimilated into the area, but will never be considered Yorkers. It's okay though, our neighbors are great, will do anything for us, but just aren't the come over anytime for coffee type of people.