Dover: Vibrant "Urban" Small Town in Morris County, NJ

Welcome to Dover, a charming “urban” small town in the heart of Morris County, New Jersey. As you explore the Dover real estate offerings of Countryside Homes NJ and RE/MAX Town & Valley, you’ll discover that Dover seamlessly blends its rich historical charm with modern-day conveniences. From the serene banks of the Rockaway River to the bustling streets lined with architectural marvels, Dover promises a harmonious blend of tranquility and vibrancy. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or proximity to urban amenities, Dover stands as the perfect backdrop for your next home.

Dover
Morris County, New Jersey

Why Dover is an Excellent Place to Live

Dover, located in the heart of Morris County, New Jersey, stands as a beacon of small-town charm combined with modern conveniences. Its rich historical tapestry, evident in landmarks like the Blackwell Street Historic District, seamlessly blends with the town’s vibrant cultural diversity, offering residents a unique blend of past and present. The town’s proximity to major cities such as New York and Newark provides the benefits of urban amenities without the hustle and bustle, while its picturesque landscapes, from the tranquil Rockaway River to verdant parks, offer a serene escape. With a plethora of recreational facilities, a close-knit community spirit, and a strategic location, Dover emerges as an ideal haven for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Historical Significance: Dover’s roots trace back to the early 18th century, with significant iron and mill works that played a pivotal role in the town’s development.
Proximity to Major Cities: Its location offers the tranquility of a small town while being in close proximity to major cities like New York and Newark.
Natural Beauty: The town is graced with natural beauty, from the serene Rockaway River to the lush landscapes of its parks.
Recreational Facilities: Dover is home to several parks, including Hedden County Park, Hamilton Field, JFK Memorial Commons Park, Crescent Field, and Hurd Park, offering residents a range of recreational activities.

Dover History

Dover’s history is deeply rooted in its early days as a hub for iron and mill works. The town’s origins trace back to 1713 when Joseph Latham was deeded the land that now encompasses Dover. Over the years, the town saw the establishment of various industries, including iron ore processing at Jackson’s Forge, which capitalized on the abundant iron ore from the nearby Dickerson Mine in Mine Hill. The passage of the Iron Act by the British Parliament brought financial challenges, leading to changes in property ownership. Dover officially became a town on April 1, 1869, and has since witnessed significant industrial growth, including the establishment of machine shops, stove and furnace works, and a large hosiery factory. The town’s name is attributed to either Dover, England or Dover, New Hampshire.

Dover Geography

Dover is strategically situated on the Rockaway River and covers a total area of 2.73 square miles. The town is approximately 31 miles west of New York City and about 23 miles west of Newark, New Jersey. Its geographical landscape is marked by the Rockaway River, and it shares its borders with several Morris County municipalities, including Mine Hill Township, Randolph, Rockaway Township, Victory Gardens, and Wharton.

Local Points of Interest

Baker’s Opera House: A historic theatre located on Blackwell Street.
Dover Station: A historic train station that stands as a testament to Dover’s rich history.
Blackwell Street Historic District: Contains 52 contributing buildings and showcases the architectural heritage of the town.

Dover
Demographics and Information

Public Schools

Dover Preschool

Grades: PreK
Address: 154 Mt Pleasant Ave, Rockaway, NJ 07866
Phone: (973) 989-2000

Academy Street Elementary School

Grades: K – 6
Address: 14 Academy St, Dover, NJ 07801
Phone: (973) 989-2030

North Dover Elementary School

Grades: PreK – 6
Address: 51 Highland Ave, Dover, NJ 07801
Phone: (973) 989-2020

East Dover Elementary School

Grades: K – 6
Address: 300 E McFarlan St, Dover, NJ 07801
Phone: (973) 989-2055

Dover Middle School

Grades: 7 – 8
Address: 302 E McFarlan St, Dover, NJ 07801
Phone: (973) 989-2040

Dover High School

Grades: 9 – 12
Address: 100 Grace St, Dover, NJ 07801
Phone: (973) 989-2010

Dover General Information

Location: Morris County, New Jersey, United States
Incorporated: Originally incorporated as a town on April 1, 1869, within Randolph Township and became fully independent as of March 5, 1896.
Area: 2.73 square miles
Elevation: 558 feet
ZIP Code: 07801, 07802
Website: Dover Official Website

Dover Demographics (As of 2020)

Total Population: 18,460
Density: 6,898.4 per square mile

For more detailed statistics on Dover, visit the U.S. Census Bureau.

Conclusion

Dover, nestled in the heart of Morris County, NJ, is a vibrant town that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern amenities. Its diverse community, picturesque landscapes, and proximity to key destinations make it a sought-after location for homeowners. Whether you’re drawn to its cultural events, recreational activities, or the promise of a serene yet connected lifestyle, Dover promises a fulfilling experience. At Countryside Homes NJ and RE/MAX Town & Valley, we believe Dover real estate offers more than just a place to live—it’s a place to call home.

Client Testimonials for Countryside Homes NJ

At Countryside Homes NJ and RE/MAX Town & Valley, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service to our clients. But don’t just take our word for it—read what our satisfied customers have to say. From first-time homebuyers to seasoned real estate investors and new home builders, our clients appreciate our dedication, expertise, and commitment to their success. Here are some of their stories.

David R. New Homeowner

Collaborating with Keith LaBrunda and Heather Montalbano from Countryside Homes NJ and RE/MAX Town & Valley streamlined the home-buying process for me. They were attentive to my needs and preferences, ensuring they understood exactly what I was seeking in a home and what was within my financial comfort zone. Keith and Heather provided invaluable assistance during the offer stage, sharing insightful details that enabled me to place a successful bid on my desired property. They recommended associates to assist me with securing a mortgage, conducting home inspections, and acquiring homeowner's insurance. Post-purchase, they continued to be a resource, suggesting local companies to contact for internet, water, waste management, oil, and other essential services. The experience of purchasing a home with Keith LaBrunda and Heather Montalbano was seamless and enjoyable.

Rachel and Andre First Time Homebuyer

As first-time homebuyers, the process of finding and purchasing a home felt daunting. But from the moment we reached out to Heather and Keith at Countryside Homes NJ and RE/MAX Town & Valley, our worries were put to rest. Their team was incredibly patient, answering all our questions and guiding us through every step. They took the time to understand our needs and preferences, ensuring that we found the perfect home in a neighborhood we love. We were especially impressed by their vast knowledge of the local market and their commitment to ensuring we got the best deal possible. We can't thank them enough for making our dream of homeownership a reality. If you're in the market for a new home, we highly recommend Heather and Keith at Countryside Homes NJ and RE/MAX Town & Valley. They truly go above and beyond for their clients!

Prestia Family New Homeowners

From the moment we began our home search, Heather at Countryside Homes NJ and RE/MAX Town & Valley stood out as the epitome of professionalism and dedication. Her team's in-depth knowledge of the Rockaway Borough area and their unwavering commitment to our needs made our home buying journey not only smooth but truly enjoyable. As new homeowners in Rockaway Borough, NJ, we can confidently say that choosing Heather at Countryside Homes NJ and RE/MAX Town & Valley was the best decision we made. Her expertise, patience, and genuine care for our family's needs transformed what could have been a stressful process into a memorable and joyous occasion. We are beyond grateful for her support and would highly recommend her and her team to anyone looking to find their dream home. Thank you for turning our dreams into reality!

Donna Buyer

Keith takes you through every step of buying a home with ease. It helps tremendously that he has extensive knowledge about the inner workings of a home so he can tell you how it should be. From his top notch contacts to his tireless energy, Keith does his best to keep the transaction on track. Keith is genuinely happy to introduce you to your new home and neighborhood ensuring you'll fit right in. I have worked with many realtors along the way and none are as diligent, generous, and trustworthy as Keith. I am very grateful to have had Keith as my buyer's agent...every exchange should be as good.

Mike Buyer

Truly was a pleasure working with Keith and Heather, I could call them any time with any question or problem and they would respond immediately, if they didn't have an the answer or solution at hand, they would find a way to get it ASAP. Truly appreciate their efforts and attention. They truly understood what we were looking for. In many cases they were willing to go investigate the property on our behalf and we truly trusted their analysis and ability to understand exactly what we wanted and/or needed.