Why Move to Dover? | Dover is a historic and picturesque coastal town that blends rich heritage, cultural charm, and modern convenience. From the iconic White Cliffs to the bustling town centre and surrounding countryside, Dover offers an exceptional quality of life for individuals and families alike.
One of Dover’s greatest strengths is its unique combination of history and coastal beauty. Whether you’re exploring the medieval Dover Castle, strolling along the scenic cliffs, or enjoying the vibrant café culture in the town centre, there is always something to experience. The town also boasts access to stunning natural landscapes, including the Kent Downs, providing a perfect balance between seaside and countryside living.
As one of the UK’s most important port towns, Dover plays a key role in trade and transport, offering employment opportunities in logistics, tourism, and maritime industries. The town also benefits from excellent transport connections, including the Port of Dover, high-speed rail links to London, and easy access to major motorways such as the M20 and A2, making commuting and travel highly convenient.
With a selection of well-regarded schools, a strong sense of community, and a cost of living that remains more affordable compared to many parts of the South East, Dover is an attractive place to settle. Whether you’re looking for career opportunities, quality education, or a peaceful coastal lifestyle, this historic town offers everything you need to call it home.
Why Move to Dover | What to Expect
Dover offers a unique combination of coastal charm, historical significance, and modern convenience, making it an outstanding place to live. From the iconic White Cliffs to the bustling town centre, Dover caters to a variety of lifestyles, offering a perfect blend of heritage, community, and opportunity.
As a key gateway to Europe, Dover is home to a diverse and welcoming population. Whether you’re drawn to the historic Dover Castle, the scenic coastal walks along the White Cliffs, or the lively shops and restaurants in the town centre, there is something for everyone. The town is steeped in history while embracing modern development, with ongoing regeneration projects enhancing local amenities and business opportunities.
Dover boasts excellent transport connections, including the Port of Dover, high-speed rail services to London, and major roads such as the A2 and M20, making travel and commuting straightforward. With well-regarded schools, a close-knit community, and a cost of living that remains competitive compared to many parts of the South East, Dover offers an attractive balance of work, leisure, and affordability.
Whether you’re looking for career prospects in logistics, tourism, or maritime industries, access to excellent education, or a peaceful coastal lifestyle, Dover provides an exceptional quality of life with endless opportunities.
Why Move to Dover | Housing in Dover: Exploring Your Options
Dover’s property market offers a diverse range of housing options, catering to different budgets and lifestyles. From charming period cottages near the seafront to modern developments in well-connected areas, the town provides a balance of affordability and coastal living.
As of 2024, the average house price in Dover is around £290,000, making it a more affordable option compared to many areas in the South East while still offering excellent amenities and transport links. Desirable locations such as St Margaret’s Bay, Whitfield, and River command higher prices due to their scenic surroundings, strong communities, and access to good schools. More budget-friendly areas, including Buckland and Aycliffe, offer great value for first-time buyers and renters, with a growing rental market catering to commuters, professionals, and families.
New developments in areas such as Whitfield and Aylesham provide modern homes with excellent local amenities and easy access to major roads like the A2 and M20. Whether you’re looking for a seafront property, a suburban family home, or a countryside retreat, Dover’s housing market offers a variety of options to suit different needs.
Why Move to Dover | Education in Dover: A Hub of Learning
Dover offers a strong network of schools, colleges, and access to top universities, making it a great choice for families and students. The town provides a mix of high-performing primary and secondary schools, including well-regarded grammar and independent schools such as Dover Grammar School for Boys, Dover Grammar School for Girls, and St Edmund’s Catholic School.
For higher education, Dover is within easy reach of respected universities, including the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, both located in nearby Canterbury. These institutions offer a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with strengths in business, engineering, humanities, and healthcare. The town’s location also provides access to universities in London, offering additional education opportunities.
Dover is also home to excellent further education colleges, such as East Kent College, which offers vocational training, apprenticeships, and specialised courses in industries including tourism, maritime studies, construction, and digital technology.
Whether you’re looking for top-quality schooling for your children, access to higher education, or career-focused training, Dover provides a well-rounded and supportive learning environment for students of all ages.
Why Move to Dover | Employment Opportunities
Dover offers a range of employment opportunities across key industries, making it an attractive place to live and work. As one of the UK’s most important port towns, it plays a vital role in trade, logistics, and tourism while also offering jobs in healthcare, retail, and public services.
The Port of Dover is a major employer, supporting thousands of jobs in shipping, freight, and customs operations. With its status as the UK’s busiest passenger port, Dover also provides career opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and transport. Companies involved in logistics and warehousing benefit from the town’s excellent connections to Europe and the rest of the UK, with major roads such as the A2 and M20 facilitating trade and movement.
Healthcare is another key sector in Dover, with the town’s hospitals, clinics, and care facilities offering careers in medicine, nursing, and social care. The retail and hospitality industries also provide a range of employment options, particularly in the town centre and popular tourist spots such as Dover Castle and the White Cliffs.
With ongoing regeneration projects, Dover is seeing growth in business investment, creating new job prospects in construction, professional services, and technology. Strong transport links, including high-speed rail to London and ferry connections to France, further enhance employment and commuting opportunities.
Whether you’re looking for a role in maritime industries, logistics, tourism, or public services, Dover offers a stable and expanding job market with plenty of opportunities for career growth.
Mortgage Brokers in Dover: Securing a Home
Dover’s property market offers a variety of opportunities, and expert advice from mortgage brokers can be invaluable in securing the best financing options. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a buy-to-let investor, or looking to remortgage, working with a local broker can streamline the process and help you find the most competitive deals.
Dover-based mortgage brokers have extensive knowledge of the local housing market, ensuring you secure the most suitable mortgage for your financial situation. Whether you’re purchasing a seaside home near the White Cliffs, a family property in Whitfield or River, or a more affordable house in Buckland or Aycliffe, a broker can provide tailored guidance and access to exclusive mortgage rates.
With expert support, securing a home in this well-connected coastal town becomes a smoother and more efficient experience, allowing you to focus on finding the perfect property.
Why Dover is the Perfect Place to Call Home
Moving to Dover offers the ideal blend of coastal beauty, rich history, and modern convenience, making it a fantastic place to live. With growing career opportunities, well-regarded schools, and a strong sense of community, the town caters to professionals, families, and retirees alike.
Whether you’re relocating for work, study, or a fresh start, Dover has something for everyone. The property market is diverse, ranging from charming seaside cottages and modern developments in Whitfield to spacious family homes in River and St Margaret’s Bay. For those seeking a quieter lifestyle, picturesque villages surrounding Dover offer countryside charm while remaining well-connected to the town and beyond. With excellent transport links, including high-speed rail to London, ferry connections to France, and major roads like the A2 and M20, commuting and travel are straightforward.
If you’re considering a move, explore our mortgage guides for insights on securing the best mortgage deals in Dover. With expert guidance and careful planning, finding your ideal home in this historic and well-connected coastal town can become a reality.
If you’re based in Essex and looking for a later-life mortgage or equity release, our team is here to help.
