Is Moores Lake safe?
Dover, Delaware · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Moores Lake as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Moores Lake
“Go. Moores Lake is a quiet, predominantly residential suburban area south of Dover proper that is very safe for visitors. You will experience little to no serious crime in the residential streets, though standard precautions apply near commercial corridors along South DuPont Highway.”
About the area
Moores Lake is a peaceful, established suburban community centered around its namesake millpond just south of Dover. Characterized by mature trees, single-family homes, and waterfront scenery, the area offers a quiet retreat with easy access to major regional thoroughfares.
- Suburban / Quiet
- Lakefront / Scenic
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Moores Lake
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There are no bike-share systems in the immediate area; while neighborhood subdivision roads are low-stress for cycling, arterial roads lack dedicated bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to central and downtown Dover
- High homeownership rate and stable middle-income residential neighborhoods
- Scenic lakefront views and recreational fishing opportunities at Moores Lake
- Convenient driving access to shopping corridors along US Route 13
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property theft and vehicle break-ins near commercial fringes
- Car dependency with limited pedestrian infrastructure along major roadways
- Poor walkability along busy feeder roads like South State Street
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically nonexistent in the residential subdivisions around Moores Lake, with occasional unhoused individuals only seen near bus stops along the commercial stretches of US Route 13.
What Moores Lake is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with locals walking dogs through residential subdivisions and light commuter traffic on main roads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and pleasant around the residential streets and lake access points, though commercial strips nearby become busier.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet suburban atmosphere with very low street activity and safe residential surroundings.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low activity with quiet, dark streets; safe overall, though standard situational awareness is advised when parking outside.
Transit, parking and getting around
DART First State operates local bus routes (such as Route 104) along South State Street and Route 13, connecting the area to the Dover Transit Center, but service frequency is limited.
Parking is abundant, easy, and entirely free across neighborhood driveways, residential streets, and commercial strip center lots.
Things to do in Moores Lake
- Fish or kayak at the public access boat ramp on Moores Lake
- Explore the nearby historic district and boutique shops in neighboring Camden
- Take a short drive north to tour the historic Dover Green and Delaware State Museum
Local favorites
- Roma Pizza & Ristorante Italiano · Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (1150)Longtime local favorite serving hearty pasta dishes, subs, and traditional NY-style pizza.
- Byler's Store · Grocery & Bulk Food Store · 4.7★ (2300)Beloved country store nearby offering bulk foods, deli sandwiches, and fresh bakery treats.
- La Delicia · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (310)Casual neighborhood eatery serving authentic tacos, burritos, and Mexican comfort food.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.