9 Best Places to Live in Delaware

Delaware is one of the country's smallest states, with just under one million people. Due to its strategic location along the mid-Atlantic coast, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, it draws tourists from all over the country. People come to explore its treasure trove of bays, beaches, and coves. But Delaware is also a beautiful place to call home. Whether you're looking for an escape in the countryside or a kid-friendly neighborhood with access to great schools, here are the best places to live in Delaware. 

Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware and is situated along the Delaware River. While often referred to as the "Corporate Capital of the World," the city offers much more than just corporations. History buffs love exploring the Delaware Art Museum and the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science. There are also nine historic districts that each bring a unique charm to Wilmington. 

Those who love waterfront walks will love strolling along the Delaware River, Brandywine Creek, and the Christina River. All of these provide great settings for weekend picnics, running, and cycling. The dining scene here offers everything from fast food to fine dining. Whether you prefer American, Jamaican, Italian, or Thai food, you'll never run out of eateries to enjoy. Enjoy the nightlife on the Riverfront or Trolley Square.

The Wilmington real estate market is a treat for anyone looking to call the city home. You'll find apartments in the downtown area and iconic historic homes in the Quaker Hill area. Head to Baynard Boulevard or Trolley Square for two- or three-story single-family homes or the stately homes of Brandywine Hills. 

 

If it’s a tranquil community you seek, look no further than the suburb of Hockessin. Despite its quiet nature and rolling hills, Hockessin is conveniently located near all the hot spots of the Wilmington metropolitan area. Residents can access big-city amenities whenever their hearts desire, whether that means heading into D.C. or Philadelphia for nightlife or entertainment. Hockessin is a family-oriented community with plenty of parks and green spaces, as well as the Hockessin Athletic Club, Ashland Nature Center, and Mt. Cuba Center botanical gardens. There are also a number of excellent restaurants to explore. 

 

Newark, known as a diverse inclusive communities, offers residents a quieter way of life with all the amenities of the big city within easy reach. With a plethora of parks and green spaces, residents have no shortage of outdoor activities available. For example, Rittenhouse Park offers beautiful hiking trails, a playground, picnic spaces, and river access, while White Clay Creek State Park is the perfect spot for fishing on the river or adventuring on the 37 miles of trails. Main Street provides with perfect college vibe with restaurants and shops within easy walking distance to the University of Delaware.  

 

Middletown is a historic, thriving community in a gorgeous location. The surrounding marshes and lowlands showcase an incredible variety of birds and fish, and the nearby Delaware River makes for a fantastic backdrop. Residents enjoy spending time on the water in the summer and exploring the plethora of shopping and restaurant spots nearby. 

Middletown also hosts the Dutch Country Farmers Market, where locals enjoy the variety of food and crafts vendors. Golf and bowling are also popular within the community, thanks to the Links at St. Anne’s and Mid County Lanes. Middletown is also home to the historic Everett Theatre, where residents can enjoy live performances, art classes, and exhibits. Plus, Coleman’s Christmas Tree Farm is the perfect place for that classic holiday tradition of cutting down your own family Christmas tree.

 

The capital of Delaware, Dover, is the place to be if you want to live in a small city located within a rural county. Dover is home to the Dover Air Force and the Air Mobility Command Museum with its impressive displays of aircraft and occasional air shows. Dover is rich in history with the Biggs Museum of American Art, Johnson Victrola Museum, and the annual Dover Days Festival in May.  

For some extra excitement, head to the Dover Motor Speedway for the thrill of watching NASCAR stock car races in action or to Dover Downs for horse racing. The community also enjoys numerous fun events, like the Firefly Music Festival. Dover also has Bally’s Dover Casino Resort for some gambling and many wonderful restaurants. Dover is a short drive to Fifer’s Orchard for apples, peaches, or fresh produce or to JP’s Wharf for fresh seafood from the Delaware Bay.

 

Lewes is a quaint town beach and boating community situated along the banks of Delaware Bay between the Great Marsh Preserve and Cape Henlopen State Park. It is often considered a beach community and attracts thousands of part-time residents and tourists, especially in the summer. 

 

Lewes is a walkable town, and you can see most of it within an hour on foot. Some of the people who visit Lewes come for the history, which is at every corner. The Ryves-Holt House was built in 1665 and is the oldest in the state. Other historical gems include the Cannonball House, which was built in 1797 and houses the Marine Museum. 

Lewes has many miles of trails for biking, running and walking.  The trails at Cape Henlopen State Park connect with the Breakwater Junction Trail to Rehoboth and the Lewes – Georgetown trail will ultimately connect to Georgetown which is 16 miles away.  

When it comes to transportation, DART offers limited in-town service. You can also catch a ferry across the bay to Cape May, NJ, for beach opportunities and birdwatching. Take a cruise to watch dolphins or whales or tour lighthouses and wildlife along the Delaware Bay. 

There are many homes for sale in Lewes, DE. Apartments, vacation homes, and condominiums are primarily found along the waterfront. You'll find single-family homes and duplexes the further you get from the waterfront. There's a good selection of Victorian homes and older properties, some of which date back to the 1700s, in the historic district and at Shipcarpenter Square. 

 

Rehoboth Beach is a small seaside town that started as a Methodist meeting camp in 1873. As one of America's favorite beach-side communities, it attracts visitors from all over the country in the summer when many of the properties are available for rent. The beautiful and clean public beaches offer opportunities for water sports and fishing. 

You can explore the relaxed atmosphere of Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk or head into Funland, an amusement park and arcade. Try the seafood at one of the restaurants clustered along Rehoboth Avenue or buy fresh ingredients at the Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market, which occurs every Tuesday afternoon. 

Rehoboth Beach only occupies an area of under two square miles, so getting anywhere is as easy as walking or biking! You can also hop on a bus to nearby towns, take the ferry to Cape May, or ride a trolley to Dewey Beach. You can also enjoy the mile long boardwalk, shops on Rehoboth Ave or concerts at the Bandstand.

Whether you're looking for a vacation home or a permanent residence, Rehoboth Beach real estate won't disappoint. Homes in Rehoboth beach include quaint cottages, single-family houses, condominiums, and 7- and 8-bedroom vacation rentals. You can be close to the ocean and the beaches or the Rehoboth Bay for bayfront activities of crabbing, tubing and kayaking.

 

Milton is a small town in Sussex County that started as a settlement for English colonists in the 16th century. Over the years, it has blossomed into a residential neighborhood that retains some of its historic charm. 

Milton boasts some of the finest Victorian and Colonial architecture in Delaware. The National Register of Historic Places features at least 198 of its buildings. The Historic District is home to various notable structures, including the Municipal Building, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, and the Sussex Trust Trading Company. The walls of the Milton Historical Society are lined with photographs and art that reveal more about the town's history. There are also perfect picnic spots at the Milton Memorial Park, while the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge offers scenic trails and birdwatching. 

The Milton real estate market offers an interesting mix of historical structures and modern builds, many of which have yards. Union Street is a great place to call home if you prefer being within walking distance of convenience stores and other facilities. Overall, Milton residents enjoy various perks, including a tight-knit community, a country-living vibe, and excellent educational opportunities.

 

These three communities make up an oceanside oasis of southeastern Delaware. This beach-focused region close to the Maryland-Delaware border is a family-friendly, gorgeously peaceful place to call home, especially if you enjoy spending your leisure time near the water. Residents here enjoy time out on the water or in the sands under the sunny skies. Locals enjoy an outdoors-oriented lifestyle with a great fishing and boating scene, plus the beaches themselves. Tourism is a substantial part of the economy here as well.

There is a commercial area near the more inland Millville, with a plethora of dining and shopping spots. Bethany Beach has a unique restaurant scene, with seafood as its mainstay, and it’s also home to some incredible resort-style amenities and beach-centered shopping. Bethany Beach also has a boardwalk and shops along Garfield Parkway near the totem pole. The area also hosts many festivities, such as summer concerts, family-oriented July 4, and winter celebrations. 

The homes available in the Bethany/Ocean View Millville area range from single family homes to townhomes and homes in the amenity rich communities of Sea Colony and Bear Trap Dunes.  

 

If you're looking to relocate to any of the above Delaware neighborhoods, contact the Move To DE Team today for the guidance you can count on. The accomplished team will make your home search much easier thanks to their years of experience in the Delaware real estate market and personalized approach to every transaction. Contact them today to get started!