Best Places to Live in Delaware

Let’s start with a bit of history, shall we? Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 17, 1787, earning its nickname “The First State.” Fun fact: This became its official nickname in 2002 after a request from a first-grade class at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School. (Thanks, Mrs. Annabelle!).¹

You get a moderate year-round climate in Delaware, with temperatures ranging from 32 to 75 degrees depending on the season. Summers are what most would call “pretty nice”—usually around 74 degrees. And 57% of the days are typically sunny, with annual precipitation averaging 45 inches.²

The cost of living in Delaware is just 1% higher than the national average. While expenses for food, health care and transportation maintain this slightly above average statistic, housing and utilities are about 2–3% below average.³ Delaware is one of five states without sales tax, but its income taxes are on the high side.

So, get ready, friends—we’re taking a trip across Delaware to explore some of the state’s best cities and towns to live in.

Newark

Our first stop in Delaware takes us to Newark, home to the University of Delaware—one of the nation’s oldest universities.⁴ The university isn’t only a major employer in the area but also fosters a lively culture, adding to Newark’s unique character and charm. Other economic drivers in the area include retail, accommodations, dining, finance, real estate and technology.⁵

Newark has plenty to keep you busy. For outdoor recreation, you’ll find over 36 parks containing 19 miles of trails and over 660 acres of parkland and open space to explore. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department also hosts regular special events and summer camps for the kiddos.

When it comes to shopping and culture, you won’t be disappointed. Newark’s Main Street area has over 80 “eclectic boutiques” to visit.⁶ If live theater is your jam, be sure to catch a show at the Resident Ensemble Players or Chapel Street Players venues. And when you get hungry, stop by Hamilton’s on Main for “approachable” fine dining or Caffe Gelato for house-crafted pasta dishes, wine and artisan gelato—talk about a winning combo.

For public education, the Christina School District serves more than 14,000 students and employs 3,300 professionals. The district’s mission is to improve student outcomes, giving every student the opportunity to learn.⁷ Additionally, the well-regarded Red Clay Consolidated School District also serves the area. Bring it all together and you’ve got an excellent Delaware city to call home.

Population	30,6558
Median Household Income	$67,7389
Median Home Value	$334,40010
Median Rent	$2,00011
Unemployment Rate	4.3%12

*Data in all tables collected in June 2024. Unemployment rate may reflect county data.

Wilmington

Welcome to the largest city in Delaware, Wilmington.¹³ It’s also one of the most significant economic hubs in the U.S. In fact, more than half of all Fortune 500 companies—such as Google (Alphabet), Amazon, CVS Health and Comcast—call Wilmington their corporate home.¹⁴

Why’s that? We’ll spare you the nitty-gritty details, but Wilmington’s status is largely due to its business-friendly tax laws and court system. Major industries include finance, corporate and government—but you’ll also find plenty of entrepreneurs and start-ups here too.¹⁵

Now that we’ve covered the professional stuff, let’s focus on all the fun things to do in Wilmington. For art lovers, be sure to visit the Delaware Art Gallery and the dozens of other galleries citywide. Food lovers can taste their way through an impressive lineup of restaurants on Market Street, Union Street and Trolley Square. And when you’re feeling like live entertainment, check out the Grand Opera House and Live Nation at the Queen.

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For outdoorsy-types, Wilmington has 552 acres of parks and open space to explore.¹⁶ Brandywine Park is a must-visit for walkers, runners and cyclists, offering scenic winding trails and thick forest areas to roam around in.

There are three main public school districts serving Wilmington—Red Clay Consolidated School District, Brandywine School District, and the New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District. The Charter School of Wilmington—ranked the best public high school in Delaware—is also available to Wilmington-area residents.¹⁷

Population	71,56818
Median Household Income	$52,76819
Median Home Listing Price	$217,30020
Median Rent	$1,70021
Unemployment Rate	6.4%22

Middletown

Twenty-four miles south of Wilmington in New Castle County, you’ll find Middletown. Looking at this fast-growing city today, you might not believe it started off as little more than a tavern stop.²³ Talk about a glow up, right?

Major industries in Middletown include health care, retail and finance.²⁴ These are anchored in the city by big name employers like an Amazon Fulfillment Center and Christiana Care Health System. And with its manageable distance to Wilmington, Middletown is a pretty good spot for professionals of all ages.

Outdoor lovers will find plenty to do in Middletown. Silver Lake Park and Lums Pond State Park offer scenic trails and fishing spots. Additionally, the dog park within Charles Price Memorial Park offers plenty of green space for your furry friend to run, explore and maybe even make some new buddies.

When you get hungry, be sure to stop in at Everett’s Tavern, a local favorite known for its old-school, historic charm and American cuisine. There’s also Slapjack Dining, which offers fresh seafood plates in an upscale atmosphere. Additionally, Middletown’s historic downtown area is home to charming shops, cafes and the Everett Theatre for cinema and live performances.

For education, the Appoquinimink School District offers strong academic programs and a range of extracurriculars for students. Families in the area also have access to the MOT Charter School, providing additional choices. Combine that with a friendly community and you’ve got a charming, comfy spot to call home in Middletown, Delaware.

Population	23,57325
Median Household Income	$104,66226
Median Home Value	$363,80027
Median Rent	$2,60028
Unemployment Rate	3.8%29

Lewes

Where the Delaware Bay meets Cape Henlopen, you’ll find the lovely coastal town of Lewes. This charming little seaside town offers plenty of sun, sand and sea adventures alongside its rich history and strong local economy. Major industries in Lewes include health care, educational services and construction.³⁰ And being a beach town, tourism also plays a big role. It’s a popular spot for retirees.

Enjoy the great outdoors? You’ve hit the jackpot in Lewes. Cape Henlopen State Park features breathtaking beaches, hiking and biking trails, and a buffet of relaxing fishing spots. Lewes also takes great pride in being a “walking town”—within a half-square mile, you’ll find Lewes’s historic district, museums, shops, inns and restaurants.³¹

Lewes’s vibrant dining scene will satisfy all you seafood lovers out there, with plenty of local favorites to visit. Bramble & Brine at the Buttery offers upscale dining and locally sourced seafood dishes. If you’re looking for a more relaxed comfort food spot, be sure to check out Matt’s Fish Camp.

Education in Lewes is supported by the Cape Henlopen School District, which seeks to cultivate compassionate, innovative thinkers and celebrates diversity.³² So, what do you think? Pretty sweet spot, right?

Population	3,33933
Median Household Income	$87,45834
Median Home Value	$778,80035
Median Rent	$2,30036
Unemployment Rate	4.1%37

Hockessin

In northern Delaware—right below the Pennsylvania border—you’ll find the suburban town of Hockessin. If you’re looking for a small, quiet and family-oriented community, Hockessin might be for you.

Notable outdoor spots in Hockessin include Swift Park and Valley Garden Park, each offering scenic trails, picnic areas and sports fields. Also, the Ashland Nature Center is a must-visit for nature lovers—it’s a popular reserve with even more trails to hike, fantastic bird watching, and educational programs, making it a cool outing for local families.

Hockessin also boasts a great dining and cultural scene. The House of William & Merry is known for tasty farm-to-table dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Lettie’s Kitchen is another popular spot for all your comfort food favorites. There’s also the Hockessin Art & Framing Gallery and Hockessin Historical Society for art and history buffs to check out.

For professionals, the major industries in Hockessin are education, professional, scientific and technical services, and finance and insurance, with about 24% of employees working in management positions.³⁸ Also, Hockessin is only a little over 20 minutes from Wilmington, making it an excellent choice for commuters. For schooling, Hockessin students join Newark and Wilmington residents at the Red Clay Consolidated School District.³⁹

Population	13,87840
Median Household Income	$164,84841
Median Home Value	$546,60042
Median Rent	$2,29543
Unemployment Rate	3.8%44

Rehoboth Beach

Back on the Atlantic coastline sits Rehoboth Beach. The seaside city is known as a year-round vacation destination due to its pristine beaches, a lively boardwalk, dining and entertainment. Major industries here include scientific and technical services, public administration and health care.⁴⁵

Outdoor recreation is abundant, especially on the city’s previously mentioned beaches—swimming, fishing, water sports, the works. You can even hop over to the nearby Cape Henlopen State Park (technically in Lewes, but we won’t hold it against them) for hiking, biking, fishing and wildlife viewing. And be sure to visit Jungle Jim’s Waterpark for some extra aquatic family-friendly fun.

Seafood and craft beer dominate the dining scene in Rehoboth Beach. Tasty spots like the Crab House offer steamed crabs and other fresh seafood bites. And if you’re a craft beer fan, Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats is a must-visit. Plus, the famed Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk also offers plenty of local shops, restaurants and live entertainment to experience (saltwater taffy, anyone?).

Rehoboth Beach shares the Cape Henlopen School District with Lewes, which offers strong academic programs, a celebration of diversity, and plenty of engaging extracurriculars.⁴⁶

Keep in mind, though, that as amazing as Rehoboth Beach is, living here comes at a hefty price tag—median home values are over $1 million. But, if you’re looking for a cozy spot by the sea and you have the budget to match, Rehoboth Beach might just be the perfect place for you.

Population	1,35747
Median Household Income	$147,27348
Median Home Value	$1.2 million49
Median Rent	$2,65050
Unemployment Rate	4.1%51

Dover

Welcome to Dover, the capital of Delaware and a bustling center for education and state government. Dover is known for big-name schools, such as Delaware State University and Wesley College. In addition to its strong education-focused economy, Dover also supports successful health care and retail markets.⁵²

The city carries a rich history and art scene, which you can discover at the Delaware State Capitol Building and the Biggs Museum of American Art. Outdoor enthusiasts can visit over 28 local parks like the Silver Lake Park, Schutte Park—a leading athletic field space—or camp overnight at Killens Pond State Park.⁵³

Foodies should check out the cozy Grey Fox Grille & Public House and the 33 West Ale House & Grill for friendly atmospheres and delicious craft brews. Additionally, NASCAR fans will love being close the Dover Motor Speedway. Sheesh, with so much to do, you’ll never get bored living the Dover lifestyle.

Dover has two school districts: Capital School District and Caesar Rodney School District. Many schools within these districts allow students to attend the school of their choice, regardless of which district they live in.⁵⁴ So, with its rich history, bustling economy and educational freedom, Dover checks all the boxes as an awesome place to live.

Population	38,87955
Median Household Income	$54,43856
Median Home Value	$222,80057
Median Rent	$1,70058
Unemployment Rate	5.9%59

Milford

Milford is a small city located about 20 miles from Dover. Known for its historic charm, Milford offers residents peaceful neighborhoods, active outdoor recreation and cultural attractions. Top industries in Milford include health care, manufacturing and retail.⁶⁰

The city offers hundreds of acres of recreational space and parklands for all to enjoy, including the Banneker Park & Basketball Court, Milford Riverwalk and Abbott’s Mill Nature Center—which features hiking trails and family-friendly educational programs.

For places to eat, you can visit Arena’s Deli & Bar for mouthwatering sandwiches or the awesomely named My Sister’s Fault for homemade sweet treats, hot empanadas, freshly brewed coffee and more. And be sure to explore Milford’s historic downtown area for even more local shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Education in Milford is primarily supported by the Milford School District, a well-regarded district that seeks to provide an individualized, safe education for all students.⁶¹ Additionally, the Delaware Tech Owens Campus offers higher education and vocational programs.

Population	11,71462
Median Household Income	$53,47263
Median Home Listing Price	$255,30064
Median Rent	$1,85065
Unemployment Rate	4.3%66

Ready to Move to Delaware

If Delaware seems like the place for you, don’t start packing just yet. If you’re serious about making the move, you need a Delaware-based real estate agent who can help you find an area that’s just right for you.

Luckily, we happen to know a few.