Just under one million people call Delaware home. Thin and long, Delaware is on the mid-Atlantic coast, where the Delaware River reaches the Atlantic Ocean. As such, Delaware has countless beaches, bays, and coves to explore. From Rehoboth Beach to Cape Henlopen State Park, if you want to breathe in the sea air, Delaware is the place to come.
Delaware is a beautiful part of the world to live in. Whether you’re looking to find a family home or escape to the countryside, we have narrowed down the 15 best places to live in Delaware. Away from the alluring coastal areas that the state has to offer, there are buzzing and bustling suburban neighborhoods that have a thriving community feel.
We have looked at criteria like quality of public schooling, crime rates, and job opportunities to establish the most desirable places in the state to find a home. Delaware is a state steeped in history, whether from a military perspective or 18th-century colonial landmarks.
Although there are no national parks in Delaware, there are still a lot of outdoor activities in the state. That said, if you are keen on being close to nature, perhaps Alaska or even Wyoming would be a better starting point.
Let’s take a look at the 15 best places to live in Delaware:
1. North Star
Source: sevenMaps7 / shutterstockComing in a gallant first place is North Star. Voted the best place to live in Delaware for excellent reasons; quality of schools, nightlife, and job opportunities all surpass other neighborhoods in the state.
North Star provides residents with great commuting options. With Philadelphia just an hour to the northeast, there are a lot of job opportunities in the big city. In light of this, North Star is the perfect all-rounder in Delaware.
Although the cost of living in North Star is reasonable, it is the house prices that may sting many families. With median home value being greater than the national average. Unsurprisingly, the majority of the residents in North Star live in owned homes.
Home to just over seven thousand residents, North Star is a tight-knit community despite its suburban appearance.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in North Star are:
- White Clay Creek Private State Park
- Rockwood Park & Museum
- Delaware Art Museum
- Big Fish Grill on the Waterfront
- Delaware Children’s Museum
- Wilmington Western & Railroad
- Delcastle Recreational Park
- Ashland Nature Center
2. Pike Creek
Source: SavePikeCreek / FlickrPike Creek is a very close second place, ranked as the best place to raise a family and the second best place to buy a house in the state.
House prices in Pike Creek are significantly more affordable than North Star, but still over the national average. Considering that Philadelphia is still only an hour away from here, there is a lot to be said for this second-place suburb.
For those who want to get outdoors then, there is plenty of opportunities to do so here. With the White Clay Creek State Park and the Middle Run Valley Natural Area right on your doorstep, moving to Pike Creek warrants investing in some hiking boots!
Public schools in Pike Creek operate well above the national average, with the top three boasting solid A-rankings.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Pike Creek are:
- Carousel Park
- Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
- Turkey Hill Experience
- Brandywine Springs Park
- Bellevue State Park
- Casino @ Delaware Park
3. Hockessin
Source: likeaduck / FlickrWith over thirteen thousand residents, Hockessin is a safe and happy place to live. Residents say the town has been a great place to raise their families, and the community atmosphere in and around the local shops is most endearing.
We must mention median rent in Delaware is way above the national average. Here in Hockessin, for example, tenants pay over the national average. That said, the quality of housing and value for money here in Delaware is significantly better than in other parts of the country.
Hockessin is a great place to raise a family, if only for the 14 public schools. From specialist art schools to those with a strong science focus, there are some outstanding education options in this neighborhood.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Hockessin are:
- Mt. Cuba Center Botanical Garden
- Lettie’s Kitchen
- Winterthur Museum Garden and Library
- Brandywine Creek State Park
- Kennett Square Creamery
- Famous Tom’s Tavern
- Center for the Creative Arts
- Longwood Gardens
4. Rehoboth Beach
Source: Dex Sightseeing Photography / shutterstockRehoboth Beach is a small but highly sought-after suburb, primarily due to the superb sunsets residents experience throughout the year. Although Rehoboth Beach is right on the Atlantic coast, the weather is amicable most of the time!
Quaint and charming, there is a strong community feel here. In the center of town, there are several family-friendly restaurants and cafes; The Pond is a particular favorite with locals.
There are no two ways about it; Rehoboth Beach is one of the most expensive areas to buy property in the state. The median home value currently lies at close to a million, but you’ll need to cough up a seven-digit sum to put roots down in Rehoboth Beach.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Rehoboth Beach are:
- Funland Amusement Park
- Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
- Jungle Jim’s Waterpark
- Penny Lane Mall
- Clear Space Theatre Company
- Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market
- Delaware Seashore State Park
5. Greenville
Source: Choess / WikimediaTechnically a suburb of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, Greenville is very much in Delaware state. Ranked as the best suburb in the state for Millennials, we can expect to see Greenville developing and growing to meet the demands of its youth population over the next decade.
To the north of Greenville, you can find Wilmington Country Club, a popular hangout for local business people and socialites; that said, the club welcomes people from all over the state regardless of economic background.
Although house prices here are rather steep compared with the rest of the country, it is value for money that needs to be focused on when looking at property in Delaware. $629,000 may seem like a lot of money in other states, but here it gets you a 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home with an expansive garden encompassed by evergreen trees for added privacy.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Greenville are:
- Hagley Museum
- Nemours Estate
- Somerville Manning Gallery
- Krazy Kat’s Restaurant
- Rockwood Park & Museum
- Valley Garden Park
6. Middletown
Source: Nouhailler / FlickrMiddletown is tiny, homely, and charming. The focal point of the neighborhood is Saint Anne’s Church. With its bright red door and blue clock face, this is a community pillar. With ample stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues, there is little to complain about in Middletown.
Moreover, Middletown has the best public schools in Delaware. For parents, this neighborhood should be high on your list of considerations. Crime rates are low, too; combine this with the exemplary cost of living and commuting distances, and Middletown is as good as it seems on paper.
Moreover, house prices here are far more affordable, around at slightly over $200,000.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Middletown are:
- Westown Movies
- Dutch Country Farmers Market
- Camp Adventureland Middletown
- Mid-County Lanes and Entertainment
- Putters Paradise
- Frog Hollow Golf Club & Restaurant
- New Groove Alpacas
7. Highland Acres
Source: nminni7 / FlickrIf you want to rent a property, then Highland Acres is the most affordable place to do so on our list. Home to a small community of around four thousand residents, Highland Acres, is becoming a more popular place to raise a family.
Residents note that the mild, year-round weather is a significant factor in their happiness here. It is the access to public services and excellent schools that are the fundamental influential factors, however. The fact that you can be on the beach or swimming in the sea in under an hour marks another bonus point for Highland Acres.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Highland Acres are:
- Air Mobility Command Museum
- Biggs Museum of American Art
- Bally’s Dover Casino Resort
- Wyoming Park
- Tidbury Park
- The Old State House
- Moores Lake
8. Newark
Source: Felix Mizioznikov / shutterstockNewark is a small Delaware city known for its acres of green spaces. Rittenhouse Park is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. The city is transected by the creek, from which you can fish for trout.
Schools in Newark perform well above the national average but not as well overall as schools in North Star, something that parents will want to consider.
Newark is a prime location, especially for those who have to commute to work. Wilmington is just a short 15-minute drive away. Further afield, but still accessible in under an hour, you have Philadelphia and Baltimore, Maryland.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Newark are:
- Fred Rust Ice Arena
- Bob Carpenter Center
- University of Delaware
- Christiana Mall
- Kells Park
- Iron Hill Park
- Newark History Museum
- Patriot Ice Center
9. Bellefonte
Source: activerain.comFor anyone who wants to lay low and start saving to get on the property ladder but equally wants to continue living in Delaware, Bellefonte may be the place to do it.
In turn, Bellefonte is ranked as the best place to buy a house in Delaware, so you wouldn’t have to move too far when you get on that ladder! With median rent being near below the national average, a young working couple would find a lovely home here in Bellefonte.
Home to around two thousand residents, this neighborhood is cozy and welcoming—where kids can still play on the sidewalk.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Bellefonte are:
- Cajun Kate’s Philly Pike
- Longwood Gardens
- Eclectica
10. Pike Creek Valley
Source: Michael Asbell / FlickrPike Creek Valley is an up-and-coming area in Delaware. A popular spot for millennials, like Greenville, we can expect to see this neighborhood come into its own in the next decade or so.
This is a wonderfully diverse suburb comprising just over ten thousand residents. Pike Creek Valley would be great for an active and outdoorsy family. With Carousel Park just a short drive away, you can access horse riding lessons, fishing, and plenty of space for the dogs to run around.
Aside from the occasional shoplifting incident dealt with quickly and efficiently, crime levels here are desirably low.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Pike Creek Valley are:
- Carousel Park Equestrian Center
- Nemours Estate
- Middle Run Valley Natural Area
- Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
- Chester County History Center
- Valley Garden Park
11. Edgemoor
Source: norfolksouthern / FlickrJust north of Wilmington, you will find the quiet and unassuming suburb of Edgemoor. Home to over six thousand residents, this is an affordable neighborhood. Considered an excellent place to raise a family and plenty of opportunities for socializing over an evening, there is plenty to be pleased about in Edgemoor.
The first of our best places to live in Delaware is on the Delaware River; for those who want to get out and about, Edgemoor is the place to come. New Castle County River Park and Fox Point State Park are beautiful places to explore in your free time.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Edgemoor are:
- Iron Hill Brewery
- Lums Pond State Park
- The Delaware History Museum
- Brandywine River Museum of Art
- Bellevue State Park
- Altitude Trampoline Park
- Read House and Gardens
12. Camden
Source: mmahaffie / FlickrCamden is a suburb of the state capital, Dover. Just a stone’s throw away from Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, there is plenty of nature to enjoy. This mid-sized suburb is homely, to say the least.
With small family-run shops, restaurants serving local food, and good schools to match, there is a lot to love about Camden. With a military base just 10 minutes away, there is a strong community feel here with lots of family-orientated activities going on too.
Overall, residents of Camden are happy and welcome new people to the area with open arms.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Camden are:
- Brecknock County Park
- Finding Avalon
- Fifer’s Farm Store & Kitchen
- Killens Pond State Park
- Biggs Museum of American Art
- Silver Lake Park
13. Wyoming
Source: jimmywayne / FlickrWyoming is one of the most affordable places to live in Delaware. With median home value falling below the national average, Wyoming should be a serious contender for first-time buyers in Delaware.
Moreover, the median rent is reasonable, too; the split between a cohabiting couple is more than reasonable. With less than half of the population living in rented accommodation, it is fair to say that there is more choice of rental properties in Wyoming than in other parts of the state.
Wyoming is home to some of the best schools in Delaware and is attracting more and more attention from millennials too. Check back in a year or so, and you may find Wyoming deep in the top ten best places to live in Delaware.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Wyoming are:
- Wyoming Tavern
- Wyoming Park
- Delaware Agricultural Museum
- Dover
- Cape Henlopen State Park
- Big Oyster Brewery
- Tidbury Park
14. Rodney Village
Source: Rcsprinter123 / wikimediaRodney Village isn’t as rural as it may first seem; with a suburban feel, this neighborhood is home to just over 1,500 people. With that in mind, Rodney Village has a very village-like atmosphere. Friendly, welcoming, and helpful, this area has a lot to like.
Property prices are a little closer to ideal. With a reasonable amount of job opportunities and commuter options, it is not hard to see why Rodney Village has been ranked as the second-best place for Millennials in Delaware.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Rodney Village are:
- Independence Hall
- Johnson Victrola Museum
- Dover Motor Speedway
- Rusty Wallace Racing Experience
- The State House Museum
15. Lewes
Source: Jon Bilous / shutterstockRight in the nook of Delaware Bay, you will find the small city of Lewes. With over two thousand residents, Lewes is a far cry from inner-city Philadelphia. Although considered a city on paper, Lewes very much has the small-town vibes going on.
Although house prices are pretty steep, considering the proximity to picturesque Delaware Bay, the median rent is above the national average.
Crime rates are a little higher than ideal, but residents can confirm that Lewes is a safe and cheery place to live.
As you would expect of a small town, the grocery store is at the heart of the community. The Lemon Tree Restaurant is the dining-out choice for many local people. With a pleasant influx of tourists throughout the year, Lewes comes in a fair 15th best place to live in Delaware.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Lewes are:
- Lewes Beach
- Lewes Public Library
- The Lewes Maritime Museum
- Hopkins Farm Creamery
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Pirates of Lewes
- Blockhouse Pond