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Best Places To Live in Delaware

Good choices include Wilmington, Dover, New Castle

By Kevin Litwin on December 9, 2015

Delaware
Delaware / iStock/DenisTangneyJr

Delaware, the Diamond State, has many great and colorful places to live, and here are 10 of the most attractive:

Wilmington

At the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek is Wilmington, which has multiple neighborhoods and nine designated historic districts. A former shipyard area known as the Wilmington Riverfront has been revitalized, and residents can attend University of Delaware and Drexel University campuses.

Dover

The capital of Delaware is Dover, an eye-pleasing city on the St. Jones River. The largest employer is the state government, and Dover is home to Delaware State University and Wesley College. Residents have excellent healthcare options, and NASCAR hosts two racing weekends a year at Dover International Speedway.

Newark

With a median family income of $58,000, Newark is an upscale community that houses the University of Delaware’s main campus and the award-winning University of Delaware Figure Skating Club. Livability amenities include many parks that provide ample hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding opportunities. Newark also has numerous restaurants and entertainment venues.

Middletown

Some of the oldest buildings in Delaware are found in Middletown, a community with a vibrant Main Street district. Wilmington University has a location in town, and residents present an annual Olde Tyme Peach Festival that attracts 30,000 visitors each August. A popular gathering spot for outdoor recreation is Silver Lake Park.

Bear

New housing subdivisions and shopping centers along U.S. Route 40 are part of the developing landscape in Bear, a community that features a median family income of $72,000, and median housing values of $350,000. Three public school districts are available to residents, and outdoor recreation options include multiple public parks.

Among New Castle’s few surviving early colonial buildings is the elegant brick, early Georgian mansion, the Amstel House. Built in the 1730s by the town’s wealthiest landowner, Dr. John Finney, the house is graced with original woodwork, fine architectural details and open hearth. Its early fanlight and central hallway were among the first uses of these features in the town.
Courtesy of dan under a CC 2.0 license.

New Castle

Situated on the Delaware River, New Castle is a community of many small and historical neighborhoods highlighted by an Old New Castle section of the city. Residents are served by Colonial School District along with good health care choices, and recreation options include First State National Historical Park.

Edgemoor

Measuring only 1.8 square miles of land space is Edgemoor, a census-designated place in New Castle County where the population continues to steadily grow. The median household income for families is $57,000, and home prices average $250,000. An excellent school system is in place, and residents have many parks and recreation choices.

Milford

Settled in 1680, Milford is along the Mispillion River and known for its robust downtown and thriving arts scene. Seven of Delaware’s governors have hailed from Milford, and residents are privy to an excellent Milford School District to send their children. Also, good restaurants and entertainment spots are abundant.

Pike Creek

Ranked among the best places to live in the United States, Pike Creek is an upscale community where the median home price is $310,000. Students can attend Goldey-Beacom College, and local attractions include Middle Run Natural Area and White Clay Creek State Park.

Hockessin

Hockessin is primarily a bedroom community where the median income for a family is $128,000, and home prices average $520,000. Dozens of landmark sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a highly rated school system is in place. A popular recreation spot is Swift Park.

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