Best Places to Live in Delaware

Hockessin is one of Delaware’s most affluent communities, with a median household income above $170K and about 13,600 residents. This unincorporated area runs along Route 41 near the Pennsylvania line, with wooded hills and low-density neighborhoods like Hockessin Valley Falls and Limestone Hills. Schools fall under the Red Clay Consolidated School District, including Cab Calloway. Outdoor life centers on White Clay Creek State Park, Ashland Nature Center, Valley Garden Park, and Auburn Valley trails. Most residents are professionals commuting to Wilmington or Pennsylvania.

Lewes, a historic beach town, at the Delaware Bay entrance, has around 3,700 year-round residents, with seasonal visitors and retirees. The town blends colonial charm in its Second Street historic district with access to Cape Henlopen State Park and the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. Beebe Healthcare anchors local jobs, while the Cape May–Lewes Ferry service and Rehoboth’s social scene add connectivity. LGBTQ+ welcoming and socially active, Lewes commands high home prices driven by safety, walkability, and limited inventory, appealing to retirees and remote workers prioritizing lifestyle.

Middletown is one of the best cities in Delaware, with rapid growth due to planned communities like Bayberry, Village of Eastridge, and Village of Bayberry North. The population tops 25,000, with families relocating from northern Delaware, and median household incomes above $95K. The Appoquinimink School District anchors demand with newer schools, STEM programs, and strong athletics. Silver Lake Park and YMCA facilities shape daily life. Shopping and dining along Route 299 and Middletown Warwick Road, while Route 1 supports commutes to Wilmington, Newark, Dover, and nearby logistics hubs.

Home to about 13,300 residents, Smyrna is one of the best towns to live in Delaware. It sits along Route 13 with fast access to Route 1, easing commutes to Dover, New Castle County, and Wilmington. New housing developments continue to draw young families. Schools are well regarded, with Smyrna High School known locally for strong athletics. Neighborhoods like Glenwood and Sunnyside are popular for their safety. Downtown Main Street offers local dining and antique shops, while Route 13 retail covers daily needs. Lake Como, town parks, and sports complexes support active family life.

Bear is an unincorporated suburb of about 22,000 residents, shaped by its location between Wilmington and Newark. Median household income is almost $90K. It has no traditional downtown, with daily life centered on Route 40 shopping plazas and neighborhood parks. Housing is mostly 1990s–2000s subdivisions, offering townhomes and single-family homes in areas like Brennan Estates, Wrangle Hill Estates, and Red Lion Chase. Schools feed into Red Clay and Christina school districts. Easy access to Routes 40, 7, and I-95 supports commuter-heavy households.

Newark has about 30,500 residents and is shaped by the University of Delaware’s 24,000+ students. Downtown sits directly off campus, with Main Street bars, restaurants, theaters, and constant student energy. The economy centers on education, healthcare, and research, supported by Amtrak access and regional transit via SEPTA and DART. Neighborhoods like Brookside and West Newark offer quieter living for professionals and families. Newark is highly walkable, bike-friendly, and one of Delaware’s most LGBTQ-inclusive cities, with visible Pride events and active student advocacy.

New Castle has over 5,700 residents and one of Delaware’s most intact historic districts, dating to the 1600s. The walkable core along The Strand and Delaware Street, features preserved colonial homes and brick sidewalks. Battery Park anchors riverfront life with flood-protected green space and Delaware River views. Median household income is around $92K, with limited amenities. Housing is more affordable than nearby suburbs, with a mixed-age population. Schools fall under the Colonial School District. Immediate I-95 access supports commuting to Wilmington, Newark, and Philadelphia.

Milford sits directly on the Mispillion River, splitting Kent and Sussex counties and is one of the best cities to live in Delaware. It has about 14,000 residents, with a balanced mix of young families, retirees, and multi-generation locals. Home prices run well below the state average, and many buyers focus on neighborhoods near downtown Riverwalk or Shawnee Acres. Bayhealth Milford Memorial Hospital is a major employer. The Ladybug Music Festival and Riverwalk kayaking define local life. Beaches in Lewes and Rehoboth are under 30 minutes away via Route 1.

Dover is Delaware’s state capital with around 40,000 residents and a job market anchored by state government, Dover Air Force Base, and Bayhealth Medical Center. Median household income sits around $65K, keeping home prices more affordable than northern Delaware. Downtown centers on The Green, Legislative Mall, Loockerman Street, and historic buildings, with museums and First State Heritage Park nearby. Delaware State University adds cultural diversity. NASCAR weekends at Dover Motor Speedway drive tourism. Family-friendly neighborhoods like Rodney Village and West Dover remain popular.

Wilmington, often considered the best place to live in Delaware, has about 73,000 residents. It serves as the state’s corporate and financial center, driven by banking, legal, and healthcare employers like ChristianaCare. Neighborhoods like Trolley Square and the Riverfront appeal to young professionals, while Brandywine Hills and the Highlands draw families. The Riverfront offers trails, dining, and new apartments along the Christina River; downtown adds theaters, museums, and offices. Amtrak and SEPTA connect to Philadelphia, and the city supports an active LGBTQ+ community and arts scene.