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Best Places To Live in Delaware

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Best Places To Live in Delaware

Delaware is drenched in history and blessed with bustling urban centers and tranquil coastal towns. Explore the top cities in Delaware.

By Livability on February 22, 2024

Delaware’s history is deeply intertwined with the birth of the United States. It was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787, and was consequently nicknamed “The First State.” Its historical significance is evident in its many well-preserved colonial towns, museums and landmarks, like New Castle’s cobblestone streets and the historic district of Dover. Residents living in Delaware today continue to embrace their state’s rich heritage while enjoying all the perks of modern life. 

You can find a mix of coastal living and inland charm, a flourishing economy that spans agriculture, manufacturing and technology, a moderate climate and a strong sense of community. With its historical roots and contemporary amenities, Delaware’s welcoming atmosphere and abundant residential benefits make it an attractive place to put down roots. Read on to learn more about the best places to live in Delaware.

Bear

A view of the Chesapeake and Delaware canal located in Bear, Delaware. Bear is a great place to live in Delaware.
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A view of the Chesapeake and Delaware canal located in Bear, Delaware.

Why is Bear a great place to live in Delaware?

Tucked in New Castle County, Bear boasts a welcoming and friendly community and a host of amenities within a comfortable, suburban atmosphere. You can find all manner of opportunities to get outside and soak up the storied scenery of New England. Hiking and camping in Lums Pond State Park is a popular pastime, and catching the sunset in autumn amidst the striking foliage is a must-do for any newcomer. The annual Bear Outdoor Festival is another local favorite, featuring everything from live music and food vendors to enough family-friendly activities to entertain and amuse children of all ages and interests. For history buffs, the historic New Castle area is just a short drive away, telling the story of life in the early colonial days. 

Professionals in Bear often find that the local job market benefits from its convenient location near larger cities like Wilmington. Many commuters live in this town of around 21,000 people, but several build careers in industries like health care and education without straying too far from home. This draws many families into the area, but access to reputable schools like Caravel Academy and Red Lion Christian Academy is another significant appeal. Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA and the annual Delaware Junction Country Music Festival are equally compelling reasons to put down roots in the community.

Why is it called Bear? 

The precise reason for the name “Bear” remains a historical mystery. But the most common legend suggests that the name originated from a popular tavern. Many say that the tavern imagery featured a giant bear and was known to have served George Washington; thus, Bear was born.

Read more about living in Bear, DE.

Dover

An image of downtown Dover, Delaware. Dover is a great city to live in Delaware.
iStock/DenisTangneyJr
Downtown Dover, Delaware, hosts multiple festivals, like the Dover Days Festival and the Delaware Wine and Beer Festival.

Why Dover is a great city to live in Delaware.

The first thing people often recognize about Dover is its status as the state capital. But this beautiful town is more than the hub of government activity. Steeped in historical significance, Dover boasts many must-see attractions like the First State Heritage Park and the Delaware State Capitol. The captivating Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village is another popular local gem that teaches visitors about the influence agriculture had on the region’s early development. The annual Firefly Music Festival is another draw for tourists, though you’ll find a large percentage of residents attending this yearly highlight in the social calendar. 

Those hoping to build a career in the community will appreciate the diverse market. Opportunities in government take precedence since Dover is the state capital, and Dover Air Force Base is a major employer in the area. However, health care careers abound as well, mainly due to the presence of Bayhealth Medical Center. Dover is also home to Delaware State University, which offers educational opportunities for students, teachers, administrative staff, and local schools set on working in K-12 education.

What are some things to do outside in Dover? 

Dover has plenty of outdoor recreation. Nature enthusiasts like exploring White Clay Creek State with its excellent hiking, biking, and picnicking spots. History buffs enjoy First State Heritage Park and the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village, which offers several outdoor exhibits and historical sites. The town also hosts annual events like the Dover Days Festival and the Delaware Wine and Beer Festival, featuring outdoor entertainment, food vendors, and local artisans, all of which add up to great days spent outside under the sun.

Read more about living in Dover, DE.

Middletown

An image of a salt water tidal marsh in Middletown, Delaware. Middletown offers many recreational opportunities.

Why is Middletown a great city to live in Delaware?

Middletown is a charming town of around 26,000 people that recently made a list of the best places to live for families, according to Fortune. The winning combination of small-town charm and proximity to major metropolitan areas like Wilmington to the north and Dover to the south often catches the eye of young professionals and those keen on building their careers while putting down roots in a place that offers a slower pace of life. It doesn’t hurt that the area is home to many well-regarded schools, and the outdoor recreational opportunities at places like Silver Lake Park make it easy to get outside. 

The city also boasts a vibrant social calendar with ample arts and cultural events, activities and festivals taking place on Main Street throughout the year. Middletown Hummer’s Parade, held each July 4th, is quirky and humorous, featuring satirical floats and costumes. Middletown Garden Tour showcases the local horticultural talent, and community-wide yard sales encourage people to treasure hunt for bargains of all kinds. One of the most anticipated events is the Middletown Peach Festival. This highly anticipated event celebrates the local fruit harvest with everything from delicious food and music to family-friendly activities and parades. It’s just one of many amenities that make Middletown a best place to live in Delaware.

How is the health care in Middletown? 

Health care in Middletown is well-supported by a range of medical facilities and services. ChristianaCare Medical Aid Units provides urgent care services in the area. Christiana Hospital, a major health care institution known for its comprehensive services, including emergency care and specialized treatments, is nearby and easily accessible.

Read more about living in Middletown, DE.

Newark

An image of traffic on main street with people walking along the sidewalk in Newark, Delaware.
iStock/aimintang
Downtown Newark, Delaware, is a cultural hotspot offering everything from arts and theater to ballet.

Why Newark is one of the great cities to live in Delaware.

Home to the University of Delaware, eclectic boutique businesses and more than 650 acres of parkland, is it any surprise that Newark is fast-tracked to becoming the best place to live in the state? Locals have access to more than 17 miles of trails and 33 parks and the charming downtown district earned the title of Great American Main Street in 2011. Paired with the 60-plus restaurants, a unique food co-op, college energy and rich cultural offerings that include everything from the Arts Alliance and Mid-Atlantic Ballet to Chapel Street Community Theater, there’s no need to convince us that Newark is a hotspot to put down roots in the Northeast. 

As in many thriving and dynamic cities, the local job market in Newark is diverse and steady. The city is prominently associated with the University of Delaware, a significant employer, global corporations like W.L. Gore & Associates, a leading manufacturer of advanced materials and ChristianaCare, a major health care system. The financial sector also plays a role with various banks and financial institutions. The added bonus of a moderate cost of living and competitive prices make Newark a standout choice for young professionals and career-minded individuals hoping to raise their families in a safe and reliable community.

What is there to do for fun in Newark? 

Newark is packed with things to do and see. The University of Delaware brings an understandably bright arts and culture scene complete with frequent concerts, theater productions, and art exhibitions that are open to the public. For outdoor enthusiasts, White Clay Creek State Park is the place to go for hiking, biking, and afternoon picnics amidst the numerous winding trails. You could also spend your time meandering through Main Street, which is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Top off your social calendar with seasonal events like the Newark Community Day and Newark Food and Brew Fest and you’ll never want for things to do.

Read more about living in Newark, DE.

Wilmington

Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware and is located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek.
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Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware and is located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek.

Why is Wilmington one of the great cities to live in Delaware?

We’d be lying if we said one of the standout reasons for making your home in Wilmington is its advantageous location between the bustling metropolises of Philadelphia and Baltimore. This makes it easy to access world-class entertainment and dining all year round and provides residents with an abundance of job opportunities in almost every industry imaginable. Nevertheless, the city boasts a thriving market, with major employers like JPMorgan Chase, ChristianaCare and DuPont available to provide reliable careers. The presence of renowned educational institutions like the University of Delaware and Delaware State University further enhances the city’s appeal to families hoping to send their children to quality schools for higher education. 

In addition to the solid economic and educational opportunities, Wilmington has a delightfully rich local culture. From the Delaware Art Museum to the Delaware Theatre Company, you can find all manner of galleries, museums, and performances throughout the year. The Riverfront District is equally popular as a hub for entertainment, dining, and outdoor activities along the Christina River. Tack on Wilmington’s numerous parks, like Brandywine Park and Rockford Park and the variety of festivals and events held throughout the year, such as the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival and the Wilmington Flower Market, and you can easily see why Wilmington is one of the best places to live in Delaware.

Is Wilmington affordable? 

Living in Wilmington is considered more affordable compared to larger cities in the northeastern United States. But it depends on what you’re used to and what you plan to budget, especially when it comes to housing. The real estate market boasts a range of options for renters and homeowners, and extras like utilities and transportation often align with national averages.

Considering a move to Delaware?

Finding a great place to live in Delaware doesn’t have to be complicated. We have several resources for moving to Delaware as well as other best places to live in the Northeast. No matter where you want to live, we can help you decide where to move and discover the best places to live in the U.S.

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