Americans love Delaware! And why wouldn’t you? From tax benefits on personal property to a chemical manufacturing hub, the Diamond State has got it all.
Delaware is ranked in the top 5 states in the country with the best economic opportunities. The median home value for Delaware is $332,500. For a rich cultural experience, Wil and Kansas City are some of the best places to live.
People are attracted to move here because of the expanding economy, accessible housing, and high-quality education. Let’s explore the best places to live in Delaware.
3 Reasons to Live in Delaware 💎
- Flourishing Job Market: By 2030, the job market in Delaware is expected to rise by 19%. Technology, retail trade, and healthcare are the growing sectors.
- Excellent Education System: Delaware is ranked 7th for the best public schools in the country. The state’s ACT score is 24.1, which is higher than the national average.
- Enormous Tax Benefits: In Delaware, you don’t need to pay taxes on personal property. Furthermore, there is no annual tax on automobiles, and recreational vehicles.
7 Best Places to Live in Delaware
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Wilmington | 70,750 | $295,838 | $9,384 | 5.50% | 63/100 |
| 2. | Dover | 38,992 | $306,555 | $8,106 | 5.30% | 64/100 |
| 3. | Milford | 12,272 | $319,932 | $8,106 | 6.4% | 64/100 |
| 4. | Newark | 31,155 | $334,850 | $9,253 | 3.80% | 64/100 |
| 5. | Bear | 21,397 | $392,137 | $9,253 | 6.5% | 63/100 |
| 6. | Smyrna | 13,149 | $381,013 | $8,106 | 3.2% | 62/100 |
| 7. | Middletown | 24,164 | $500,976 | $8,106 | 4.5% | 63/100 |
1. Wilmington
| Home Value | ⬆️ 7.0% |
| Median Income | $29,922 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,384 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.50% |
The median home price in Wilmington is $295,838, which is quite affordable, considering its proximity to New York and Washington D.C. The cost of utilities in the city is 12% lower than the national average.
Known as the Corporate Capital of America, Wilmington is ideal for job seekers. The job market in the city grew by 2.7% in the past year and is projected to grow by 28.8% in the coming decade.
Moreover, the city has excellent connectivity. Philadelphia is just a 30-minute drive from the city center.
» Homes for Sale in Wilmington, DE: View thousands of properties for sale in Wilmington.
2. Dover
| Home Value | ⬆️ 7.2% |
| Median Income | $24,818 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,106 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.30% |
The median home price in Dover is $306,555. The city’s cost of living and housing is 3% and 9% lower than the state average, respectively. Moreover, the job market in Dover saw a growth of 2.75% in 2023, which is better than that of many big cities.
Over the years, the state capital’s economy has flourished in sectors like retail trade, healthcare, and pharmacy. The Dover Air Force Base, Bayhealth Medical Center, and the Dover retail mall are the main employers in the city.
» Homes for Sale in Dover, DE: Find your dream home in Dover.
3. Milford
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.8% |
| Median Income | $32,224 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,106 |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.4% |
The median home price in Milford is $319,932. The cost of living in the city is 8% lower than the national average. Moreover, the job market in the city is steady, with a growth projection rate of 37.5% for the next decade.
The Art Town is surrounded by beautiful beaches. The city is near the Mispillion River, and along its banks, you will find restaurants, art galleries, and food trucks.
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4. Newark
| Home Value | ⬆️ 6.4% |
| Median Income | $21,071 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,253 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.80% |
The median home price in Newark is $334,850. The cost of living in the city is 0.6% higher than the state average. Moreover, the city has a great educational setup. It’s home to the reputed University of Delaware, one of the country’s oldest institutions.
Newark also houses big corporations like Tekstorm, Sherweb, and MBMS. The city’s unemployment rate is 3.80%, which is decreasing steadily.
» Homes for Sale in Newark, DE: Find your dream home on Houzeo.
5. Bear
| Home Value | ⬆️ 5.3% |
| Median Income | $36,686 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,253 |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.5% |
The median home price in Bear is $392,137. The cost of living in the city is 1% lower than the state average. Bear has around 35,000 active students in 3 school districts. The Christina School District has the biggest enrollment of 13,000 students.
The city is ideal for job seekers, with over 11,400 employees. Bear is home to big financial giants like WSFS Bank, Del-One Federal Credit Union, and Artisan’s Bank.
Try Delaware’s #1 Mortgage Calculator to see how much house you can afford. Get an instant amortization schedule and a detailed cost breakdown for free💲.
6. Smyrna
| Home Value | ⬆️ 6.1% |
| Median Income | $39,351 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,106 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.2% |
Smyrna is one of the best places to live in Delaware with a median home price of $381,013. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,175. Also, the cost of housing in the city is 4% lower than the national average.
The job market in Smyrna is growing on a positive trajectory. The city is home to big national employers like Bayhealth, Weld Racing, and Bright Farms.
» Homes for Sale in Smyrna, DE: View the best luxurious properties for sale in Smyrna.
7. Middletown
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.5% |
| Median Income | $42,661 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,106 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.5% |
The median home price in Middletown is $500,976. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,465. Also, the city has a good job market, with an average monthly salary range of $4,004.
Middletown has excellent connectivity and the New Castle Airport and Philadelphia Airport are just 20 to 50 miles away from the city center. Moreover, the city has an excellent 96% air quality rate.
» Homes for Sale in Middletown, DE: View the best properties in Middletown online.
Best Places to Live in Delaware for Young Adults
Here are the best places to live in Delaware for young adults:
- North Star: The average salary in North Star is $52,442. The job market is projected to increase by 31.28% in the next ten years, higher than the national projection.
- Pike Creek: The average salary in Pike Creek is $54,212. The job market in the city is projected to increase by 30% in the next decade.
Bottom Line
Delaware is one of the best places to live in the US due to its thriving job market and low cost of living. Other things that contribute are its excellent connectivity and vibrant city life.
Delaware’s current population is 1.1 million, which is projected to increase by 24.3% by 2030. Moreover, the Diamond State is ranked 16th in terms of the best healthcare system in the country.
In some cities, the median home price is around $295,838, whereas in cities like Middletown, it can go up to $500,976. So, you must do your research before you move to Delaware. To start your home search, browse properties online.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Delaware’s most accurate home value estimator.
Find Homes For Sale by Type and Style in DE
Research Methodology
We considered different regions to rank the best places in Delaware. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Delaware and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Delaware Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[7]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Delaware for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, retirees, and working professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best place to live in Delaware?
Wilmington is the best place to live in Delaware. The city's cost of living is low and has a flourishing job market.
Which is the best place to live in Delaware for retirees?
Milford is the best place to live for retirees. The city has a got excellent connectivity and great climate.
Which is the cheapest place to live in Delaware?
The capital city, Dover, is the cheapest place to live in Delaware. Home prices and cost of living in the city are some of the lowest in the state.
