Your EZ Search Profile: Get to Know Delaware

Did you know the state of Delaware is known as the “First State”? This nickname dates to 1787, when it became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution. But knowing this small Mid-Atlantic state’s historical significance isn’t going to help if you’re considering a move to Delaware. What you want to know is if Delaware is a good place to live.

This charming state has some unique quirks, location benefits, and a few things you should know about living there. Start with this wide-angle look at living in Delaware.

Delaware Fast Facts

With its small size and high population, Delaware has one of the highest densities per square mile in the US–522.6 people!

Delaware is the nation’s second-smallest state after Rhode Island. In 2023, the median age of a resident was 42.

Delaware History

Indigenous peoples inhabited the Delaware Valley and Bay for thousands of years before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. The Dutch and Swedish originally colonized its shores before the English took over. Along with the United States, it declared independence from Great Britain in 1776.

Delaware Bay and its fishing grounds were long essential for transporting goods and supporting the local economy. Fishing remains one of the top industries today. The fertile soils also supported farming. Even with all the modern development, Delaware is still an agricultural state. Drive from Wilmington down to the beach towns, and you’ll pass through vast fields.

Delaware didn’t see much action during the Revolutionary War despite being the first to ratify the Constitution. However, it did have a prisoner-of-war facility during the Civil War. The state’s history around the issue is contentious, as it did not vote against slavery and did not exit from the Union. Delaware had a strong Quaker presence, a group that helped enslaved people on the Underground Railroad.

Today, find many historical landmarks and sites throughout the state, like the historic town of New Castle and the First State National Historical Park. Colonial architecture abounds in its many historic small towns and cities, which were often founded in the 17th century.

Coastal highways and railways connect Delaware to neighboring Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, built in 1829, is still a significant shipping route as it shortens the trip between Philadelphia and Baltimore by 500 miles.

Major Regions

Delaware is divided into three counties: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex. In the north, New Castle County is the most populous and home to the state’s largest city, Wilmington. Central Kent County is known for its small-town charm and state capital Dover, while large Sussex County boasts beautiful beaches and a thriving tourist industry. Geographically, most of the state is a coastal plain, while the northern area has more rolling terrain associated with the Piedmont formation.

All of it has beautiful scenery that attracts people looking to escape the nearby major cities. Delaware’s strategic location to the bustling urban centers of the Northeast is a perk. A resident can reach Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and Baltimore within a two-hour drive. This geographical advantage facilitates efficient travel and enhances opportunities for business, cultural exchange, and exploration across these bustling cities.

Delaware Climate

Delaware experiences a moderate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, but less than their southern counterparts. The average daily temperature is 74F. Winters can bring cold temperatures, averaging near 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and occasional snowfall. Statewide, it averages 15 inches.

Spring and fall bring pleasant weather, making them the perfect seasons for outdoor activities. The changing of the seasons simply brings out the natural beauty of Delaware’s fields, parks, and coastline. One notable quirk residents talk about during these seasons is the fog. It seems to be everywhere all the time, but that’s because water is everywhere in Delaware. Between the rivers and bays, locals have a higher chance of experiencing foggy days.

Note that these temperature averages change by as much as 10F depending on how close you are to the Atlantic Coast.

Delaware Cost of Living

With its high population density, Delaware has pressure placed on the goods and services it provides. For that reason, Sperling’s Best Places Index had the overall cost of living at 103.5, with 100 being the national average. It is slightly more expensive to live in Delaware than in other states. However, what residents experience for their cost of living varies by location and can be significantly lower in more rural areas.

The good news is you won’t need to stretch your budget dramatically to live in Delaware. Average prices for transportation and miscellaneous costs are less. Healthcare expenses did run 12% above the national average, but housing, groceries, and utilities were only 4-5% more.

As of Q3 2023, MERIC data ranked Delaware 29th for its overall cost of living, making it less expensive than nearby New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and DC.

Another part of what makes the cost of living here more reasonable is the lack of sales taxes on goods and services. Delaware does charge individual income tax rates ranging from 2.6 to 4.4%. Add to that Delaware’s low property tax rate, and residents have the third-lowest overall tax burden in the nation. The actual cost of living will change based on where you buy a home in Delaware. Oceanfront in Rehoboth Beach will come with a higher average home price than Middletown.

Employment Opportunities

Four major industries form the backbone of Delaware’s job market: agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, and mining. The state has long been a top producer of soybeans, corn, crabs, and clams. It also has a strong presence in the finance, healthcare, and chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Based on the number of persons employed, top employers in Delaware include JP Morgan Chase, DuPont, ChristianaCare Health System, and the University of Delaware. Note, these reflect the finance, healthcare, and chemical industries.

The plenty of opportunities for high-quality employment in stable industries and the presence of well-respected Fortune 500 brands has led Delaware to post one of the highest household median incomes. As of 2022, it was 8% more than the national average. So, residents may have a slightly higher cost of living, but their incomes support living in Delaware.

The state’s unemployment rate tracked near the national average in 2024. It’s another sign the state has a balanced economy.

Delaware Education

For public K-12 education, Delaware ranked 30th in the nation in 2023. As of 2022, over 140,000 students were enrolled. It had an 87.8% graduation rate, but the departing seniors scored highly as being prepared for college.

As of 2023, the school system is divided into 19 public schools and 23 charter schools. Delaware Public Schools evaluates its public schools using a report card system to help families measure a local school’s performance. Some of its schools have earned recognition as National Blue Ribbon schools and are on top high school lists in independent media.

Additionally, Delaware has a reputation for excellent private schools like St. Andrew’s and Ursuline Academy. Between public and private choices, families have excellent school choices to fulfill their kids’ interests and needs.

The eight available universities and colleges for higher education include the University of Delaware, Wilmington University, and Delaware State University. The University of Delaware is the state’s largest university, with around 23,000 students enrolled. Wilmington University is the largest private higher education school with 20,000 students. Delaware State is the only HBCU institution in the state.

Healthcare Access

Delaware residents have some of the highest medical insurance coverage rates and access to quality healthcare nationwide. Bolstering this is access to the Christiana Care Health System, named the best hospital in Delaware by U.S. News & World Report in 2021. This facility serves Northern Delaware with innovative and comprehensive care, including two hospitals, a Level I trauma center, surgical care facilities, a renowned research institute, and rehabilitation centers.

It’s one of many facilities available to meet healthcare demand. Each county has a major provider, from the Bayhealth system in Kent and Sussex to Nemours Children’s Health in Wilmington. Beebe and Tidal Health are two other large healthcare providers in the state with specialties from COPD to cardiovascular care.

Delaware Infrastructure

Delaware may be small, but its infrastructure is not. It’s well-connected across the Mid-Atlantic. Wilmington residents live just 32 miles from Philadelphia, and they can get there by car or on the commercial rail system. US President Joe Biden was well-known for commuting into DC using the Amtrak service as a Senator and Vice President.

Residents have five international airports within reach, a seaport, and three Interstates, making moving around the Mid-Atlantic accessible.

Parks and Recreation

For outdoor lovers, Delaware has long recognized a need to protect its green spaces. Even though Delaware is tiny, it has lots of parks: 17 state parks and two National wildlife refuges. At parks like Cape Henlopen State Park and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, find plenty of hiking, biking, boating, and other activities.

Besides established parks, Delaware has over 60 outdoor trails–greenways and blueways. Most notably, Delaware ranks as one of the nation’s most bicycle-friendly states. It even backed it up with the passage of the Bicycle Friendly Delaware Act in 2017. And while the state isn’t exactly prized for its elevation changes, the available hiking trails are still beautiful. They wind through forests, coastal wetlands, and prairies.

Considering its small size, it’s amazing that Delaware has 380 miles of shoreline. The entire eastern half is bordered by water. The access to paddle sports, sailing, and motorized craft enables everyone to enjoy the waterfronts as they see fit. Learn to surf on the Atlantic coast or take a relaxing canoe float on the pristine Brandywine River. Lose yourself in the estuaries and flats of a cove or bay.

Everyone can find a way to enjoy the great outdoors in tiny Delaware. Just note the summer is the busy season for visiting Delaware’s sandy beaches and nearby state parks, like Bethany Beach and Brandywine Creek State Park.

Delaware Arts and Culture

Many museums, art galleries, and theaters document the state’s culture. Locals have a passion for the creative arts. The world-renowned Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington houses one of the country’s best collections of pre-Raphaelite art. Meanwhile, the Delaware Chamber Music Festival and Rehoboth Beach Film Society are just two popular annual events.

It’s not just classic arts that take centerstage. Music lovers know the outdoor Firefly festival for featuring top acts across all genres, while Ladybug is for female-fronted bands only. Locals dig in each year at the Apple Scrapple and Old Fashioned Ice Cream Festival. Life here is a feast for all your senses and soul.

Culinary Scene

No guide to living in Delaware would be complete without mentioning its delicious food. Fresh-caught seafood and local farm produce are easily accessible by local restaurants. Some call Southern Delaware the “culinary coast.” Foodies can work their way through James Beard-nominated restaurants, oceanfront dining, and Delaware’s Wine and Ale Trail.

Complementing the year-round access to quality ingredients and restaurants are several food-themed festivals highlighting the state’s deep roots in agriculture. You may not realize that Delaware is a haven for peach orchards. The humble peach pie is the state dessert; taste the best at the Middletown Peach Festival contest. Experience the unique celebration of Delaware’s iconic breakfast staple at Bridgeville’s Apple Scrapple Festival. There’s even more to taste at local Greek, Italian, Irish, and other cultural food events across the three counties.

Delaware Taxes

One of the main benefits of living in Delaware is its low taxes. The state has no sales tax, making it an attractive option for shoppers. Additionally, property taxes are some of the lowest in the country, making it a great place to own a home.

Residents do pay a state income tax, which is calculated from 2.2 to 6.6%, depending on what they earn. Some jurisdictions may collect a local income tax. Overall, Tax Foundation ranked Delaware no. 13 for its income tax burden.

Homeowners benefited from one of the lowest property tax rates in the nation. For 2023, Delaware placed tenth with an average effective tax rate of 0.61%. That came to an average personal property tax payment of $2,067.97 for a home at the state median value of $337,200.

Best Places to Live in Delaware

If you’re thinking Delaware is a good place to live, then what’s the best of the best? That’s largely subjective, as what you want in a hometown is different from person to person. You might prefer a coastal town or a small tight-knit community over vibrant city life.

PIke Creek earns acclaim for its peaceful atmosphere. Even though it’s by Newark and the University of Delaware campus, the leafy valley is wealthy with green spaces, golf courses, and recreation centers. Locals  say they lead a very active outdoor lifestyle while still being close to the bustling cities.

Rehoboth Beach is a popular vacation spot. Summer is the peak season for this coastal community, but for year-round residents, it’s the best of oceanfront living. Excellent schools, a lively boardwalk, and sales tax-free shopping are part of its appeal.

Bethany Beach is an alternative if you prefer fewer visitors in the summer season. Still, Bethany Beach is a popular place with its boardwalk, Fenwick Island State Park, and arts pavilion.

For those who prefer the energy of larger cities, Wilmington is the place to look. The housing market is highly diverse, but expect average costs to be slightly higher. It’s connected through the rail system into Philadelphia and Baltimore, but has a thriving job markets all its own.

Forty Acres in Wilmington tops many lists. Next door is Trolley Square, where locals can go for sports bars and nightlife fun. But Brandywine Park on the other side meets the needs for a beautiful spring walk in the park. It’s near an art museum and a sculpture garden. The combination of access to fun activities makes it stand out.

Historic Lewes likes to point out it’s Delaware’s first town. All the historic homes definitely add character, but Lewes Beach has a lively modern culture. Enjoy museums, art galleries, and restaurants in a walkable downtown. Then there’s being next to one of the top outdoor places in Delaware, Cape Henlopen State Park.

The capital city of Dover is another one to consider. One part college town, one part state capital, it has some of the most affordable housing costs in Delaware. Locals gain all the urban amenities but without sacrificing small-town values and vibes.

Milton is one of the safest cities in Delaware based on its low crime rate. Seven miles from Delaware Bay, it sits on the Broadkill River and has a beautiful riverfront park. The town hosts its concerts and festivals here, but it also has a charming downtown district.

Living in Delaware

Delaware may be small in size, but it has a lot to win over those considering a move. Its moderate cost of living weighed against the many opportunities for education and recreation, means Delaware is worth a look as your next home. Weigh the pros and cons of Delaware living and you’ll see its many perks.

Updated July 2024