Seaford, Delaware, was once voted the 28th Best Small Town in America. In 1939, it also had the honor of being the site of the first nylon manufacturing plant in the world and earned the name "The Nylon Capital of the World." Not only that, but Old Maggie's Bridge on Woodland Church Road in Seaford has the reputation for being haunted! Still, not to worry: one of the best small towns in America can't be too terribly haunted, or it wouldn't be such a desirable town where people enjoy living.
The mayor of Seaford, Delaware, called his city a "water lover's paradise," and here's why: from Seaford, originally named Hooper's Landing, it's only about a half hour's drive to the Chesapeake Bay or the Atlantic Ocean, with plenty of other bodies of water in between
Seaford, Delaware, was once voted the 28th Best Small Town in America. In 1939, it also had the honor of being the site of the first nylon manufacturing plant in the world and earned the name "The Nylon Capital of the World." Not only that, but Old Maggie's Bridge on Woodland Church Road in Seaford has the reputation for being haunted! Still, not to worry: one of the best small towns in America can't be too terribly haunted, or it wouldn't be such a desirable town where people enjoy living.
The mayor of Seaford, Delaware, called his city a "water lover's paradise," and here's why: from Seaford, originally named Hooper's Landing, it's only about a half hour's drive to the Chesapeake Bay or the Atlantic Ocean, with plenty of other bodies of water in between. The city, named after an East Sussex town in England, endured quite a squabble with mapmakers and government officials early in its history over an incorrect map coordinate which placed Seaford squarely in Maryland. It took the courts of London to settle the disputed error; the error was fixed and Seaford became part of Delaware, where it belonged and where it has stayed ever since. One really nifty thing about Seaford that makes it even more desirable is the fact that it's within easy reach of Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and Baltimore -- all only about 100 miles away. Though Seaford has over 500 retail shops and a museum or two up its sleeve, the urge for shopping or culture-hopping expands with even greater possibilities with three such major cities so relatively close. Residential developments are plentiful in Seaford, as are medical clinics and facilities that care for the elderly. Add a contemporary hospital and all medical needs are met so residents can play golf in excellent health at Seaford's golf course or frisk in one of the many parks that grace this Delaware town.
Seaford's historic downtown district received quite a lavish, charm-restoring face-lift in 2000. This thriving city is proud of its history, heritage and growth potential, and is busy inviting small businesses, large corporations and new residents to its environs. Read the Seaford Star once a week with a cup of coffee, tea or beer, while listening to Seaford's "Big Classic Rock Station," WGBG on 98.5 FM.
Commuting to Work or Travel in General
While the three major cities discussed earlier are each about 100 miles away, it is feasible to commute to work in larger cities from Seaford via either US Route 13 (north-south) or Delaware Route 20 (east-west). Fly out of or into the area at the Laurel Airport in Laurel, Delaware; for commercial air service head to the Wicomico Regional Airport in Salisbury, Maryland.
Employment Outlook
Looks good. Retail stores, restaurants, medical parks, the hospital and Seaford Schools provide a plethora of jobs for job seekers with the right resume and job history. As of July 2013, unemployment in Seaford compared to the rest of Delaware was over a full percentage point lower.
Relocation Tips
Start-up home, historic properties, apartments and townhouses are all available in Seaford. One plus for moving to Seaford, or Delaware in general, is the no-property-tax lure. That alone can be a big deciding factor in moving to this city on the banks of the Nanticoke River. New housing developments are currently in the works, with more in the planning stages. Over 50% of Seaford residents own their own homes.
What 's Required for Landing a Place to Live
Like anywhere else a person or family might relocate to, a hopeful Seaford resident will need to have appropriate documentation handy for completing apartment or home leases, bank loans, home purchasing agreements or school admission forms. For housing, have ready some good personal references, as well as those from past landlords. Proof of a checking and/or savings account with a bank, proof of employment and a tally of monthly/yearly income stream, a current driver's license (a current Delaware one for updating auto tags and such) are all documents you'll need to buy or rent an apartment, townhouse, condo or home. Schools where children will be attending require up-to-date immunization records, school transcripts and proof of residence.
Seaford has an abundance of neighborhoods that include apartment rentals and homes to buy. Some areas are well-suited for families or those looking for a bit more space, while others are geared for singles or couples who prefer a more exciting, small-town downtown life surrounded by restaurants, shops and nightlife.
City Center: The City Center is the place to look for high-rise townhouses and studio apartments for rent in Seaford; the vacancy rate in the city center is a bit higher than the state's average, so finding an apartment shouldn't be too difficult.
North Shores/Beaver Dam Heights: Most of the single-family medium-to-large homes here were built between 1970 and 1999 and are well-established, which could also mean they need a little updating and repair work.
Nanticoke Acres/Broad Acres: This rural Seaford neighborhood has distinctly more mobile homes than the other Seaford neighborhoods combined, so if you're in the market for a mobile home to rent or buy, here's your chance and this is the place to be.
Woodland/Craig's Mill: Medium-sized homes for people with medium-sized wallets, the Woodland/Crags Mill neighborhood is Seaford's most westerly neighborhood.
There's actually quite a lot to do in Seaford. Visit the founding father's (Governor William H.H. Ross) Italian-villa style mansion, complete with carriage house, Victorian cottage and the state's only documented slave quarters. Float down the Nanticoke River on an inner tube in July during the three days of Nanticoke Riverfest when the river is open for this damp, agreeable activity. The AFRAM Festival in August celebrates African-American culture with games, delicious food and lively music.
Best market dealsThese units are the best deal in town.