8 Best Places to Live in Delaware, 2021

If you’re interested in moving to the First State, you’ll quickly learn to pay homage to the saying that good things come in small packages. As the second smallest state in the United States, Delaware has so much to offer everyone, falling only behind Rhode Island. Best of all, residents of this coastal state enjoy easy access to Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City.

Thankfully, we’re here to help you through the process of beginning your Delaware apartment search by narrowing down your options and choosing your ideal city. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you learn more about the best places to live in Delaware and find the best city for you!

1. Bear

• Population: 23,060
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,863
• Median Household Income: $72,192
• Walk Score: 27
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: 37

Located in New Castle County is the census-designated place (CDP) known as Bear. Located just 14 miles south of Wilmington, Bear was historically a tiny crossroads in rural areas. However, shopping centers and sprawling housing developments became highly popular in the 1980s and 1990s until Bear developed into the community it is today.

In Bear, you can enjoy easy access to urban entertainment and amenities along with your spacious home. The overall vibe in Bear is easygoing, and residents here are welcoming to all that come to visit or reside.

Don’t be fooled by the small town appeal of Bear, though. There is plenty this CDP has to offer, including dining and nightlife. You can grab a bite to eat, whether you’re looking for fried chicken, Chinese food, or pizza, followed by a drink or two at the local microbrewery or sports bar, all located along the Pulaski Highway.

If you’re looking to get outdoors, there are plenty of natural areas within this community. For boating, zip-lining, and camping, residents head to Lums Pond State Park. Otherwise, Glasgow Park has plenty of forest, wetlands, and walking trails to explore, and Becks Pond Park is an excellent spot for picnicking or fishing.

Check out the apartments available for rent now in Bear.

2. Claymont

• Population: 9,895
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,610
• Median Household Income: $59,613
• Walk Score: –
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: –

Claymont is another census-designated place (CDP) popular place to call home within Delaware. The community of Claymont is incredibly rich in history, with roots dating as far back as 1200 A.D. Claymont originated where the Naamans Creek empties into the Delaware River, with its first residents being aboriginal Indians. The Block House, located off of the Robinson House, is believed to be the only remaining structure of the original settlement.

Today, Claymont has a population of just under 10,000 and is the ninth-largest community in Delaware. There are still numerous historic locations within the community, including the Grubb/Worth Mansion, the Darley House, Archmere Academy, and the Claymont Stone School.

The residents of Claymont are a diverse workforce, with a blend of both white-collar and blue-collar jobs almost evenly. Service providers, sales and office workers, and professionals make up the residents of this community, with an exceedingly high rate of working in computers and math. Most Claymont residents rely on public transportation for their daily commute to work, typically in neighboring cities.

A newer community event that has become popular over the few years it has been around is the Darley Beer, Wine, and Music Festival. Occurring in early October, the perfect Claymont weather makes this outdoor event one of the most anticipated of the year. The festival showcases primarily locally sourced beer, wine, arts, crafts, and performers.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Claymont.

3. Dover

• Population: 39,403
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,439
• Median Household Income: $47,669
• Walk Score: 34
• Transit Score: 29
• Bike Score: 48

The second-largest city of Delaware and also the state’s capital is Dover. The name Dover stems back to a city with the same name found in Kent, England, to which the county Dover, Delaware inhabits is also named.

Dover is located in the Delaware River coastal plain along the St. Jones River. Like the rest of the state, this city has a deep history. Dover played a significant role in the country’s history, acting as a stop along the Underground Railroad. In addition, Dover’s central location put it in between the free states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and the slave-holding state of Maryland.

Today, Dover is one of the state’s fastest-growing regions, known for its low cost of living. The city’s largest source of employment is the state government, with the Kent County government also playing a prominent role in the employment of Dover residents.

The Dover International Speedway hosts two significant events, bringing a large amount of money to the city each year. NASCAR races throughout the year bring in around 65,000 visitors, which bring in a lot of funding for the entire year. The Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, which lies adjacent to the speedway, brings in millions to the economy due to the influx of spectators due to NASCAR events.

Since 2012, Firefly Music Festival has been held at The Woodlands of Dover International Speedway, with three days of music, seven different stages, and over 100 performers.

Check out the apartments available for rent now in Dover.

4. New Castle

• Population: 5,551
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,334
• Median Household Income: $68,221
• Walk Score: –
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: –

Located along the Delaware River just six miles south of Wilmington is New Castle, a city within New Castle County. Historically, the Dutch West India Company settled in New Castle in 1651. Today, the city boasts a Historic District that is four by five blocks right in the city’s center. In this area, there are nearly 500 buildings that date as far back as the 1700s and have since been named a National Historic Landmark as of 1967.

Although there are countless historical sites worth mentioning, some of the most noteworthy within the New Castle Historic District include:

• Lesley-Travers Mansion
• New Castle Presbyterian Church
• Thomas McKean House
• Old “Dutch” House
• New Castle Court House Museum
• Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green
• Read House and Garden
• Stonum
• Amstel House

If you like to enjoy the great outdoors, you can happily do so in New Castle’s Battery Park that spreads over 25 acres along the river. There is an easy biking and walking trail, just under four miles long, and basketball courts, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Great for the whole family, this park is a beautiful and peaceful place to come and relax.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in New Castle.

5. Wilmington

• Population: 70,898
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,566
• Median Household Income: $45,032
• Walk Score: 75
• Transit Score: 50
• Bike Score: 53

The largest city in both size and population in Delaware is Wilmington. The Brandywine River and Christina River merge at Wilmington, initially the first Swedish settlement in the country at Fort Christina.

Residents of Wilmington enjoy its prime location, midway between Washington, D.C. and New York, and just a short 30-minutes of Philadelphia. All of the major east coast cities can be easily accessed from Wilmington, which boasts a relatively low cost of living.

Not only do residents enjoy the perks that come along with a great locale, but they also enjoy the friendliness of the neighbors that call Wilmington home. Young professionals, entrepreneurs, and significant executives are just a few working types that make up the city. There is truly something for everyone in the booming city of Wilmington.

Wilmington’s downtown area has more recently become a hub for foodies and innovative chefs. Some favorite local eateries include Le Cavalier, Deco, Torbert Street Social, and Bardea. With everything from modern bistros to speakeasy cocktail bars, you won’t run out of options for entertainment in this city any time soon.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Wilmington.

6. Newark

• Population: 30,601
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,544
• Median Household Income: $58,434
• Walk Score: 40
• Transit Score: 27
• Bike Score: 60

Newark, Delaware, is located just 12 miles west-southwest of Wilmington and is part of New Castle County. Initially settled in 1694 by Welsh and Scots-Irish settlers, Newark has been known for its schools from their very early origins. The Newark Academy opened its doors in 1765 and would educate signers of the Declaration of Independence. The school’s first graduates included signers James Smith, Thomas McKean, and George Read.

The University of Delaware lies in Newark. Providing students with a wide range of educational offerings, the most famous programs here include biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, and business.

If you’re looking to enjoy some live sports, the University of Delaware has 21 different sports, all of which compete in the NCAA Division 1. Catch a game watching the Fightin’ Blue Hens and keep an eye out for YouDee the Blue Hen, the mascot representing the state bird of Delaware.

But education isn’t all this city has to offer. Over 12,000 acres of public parkland surround Newark, all of which offer countless horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking opportunities for all. Some of the favorite local parks and natural areas nearby to Newark include:

• Middle Run Valley Natural Area
• White Clay Creek Preserve
• White Clay Creek State Park
• Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area
• Iron Hill Park

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Newark.

7. Smyrna

• Population: 12,883
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,200
• Median Household Income: $67,277
• Walk Score: –
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: –

Located in New Castle and Kent Counties, within Delaware is the town of Smyrna. Once named Duck Creek Cross Roads, the town has had its current name since 1806. The Smyrna of today was once a pivotal player in shipping along Duck Creek, serving Lewes and Wilmington primarily. However, the town shifted to an agricultural center after the shipping industry collapsed in the 1850s.

Not surprisingly, in this small town, people have known each other for a long time, and there is a robust neighborly feel. It’s a beautiful place to call home, just be warned that there isn’t much to do in terms of nightlife here.

However, if you’re looking to get out and explore a bit, you could grab a drink at the Painted Stave Distilling or Blue Earl Brewing Company. Otherwise, for a hidden gem of Smyrna, check out Woodland Beach just off the stop sign off route 9.

Enjoy the Asbury Church Farmers Market, with great produce, meats, baked goods, and fresh-cut flowers available all year round.

Check out the apartments available for rent now in Smyrna.

8. Millsboro

• Population: 6,863
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,500
• Median Household Income: $49,737
• Walk Score: –
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: –

Millsboro is a small town located in the southern part of Delaware in Sussex County. This easy-going, cozy town is smaller, but you’ll find that it is steadily growing. Located just outside of larger cities in Delaware, Millsboro has been marketed as an excellent place for retirees or families looking for more space and peace and quiet.

You’ll find quality public schools in Millboro, and the town is relatively safe. As you can imagine, this makes Millsboro an excellent location for young families and couples looking to grow their families.

Located just 15 miles from the coast of Delaware, you’re not far from the beach. Rehoboth Beach is nearby, where you can find nightlife, dining, and shopping options readily available. During the summer months, the weather is perfect for the beach, and you’ll have easy access to them all, ranging from the northern beaches on Rehoboth Bay to the southern shores of Indian River Bay.

Check out the apartments available for rent now in Millsboro.

Final Thoughts - Where Should I Move to in Delaware?

No matter what you are looking for in Delaware, whether it be the urban sprawl of Wilmington or the ever-quiet small-town of Bear, there's something for everyone. Thankfully, some of the best places to live in Delaware are still reasonably priced.

So, if you are interested in moving to Delaware, now might be a good time to start your research. First, find out more information about the cost of living in Delaware. Next, register with Apartment List today and start checking out the hundreds of available apartments to rent in Delaware!