Living in Delaware

Are you considering moving to Delaware? Here are seven things that you should know about life in Delaware, like the cost of living, weather, and education. 

Delaware is a small Mid-Atlantic state that sits on a peninsula marked by dune-backed beaches bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware River, and Bay. This small state has a population of 1.003 million residents. 

Delaware boasts of its scenic beauty, low taxes, and affordable housing, making it an ideal location to live. If you enjoy hiking, art, or simply admiring miles of beautiful scenery, this tiny state has something to offer for everyone.

This state is known as the Chemical Capital of the World, with a significant economy relying on chemical manufacturing, including pharmaceutical and industrial chemicals.

If you're interested in moving to Delaware, check out some of the state's most beautiful homes to jump-start the process.

Here are the things you should know about life in Delaware.

Cost of Living

Delaware is a popular destination for people looking for a moderate cost of living. The state offers a cost of living that is about 4 percent higher than the national average. Additionally, grocery and utility costs tend to be lower in Delaware, further contributing to its affordability.

The cost of living in Delaware is slowly rising due to various reasons, leading to an overall price increase. It's essential to keep in mind that natural disasters and other factors can also affect the cost of living. Since Delaware is located on the coast, it may be more vulnerable to such events, which could have an impact on the cost of living.

Every city in Delaware has a different cost of living. According to Payscale, Wilmington's cost of living is 10% higher than the national average, while Dover's is 2% higher.

Below are some of the median prices for things in Wilmington, Delaware, so that you can get a better understanding of the costs here. 

Sourced from Payscale. 

Real Estate

If you're looking for a place to call home, Delaware might just be the perfect spot for you. With its relatively low cost of living, it's no wonder that Delaware ranks 4th in the United States for home ownership. From charming farmhouses to historic neighborhoods, there are plenty of attractive options to choose from. But finding the perfect place to live is crucial when moving to a new area.

The median home prices in Delaware have increased by 0.6 percent over the past year. As of August 2023, the median selling price for homes was $338,200, and they were on the market for an average of 17 days, which is a decrease of 4 days from the previous year. 

The median price for a home built before 1940 is approximately $204,900, while homes built in 2014 and later cost around $352,700. These prices are similar to the national average, with variations based on home size.

If you want to move to Delaware, you should check out some of the top cities throughout the state to find the best place. Look at homes for sale in Lewes, Millsboro, and Middletown. Also, check out moving to Wilmington, moving to Lewes, and best neighborhoods in Rehoboth Beach for more information about the most popular cities. 

Weather

Delaware is located in a transitional zone between two climate regions: humid subtropical to the south and humid continental to the North, according to the Delaware Climate Office. However, the weather in the state varies annually depending on several factors.

Delaware experiences a four-season continental climate, with each season having its own hazards. Inland areas tend to be hot and humid during summers, while the coast enjoys cooler temperatures. Winters in Delaware are cold but mild due to the state's proximity to the sea.

Snow is uncommon in Delaware because the temperatures usually average in the upper 40s to low 50s. Spring tends to be rainy, with high temperatures during the day, while autumn is the most excellent time of the year. 

Although summer temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees, they tend to have an average of a pleasant 80 degrees, but with pervasive humidity and rain. Delaware receives about 45 inches of rain annually and 10 inches of snow if it does occur. On average, there are about 200 sunny days in Delaware. 

If you are looking for the most excellent months to visit Delaware, September, June, and May are the most pleasant, while January and February would be the least comfortable due to colder temperatures. Overall, Delaware has pleasant weather year-round.

Education

Delaware has more than 200 public schools, including magnet, public charter, and vocational-technical schools, with over 138,414 students enrolled. Additionally, there are eight colleges and universities throughout the state, five of which are private.

In 2022, there were 8,737 teachers in Delaware's public schools, resulting in a student-teacher ratio of 1 to 14, which is better than the national average. In 2000, Delaware spent an average of $17,232 per pupil, and the state had a graduation rate of 91 percent.

Schools all over the state provide immersive environments with unique teaching methods. Most of the best public schools are located in the northeastern part of the state. Delaware's public schools rank 11th in the overall ranking and 9th in school quality.

If you are looking for a place to live with a variety of schools that excel in education, Delaware may be the right choice for you. Check out some of the schools throughout the state below.

Crime Rates

Delaware has the 18th highest crime rate in the US, with 431.9 incidents per 100,000 people, resulting in a total of 4,262 crime incidents. The state's high rates of property crime contribute to its ranking. However, there has been a decrease in both violent and property crime rates over the last year.

Despite these improvements, Delaware's crime rates still remain higher than the national average. The property crime rate is 19.4, which is higher than the national average, while the violent crime rate is only slightly higher than the national average at 4.2.

When moving to a new place, feeling safe is crucial. Clayton is the only city in Delaware that has reported no crimes in the past year, making it the safest city in the state. Other safe cities in Delaware include Middletown, Newark, and Milton.

Job Market

Delaware is a great state to consider moving to if you're looking for a promising job market and quality education opportunities. The state offers a variety of growing industries, including food, agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, business and more.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are now 40,900 more jobs available in Delaware than in 2012, which represents a 0.90 percent increase. On the other hand, the unemployment rate here fell by 0.8 percent and is 4.4 percent right now. 

About 80% of the working population are white-collar workers, while around 20% are blue-collar workers. The remaining working population is divided between entrepreneurs, private companies, and governmental institutions.

The median individual income in Delaware is about $34,513, while the household median income is $69,110. 

Beaches

Delaware boasts six exquisite beach towns, each with its own distinct style and uniqueness. Every city has its own compelling reason why you should visit them. Whether you're searching for a barefoot beach day, an outdoor adventure, or just a serene escape, Delaware beaches are perfect and family-friendly.

Dewey Beach has a rock and roll vibe, making it perfect for young people. The beach is blessed with ocean views on one side and a variety of restaurants and activities on the other. The town is full of rich history and amenities, making it a place packed with many things to do.

Bethany Beach has a peaceful ambiance and offers a plethora of activities, such as strolling along the coast, shopping in the towns, relishing gourmet meals, or simply enjoying the boardwalk. It is renowned for its serene waters, amiable community, and cozy atmosphere.

Rehoboth Beach is a must-visit destination known as the "Nation's Summer Capital." This beach offers a plethora of nature-based activities, such as kayaking, ferry rides, walking trails, and more. If you are looking for a place with an award-winning boardwalk, fine restaurants, and beautiful views, this beach is the perfect spot to visit.

Pros and Cons - Delaware

Pros:

• Tax benefits
• Diverse education opportunities
• Close to big cities
• Beautiful beaches
• Business friendly
• Affordable housing

Cons:

• Higher cost of living
• High property crime rates
• Lack of international travel connections
• Severe weather threats
• Natural disasters

FAQS

Is Delaware an excellent state to move to?

Delaware is an ideal place to call home, with its central location, tax-free shopping, top-rated education system, and breathtaking beaches that cater to all lifestyles.

What do I need to know before moving to Delaware?

As Delaware is located along the Atlantic Ocean, it is essential to be aware of the heightened risk of natural disasters such as hurricanes, coastal flooding, and severe storms. If you plan on moving to a coastal area, you should consider the potential property damage and added insurance costs.

Why is it cheap to live in Delaware?

Delaware offers relatively affordable housing, low taxes, and a thriving job market in diverse industries, which makes living here affordable. Compared to other states around, Delaware is cheaper to live in while still offering a wide range of amenities to enjoy.

What is the most affordable city in Delaware?

Pike Creek has been ranked as the most affordable place to live in Delaware for the third year in a row and is also considered one of the best places to live. Despite the cost of living being higher than the national average, Pike Creek remains one of the most affordable places to live in the state.

Moving to Delaware - The Bottom Line

Delaware is an ideal place to live because of its scenic beauty, low taxes, and affordable housing. Whether you enjoy hiking, art, or simply admiring miles of beautiful scenery, this tiny state has something to offer everyone.

Delaware is known as "The First State" as it was the first of the original states to ratify the US Constitution. It is famous not only for being the first but also for its historic sites, parks, chemical production, and local festivals.

Its central location, lack of sales tax, moderate cost of living, and beautiful beaches are some of the main reasons why people love this tiny state. Despite its small size, Delaware has a lot to offer and has seen a lot of action.

If you or anyone you know is interested in searching for homes for sale in Delaware, please reach out to us. We can connect you with one of our Realty Specialists who will help you with this transition. We'll help you find the perfect home regardless of your location, budget, or preference.

Feel free to contact us here today for any questions or help.