Living in Lewes, DE

Are you considering a move to Lewes, DE? Make sure you know these seven things about life in Lewes, like the cost of living, weather, and education. 

Lewes is a charming city located on the picturesque Delaware Bay. With a population of 3,303 residents, according to the 2020 census, it is one of the principal cities experiencing rapid growth.

Lewes, Delaware, is a beautiful location for those seeking a tranquil and suburban ambiance, ideally suited for those with a passion for the great outdoors and an appreciation for natural beauty.

This town is known for its quiet shoreline, maritime history, bike trails, great restaurants, and intimate charm. Lewes is one of the most beloved areas in Delaware and has many discoveries throughout this secluded and wealthy history town.

As of last month, the median listing price in Lewes was $627K, which is up by 21% from last year. According to the current state of the housing market, it is considered a seller's market, meaning that prices tend to be higher and sell faster. Therefore, acting quickly is essential if you plan to move to this unique town.

Lewes is an exceptional community that offers a tranquil and distinct environment. It might be an ideal place to consider if you search for a friendly and welcoming neighborhood. Check out the gorgeous homes for sale in Lewes. 

Here are the seven things you should know about life in Lewes, DE. 

Cost of Living

Various categories, like housing, utilities, food, transportation, and many other things, determine the overall cost of living. The overall cost of living in Lewes is 1% lower than the national average and is about in line with the state average. The median household income is about $72,609, while the median home price is $612,700. 

The total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other categories for a single adult in Lewes is about $36,824 a year, which is less than the national average and state average. 

Food costs are considered to be less affordable than average, while transportation costs are more affordable, and housing costs are about the same in line with the state average. Calculating the cost of living depends on one's income and current living situation. Compared to other cities of the size, Lewes is more affordable. 

Expense categories broken down:

• Food: 9.6% higher than the national average
• Healthcare: 9.2% higher
• Housing: 0.5% higher
• Transportation (bus fares and gas prices): 12.9% higher
• Energy: 8% lower

To get a better understanding of the cost of living in Lewes, here are some median prices in Delaware since the cost of living in Lewes is about in line with the state averages. 

Sourced from Payscale. 

Real Estate

Housing can be one of the most significant costs when calculating the cost of living in a place. In Lewes, the median home value is $540,200, which is higher than the national average. Homes in this city are built between 1939 and 2014+. Older homes here tend to be higher than the newer ones as well. 

The median listing price as of October 2023 is trending down 5.2% year-over-year, while homes in Lewes have been sold for 1.7% below the average asking price. The housing market in Lewes is considered to be a buyer's market, meaning that there is more supply of homes than demand for them. 

On average, homes in Lewes sell after about 60 days on the market, and that has gone down in the last couple of months. The Lewes housing market is considered to be somewhat competitive. If you are intersted in moving to Lewes, check out the available real estate today so you can find the perfect home. 

Check out single-family homes, townhomes, pool homes, and new-construction homes available in Lewes, Delaware. 

Annual Weather

In Lewes, Delaware, the summers are typically warm and muggy, while the winters are very cold, wet, and windy. Over the course of the year, the temperatures will naturally vary from 29 degrees Fahrenheit to 84 degrees Fahrenheit and are rarely below 17 degrees nor above 91 degrees. 

The warm season here typically lasts for about 3.5 months, from the beginning of June to mid-September, with average highs in the 80s and lows in the 70s. The hottest month tends to be July. On the other hand, the cold season lasts for about 3.2 months, from the beginning of December to mid-March, with daily highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. January tends to be the coldest month. 

Rain does fall all year long in Lewes. The month with the most precipitation tends to be August, with an average rainfall of about 3.7 inches, while the month with the least precipitation tends to be February, with about 2.6 inches. 

On the other side, the snowy period lasts for about 2.9 months and has an average snowfall of 3 inches. Thankfully, this city experiences all four seasons, never too harshly, either. So, if you are looking for an area that has good weather throughout the year, Lewes is it. 

Crime Rates

Lewes has a lower crime rate of violent crime than the national average, while property crime is also lower than the rest of the United States. Lewes's violent crime rate is 13.5/100, while the national average is 22.7. On the other hand, the property crome in Lewes is 37.3/100. 

Crime rates are 45% lower than the state average as well. Your chance of being a victim of a violent crime in Lewes is 1 in 342, while your chance of property crime is 1 in 88. So, if you are searching for a safer area to live, Lewes is considered to be one of the safest places in the state. 

Living in a safe neighborhood is essential. Some areas tend to be safer than others, so make sure you find the best neighborhoods that suit your needs. The safest neighborhoods in Lewes are Lochwood, Lewes East, and Anchors Run. 

Food and Dining Options

Food is an everyday expense that has a considerable impact on one's cost of living. In Lewes, a single adult here will spend on average $3,437 annually on food, while a family of four tends to spend about $9,927 on average. However, these numbers do vary depending on your family size, diet, and other preferences. 

On the other hand, there are many various restaurants throughout the city that are delicious and fan favorites. Below are some of the top local favorite destinations to eat out at. 

Irish Eyes Pub and Restaurant - $$ - Bar

213 Anglers Rd, Lewes, DE 19958

This is a harborside tavern that serves traditional fare and local seafood alongside regular live music to enjoy while you eat. This restaurant is open year wrong and offers many events on the weekends. Do not miss out on the delicious local food and entertainment here. 

Rose and Crown - $$ - Restaurant

142 2nd St, Lewes, DE 19958

Rose Crown is a warm, modern bar that offers pub fare, craft beers on tap, cocktails, and many TVs for sports fans to watch their favorite games. This place offers a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food. You can order pickup online as well as visit this popular destination. 

Striper Bites - $$ - Seafood

107 Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958

This is a casual, airy restaurant with nautical touches that specializes in a variety of seafood dishes and mixed drinks to enjoy with friends. This restaurant offers a good ambiance and friendly service, as well as delicious food that you should not miss out on. 

Job Market

Lewes has seen the job market increase by 1.3% over the last year, while the future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 37.5%, which is a higher increase than the US average. Lewes also has an unemployment rate of about 6.4%, which, sadly, is a little higher than the national average. 

The average income of a resident here in Lewes is about $42,687, which is much higher than the national average, while on the other hand, the median household income of residents here is approximately $78,125. 

Lewes is one of the states that does not have any sales tax but does have a 5.6% income tax, which is higher than the rest of the nation. On the plus side, this state offers many various job opportunities for its residents, so if you are relocating here and in need of a new career, Lewes has it. 

Below is a list of the most popular jobs in Lewes. 

• Agriculture
• Construction
• Finance and Insurance
• Real Estate
• Manufacturing
• Scientific/Technical Services

Education

Lewes offers a large variety of high-quality public and private schools throughout the city. The highest-ranked schools are Cape Henlopen High School and Beacon Middle School. Private schools, such as The Delmarva Christian High School, rank highly in many categories. The school system here takes pride in investing in the children's education. 

Lewes schools spend about $18,233 per student on average. There are about 12 pupils per teacher, 5,034 students per librarian, and 719 children per counselor. The Cape Henlopen School District contains about nine schools with over 6,000 students. There is one preschool, five elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools. 

The teachers in the Lewes school district rank high; most of them have 3+ years of experience and are certified. With this, students tend to test higher than the proficient level in reading and math. 

So, if you are moving to Lewes with a family or are thinking about starting a family, this is a great area to move to with kids for many reasons, especialy the excellent education system. 

FAQS

Is Lewes, Delaware, an excellent place to live?

Lewes is a town that offers the residents a sparse suburban feel and is considered to be one of the best places to live in Delaware for many reasons. 

Is Lewes a beach town?

Lewes has a residential beach that stretches along 27 blocks of beach homes as well as many clubs and facilities to use. 

What is life like in Lewes, DE?

Lewes is a quieter town that has many boutiques, shops, cafes, art galleries, live music, and many other things. If you are searching for a more peaceful area with natural beauty, this town may be perfect. 

Moving to Lewes, DE - Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Tax Friendly
• Great Beaches
• Close to major cities
• Small town charm
• Great education
• Affordable

Cons:

• Traffic
• No sports
• Far from airport
• Limited resources due to size

Moving to Lewes, DE - The Bottom Line

Lewes, Delaware, is a beautiful location, ideal for those who seek a tranquil and suburban ambiance and are passionate about the great outdoors and natural beauty. This town is known for its quiet shoreline, maritime history, bike trails, great restaurants, and intimate charm.

Lewes is one of the most beloved areas in Delaware, with many discoveries throughout its secluded and wealthy history. As of last month, the median listing price in Lewes was $627K, which is up by 21% from last year. It's essential to act quickly if you plan to move to this unique town. Lewes is an exceptional community that offers a tranquil and distinct environment.

Regardless of your location, budget, or preferences, we are committed to helping you through every step of the home-buying process. Contact us here today, and one of our Realty Specialists will assist you.