October 11th, 2023
Living in Wilmington, DE
Are you considering a move to Wilmington, DE? Make sure you know these seven things about life in Wilmington, like the cost of living, weather, and education.
Wilmington, a city in Delaware, is located at the confluence of the Christina and Delaware rivers. With a population of around 70,750 residents, this beautiful city in the North is known for being the urban hub of the region and the Corporate Capital of America.
One of the largest downtowns in the state, Wilmington is a center for banking and innovation and boasts world-class restaurants, museums, performing arts venues, and tax-free shopping. It is one of the best places for families and young professionals to live, offering endless opportunities for all. With its stunning architecture and plenty of job prospects, Wilmington is a bustling city with a lot to offer.
If you are interested in moving to Delaware, make sure to check out Wilmington, the largest city in the state, for all that it has to offer. Check out all the real estate in this gorgeous state.
Here are the seven things you should know about life in Wilmington, DE.
Cost of Living
It's unfortunate, but the cost of living in Wilmington is higher than in neighboring cities and states. Specifically, the cost of living in Wilmington, DE, is 10% higher than the national average. The overall cost of living is determined by various categories such as housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation, which can vary depending on several factors.
- Housing expenses are 10% higher than the national average
- Utility prices are 12% lower
- Transportation expenses (bus fares and gas prices) are 12% higher
- Grocery prices are 11% higher
- Healthcare costs are 16% higher
Calculating the cost of living depends on one's income and current living situation. Compared to other cities of a similar size, Wilmington is relatively more expensive due to many reasons. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the costs of things in the city, especially when moving somewhere new.
To provide a better understanding of the cost of living in Wilmington, here are some median prices for various items in the city, as well as the cost of living in Delaware.
| Cost of Living Category | Median Cost |
| Median Home Price | $497,808 |
| Median Rent | $1,514/month |
| Gas | $3.80 |
| Gallon of Milk | $2.69 |
| Doctor's Visit | $144.90 |
Sourced from Payscale.
Real Estate
Wilmington's housing market is highly competitive, with homes receiving an average of five offers and selling within 19 days of being listed. The median home price for last month was $497,808, which is up 2.0% compared to the previous year.
It is important to note that Wilmington remains a seller's market, resulting in higher prices and faster home sales. This knowledge is crucial if you're looking to buy a home in the area.
When considering the overall cost of living, housing costs are one of the most significant factors to consider, significantly since home prices in Wilmington are rising. If you're planning to move to Wilmington, it's essential that you search for the best neighborhoods and find the perfect location to suit your needs. Each area of the city has its own unique qualities. If you are interested in the coast, check out moving to Rehoboth Beach.
If you're interested in moving to Wilmington, be sure to check out the single-family homes for sale, new construction homes, and luxury homes available.
Annual Weather
If experiencing all four seasons is what you're looking for in a place to live, then Wilmington, DE, is the perfect place for you. With a temperate climate, Wilmington witnesses more comprehensive yearly temperature ranges, offering distinct seasonal changes.
Weather in Wilmington varies throughout the year. The summers are warm and humid, while the winters are cold and snowy. July is the hottest month, with an average high temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and January is the coldest month, with an average low temperature of 27 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are a snow lover, you will enjoy Wilmington's snow period, which lasts for about four months, from the end of November until March. February is the month with the most snowfall, with an average of 6 inches.
On the other hand, if you are looking for the best time to visit the city, spring and early summer months would be the most comfortable time of the year. However, if you want to live in a place with moderate temperatures throughout the year, moving to Wilmington might be perfect for you.
Crime Rates
Wilmington reports approximately 4,100 crimes per year, which includes 3,100 property crimes and 1,000 violent crimes. The overall crime rate in Wilmington is 59 crimes per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the rate for Delaware as a whole.
Unfortunately, the crime rate in Wilmington is also higher than that of other nearby cities and states. The southern part of the city, near the river, tends to have higher crime rates. Thus, if you are considering Wilmington, it is advisable to seek residence in the northern part of the city.
Living in a safe neighborhood is crucial for one's peace of mind. It is important to note that some regions of the city are safer than others. Therefore, it is advisable to find the best neighborhood that suits your needs. If you are looking for the safest cities in Delaware, you may want to consider Ocean View, Milton, and Lewes.
Food and Dining Options
Food is an everyday expense that has a significant impact on someone's life and the overall cost of living. In Wilmington, an average single adult spends around $3,364 annually on food, while a family of four spends around $9,714 on average. These figures are estimates and may vary depending on each person and family. However, these costs are in line with the state and national averages.
On the other hand, Wilmington is known for some of the best restaurants in the state. From casual to fine dining, there are endless options that cater to everyone's taste buds. Below are some of the local favorite places to eat at.
Banks Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar
101 S Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 777-1500
Situated on the waterfront, this restaurant offers a wide selection of exquisite seafood dishes, ranging from fresh oysters to jumbo crab cakes and hard-shell lobster. It's a must-visit destination if you're looking for a sophisticated seafood dining experience.
620 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 426-2069
Bardea is one of the most unique dining destinations in the city, offering elevated Italian cuisine that ranges from pasta dishes to wild boar. This James Beard-nominated restaurant celebrates the simple joy of meals prepared with creativity and seasonal ingredients. If you're looking for a delicious and memorable meal, Bardea is the perfect place to visit.
821 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 482-3333
If you're looking for a casual spot to grab some American food while hanging out with friends or catching a game on TV, this restaurant is one of the best in the city. Located in Downtown, this local gastropub uses fresh, local ingredients to prepare comfort food made from scratch and offers a constantly changing selection of craft beers.
Job Market
Wilmington is a beautiful city in the North renowned as the region's urban hub and the Corporate Capital of America. The average annual household income here is $72,244, while the median household income is $49,354 per year.
It is a center for banking and innovation, offering endless job opportunities for everyone, which makes it a popular place for young professionals and families to relocate to. However, the unemployment rate in Wilmington is currently at 10%, which is higher than the national average of 6%.
Despite the current high unemployment rate, Wilmington has seen a 2.7% increase in the job market over the last year, and future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 28.8%, which is lower than the national average but still promising.
One of the most attractive features of Wilmington is the absence of sales tax rates, as the national average sales tax rate is 7%. However, it is worth noting that the income tax rate in Wilmington is 8%, while the national average is 4.6%.
Overall, Wilmington is a thriving and bustling city that has so much to offer its residents. From affordable shopping to a flourishing job market and endless opportunities, there is something for everyone in this city. So, if you are looking for a new start, Wilmington may be the perfect place for you.
Education
Wilmington is home to many prestigious colleges and universities, such as Wilmington University and the Delaware College of Art and Design. The city boasts a total of 304 schools, including over 200 preschools, 114 elementary schools, 57 middle schools, and 38 high schools.
Wilmington has some of the best public schools in the area, based on various factors like academic performance and equity. If you're moving to Wilmington with children and looking for a place with excellent educational opportunities, checking out some of the top-rated schools in the area is essential.
Red Clay Consolidated School District, which is highly regarded, is responsible for Wilmington's educational system. It has over 15,000 students in grades PK-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. Below are some of the highest-rated schools in the region.
Moving to Wilmington, DE - Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High livability
- Great education
- Beautiful weather
- Diverse
- Low sales tax
- High-ranked restaurants
Cons:
- High Crime
- Higher housing cost
- Low median income
- Wet weather
- Severe storms
FAQS
Is Wilmington, DE, an excellent place to live?
Living in Wilmington offers residents a delightful blend of urban and suburban vibes with plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks to enjoy. This makes it a popular location for young professionals and families to move to.
Is Wilmington, DE, an expensive place to live?
Living in Wilmington can be costly, as the housing expenses are about 10% higher than the national average. However, utility costs are not as expensive. Basic necessities such as food and clothing are also more expensive than the national average. Despite this, Wilmington offers a lot of benefits to its residents, making it a great place to live.
What to know about moving to Wilmington, DE?
Most people are moving to Wilmington due to its suburban neighborhoods, proximity to major cities, diverse educational opportunities, and high livability.
Why are so many people moving to Delaware?
Due to its low taxes, affordable housing, strong job market, and proximity to urban financial centers, Delaware has become a go-to destination for East Coast perks.
Moving to Wilmington, DE - The Bottom Line
Wilmington boasts one of the largest downtowns in the state and is a hub for banking and innovation. The city is home to world-class restaurants, museums, performing arts venues, and tax-free shopping, making it an ideal destination for families and young professionals alike.
With its stunning architecture and thriving job market, Wilmington is a bustling city that offers endless opportunities for growth and prosperity. If you or someone you know is searching for a home for sale in Wilmington, please contact us.
Our Realty Specialists are available to assist you with the home buying process, from start to finish, to ensure that you find the perfect home to meet all of your needs.
Regardless of your location, budget, or preferences, we are committed to helping you through every step of the process. Contact us today for any questions or assistance.
Ryan Fitzgerald
Hi there! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I am a REALTOR®. My goal is to help you learn more about real estate through our Real Estate Blog! Hopefully, you enjoyed the above blog post and it found a way to provide help or value to you. When you're ready to buy or sell a home of your own let us know here. Please feel free to join the conversation by dropping us a comment below.
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