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Delaware Real Estate For Sale
As the earliest state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787, Delaware is commonly known as “The First State.” But the state’s other nickname, “The Small Wonder,” may be more accurate to the experience of living there. Even though it is the second smallest state by area, the lack of space is made up for by the people and sights Delaware has to offer. Whether you choose to find Delaware real estate in a charming beach town or one of the more bustling cities, you’ll enjoy the safety and beauty it is known for.
Delaware Real Estate Market
Though Delaware is small in terms of total land, it has one of the highest housing densities in the Northeast United States and one of the nation’s highest housing rates per square mile. Of these many homes, over 70% of Delaware real estate is occupied by an owner rather than a renter. With home prices that are low and houses that are large, it’s no wonder so many people have chosen to invest in Delaware real estate.
The median price for homes for sale in Delaware is just above the U.S. median, coming in at $236,300 or $152 per square foot. In general, the cost of living in Delaware is usually very close to the nation’s average and well below neighboring states like New York and Maryland. Because of its proximity to these states and areas like Washington D.C., Delaware is often considered a large suburb. This is reflected in real estate for sale in Delaware, which are overwhelmingly single-family homes with some amount of land and are often in small neighborhoods or subdivisions that function like them.
Housing Types in Delaware Real Estate Market
Of course, Delaware has exceptions to the suburban rule. For example, Wilmington is the beating heart of the state’s nightlife, full of cultural activities and entertainment. It is also much more likely to offer apartments and condominiums, given the urban landscape. In the opposite direction, the state boasts a number of beachside towns lined with Delaware real estate consisting of cottages and luxury condominiums that can be primary or vacation residences.
Wherever you choose to buy real estate in Denver, you’ll have your pick of styles. The long history of Delaware means that there are still homes available that early colonists built, and colonial-style homes remained in fashion long enough that even newer homes often mimic the design. But building booms in the early 2000s means there are also plenty of modern homes, traditional ranch-style homes, and craftsman homes in the Delaware real estate market.
Schools in Delaware
Under the guidance of the Delaware Department of Education, the 38 school districts throughout the state are known for being above average with almost no exceptions. Few, if any, fall below the national average in any given year, and many are regular national award winners. Any area of Delaware will give children access to high-quality education, with certain districts standing above the rest.
The Appoquinimink School District is both the best ranked and the fastest growing in the state, as well as regularly being considered an innovator used to guide the DDOE. Appoquinimink High School in Middletown is the highest-ranked school, with both high-achieving students in academics and high participation in community service and extracurricular activities. Another renowned district is the Delmar School District. Sitting right on the Mason-Dixon line, the school has been awarded the Model of Excellence award by the National School Board Association.
Delaware real estate also has access to 8 colleges and universities, including the University of Delaware, which was founded in 1883.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware Real Estate
What is the nearest commercial airport in Delaware?
Delaware has no major airports or international airports within the state that are open to commercial passengers. Visitors most commonly fly into Philadelphia International Airport or other surrounding states and then commute to Delaware. It is also very common for people to get to Delaware via train and bus services.
What are the must-see attractions and landmarks in Delaware?
The long history of Delaware means it is full of landmarks and museums to enjoy. The most popular is the Winterthur Museum, home to Henry Francis du Pont. In addition to the 175-room house full of 90,000 valuable objects, the museum is home to a 60-acre garden and an Enchanted Woods. Delaware has six distinct beach towns that also draw many visitors each year, along with many state parks and natural landscapes.
Is Delaware a good place to retire?
Delaware real estate is one of the top choices for people looking to retire in the Northeast, in part because Social Security, IRAs, and 401ks all have tax-exempt status. The state also has some of the best healthcare facilities in the country to help manage any ongoing conditions. Many areas of the beach towns specifically have activities aimed at the older population, making it easy to stay active and make friends. State universities also offer programs that allow senior citizens to attend classes and audit them.
What is the weather like in Delaware?
Delaware has a weather pattern more moderate than surrounding areas in the Northeastern United States, though they have cold winters and warm summers. The state averages 13 inches of snow per year and 45 inches of rain. Highs in the summer are about 87 degrees, while lows in the winter are about 25 degrees.
What kind of jobs are there in Delaware?
Delaware is home to many industries and multiple Fortune 500 companies, offering a range of jobs. Some of the roles in high demand include home health aid, personal care assistant, business analyst, electrician and HVAC technician, software developer, plumber, and carpenter.
Living in Delaware
Delaware’s small size does not mean the state is like one large community- different areas have distinct cultures. Coastal towns offer a laid-back environment that feels like you’re always on vacation, while the cities are more vibrant and fast-paced. But overall, the state has a small-town feel and friendly locals who are always willing to tell you about the next festival in town.
Central Location
Delaware real estate is situated between a host of other states and large cities. It is a simple drive to places like Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and New York. This brings in a host of people- those who commute for work occasionally, who want a home away from their large city home in another state, who are retiring and want to remain near family, and plenty of others.
While most people in Delaware have a car, the state also has robust public transportation, and it is not uncommon for people to take trains to surrounding areas.
Arts and Culture in Delaware
With a history that dates back at least four centuries, it’s no wonder that Delaware is home to a host of historical landmarks, estate homes, and 17th-century Dutch architecture for any history buff to explore. The Delaware Art Museum is also renowned, and museum lovers will also enjoy the Brandywine River Museum and the Winterthur Museum. The latter was the home of Henry Francis du Pont, a famous art collector and horticulturist whose 175-room home overflows with antiques and valuable art pieces.
In addition, Delaware is known for having a host of fairs and festivals throughout the year, with one of the largest being the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival. As the largest jazz festival on the whole East coast, jazz and music fans often have made the pilgrimage to the state. Wilmington’s Art Loop and St. Anthony’s Italian Festival are other popular events each year.
If sports are your thing, Dover International Speedway has hosted at least one NASCAR Cups Series race every year since it opened in 1969. Known as the Monster Mile, this track can seat up to 135,000 spectators.
Delaware Cost of Living
Along with affordable real estate and an average cost of living rates, Delaware is one of only four states that doesn’t impose a sales tax on any goods or services. That means that the price tag you see on an item at the store is exactly what you’ll pay at the register! Not only does this save you some money, but the state also has some of the lowest real estate taxes nationwide, along with no inheritance or personal property taxes.
Large employers like DuPont, WL Gore and Associates, and Integrity Staffing Solutions mean that there is ample job opportunity in the state. With an unemployment rate below the national average and a minimum wage above the federal one, making a living in Delaware is more than obtainable. In fact, the state is in the top 10 for per capita millionaires!
Delaware’s Scenery
The beaches in Delaware are known for being quiet and calm, and they are some of the cleanest in the country.
Outside of the seaside, Delaware real estate is close to plenty of destinations for the nature lover, including Henlopen State Park and Delaware Seashore State Park. Fishing and hiking are popular activities, and the state is the third most bicycle-friendly in the United States.