What’s It Like Living in Smyrna DE? 🌅 | COMPLETE Guide to Moving to Smyrna!
Looking for the perfect small town with friendly residents and access to nature? You may want to consider moving to Smyrna. Smyrna is a town in northern central Delaware known for its rich history, delicious restaurants, and beautiful scenery.
Originally called Duck Creek Cross Roads, it was renamed the town of Smyrna, DE, in 1806 after the ancient Greek Seaport of the same name, which was in present-day Turkey. One theory about how it got its name is that a preacher named Francis Asbury gave a sermon based on a chapter from the second book of Revelation, which St. John wrote to parishioners at the Church of Smyrna. The sermon was so well received that residents decided to rename the town.
Today, Smyrna is a good place to live for families and young people seeking a walkable community with friendly neighbors and small-town charm. For those pondering a transition to this peaceful town, here's everything you need to know about living in Smyrna, DE.
Where Is Smyrna?
Smyrna is in Kent and New Castle Counties within the Dover metropolitan statistical area. Delaware Route 1 and US Route 13 both pass through town, offering drivers living in Smyrna, DE, access to Dover in the south and Wilmington in the north via car. The beach town surrounds Lake Como, which feeds into Mill Creek. The Delaware River is about 8 miles east.
Public transportation is also available for commuters living in Smyrna, DE, via the Dart First State System, which operates several bus routes. Nearby towns and communities include Clayton, Blackbird, Little Creek Hundred, Leipsic, and Woodland Beach.
It's about 14 miles or a 20 minute drive from Smyrna DE to Dover DE, and 38 miles or a 50 minute drive to Wilmington.
Smyrna Population & Demographics
According to the 2020 census, the Smyrna population is 12,880 residents. The number of residents living in Smyrna, DE has increased substantially over the years, and the population increased by 28.5% between 2010 and 2020. It has a relatively spacious, suburban atmosphere with a population density of 2,061 residents per square mile.
Smyrna is a relatively young, diverse community full of families. About 17% of residents living in Smyrna, DE are in their 30s, and 25% are under 18. The median age is 34.2, which is 20% lower than the statewide median.
The racial and ethnic breakdown is 52.4% white (50.8% white non-Hispanic), 34.8% Black or African American, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Asian, and 9.5% two or more races. Many notable residents have had the pleasure of living in Smyrna, DE, including lawyer John Bassett Moore and politician Louis McLane.
Other Smyrna, DE, Demographics
- The Smyrna, DE population is 51% female and 49% male
- The median household income is $68,260, which is 10% lower than the statewide median
- 92.6% of residents living in Smyrna, DE have a high school diploma, and 21.3% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 5.1%
Most residents report that Smyrna, Delaware is safe. However, the Smyrna DE crime rate is higher than the national and statewide average. The total Smyrna crime rate is 2,664 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 13.5% higher than the rest of the Delaware and 14.6% higher than the rest of the US.
The violent crime rate is 34.6% higher than the state and 39.5% higher than the country, although the murder rate is zero. Property crime is also 9.4% higher than the rest of the US and 9.9% higher than the rest of the country. So, while the crime rates are somewhat high, most residents agree that living in Smyrna, DE is safe if you take the proper precautions.
The Smyrna Police Department handles crime in the town with the help of 31 officers and 11 civilian employees.
Cost of Living in Smyrna
Living in Smyrna, DE is very affordable. A great way to analyze a community's affordability is to refer to the cost of living index. It measures the costs of typical consumer goods to the national average (100).
The COLI for the Dover area is 97.6, which indicates the cost of living in Smyrna, DE is 2.4% lower than the rest of the country. The Family Budget Calculator developed by the Economic Policy Institute shows that the typical family of four (with two adults and two kids), needs an income of $97,273 to afford the cost of living in Smyrna, DE.
Typical expenses if you plan on living in Smyrna, DE:
- A gallon of milk: $4.67
- 12 regular eggs: $3.46
- Bunch of bananas: $0.72
- Hamburger: $5.52
- Loaf of bread: $3.96
- A gallon of gas: $3.44
- Average Smyrna monthly energy bill: $201.47
Source: Payscale
Smyrna real estate is also very affordable. Redfin shows that the median listing prices of homes for sale in Smyrna DE is $321,500. That means the median price of houses in Smyrna Delaware are about 25% less expensive than in the rest of the US. The median price per square foot of Smyrna, Delaware, homes for sale is $178.
Renters moving to Smyrna will likewise find affordable options. Census data shows that 68% of Smyrna DE real estate is owner-occupied, while 32% is rented out. Rentcafe also indicates that the average rent in Smyrna is $1,488 per month. Very few apartments in Smyrna are in large buildings with more than 50 units, and 80% are in smaller buildings, while 16% are single-family homes. Sunnyside Apartments in Smyrna, Delaware is a notable complex if you're looking for rentals. Rent prices for tenants living in Smyrna, DE start at $1200 for a studio and go up to $3100 for a 4 bedroom.
Smyrna Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Smyrna
For a small community, there are a variety of great neighborhoods in Smyrna, DE offering something unique. While you'll find spacious houses for sale in Smyrna, Delaware, regardless of where you look, certain areas offer more charm and access to amenities than others. So, if you're thinking about moving to Smyrna, here are the best places to live.
Eagles View | A Quiet Smyrna Neighborhood with Affordable Homes
Eagles View is a friendly neighborhood in the western part of Smyrna offering reasonably priced mid-sized single-family and townhomes ranging in price from $200,000 to $275,000.
Spring Meadow | An Active Adult Community Full of Amenities
Spring Meadow is an active adult community for residents living in Smyrna DE, who are 55 and older. It's situated about 3 miles from Garrison Lake Golf Course and offers a range of amenities geared toward seniors and spacious homes with a variety of floor plans.
Heritage Trace | A New Home Community Immersed in Nature
Heritage Trace is a newer community of 4-5 bedroom single-family homes starting in the $400,000s. It offers great schools, walking trails, and a community pond.
Smyrna Weather & Climate
The weather in Smyrna, Delaware, is fairly mild throughout the year. It has a humid, subtropical climate, which indicates hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically stays between 26°F to 86°F, although winters can get as cold as 14°F and summers can get up to 94°F. The best time to visit someone living in Smyrna, DE is usually August or September.
If you plan on moving to Smyrna, you should anticipate precipitation. The city averages about 45 inches of rain and 15 inches of snow annually, so pack an umbrella and a parka!
Things to Do in Smyrna
From state parks to amusement centers, residents will find an impressive selection of fun things to do in Smyrna, DE. You'll find plenty of local businesses and retail outlets at the Gateway North Shopping Center or Glenwood Plaza. Other than shopping, here are a few other fun things to do in Smyrna, DE.
Big Oak Park
Big Oak Park is a 90-acre public green space and a popular weekend spot for residents living in Smyrna, DE. It features baseball fields, walking trails, a playground, a picnic area, and an aerospace education center.
417 Big Oak Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977 (302) 744-2495
The Smyrna Opera House
For those who appreciate the arts, the Smyrna Opera House is one of the best things to do in Smyrna. It features performances by a mix of musical acts, plays, and stand-up comedy.
7 W South St, Smyrna, DE 19977 (302) 653-4236
View this post on Instagram
Xbos
Xbos in Smyrna, Delaware, is a family amusement center with slides, bouncy castles, bowling, playground equipment, and other fun amenities, as well as party packages and food.
456 W Glenwood Ave, Smyrna, DE 19977
Additional Smyrna Attractions
For those looking for more activities and attractions to take advantage of while living in Smyrna, DE, the city’s website has a list of public facilities and a calendar of events.
Smyrna Restaurants
You'll also find a wide selection of delicious restaurants in Smyrna, DE, offering everything from barbecue to comfort food. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Smyrna.
Pit Daddy's BBQ
Pit Daddy's is a local barbecue joint that serves mouthwatering sandwiches, platters, and smoked meats like pulled pork and ribs. Outdoor seating is also available.
63 Big Woods Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977 (302) 471-3285
Elizabeth Esther Cafe
Located inside a Victorian-style dining room, Elizabeth Esther Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Smyrna, DE for upscale vegan or vegetarian cuisine, happy hour specials, and craft cocktails.
47 E Commerce St, Smyrna, DE 19977 (302) 508-5832
View this post on Instagram
Sweet Treats Restaurant and Bar On Main
If you're looking for restaurants in Smyrna Delaware that serve comfort food in a relaxed setting, Sweet Treats is the place to be. It offers classic menu items like catfish and collard greens and chicken and waffles, plus a full bar.
2 N Main St, Smyrna, DE 19977 (302) 389-8665
Jobs in Smyrna
Living in Smyrna, DE offers a small-town atmosphere, and the town itself doesn’t have much economic opportunity. However, its close proximity to Dover, the state capital, offers plenty of career opportunities in government and other competitive fields.
Kent County has a total labor force of over 95,000 people and an unemployment rate of 4.6%. In Kent County, 12.75% of residents living in Smyrna, DE are employed as executives, managers, and administrators, 11.05% are employed as office and administrative support, 10.43% are in sales positions, 7.55% are in business and financial operations, and 5.37% are in computers and mathematical positions. The largest creator of jobs in Smyrna, DE, is the Walmart Distribution Center.
Major employers in Kent County offering employment to residents living in Smyrna, DE:
According to Payscale, the average salary for Delaware residents is $76,000 per year. From project coordinator to construction manager, you'll find an interesting array of Smyrna jobs offering benefits and great pay.
Smyrna Schools
Children living in Smyrna, DE have the opportunity to attend good schools and get a great education. Smyrna Delaware schools are among the best in the state and offer high-quality academic programs and extracurricular activities. The Smyrna School District administers schools in the community. The district consists of four elementary schools, two intermediate schools, one middle school, and one high school.
The four elementary schools in Smyrna are:
- Clayton Elementary School
- Smyrna Elementary School
- Sunnyside Elementary School
- North Smyrna Elementary School
Sunnyside Elementary is generally considered the best primary school for students living in Smyrna, DE, and ranks #33 of all elementary schools in the state. Smyrna Middle School serves students in grades 7 and 8.
Smyrna High School is the only school offering grades 9-12. Not only is it the top high school in Smyrna, but it also ranks 8th in the Dover area and 32nd in the state with an 88% graduation rate and 30% AP Participation rate. Residents living in Smyrna, DE can also stop by the Town of Smyrna Delaware Library for books and community events.
Smyrna Statistics & Information
- County: Kent and New Castle
- Smyrna area: 6.31 square miles
- Smyrna zip code: 19977
- Smyrna area code(s): 302
- Smyrna elevation: 33 ft
- Smyrna time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- The closest airport to Smyrna: The Wilmington Airport (ILG) is 34 miles away.
Map of Smyrna, Delaware
Discover more activities, attractions, and Smyrna DE restaurants with this map.
Now you understand all of the amazing advantages of living in Smyrna, DE, are you ready to decide if it’s the right place for you? When you’re ready, trust an experienced moving company with a reputation for customer satisfaction, like First Rate Movers. Call our reliable Smyrna movers at (302) 703-9981 for a free quote.
Request Your Free Quote
"*" indicates required fields