Moving to Delaware | 🏖️ 🏠 Everything You Should Know When Living in DE
Looking for a tax-friendly state with a low cost of living and beautiful beaches? Then maybe moving to Delaware is the right choice for you.
Delaware is a good place to live for families and retirees, thanks to its affordable cost of living, slower pace of life, and close proximity to other East Coast hubs. Nicknamed "the first state," Delaware has a proud history as the first state in the US to ratify the Constitution and one of the original 13 American colonies that rebelled against the British. Prior to British occupation, it was colonized by Dutch settlers, who established a trading post called Zwaanendaal near present-day Lewes.
The state is named after the Delaware River and Bay. Explorer Samuel Argall gave them the name while searching the area for fresh drinking water for the Virginia colony. He called it the Delaware River after English colonist Thomas West, the 3rd Baron De La Warr.
Today, Delaware is known for its corporate-friendly laws, beautiful beaches, and low taxes. So living in Delaware means excellent job prospects and a great work-life balance, depending on your lifestyle preferences. So if you think this might be the perfect place for you, here is everything you need to know before moving to Delaware.
Where Is Delaware?
Delaware is in the Mid-Atlantic on the Eastern Seaboard. It comprises only three counties: Kent, New Castle, and Sussex, the fewest of any state in the US. With a total area of just 2,490 square miles, it's the second-smallest state in the US, after Rhode Island. It's located on the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Commuters with personal vehicles moving to Delaware will have plenty of transportation options and relatively short commute times. Delaware offers several branches of the Interstate Highway System (I-95, I-495, and I-295), as well as six US highways (9, 13, 40, 113, 202, and 301) and three state highways (DE 1, DE 9, and DE 404).
Transportation in the state is primarily under the governance of the Delaware Department of Transportation. Neighboring states include New Jersey to the northeast, Pennsylvania to the northwest, and Maryland to the west and south. Major cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia are just a short drive away, which is another great reason to consider moving to Delaware.
Delaware Population & Demographics
The population of Delaware is 1,031,890, making it the 6th least populous state in the US. However, more and more people have been moving to Delaware in recent years, thanks to its affordability, and the population increased by 10% between 2010 and 2020. With a population density of 529 residents per square mile, it's also the 6th most densely populated state in the country.
There are a large number of families and retirees living in DE. In fact, 21% of residents are under 18 and 21% are over 65. It's also relatively diverse, with more and more Black, Hispanic, and Asian communities moving to Delaware. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 58% white, 22% Black or African American, 11% Hispanic or Latino, 4% Asian, and 4% two or more races.
While not the most affluent state, it has a median household income of $81,361, which is 4.6% higher than the US median. Prominent Delaware residents include the du Pont family and former US PresidentJoe Biden.
Other Delaware demographics
- 52% of residents living in DE are women, and 48% are men
- The median age is 42 years old
- 91.4% of people living in DE have a high school diploma, and 36.5% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 11.2%
Living in DE is safe, and the crime rate is roughly on par with the national average. Local crime rates can vary depending on whether you're in rural Delaware or in its major cities and bustling urban centers; the statewide average is roughly on par with the rest of the US. Here is how the Delaware crime rate compares to the rest of the country.
- Total crime: 5349 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 0.17% higher than the crime rate in the US.
- Violent crime rate: 370 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 3.78% higher than the crime rate in the US.
- Property crime: 1954 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 0.5% higher than the crime rate in the US.
So if crime is a concern for you, moving to Delaware is a great option. The Delaware State Police handles crime on a state level with the support of 700 troopers.
Cost of Living in Delaware
Planning on moving to Delaware? The Delaware cost of living is very reasonable, thanks to its affordable real estate and low taxes. One way to assess the cost of living in a community is to check the cost-of-living index. It compares the cost of living in a particular place to the rest of the US, which is represented by 100.
According to the Economic Research Institute, the COLI for Delaware is 99. That means the cost of living in DE is about 1% lower than the national average. The Family Budget Calculator created by the Economic Policy Institute, is also a solid resource. It suggests that the typical family of four would need to earn about $101,374 to afford the cost of living in the Dover metro area.
Typical expenses of living in DE:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $19.85
- 12 oz bottle of water: $2.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $1.05
- 1 liter of gasoline: $0.81
- Loaf of fresh white bread: $3.29
- 1 pound of chicken fillets: $4.85
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $4.74
- Average Delaware utilities per month: $255.65
Source: Numbeo
Delaware real estate is also very reasonably priced. Redfin reports that the median price of homes for sale in Delaware is $449,900, which is only 2% higher than the US median. The median price per square foot of Delaware homes for sale is $212.
People moving to Delaware enjoy numerous tax benefits. It's also one of five states with no state sales tax, which means people living in DE enjoy lower prices on everyday expenses. Not to mention, it also features some of the lowest property taxes in the country, and the state does not tax 401ks, IRAs, or pensions, which means seniors get to keep more of their retirement savings.
Due to its affordability, most people living in DE own a home. That being said, renters moving to Delaware will also find a wide variety of options. According to Rentcafe, the average rent in Delaware is $1669, and the average apartment size is 919 square feet. Rent prices start at $1,510 for a 1-bedroom and go up to $1,716 for 2 or more bedrooms.
Best Areas to Live in Delaware | Where to Live in Delaware
Anyone considering moving to Delaware will likely want insights into the best areas. While most communities offer good schools and a reasonable cost of living, naturally, some places have more to offer than others. Here are some of the best places to live in Delaware.
If you’re still exploring neighborhoods before committing long term, browsing short-term rentals through platforms like Hotala, Rent By Owner, or VacationCottage can help you experience different communities across Delaware before making a final decision.
Wilmington | A Laidback College Town With a Small Town Charm
Wilmington is a fantastic community in northern Delaware offering urban amenities, numerous historic sites, a revitalized waterfront, and college vibes thanks to Goldey-Beacom College and Wilmington University.
Bethany Beach | A Quiet Beach Town Popular Among Seniors Living in DE
Popular among retirees moving to Delaware, Bethany Beach is a peaceful community offering prime oceanfront real estate, pristine beaches, and a laidback place of life.
Many retirees and seasonal residents also explore short-term coastal stays before purchasing property. Platforms like StayAndPlay and Casai feature oceanfront condos and vacation homes across Bethany Beach and other Delaware coastal towns.
Lewes | A Charming Historic Town With A Peaceful Atmosphere
Lewes is another of the best places to live in DE, with its historic downtown, beautiful colonial-era buildings, delicious dining options, and access to Cape Henlopen State Park.
Delaware Weather & Climate
DE weather is relatively mild throughout the year. According to the Koppen classification system, the Delaware climate is humid subtropical. That means you can expect hot, humid summers and cool, mild winters if you plan on moving to Delaware.
The average temperature in Delaware usually ranges from 26°F to 86°F, winters can get as cold as 13°F, and summers can get as hot as 94°F. The ideal time to visit a friend living in DE is from early June to July and August to September. You want to plan for precipitation if you're going to be living in DE. You’ll be in for a fair amount of rain, and it does snow in Delaware.
It averages 45 inches of rain and 13 inches of snow every year. So be sure to bring an umbrella and maybe a snow shovel if you’re moving to Delaware!
Things to Do in Delaware
For a small state, you'll find a wide range of fun things to do in Delaware. Delaware is known for its world-class museums, bustling boardwalks, and motor races. Residents moving to Delaware can find plenty of tax-free shopping at outlets like the Christiana Mall, Tanger Rehoboth Beach, and Concord Mall. Other than shopping, here are a few of the best things to do in Delaware.
Air Mobility Command Museum
Located on Dover Air Force Base, the Air Mobility Command Museum is the only museum dedicated to airlift and air refueling history. With a variety of exhibits and replicas of real aircraft, it's a must-see for military enthusiasts moving to Delaware.
1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902 (302) 677-5938
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
Ideal for beachgoers and retirees living in DE, the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is a coastal attraction featuring amusement rides, concessions, arcades, gift shops, and sandy beaches.
8 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 (302) 227-6181
Dover Motor Speedway
Racing fans moving to Delaware will definitely want to check out the Dover Motor Speedway, a 1 square mile track with a 54,000-seat capacity that hosts a number of NASCAR and IndyCar Races.
1131 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901 (302) 227-6181
Additional Delaware Attractions
Looking for more local events and fun things to do in Delaware? The Dover State Parks Department has a list of attractions, green spaces, and community events on its website if you’re looking for more resources after moving to Delaware.
Delaware Restaurants
Delaware has an underrated dining scene, with many fantastic restaurants serving everything from seafood to French cuisine. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Delaware.
Snuff Mill Restaurant Butchery and Wine Bar
Located in Wilmington, Snuff Mill is one of the best restaurants in Delaware if you're looking for an upscale eatery and butcher shop serving locally sourced steaks, plus beer, wine, and cocktails.
1601 Concord Pike Suite 77-79, Wilmington, DE 19803 (302) 303-7676
The House of William and Mary
Houses inside a remodeled farmhouse in Hockessin, The House of William and Mary is a fantastic Delaware restaurant serving upscale American cuisine like Berkshire Pork Belly and roasted rockfish.
1336 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707 (302) 234-2255
Vita Nova Restaurant
Situated on the University of Delaware campus, Vita Nova is a student-operated fine-dining restaurant serving an award-winning lunch buffet with everything from filet mignon to creme brûlée. It’s a must visit if you plan on moving to Delaware.
Trabant University Center, 17 W Main St, Newark, DE 19716 (302) 831-0500
Jobs in Delaware
A stable job market and business-friendly environment are among the major benefits of moving to Delaware. Delaware is known for its business-friendly policies and streamlined legal system. More than half of publicly traded companies and 63% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware. As a result, franchise taxes account for about 1/5 of the state's annual revenue. Although it has a relatively modest median household income, it ranks among the top 10 states with the most millionaires, according to Entrepreneur.com.
Some of Delaware's major industries include government, education, banking, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, farming, and retail. Since the 2000's, it's also seen a major decline in the automotive and steel industries.
Largest employers offering DE job opportunities:
- State of Delaware: 31,000 employees
- Christiana Care: 11,000 employees
- JP Morgan Chase: 11,000 employees
- Amazon: 7500 employees
- Dover Air Force Base: 6156 employees
According to Payscale, the average salary in DE is $78,000 per year. From health insurance specialist to customer relationship manager, you can find a wide variety of great Delaware jobs available. State jobs offering stable employment and benefits are also available to those moving to Delaware.
Delaware Schools
Families moving to Delaware will be happy to hear that it has excellent schools. While academic performance can vary by district, the state offers a wide variety of options, including highly rated Blue Ribbon schools and acclaimed charter schools.
The state is home to 19 public school districts with over 1,000 schools, as well as a variety of charter schools and technical and vocational programs.
Some of the best high schools in Delaware include:
- Charter School of Wilmington
- Sussex Academy
- Newark Charter School
- Cab Calloway School of the Arts
- Conrad School of Science
Some of the best private Delaware high schools include the St. Andrew School, Tower Hill School, and Wilmington Friends School.
Delaware is home to some notable colleges, most notably the University of Delaware, Wilmington University, and Delaware State University. You can also check out the Delaware libraries database for info on the closest branch of your local library.
Map of Delaware
Discover more activities, attractions, and fun things to do after moving to Delaware with this map.
Delaware Statistics & Information
- Counties: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex
- Delaware area: 2,490 square miles
- Delaware zip codes: 19701 - 19980
- Delaware area codes: 302
- Delaware elevation: 66 ft
- Delaware time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and 5)
- Airports: The main commercial airport in Delaware is Wilmington Airport (ILG)
FAQ
Why Is Delaware So Affordable?
Delaware is very affordable due to its tax-friendly environment and affordable housing prices. It features no state sales tax and no inheritance or estate taxes. It's also between several major East Coast cities, and moving to Delaware offers an affordable alternative for young professionals, local artisans, and seniors looking to save money.
What Is Delaware Known for?
Known as the First State, Delaware was one of the first to ratify the Constitution. It's also known for its coastal beauty, small town charm, and outdoor activities, which is why so many people are moving to Delaware.
What Are The Pros and Cons of Delaware?
Moving to Delaware has many positives and negatives. Delaware's beaches, strong job market, and natural beauty are among its strongest attributes. Crime in certain areas, rising sea levels, and severe storms are some of the negatives of Delaware living.
Thinking About Moving to Delaware?
Now that you know everything about the first state, you’re ready to decide if moving to Delaware is the right move for you. When the time comes to make the transition, you can count on the dependable Delaware movers at First-Rate to make the transition easy and efficient. Give our friendly team a call today at (302) 448-2372.
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