Living in Hockessin DE 🏡 | What to Know About Moving to Hockessin

Living in Hockessin DE is terrific! The Lenape people lived in the Hockessin area for thousands of years until White settlers arrived in 1688. Several families settled together and formed a small village, naming it Hockessin. Hockessin is derived from the Lenape word "hokes," which means "good bark" or "good bark hill." The community remained small and agricultural during the 18th and 19th centuries. It gained some prominence for its religious institutions, being home to the first Roman Catholic church in Delaware. People started moving to Hockessin shortly after the village was established.

Hockessin today is a bedroom community of Wilmington and Philadelphia. It's a census-designated place, meaning it is not an incorporated town or city. Hockessin is best known for its quaint, family-friendly atmosphere with top outdoor attractions, including Mt. Cuba Center. It's a nice place to live if you're looking for a quiet place to settle down with your family or retire from your job.

Moving to Hockessin may seem perfect to you. Yet you shouldn't start packing your bags and hitting the road just yet. You should get all the details about this special community, so you know exactly what to do. Here's what to know about living in Hockessin DE.

Where Is Hockessin Delaware?

Where is Hockessin Delaware? Hockessin is in New Castle County, inside the Wilmington metro area. It is a suburb of Wilmington. It is 9.3 miles from Hockessin to Wilmington. The community is on the northwest border of Delaware with Pennsylvania. The community borders North Star, Wilmington, and Avondale.

Hockessin borders a few geographic features, including Hoopes Reservoir and Mill Creek. DART First State serves Hockessin residents, though Hockessin has fewer bus routes than other neighboring communities. Bus Route 20 runs through Hockessin and connects to Downtown Wilmington. Hockessin is a well-developed community, and State Route 41 runs through the center of town, making it easy to access. Many people use State Route 41 when moving to Hockessin from Delaware beach towns, Lewes, and Rehoboth Beach.

Hockessin Population and Demographics

According to the US Census, the Hockessin population was 13,428 in 2020, down by 0.4% since 2010. Despite its recent population shrinkage, Hockessin is one of the largest communities in New Castle County. It has a population larger than most incorporated communities in the county, including Delaware City and New Castle. The population density was 1,342.2 people living in Hockessin DE per square mile, roughly equal to the county density.

Notable residents living in Hockessin DE include Chris Coons, Bernard Hopkins, and Neilia Hunter Biden. Notable Hockessin demographics include:

• 53.1% female, 46.9% male
• Median age of residents living in Hockessin DE: 45.1
• Racial and ethnic composition of people living in Hockessin DE: 83.6% White (82.6% non-Hispanic), 8.7% Asian, 5.4% two or more races, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American
• Median household income of residents living in Hockessin DE: $164,848 (nearly twice the state median income)
• Educational attainment of residents living in Hockessin DE: 98.0% of residents older than 25 have graduated high school, 69.0% have a bachelor's degree
• Foreign-born population of people living in Hockessin DE: 8.6%

Hockessin is a very safe community to live in. Here are its latest crime rates:

• Overall crime rate: 894 offenses per 100,000 people living in Hockessin DE (61.9% lower than the Delaware average, 61.5% lower than the national average)
• Violent crime rate: 146 crimes per 100,000 residents living in Hockessin DE (62.0% lower than the Delaware rate, 60.5% lower than the national rate)
• Property crime rate: 748 offenses per 100,000 residents living in Hockessin DE (61.9% lower than the Delaware rate, 61.7% lower than the national rate)

The New Castle County Police Department provides law enforcement services for all residents living in Hockessin DE.

Cost of Living in Hockessin

Hockessin cost of living statistics can be difficult to find. You can use the Delaware cost of living statistics and statistics from major cities in Delaware like Dover to estimate the cost of living. The cost of living index compares the cost of items in a city, metro area, or state to the national average. The Delaware cost of living index is 108, while the Dover, Delaware cost of living index is 97.4. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in New Castle County needs to earn $111,040 a year to cover their cost of living.

These statistics suggest that Hockessin's cost of living is roughly similar to the national average. Child care is a major expense, at $1,528 a month ($18,336 a year), so singles and couples without children can live an affordable lifestyle. Health care is the largest expense, at $1,556 a month ($18,672 a year), so you can save money by buying affordable health insurance or going on Medicare and Medicaid.

According to Redfin, homes for sale in Hockessin DE have a median home cost of $635,000, with a median sale price per square foot of $236. According to RentCafe, there are very few Hockessin apartments available on a regular basis. Only 9% of Hockessin DE real estate properties are for rent. This makes it hard to find the average cost of Hockessin apartments.

Typical Hockessin* Living Expenses

• 1 gallon of regular milk: $4.55
• 12 regular eggs: $3.04
• 1 pound of chicken fillets: $5.56
• 1 pound of bananas: $0.76
• 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.21
• Average Hockessin* utilities per month: $153.00
• 1 pair of jeans: $36.33

Source: Numbeo

*Expenses actually for Wilmington

Hockessin Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Hockessin

Hockessin has a few different neighborhoods. You should learn a little about the best neighborhoods in Hockessin and compare them to find the best median home value and amenities for living in Hockessin DE. Here's what to know about great Hockessin neighborhoods.

Stuyvesant Hills | Best Hockessin Neighborhood for Single-Family Homes for Sale

Stuyvesant Hills has one of the most active real estate markets of any Hockessin neighborhood. Stuyvesant Hills offers single-family homes for sale with five bedrooms and over 4,000 square feet of space. Homes in the neighborhood have been built within the last 50 years and contain features like crown moldings and sunrooms. Homes for sale in Hockessin DE Stuyvesant Hills can cost around $700,000, making them suitable for families and young professionals living in Hockessin DE.

White Briar | Centrally Located Hockessin Neighborhood for Commuters and Things to Do

White Briar is one of the closest neighborhoods to the center of Hockessin. It's a good neighborhood for commuters, as it's close to State Route 41, providing access to Wilmington. White Briar provides convenient access to several major Hockessin attractions and services you can use while living in Hockessin DE. Mahalakshmi Devasthanam is right down the street from White Briar, while Hockessin Park II borders the community.

Hockessin Weather and Climate

According to Weather Spark, Hockessin has a humid subtropical climate with warm and wet summers and cold and snowy winters. July is the hottest month of the year for living in Hockessin DE, with an average temperature of 76 degrees and an average high of 85. Temperatures peak in late July and decline in earnest beginning in mid-September. January is the coldest month for Hockessin weather, with an average temperature of 32 degrees and an average low of 26 degrees. Average lows are below freezing between early December and early March.

The community receives 37.6 inches of rain and 20.8 inches of snow every year. Hockessin can experience severe weather throughout the year, including strong winds that can cause power outages and damage small boats in the water. The rain can create significant humidity in the summer, with July and August having at least 15 humid, muggy, oppressive, and miserable days. Check the weather forecasts frequently while living in Hockessin DE.

September is the best month for visiting and moving to Hockessin. The average temperature in September is 67 degrees, so you can stay comfortable in a long-sleeved shirt. 63% of days in September are clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy, meaning you can enjoy sunny weather while living in Hockessin DE.

Things to Do in Hockessin DE

Hockessin has many interesting things to do, including top parks, outside destinations, and historic sites. It's also a place with many fun, locally-run stores. Harvest Market is a top grocery store, and you can also visit Casual Marketplace and Dover Saddlery.

Hockessin Athletic Club

Hockessin Athletic Club is the best destination for athletes and sports enthusiasts living in Hockessin DE. You can work with a personal trainer in an indoor gym, take swimming lessons in a pool, and try out hot yoga.

100 Fitness Way, Hockessin, DE, 19707, 302-239-6688

Ashland Nature Center

The Ashland Nature Center is the headquarters of the Delaware Nature Society. The center contains 130 acres of woodlands, meadows, and marshes, as well as four miles of hiking trails. You and your kids living in Hockessin DE can visit an indoor butterfly sanctuary and a picnic area.

3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE, 19707, 302-239-2334

Mt Cuba Center

Mt Cuba Center is the top point of interest in Hockessin to visit in the spring, summer, and fall. Mt Cuba Center covers over 1,000 acres and contains over two miles of walking trails. It's a kid-friendly destination with classes your kids living in Hockessin DE can take on animals and wildlife conservation.

1003 Old Wilmington Road, Hockessin, DE, 19707, 302-239-4244

Additional Things to Do in Hockessin DE

• Center For the Creative Arts
• Mahalakshmi Devasthanam
• Auburn Valley State Park

The New Castle County Parks and Recreation Department protects parks and public spaces in and around Hockessin. The department plans special events throughout the county, including yoga classes and artists' studios. You can use the New Castle County Parks and Recreation calendar to see when these things to do in Hockessin DE will occur.

Hockessin Restaurants

Delaware has an eclectic restaurant scene, with many opportunities for kid-friendly, fun, and unique meals. Hockessin is no different. Here are some of the best family-friendly, cool, and affordable Hockessin restaurants.

Drip Cafe

Drip Cafe is the best place in Hockessin to get coffee or a quick meal while living in Hockessin DE. Drip Cafe has a rotating seasonal menu, so you always have access to fresh ingredients and interesting dishes like beef brisket hash. You can also get freshly made coffee drinks, muffins, and salads.

144 Lantana Drive, Hockessin, DE, 19707, 302-234-4430

Mexican Table

Mexican Table offers traditional Mexican dishes with contemporary ingredients. You can order duck confit carnitas, chicken mole, and chimichangas with queso sauce.

7288 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE, 19707, 302-239-5590

Redfire Grill

Redfire Grill is one of the most romantic and classy restaurants in Hockessin. Redfire Grill serves steak, seafood, and burgers for lunch and dinner. You can also visit for brunch and enjoy freshly made omelets, French toast, and biscuits and gravy.

400 Lantana Drive, Hockessin, DE, 19707, 302-235-2600

Hockessin Jobs

Hockessin had over 6,400 jobs in 2022, up by 4.9% since 2021. Education, professional services, and finance and insurance are the three biggest sectors in Hockessin. Each of these sectors contributes over 850 jobs to the community's economy. Only 1.9% of residents living in Hockessin DE live below the poverty line, one of the lowest rates in the state of Delaware.

According to Payscale, Hockessin jobs have an average base salary of $85,000 and an average base hourly rate of $20.57. Major employers in Hockessin include the United States Postal Service, McDonald's, and Starbucks. You can research Hockessin jobs using Indeed and apply for New Castle County jobs on the county government's website while living in Hockessin DE.

Hockessin Schools

Red Clay Consolidated School District serves all students living in Hockessin DE. Several public schools are in Hockessin, including North Star Elementary School and Dupont Middle School. US News ranks North Star Elementary School as the best elementary school in Delaware. 74% of North Star students test at or above the proficiency level in mathematics, 44 percentage points higher than the state rate. 

US News also ranks Dupont Middle School in the top 20 middle schools in Delaware. 54% of Dupont Middle School students test at or above the proficiency level in reading, 15 percentage points higher than the state rate.

Hockessin does not have any high schools, but Thomas McKean High School is just outside Hockessin. 86% of faculty members at Thomas McKean High School have at least five years of experience. Thomas McKean High School has teams in 24 different sports.

Hockessin has some private schools, including Sanford School. Sanford School is a PreK-12 coeducational school well known for its artistic programs. The Hockessin Public Library serves all people living in Hockessin DE.

Hockessin Statistics and Information

• County: New Castle County
• Hockessin area: 10.05 square miles
• Hockessin DE zip code: 19707
• Hockessin area code: 302
• Hockessin elevation: 259 feet
• Hockessin time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
• Closest airport to Hockessin: Wilmington Airport (ILG), 10.4 miles from Hockessin

Hockessin Delaware Map

You can use this Hockessin Delaware map to find good schools, delicious Hockessin restaurants, and transportation in and around Hockessin Delaware.

You can start moving to Hockessin in no time. First Rate Movers employs the best Hockessin movers, with a 96% customer referral rate. Call (302) 448-2372 for a free estimate now.